Safety Tips
General
- Dress for the work and the rugged terrain along the banks of the river. It can be chilly in the morning, then warmer in the afternoon, so bring a light jacket or sweatshirt and wear long pants.
- Wear supportive shoes with some tread to avoid slips and falls.
- Plan for the weather with sunscreen, rain gear, etc.
- We provide latex gloves; you may want to bring heavier gloves.
- Work with a partner and watch out for each other’s safety.
- Watch out for other volunteers’ safety, especially when working close together.
- Pace yourself, don’t overexert.
- Take breaks, rest, don’t work continually.
- Drink water, eat a snack.
- Follow common sense practices when lifting heavy items: use your knees, not your back.
- Fill collection bags only 2/3 full, especially when handling heavy items.
- Be sure that you are physically capable of what you intend to do before you attempt it; ask for help if you need it.
- Watch for poison oak, poison ivy, or other plants to which you may be allergic.
- Leave the site of hazardous conditions such as disturbed bee hives, especially if you have an allergy or are otherwise susceptible to the conditions.
- Consider bringing mosquito repellant.
When working near the river
- Be aware that even at low water, the Spokane River can be hazardous if you fall in.
- Stay away from logs in or near the water.
- Use caution on steep banks and cliffs.
- Use caution around swift running water.
- Wear a life jacket when using a boat or raft.
When working near traffic
- Wear a safety vest.
- Stay off the roadway
- Stop often to orient yourself and make sure you’re not wandering close to traffic.
When working on steep slopes or banks
- Make sure your footing is stable.
- Stay away from cables that may be used to haul items upward.
When encountering a potential homeless site
- Do not clean up a site that appears to be occupied.
- Do not approach a site that has someone in it.
- We conduct an outreach effort in the clean-up area the week before the clean-up and attempt to give people notice that we will be coming through.
When encountering hazardous items
- Don’t touch – Mark the item and contact the Site Coordinator
- Identify each item before you touch it. If you are uncertain about an item, leave it alone.
- Do not touch medical waste or hazardous materials, including syringe needles, bandages and condoms.
- Don’t touch containers with unidentified liquid or material in them.
- Don’t touch propane gas tanks. They may be used to manufacture illegal drugs and can explode.
In case an accident occurs
- Know where the first aid kit is.
- Know where the nearest phone is. If it’s a cell phone, make sure you have a dial tone. Dial 911 if emergency medical care is required – know your location.
- Contact your team leader.