Safety Alert

            Recently an employee was injured as the result of getting his finger smashed by steel pipe.  The employee was in the process of cutting metal banding from a stack of steel pipe.  Once the metal banding was cut the gravitational force of the stack of pipe pushed outward, causing the pipe to move, which then smashed the employees finger.  In future cases like this or in any situation where force or pressure can be suddenly released, you must plan ahead to prevent this sudden movement and risk of an injury.  Take these steps to protect yourself and your co-workers: 

• Place a forklift against the pipe to secure / contain it when the banding is cut.
• Use blocks or wedges against the outer bottom pipe, to prevent or limit movement
• Utilize a come-a-long to secure the pipe, then release the pipe slowly
• Always position yourself at the end of the pipe stack with balanced footing

The key is to somehow contain the pipe and have control of the pipe movement.