Off-Job Safety Bo o k l e t

Loss Prevention Department

Copyright 2008, Saudi Aramco. All rights reserved.

Off-Job Safety Booklet

Contents
1. Home Safety Checklist 2. Slips, Trips, and Falls at Home 3. Fire Safety 4. Electrical Safety 5. Accidental Poisoning 6. Food Safety 7. Choking 8. Drowning 9. Playground Safety 10. Toy Safety 11. Sports Safety 12. Sun Protection 13. Water Safety 14. Traffic Safety 15. First Aid Basics 1 7 11 14 16 19 21 23 25 30 32 34 41 45 51

Home

Safety Checklist

omplete the following checklist at minimum twice a year to help you identify the hazards in your home. Read each

question carefully and then mark your answers. You should answer YES to aII 10 questions for each room. If you cant your home contains some unnecessary hazards. Start correcting them immediately.

Living room, family room, and bedroom

1. Are heavy trafc areas well-lit and are there night-lights in the bedrooms of children and seniors? 2. Are trafc areas and exits free of furniture, obstructions, and other tripping hazards? 3. Is a lamp within easy reach of each bed? 4. Do area rugs have nonskid backings? 5. Have you removed all area rugs at the top of stairs? 6. Are electrical wall outlets for lamps and appliances plentiful? 7. Do you use large, deep ashtrays and never smoke in bed or when you are drowsy? 8. Are furnishings, drapes and other combustible materials positioned safely away from open ames and other heat sources? 9. Are smoke detectors or similar devices in place to alert occupants in case of re and do you have a family re escape plan?

yes yes yes yes yes yes yes

no no no no no no no

yes

no

yes

no

Off-Job Safety Booklet

10. Are all glass doors taped or otherwise made obvious?

yes

no

Stairways
1. Are stairs well-lit at the top and bottom? 2. Are handrails for outside steps and inside stairways sturdy? 3. Are there sturdy banisters on open stairs, stairwells and balconies? 4. Do you avoid using stairways as temporary storage areas? 5. Are childrens toys kept off the stairs? 6. Are children prohibited from using the stairway as a play area? 7. Are treads, nosings (the front of the stair tread) and carpeting in good repair? 8. Are carpets on the stairway, as well as at the top and bottom of the stairs, securely anchored? 9. Do you always maintain an unobstructed view when using the stairs? 10. Are all stairway lights in working order?

yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes

no no no no no no no no no no

Kitchen
1. Are your stove and sink areas well-lit? 2. Do you wipe up spills immediately? 3. Is your kitchen adequately wired to safely operate electrical appliances, and do you dry your hands before using an electrical appliance?

yes yes

no no

yes

no

4. Do you keep pot handles away from the stove front and other burners, and do you use pot holders, always making sure they are dry? 5. Do you use a stool or stepladder when reaching into high cupboards? 6. Do you store sharp knives in a special rack, compartment, or tray? 7. Do you keep household cleaners, disinfectants, and insecticides in their original containers, separate from food and out of the reach of children? 8. Are emergency phone numbers (security, re, doctor, utilities, veterinarian) posted near the phone? 9. Do you avoid wearing loose, owing clothes around heat sources? 10. Do you know never to pour water on a grease re?

yes yes yes

no no no

yes yes yes yes

no no no no

Bathroom
1. Do bathtubs and showers have nonskid mats, decals, or textured surfaces? 2. Do you ensure that electrical appliances are never used in or near the bathtub? 3. Do you replace cracked or frayed electrical appliances and extension cords? 4. Are medicines clearly labeled and do you always read the label before taking any medication? 5. Are medicines, cosmetics, and other personal hygiene products stored safely out of the reach of children?

yes yes yes yes

no no no no

yes

no

Off-Job Safety Booklet

6. Are night-lights located in bathrooms used by children and seniors? 7. Do you always supervise small children when they are bathing? 8. Do you avoid using aerosols near open ames or when smoking? 9. Do you keep towels and shower curtains safely away from heaters? 10. Do you store razors, scissors, and other sharp objects safely out of the reach of small children?

yes yes yes yes

no no no no

yes

no

Utility room
1. Do you know where your main gas and water valves are located and how to close them? 2. Are gas and water lines tagged so they can be identied quickly and easily? 3. Do you know how to light the pilot light on a gas stove or water heater? 4. Do you know where your main electrical switch is and how to turn it off? 5. Are fuses or circuit breakers labeled to identify the outlets and xtures they protect? 6. Can you determine what caused a fuse to blow before replacing it and do you keep extra fuses on hand? 7. Are electrical appliances properly grounded? 8. Are cleaning uids, drain openers, ammonia, and similar items stored out of the reach of children?

yes yes yes yes yes

no no no no no

yes yes yes

no no no

9. Do you discard trash properly? 10. Do you store combustible chemicals and materials away from heat sources?

yes

no

yes

no

Workshop, garage, and driveway

1. Is your workshop well-ventilated and are work areas well-lit? 2. Do you always use the proper tool for the job and promptly discard and replace broken or badly worn tools? 3. Do you keep tools out of the reach of small children? 4. Are extension cords appropriate for the wattage of the tool for which they are intended? 5. Are tools properly grounded and are they disconnected or switches locked when not in use? 6. Do you wear safety glasses when drilling, sanding, or performing other eye-threatening work? 7. Is your garage well-lit and switches located at the doors? 8. Is your garage in order, with tools in place and ammable liquids stored in safety cans? 9. Do you keep the garage door open when running the car engine? 10. Do you check the area around the car before backing up?

yes

no

yes

no

yes

no

yes

no

yes

no

yes

no

yes

no

yes

no

yes yes

no no

Off-Job Safety Booklet

Outside
1. Are garden tools returned to their storage racks after use? 2. Do you get help when performing heavy lifting or difcult jobs? 3. Are broken walkways and driveways repaired promptly? 4. Do you keep children and pets at a safe distance when you mow the lawn? 5. Do you shut off the mower when cleaning, adjusting, or emptying the grass catcher? 6. Do you refuel your lawn mower when the motor is cold? 7. Do you maintain your ladders by replacing loose rungs, worn ladder shoes, and frayed ropes on extension ladders and do you store ladders out of the reach of children? 8. Are childrens swings, slides, and other outdoor play toys maintained in safe condition? 9. Is your yard free of broken glass, nail-studded boards, and other litter? 10. Do you use extra care when installing window screens using a ladder, especially in windy weather?

yes

no

yes yes

no no

yes

no

yes

no

yes

no

yes yes

no no

yes

no

yes

no

Slips, Trips,

and

at

Falls

Home

some of these injuries can be serious enough to land you in the emergency room. Prevent slips, trips, and falls by identifying and correcting the hazards associated with these incidents.

very year, slips, trips, and falls result in many off-job injuries;

Start at the front door

Make sure that theres a contrast in color and texture of ooring to help accentuate height.

Make a living room livable

Place throw rugs over rug-liners or choose rugs with nonskid backs to reduce the chance of slipping. Avoid placing shag rugs, as they can cause falls by getting caught on shoes. Arrange furniture so that they provide open pathways, clear of obstructions. Avoid having glass tables, which can be especially dangerous should you trip and fall into one. Instead, choose sturdy wooden tables with rounded corners.

Off-Job Safety Booklet

Keep your living room oor tidy from things you can trip over like toys, tools, or books. Secure all telephone and electrical cords out of walkways.

Step in and out of bathrooms safely

Install handrails near your bath, shower, and toilet. Use nonslip mats in the bathroom; a bathmat on the oor, and an appropriate mat or adhesive safety strips or decals in the bathtub or shower. Always keep your bathroom oor clean and dry by wiping up wet oors immediately. Use a soap dish to keep soap and other items off the bathtub or shower oor. Remove soap buildup regularly from bathtubs or showers to prevent slipping.

Keep the kitchen safe for cooking

Wipe up spills immediately. Always use appropriate stepladders or stools when reaching items stored in high cabinets or on high shelves.

Going up or down the stairs safely

Keep staircases well-lit with light switches installed at the top and the bottom. Ensure that handrails are installed on all stairways and steps. Install safety gates at the top and bottom of the stairs if you have small children. Keep stairways clear of clutter and never use the stairs as temporary storage or for displaying decorative items. Avoid placing throw rugs at the top, bottom, or on the staircase. Make sure all rugs have skid-resistant backing and the edges are held down with carpet tape. Check your stairs regularly for worn or loose carpeting or protruding carpet tacks, and to ensure that all steps are in good condition. Install antislip tread if your steps have a smooth surface, to provide safer traction. Always hold onto handrails when going up or down the stairs. Avoid carrying vision blocking loads. Carry a small enough load so you can see where you are stepping and to easily keep one hand free to hold onto the handrail. Always remember to go slow rushing or running on stairs is asking for a fall.

Off-Job Safety Booklet

Using ladders safely

Only use a ladder that is in good condition. If your ladder has any defects, have it xed or replaced immediately. Set a straight or extension ladder at a 4:1 slope (i.e., for every 4 m height, set the ladder at a 1 m distance from the structure) and ensure it is stable before climbing up. Set the ladder up on a rm, level footing. Have three points of contact on the ladder two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand while climbing; and two feet and one hand while working. Ask someone to hold the ladder steady. Avoid overreaching. Use a ladder appropriate for the height you are trying to reach.

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Fire

Safety
Ensure the electrical wiring in your home is installed properly and in good condition. Never overload electrical circuits. Be cautious when using extension cords and multiple sockets. Frequently examine electric heaters, cooking equipment, and other appliances to ensure that they are in good operating condition. Replace frayed cords and broken or loose plugs.

and related injuries:

ire poses a serious threat to everyone in your home. These basic preventive measures can help you minimize the risk of re

Store oily cloths safely away from heat sources in closed metal containers. Discard trash promptly. Store ammable liquids in containers specically designed and approved for this use. Keep containers safely away from heat sources. Keep appropriate re extinguishers in your home and know how to use them properly. Install smoke detectors on every oor of your home, especially outside bedrooms, and make sure theyre properly maintained.

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Off-Job Safety Booklet

Never smoke in bed! Its the number one cause of re-related fatalities. Make sure that ashtrays are large and deep, and that cigarette butts are fully extinguished. Develop an escape plan in case you have to evacuate the house in a re, and make sure that every family member knows the proper evacuation procedures. Designate a meeting place outside so that you can easily determine if all your family members escaped safely. Remind family members to never go back inside a burning building no matter what. If you live in a multi-story house, make sure theres an escape route out of upstairs windows. Post the phone number of the local re department near all telephones in your home and make sure that every member of the family knows how to report a re.

Kitchen re
Kitchen or grease res are a leading cause of home res. Take these steps to avoid them: Never leave cooking unattended. Keep appliances clean. Wear close-tting clothing when youre cooking. Heat oil slowly prefer to use temperature-controlled frying pans. Turn pot handles in. Dont overload electrical outlets. Only use microwave safe utensils and cookware in microwave ovens. Keep combustibles away from the stove.

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Despite your best safety efforts, a re in your kitchen may still start. If so, follow these actions to put it out:
Smother a grease re never put water on a cooking re! If a cooking pan catches re, turn off the burner, put on an oven mitt, and slide an appropriate size lid onto the pan. If food in the oven catches re, keep the door shut and turn the oven off. If the re doesnt go out, call the re department. Keep the microwave door shut if a re starts in your microwave, keep the door shut and turn off the appliance, then unplug it. If you open the door, you will feed oxygen to the re, making it burn more. Use a re extinguisher if necessary make sure you know how to use it before a re starts. A multipurpose class A:B:C extinguisher is best for kitchen use.

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Off-Job Safety Booklet

Electrical

Safety
Never force a plug into an outlet if it doesnt t properly. Put safety covers on all unused outlets accessible to children. Dont plug too many extension or appliance cords into one outlet. Make sure outlets dont have loose-tting plugs, which can overheat and cause a re. Make sure wall plates are on every outlet and are in good condition.

that it can cause. Follow these simple rules to ensure electrical safety at home:

lectricity is an essential part of our daily life. Its so commonplace that at times we forget the different hazards

Make sure that outlets and switch plates are not hot to touch. Dont nail or staple cords to the wall, baseboard, or any other object. Inspect electrical cords regularly to make sure theyre in good condition. Extension cords should only be used on a temporary basis, never in place of permanent wiring. Turn off electrical equipment before unplugging it; never use wet hands to remove a plug. Unplug electrical equipment by rmly grasping the plug itself, never by pulling the cord.

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 Never carry household appliances by the cord. Keep all electrical appliances away from water. Use the proper wattage and type of bulb for each light xture and ensure that the bulb is screwed in securely. Install ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) in wet locations or near a water source (e.g., in the bathroom and kitchen). GFCIs are used to help prevent shocks, burns, electrocutions, and res by automatically shutting off when the circuit is interrupted. Make sure light xtures (e.g., table or oor lamps) are off whenever a room will remain unoccupied for an extended time period. Make sure space heaters are positioned at least 1 m away from combustible materials, such as bedding, clothing, curtains, and rugs. Make sure portable heaters are plugged directly into an outlet not into an extension cord and are turned off and unplugged when not in use. For outdoor use, make sure extension cords are marked for outdoor use and rated for the power needs of your tools. Keep outdoor electrical outlets covered and dry. Make sure electrical outlets around pools, ponds, and hot tubs are equipped with GFCIs. Know where underground electrical lines are located on your property.

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Off-Job Safety Booklet

Accidental

Poisoning

6 years of age, for example, are at a greater risk of being poisoned by household cleaners or products because they are curious and like to put things in their mouths. Older adults who take medication are poisoned by taking too much of a medication, the wrong kind, or a mixture of medication. Here are ways to help poison-proof your home room by room.

ach year many people are accidentally poisoned. The causes of poisoning often vary according to age. Children younger than

Bathroom
Place all medication inside childproof cabinets that lock. Keep cosmetics and other bathroom products, such as mouthwash, away from childrens reach. Use child-resistant caps and keep medication lids tightly closed. Never take medication in front of a child or refer to it as candy. Children often mimic adult actions. Always follow the doctors recommended dosage or the dosage on the label. Never give medication to your child in the dark; you may give the wrong dosage or even the wrong medication. Keep medicines in their original containers to prevent the wrong medication being taken by mistake.

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 Discard old and outdated medicines by ushing them down the toilet.

Bedroom
Keep personal care items, such as hair sprays, perfume, and nail polish removers, away from childrens reach. Keep mothballs and crystals in child-resistant containers. Only allow children to use toys and art supplies that are nontoxic and lead free.

Living room
Visitors may carry medications in coat pockets, jackets, and purses; make sure to hang garments and store purses out of childrens reach. Make sure items used in your home are lead free. Know the properties of all indoor and outdoor plants. Remove any poisonous plants from your home and garden.

Kitchen
Never store cleaning products and food in the same area. Store cleaning products in locked cabinets away from the sight and reach of children. Keep all cleaning products in their original containers. Never remove product labels. They contain important safety and emergency information. Never leave opened cleaning products unattended. Always return a product to its proper storing place after use and make sure that you close it properly.

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Off-Job Safety Booklet

Garage
Store all hazardous products, such as pesticides, lawn chemicals, paint and paint thinners, and automotive products, on high shelves or locked cabinets away from childrens reach.

Keeping seniors safe from poisoning

Make sure that the older members of your family always turn on the light when taking medication at night and double-check the doctors instructions for the appropriate dosage.

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Food

Safety
Pests (ies, rats, etc.). People with poor hygiene. Contaminated tools (e.g., when the same cutting board is used for both raw and cooked food without being thoroughly washed in between).

with harmful bacteria if it has contact with:

he potential for bacterial contamination is what makes eating out in restaurants a safety concern. Food can be contaminated

Foods that are contaminated (e.g., when juice from thawing chicken drips onto salad greens). Food thats not kept at the right temperature (e.g., food that has been left at room temperature for more than two hours).

Here are some things to look for when choosing where to eat out or buy ready-made food. Danger signs
Dirty public areas such as dirty toilets and bathrooms. If the areas you can see are not clean and managed well, imagine the state of the areas you cannot see. Dirty tables, crockery, cutlery, and glassware. Staff with dirty hands or ngernails, dirty aprons, or dirty hair that is not tied back.

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Off-Job Safety Booklet

Overowing trash bins or bags full of trash outside the premises that can attract pests and ies. Hair, insects, or other foreign objects in food.

Good signs
Food that is very hot when served. Cold foods, such as salads, that are properly cold when served. In open buffet, a fresh batch of food is brought out when a batch is nished (an old batch of food should never be topped up with a fresh one). Self-service fridges are properly cold. Staff hygiene training certicates posted on the walls or food safety instructions posted in food preparation areas.

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Choking

orldwide, thousands of children die of choking-related deaths every year. These tragic deaths are often the result

of improper adult supervision. The best way to avoid choking is by applying preventive measures.

Be aware of toys
Pay close attention to the age recommendations on the package. Never let younger children play with toys designated for older children. Teach older children to put their toys away and out of the reach of younger children. Make frequent checks around the house to make sure that toys are safely put away. Remember to check under furniture and between cushions. Never give a small child a small toy, including toys small enough to t through a 3 cm circle, toys that are smaller than 6 cm long, small toy cars with removable rubber wheels, marbles, and small balls.

Other dangerous items

Keep coins, batteries, pens and caps, nails, rings, and other round objects that can t into a childs mouth out of childrens reach. Never leave uninated or inated balloons where children can get to them.

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Off-Job Safety Booklet

Keep oors, tables, and cabinet tops free of small objects that could be swallowed. When visiting family and friends, inspect and remove choking hazards before allowing your child to wander around.

Serve safe food

Insist your child sits down when eating, preferably at the table. Encourage your child to eat slowly and chew his/her food well. Never feed your child in a moving vehicle and dont let a child suck on candies or eat food while lying down. When serving hotdogs, slice each one down lengthwise and then cut it into small pieces. Cut meat into very small bite-size pieces. Slice round fruit like grapes into quarters. Cut raw vegetables into small pieces.

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Drowning

rowning is a leading cause of death for children. A drowning can happen very quickly and in very little water (3 to 5 cm).

Here are some guidelines you can follow to prevent your children from drowning at home:

Bathtubs
Never leave a baby alone in the bathtub; always keep the baby within arms reach. Dont leave a baby in the care of another child. Never leave your baby unattended to answer the phone, door, or for any other reason not even for a second. If you must leave, take the baby with you. Dont rely on a bath seat as a substitute for proper supervision; its only a bathing aid, not a safety device. Never use a baby bath seat in a nonskid, slip resistant bathtub as the suction cups will not adhere to the bathtub surface or can detach unexpectedly. Make sure to always drain the bathtub from water after each use. Children can drown in very little water.

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Off-Job Safety Booklet

Buckets
Never leave a bucket containing even a small amount of liquid unattended. When you have nished using a bucket, empty it immediately. Store buckets where children cannot reach them.

Toilets
Keep the toilet lid down and consider using a toilet latch to stop young children from opening the lid. Better yet, keep bathroom doors closed.

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Playground

Safety

and explore with other children. However, many children visit the emergency room every year because of playground-related injuries. Here are some steps to help ensure childrens safety at playgrounds.

laying at playgrounds promotes the healthy development of children and gives them the opportunity to run, climb,

Playground supervision
Constantly supervise your child at play. Make sure that your child plays on age-appropriate equipment. Give on-the-scene instructions for safe play and then reinforce the instructions during playtime. Stop horseplay and equipment misuse immediately.

Soft surfaces
The fall zone (the area under and around the equipment where a child falling from the equipment would land) should extend at least 2 m in all directions from the edge of the equipment. The fall zone surface should be free of standing water, debris, and sharp objects. The fall zone should be lled with loose-ll material that cushions falls, such as sand and wood chips. Concrete, asphalt, and grass are too hard to cushion falls.

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Off-Job Safety Booklet

Safe equipment Swings

They should be equipped with soft plastic seats, not metal or wooden ones. Metal seats can get too hot in the summer causing burns, while wooden seats can have splinters or sharp components that can injure. Swings should be set far enough away from other equipment to prevent hitting children. Each swing should support a maximum of two seats spaced at least 60 cm apart. Younger children should only use full-bucket seats; half-bucket seats are dangerous for babies and toddlers because their small bodies can slide out of them.

Slides
Slides should be well anchored and have rm handrails and good traction on the steps. Each slide should have a bar at the top to ensure that children sit before they go down. No gaps should appear between the slide itself and the platform. Children should not wear clothing with drawstrings, which can get caught on slide parts.

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Seesaws
Dont allow children to use adjustable seesaws with chains because they can crush their hands under the chain. Allow children to only use seesaws that have a tire or some other object under the seat to keep it from hitting the ground.

Climbing equipment
Children younger than 4 years should not be allowed to use climbing equipment or horizontal ladders. Steps and handrails should be in good condition and guardrails or barriers should surround raised platforms. Climbing ropes should be secured both at the top and bottom.

Special playground safety tips

Inspect openings that can trap children (in guardrails or between ladder rungs) to make sure theyre less than 9 cm or more than 23 cm apart. Make sure that guardrails surround all elevated platforms and are at least 78 cm high. Remove exposed concrete footings, tree roots, or rocks that could trip children. Make sure that there are no sharp edges and dangerous hardware, like hooks and protruding bolts. Limit the number of children on each piece of equipment.

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Off-Job Safety Booklet

Safe playing rules

To avoid injuries that can result from unsafe behaviors, parents must instruct and enforce these safe play rules.

Swinging
Always sit in the center of the swing; never stand or kneel. Hold on with both hands. Stop the swing before getting off. Walk around the swing, but not too close to the front or the back. Never allow a child to push another child on the swing. Only one person per swing. Never swing empty swings; never twist chains. Never put head and/or feet through exercise rings on the swing sets.

Sliding
Hold on with both hands as you go up and down the steps; take one step at a time. Never go up the sliding surface or the frame. Keep at least one arms length from other children. Slide down one child at a time, with feet rst and always sitting up.

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 Make sure no one is in front of the slide before sliding down. Wait your turn patiently, avoid pushing or shoving. Leave the bottom of the slide after you have taken your turn.

Seesawing
Sit facing each other, not leaning back. Keep a rm hold with both hands. Never stand or run on the board. Keep feet out from underneath the board as it descends.

Climbing
Use both hands. Be careful when climbing down and watch out for others climbing up. Avoid using the climbing equipment where there are too many children. Start all from the same end of the equipment and move in the same direction. Stay well behind the person in front and watch out for swinging feet. Never use the climbing equipment when it is wet. Avoid speed contests or trying to cover too large a distance in one move. Drop from the bars with knees slightly bent and land on both feet.

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Off-Job Safety Booklet

Toy

Safety

constructed toys or toys that are inappropriate for a childs age and maturity level can lead to injuries and even death. (Information on how to prevent choking on toys can be found on page 21.)
Look for good design and quality construction in the toy you buy. Choose a toy that is appropriate for your childs age and maturity level and that is lead free. Carefully inspect the toy before purchasing it. Make sure that all toy parts are properly secured so no part can accidentally be swallowed. Avoid toys that have small, removable parts that can be swallowed. Consider the noise level of the toy. Some toys, such as pop guns, can produce noise levels that can damage hearing. Before letting your child play with the new toy, discard all accompanying plastic wrappers or bags. These pose a risk for suffocation if children place them over their head. Check toys regularly to ensure that they are not damaged or pose hazards. Throw away broken toys. Store toys in open, plastic crates or on low shelving units easily accessible to children.

laying with toys is an essential part of every childs life. Unfortunately, some toys can be dangerous for children. Poorly

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 Toys that are used outside should be stored properly when children nish playing with them. A previously safe toy can become dangerous if damaged or rusted by prolonged exposure to moisture. Always supervise your child at all times even when he/she is playing with a toy that is recommended for his/her age group.

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Off-Job Safety Booklet

Sports

Safety

etting plenty of physical activity by being involved in sports is important for childrens developing bodies and minds.

Parents can take steps to help ensure that their children avoid sport-related injuries.

Use proper protective equipment

Your child should wear properly tting, appropriate protective equipment and safety gear designed for his/her sport. Choose protective equipment that has been approved by a recognized authority such as the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Keep all equipment properly maintained to ensure its effectiveness.

Play only in appropriate and safe areas

Playing elds should be safe and well-maintained to avoid holes and ruts that might cause injuries to kids from trips or falls. Each sport should be played on the appropriate surface. For example, high impact sports like basketball must be played on wooden basketball courts instead of concrete and football must be played on grass.

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Provide adequate adult supervision and commitment to safety Select leagues and teams that value the importance of safety and
injury prevention during sports.

Choose coaches trained and certied in Basic Life Support (BLS)

and First Aid.

Enroll your child in a team with a coach who enforces safe playing
rules and requires the use of personal protective equipment.

Ensure proper preparation for the activity Make sure that children are matched in teams and types of sports
according to their skill level, size, and physical and emotional maturity.

Make sure your child is adequately prepared for the sport with
warm-up exercises and training sessions before participating in actual competitive games.

Make sure your child drinks plenty of uids before and after the
activity.

Ensure after-the-game precautions Cool down. Cooling down exercises will help
loosen the bodys muscles that have tightened during sports.

Injuries heal completely. If your child gets

injured during a game, minimize long-term damage by allowing the affected area to heal completely before participating in the sport again.

Dont rush. Its important for your child to ease back into a
routine if he/she has been inactive for a long period of time. For example, after a long summer break, children should begin physical activity before their sport ofcially begins.

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Off-Job Safety Booklet

Sun

Protection
Protecting babies from the heat Babies need special care during hot weather
A tepid bath can help keep your baby cool on a very hot day. The water should be warm enough to be comfortable; cool or cold water should not be used.

people at risk for heat-related illnesses.

taying cool in Saudi Arabia is more than a matter of comfort; its also a safety concern. Every year, high temperatures put

Dress your baby in light, comfortable clothing such as a singlet or diaper. Make sure, however, that their bodies are completely covered if out in the sun. Make sure that the room temperature is comfortable but not too cold if the air conditioning is on. Avoid traveling with your baby in a vehicle in hot weather, if possible. If you must, travel early in the day or in the evening. Babies can overheat quickly in cars so keep them in the shade as much as possible. Remember that babies skin can burn by sunlight passing through car windows. Never leave a baby alone in a car.

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Prickly heat
Prickly heat is a rash of tiny red pin-head spots and tiny blisters that commonly occurs on parts of the skin that remain moist, such as the babys diaper area or under the chin. Protect your babys skin from prickly heat by: Keeping the babys skin dry. For example, remove the babys diaper from time to time to allow the skin to dry. Applying creams, such as zinc and cod-liver oil, on the affected area of the babys skin. Changing the babys clothes more often and giving tepid baths.

Babies and the sun

A babys skin is thin and has not yet developed the natural protection needed from the sun, making it more susceptible to burns and sun damage. For protection from the sun: Keep your baby in the shade as much as possible. Cover your babys body, arms, and legs with clothing, and his/her head with a wide-brimmed hat. Apply to your babys skin sunscreen made for babies or toddlers, with sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15.

Dehydration
If babies dont get enough to drink or they lose a lot of uid through diarrhea, vomiting, or sweating, they can become dehydrated. To prevent dehydration: Provide breastfed babies with extra breast milk to meet their uid needs. Provide bottle-fed babies with extra drinks of cool, boiled water.

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Off-Job Safety Booklet

Symptoms of dehydration in babies Appearing unwell. More irritable than usual. Weight loss. Dried skin. Sunken fontanel. Fewer wet diapers than usual. Most babies can recover from minor dehydration with extra uids. Seek immediate medical assistance if you suspect that your baby is seriously dehydrated.

Heat stroke
Heat stroke, a serious or fatal condition, occurs when too much water is lost and the babys or childs temperature starts to rise. Symptoms of heat stroke in babies or children Rising body temperature. Smaller amounts of urine than usual; dark colored urine. Increased thirst with decreased drinking as the baby gets weaker. Dry mouth and eyes. Headaches and muscle cramps. Drowsiness and lethargy. Confusion, shortness of breath, and vomiting. Coma.

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What to do for heat stroke If your baby or child has any of the signs of heat stroke, seek immediate medical treatment. While waiting for medical help, you should keep your child covered with cool, damp cloths. Keep trying to give your child small amounts of uids unless she/he is unconscious and unable to swallow.

Protecting yourself from the heat Causes of heat-related illnesses

Heat-related illnesses, ranging from mild heat rash to severe heat stroke, occur when your body cannot cool itself. As the air temperature rises, your body stays cool by releasing uid onto the skin. When sweating isnt enough to cool your body, your body temperature rises and you may become ill. Prevent heal-related illnesses by: Scheduling outdoor activities for the cooler time of the day, before 10 a.m. and after 4 p.m. Taking frequent breaks and drinking water or other noncaffeinated uids every 15 to 20 minutes, even if you dont feel thirsty during an outdoor activity. Wearing light-weight, lightcolored, loose-tting clothing. Protecting yourself from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat or using an umbrella. Dont forget to apply sunscreen. Gradually exposing yourself to the hot weather so your body can adapt to the heat.

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Heat rash
Also known as prickly heat, is a condition that occurs in hot, humid environments. Symptoms of heat rash Tiny blister spots on the skin. Prickling sensation on the skin. What to do to treat a heat rash Clean skin. Apply mild drying lotion. Wear loose clothing. Rest in a cool place, and allow your skin to dry.

Heat cramps
Heat cramps are painful muscle spasms that occur from drinking large quantities of water without replacing lost body salt. Symptoms of heat cramps Painful spasms of leg, arm, or abdominal muscles. Heavy sweating and thirst. What to do to treat heat cramps Loosen clothing. Drink lightly salted beverages such as sport drinks. Rest in a cool area.

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Heat exhaustion
Heat exhaustion happens when one is exposed to heat for a prolonged period of time and the bodys effort to cool itself results in signicant loss of body uid and certain essential minerals, such as sodium and potassium. If not treated, heat exhaustion can lead to serious health problems. Symptoms of heat exhaustion Excessive sweating. Cool, moist, pale skin. Vomiting. Anxiety, confusion, fainting, and decreased level of mental function. What to do to treat heat exhaustion Move him/her to a cool, shaded area. Administer uids by mouth (0.15 L or half a cup of water every 15 minutes). Remove or loosen tight clothing. Apply cool water on the skin.

Heat stroke
Heat stroke occurs when the bodys temperature-regulating system fails. A malfunction of the temperature regulation center in your brain causes sweating to stop and your body temperature to rapidly rise above 40 C

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Off-Job Safety Booklet

(104 F). At such high temperatures, vital organs are prone to damage and failure. Symptoms of heat stroke Blurred vision, dizziness, and nausea. Hot, dry, spotted skin. Mental confusion. Delirium, generalized convulsion, loss of consciousness. Respiratory and cardiac arrest. What to do to treat heat stroke Call the emergency medical services (in Saudi Aramco communities, dial 110; in the local communities, dial 997) immediately. Move the victim to a cool, shaded area. Place wet sheets around the body or wrap ice in clean cloths and place them on the victims wrist, ankles, and neck to cool the large blood vessels. Monitor his/her breathing and pulse if the victim is unconscious. Perform Basic Life Support if the victim has no pulse and only if youre trained to do so.

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Water

Safety
Pool safety Community pool safety rules
Follow these important safety rules when visiting a community pool Obey the instructions of the lifeguard on duty.

Never leave a child unsupervised near or inside the pool. Appoint responsible and capable adults as designated watchers who can take turns. Dont rely on older siblings to provide adequate supervision. Dont rely on lifeguards to supervise your children. Obey the warning signs and notices around the pool. Make sure children dont enter spas or hot tubs. Teach your children good pool safety habits, such as no running, dunking, pushing, or jumping on others. Never assume your children cannot drown because they had swimming lessons or are wearing otation devices. Dont consider air-lled devices and toys, such as water wings or even approved otation devices, as substitutes for adult supervision. Dont allow children to play as though they are drowning. A false alarm may mask a real emergency and delay rescue. Dont allow diving from the side of the pool unless the water is at least 1.5 m deep.

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Never allow your children to swim immediately after eating. Make sure that you and your children wear proper swimsuits. Wearing loose clothing can contribute to drowning.

Home pool safety rules

A swimming pool in the yard can be an invitation to a drowning incident for young children. In addition to the community safety rules, pool owners can take the following precautions to help make their home pools less dangerous: Never allow children near the pool area without responsible adult supervision. Surround your pool with a fence or barrier that is at least 1.7 m high and has childproof gate latches. The latch should be self-closing and placed at the top of the gate so that its inaccessible to children. Never leave a gate to the pool area propped open. Keep the area outside the fence free of objects, such as chairs, tables, and benches, that could help children climb over the fence and gain access to the pool. Keep rescue equipment, such as a shepherds hook, by the pool. Keep a telephone and emergency telephone numbers posted near the pool.

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 Teach your children how to swim. Enroll them in swim classes when theyre approximately 3 years of age. Caregivers and baby-sitters should learn Basic Life Support. Keep CD players, radios, and other electrical equipment away from the pool. Dont let children with loose, long hair near a pool outlet. The suction can cause hair or body entrapment and drowning. Make sure that they tie their hair up or wear a bathing cap. Keep kids out of the pool in a thunderstorm.

Beach safety
If youre planning a day at the beach, follow the guidelines below to ensure your own and your familys safety. Learn to avoid drowning at the beach by following these guidelines: First and foremost you and your family should learn how to swim. Learning to swim is the best way to stay safe in and around water. Wear proper swimming attire. Never wear long, loose-tting clothing, such as an abaya or thobe, in water. Swimming fully clothed adds a lot of extra weight and can increase your chance of drowning. Always swim with a buddy; never swim alone. Swim in supervised areas only.

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Pay attention to local weather conditions and forecasts. Stop swimming at the rst sign of bad weather and return to shore. Always listen to the lifeguards advice and heed any warnings. Stay away from piers, pilings, and diving platforms when in the water. Watch for aquatic life. Water plants and animals can be dangerous. Dont try to swim against a current if caught in one. Swim gradually out of the current by swimming across it.

Stay safe at the shore

Protect your skin. Limit the amount of direct sunlight you receive between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the suns rays are the strongest and always wear sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15. Drink plenty of water regularly and often, even if you dont feel thirsty. Wear eye protection. Choose sunglasses that absorb at least 90% of ultraviolet (UV) sunlight. Wear foot protection. Feet can get burned from the sand or cut from broken glass hidden beneath it.

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Traffic

Safety
Vehicle safety
Safe driving means driving defensively to avoid a preventable incident. Defensive driving can improve your ability to think, observe, communicate, coordinate, and navigate in trafc. Practice these preventive measures for safe driving.

Before you start driving make sure that you

Take proper driving training. Obtain a valid Saudi drivers license.

When preparing to drive make sure that you

Inspect the vehicles safety equipment (e.g., spare tires, headlights and turn signals). Inspect and maintain the vehicles tire pressure per the manufacturers specications. Adjust your seat so youre 10 to 15 cm from the lower rim of the steering wheel and able to press the pedals rmly. Sit up straight. Adjust the rearview and side mirrors. Fasten your seat belt and make sure that all passengers are properly

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restrained, including children with age- and size-appropriate child restraints. See the table below for the general guidelines. Child Age Birth to 9 or 12 months 1 year to 4 years 4 to 8 years 8 years and older Weight/Height Up to 9 kg 9 kg to 18 kg Over 18 kg or shorter than 1.45 m Over 36 kg and taller than 1.45 m Child Restraint Rear-Facing Baby Seat Front-Facing Toddler Seat Booster Seat Regular Seat Belt

All children under age 10 or shorter than 1.45 m must be properly restrained in the backseat.

While driving make sure that you

Keep constantly alert look ahead, in the mirrors, and over your shoulders for blind spots so youll have advance warning of potentially dangerous situations. Watch the car ahead of you and the car ahead of that one to give yourself extra time to stop. Obey all trafc rules and regulations, especially speed limits. Never use a cell phone, eat, or drink. Never be under the inuence of medications, which can cause impairment.

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 Learn to anticipate potential hazards. For example, a defensive driver expects the car following the bus to suddenly swerve around it into his lane. Use the horn whenever youre not sure another driver sees you. At night, reduce your speed below the safe daytime speed. Day or night reduce speed for hazardous conditions such as bad or adverse weather, broken pavement, children playing, highway construction, camel crossings, congested areas, and hills or curves that limit vision. If youre tired or drowsy, stop and rest.

Bicycle safety
Bicycles are a wonderful source of exercise and fun but theyre not without danger. Serious incidents have occurred from bicycle and vehicle collisions. The following tips can help you prevent these types of incidents: Choose a bike that matches your size and the kind of riding you do. Consider the bicycles weight, height, and design. Choose a bicycle with safety equipment such as a horn, a bell, a light in front, and reectors all around. Consider having a carrier basket that can help you carry things while leaving both hands free to control the bicycle. Always wear a helmet. Buy a helmet that meets or exceeds current international safety standards. Make sure that the helmet

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ts correctly: it should t one or two ngers above the eyebrows; and its straps, when strapped, should form a V under the ears and should feel tight when opening the mouth as wide as possible. Repair the bicycles broken or worn parts immediately. Frequently check to make sure that the reectors are clean and not damaged, the saddle and handlebars are tight and at the right height, the tires are rm with plenty of treads, the brakes work properly, the wheels are not wobbly, and the bicycles chain is snug and not damaged. Obey all trafc rules and regulations when youre riding your bike. Remember that on a bicycle youre more vulnerable to incidents than a driver inside the steel body of a vehicle.

Keep these additional tips in mind when riding your bicycle

Avoid busy streets whenever you can. Keep your bicycle under control dont show off, weave, or race. Ride with trafc, not against it. Ride as far to the right as possible. Ride on the street and not the sidewalk, which is meant for pedestrians. Watch for parked cars pulling out or car doors opening suddenly. Travel in single le when riding with others and always allow one full bike length between bicycles.

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 Steer with both hands on the handlebars except to signal when turning, stopping, or leaving the curb. Dont ride double on a bicycle or carry an oversized package, either of which can block your vision and throw you off balance. Come to a complete stop, look, and listen before entering a street from a sidewalk, driveway, or alley. Drivers may not see you. When riding at night, wear light-colored or reective clothing. Be prepared to brake at intersections; dont pump the pedals as you approach. Get off and walk your bike across busy streets, staying well inside the white lines and crosswalk.

Pedestrian safety
Being a pedestrian in trafc puts you at risk. Children from 1 to 12 years old are at risk when in trafc. It is your responsibility to teach them how to stay safe. Demonstrate to your children the right way to be safe pedestrians: Never walk between parked cars, jaywalk, or cross against trafc signals or lights. Stay on the sidewalk. If there is no sidewalk, walk on the left shoulder, as far to the left as possible, facing the direction of trafc. Before stepping off a curb, look left, right, and left again for trafc. Look over your shoulders for vehicles. Make eye contact with drivers. Just because you see a driver doesnt mean that the driver sees you.

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Be alert for turning vehicles. Never step out in front of a turning vehicle. Drivers of turning vehicles are typically looking for an opening in trafc and may fail to notice pedestrians. Cross at intersections or crosswalks, where possible. Obey all trafc signals and walk signs. Wait until all vehicles stop or clear the intersection before stepping off the curb. See and be seen. Never dart out into the street. Drivers need to see you to avoid you. Make eye contact with the driver when crossing busy streets. Always wear brightly colored or reective clothing. Consider carrying a ashlight when walking at night. Look for a cars reversing lights when walking in parking lots or past driveways. A cars reverse lights will indicate the vehicles direction. Parking lot incidents happen when pedestrians dont see vehicles that are backing out or drivers dont notice pedestrians before putting the car in reverse.

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First Aid Basics

Burns First degree burns
Classied as minor, they are also called supercial burns. This type of burn affects the outer layer of the skin, which becomes painful and red in color. While this type of burn generally heals well by itself, your proper action can help the healing process. Treatment Stop the burning process by cooling the area. Apply a cool, wet cloth to the burn or immerse the burned area in cool not ice water until the victim no longer feels the pain. Dont apply ointments or other substances to the burn but keep it covered with a sterile, nonadhesive bandage or clean cloth.

Second degree burns

Also called partial thickness burns, which go deeper into the skin into the dermis area. This type of burn is generally accompanied by blistering of the skin, which may leave a scar.

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Treatment Although this type of burn is usually treatable with basic rst aid, a burned victim should seek medical attention. If the burn covers a large area of the body, cover loosely with dry, sterile dressing. If the burn is smaller than the palm of the hand, to treat it you should: Immerse the burned area in cool water until the pain stops. Dont clean it, apply ointment, or break the blisters. Treat for shock and elevate the burned area above the level of the heart.

Third degree burns

Also called total thickness burns, which penetrate through the layers of the skin, and may burn muscle and other tissue. This type of burn can be life threatening. The burned area will appear charred or blackened or white and leathery. Treatment Call for emergency medical services (in Saudi Aramco communities, dial 110; in the local communities, dial 997) immediately. While waiting for medical help to arrive, cool the area with water until the pain stops, then carefully remove clothing if its not sticking to the skin. Dont use ice/ice water.

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 Cover loosely with dry, sterile dressings or with a dry clean sheet if the burn is large. Dont clean, apply ointment, or break blisters. Treat for shock and elevate the burned area above the level of the heart. Monitor the victims breathing and administer Basic Life Support if necessary and if youre trained to do so, until emergency services arrive.

Chemical burns
Should a chemical burn occur, immediately call 110 or 997. If a harmful corrosive chemical comes in contact with the skin, ush the area with water until emergency medical services arrive. Because chemicals may give off fumes even if you dont smell them you should move the victim outdoors into fresh air. After ushing the burn with water, cover the area with a loose, nonstick dressing. If the burn was the result of contact with a dry chemical or powder, brush the chemical off with a gloved hand before ushing the burn with water for at least 30 minutes. If the chemical has made contact with the eye, ush the affected eye immediately with water from the nose outward until emergency services arrives.

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Shock
Always treat a seriously injured person for shock. Severe shock can cause death. Dont attempt to give the victim anything to drink. Seek medical help immediately. Symptoms of shock Pale, cold, clammy skin, mottled in color. Weak and shallow or deep but irregular breathing. Apathy. Nausea. Treatment If the victim doesnt have a head and/or neck injury, or broken hip or leg bones, place the victim on his/her back and elevate the legs about 30 cm. If the victim has a head or neck injury, keep the victim lying at. Dont move the victim unless there is immediate danger. If the victim vomits, place the victim on one side to let uids drain from the mouth. If the victim has difculty breathing, place him/her in a semi-reclining position. Cover the victim with a sheet or light blanket.

Choking
Adults who are around children should get proper training in First Aid to be able to help children. Proper rst aid training for choking depends on the age of the child.

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For a conscious child older than 1 year of age

Experts recommend abdominal thrusts, often called the Heimlich maneuver. To give abdominal thrusts Stand behind the victim. Wrap your arms around the victims waist. Make a st with one hand and place the thumb side of your st, just above the navel and below the breast bone. Grab your st with your hand and give quick inward and upward thrusts until the object is forced out or the child becomes unconscious.

For a conscious infant

Give ve back slaps and ve chest thrusts. To give back slaps Grasp the infants jaw with your thumb and ngers. Support the back of the infants head and neck. Turn the infant over face down on your forearm, with the infants head lower than his/her chest; rest your forearm on your thigh. Support the infants head and neck by rmly holding the jaw. Give ve blows forcefully between the shoulder blades. To give ve chest thrusts Sandwich the infant between your forearms. Support the head and neck.

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Turn the infant onto his/her back. Rest your forearm on your thigh. Keep the infants head lower than the chest. Place your ring nger on the infants breastbone just below the nipple line. Place the middle and index ngers next to the ring nger. Remove your ring nger and compress with your middle and index ngers. If you feel the notch at the end of the breastbone, move your ngers slightly up. Give ve chest thrusts. Each thrust should be about 0.5 cm deep. If the infant or child becomes unresponsive, call for emergency medical services immediately (in Saudi Aramco communities, dial 110; in the local communities, dial 997); if you are properly trained, administer Basic Life Support techniques.

Poisoning
If a poisoning occurs: Stay calm and call the hospital (in Saudi Aramco communities, dial 110; in the local communities, dial 997). Report the name of the product, the amount of the product that was ingested, the time that the poisoning occurred, the age and weight of the person who was poisoned, and the circumstances of the poisoning. Follow their instructions. Dont induce vomiting unless told to do so. Vomiting can cause further harm if a substance was swallowed.

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Here are some emergency tips for certain types of poisonings. Inhaled poison
Take the person to fresh air immediately, if the scene is safe. Open doors and windows. If the person is not breathing and you are properly trained, begin Basic Life Support.

Poison in the eye

Wash the eyes outward with running lukewarm water for 15 minutes continuously. Ask the person to blink as much as possible to assist in irrigating the eye. Dont attempt to force the eyelids open.

Poison on the skin

Remove all clothing thats contaminated and begin to wash the skin with running water for 15 minutes.

Emergency action steps 1. Check the scene and the victim

Make sure the scene is safe for you and any bystanders. Then check to see if the victim is conscious. Tap him/her on the shoulder and shout: Are you ok?

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2. Call
If the victim doesnt respond, call the emergency medical services (EMS) system at once, or have someone call (in Saudi Aramco communities, dial 110; in the local communities, dial 997) or do it yourself if nobody is available.

3. Care
l. Position if necessary If the victim is face down and you cant tell whether or not he/she is breathing, position him/her on his/her back by kneeling facing the victims hips and shoulders. Straighten his/her legs and move the arm closer to you above his/her head, the other arm along his/her body. Place one hand under his/her head and neck and the other hand on his/her hip. Roll the victim toward you as a single unit. Place the victims arm which is further from you alongside his/her body. ll. Do the primary care A. Open the airway Place one hand on the victims forehead and two ngers of the other hand under the bony part of the chin. Tilt the head and lift the chin. Avoid closing the victims mouth or pushing on the soft part under the chin.

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B. Check for breathing Place your ear over the victims mouth and nose. Look at the chest, listen and feel for breathing for ve to ten seconds. If there is no breathing, give two slow breaths (1 second each breath). Cover the victims mouth with your lips and make a tight seal, pinch the nose shut and blow slowly for 1 to 2 seconds. Pause between breaths to let air ow out. Watch the victims chest rise each time you breathe to make sure your breaths are going in. C. If no response, start Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) CPR is a two minute cycle of 30 chest compressions and two breaths repeated 5 times. Continue performing CPR until the victim starts to breathe on his/her own or until emergency medical services arrives. For more information on emergency action steps, Consult the SAMSOs Health Educations Basic Life Support (BLS) and Standard First Aid (SFA) Booklet.

First aid kits

A well-stocked rst aid kit, kept within easy reach, is a necessity in every home. Having supplies gathered ahead of time will help you handle an emergency at a moments notice. You should keep one rst aid kit in your home and one in each car. Also be

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sure to bring a rst aid kit on family vacations. Include the following in each of your rst aid kits: Sterile gauze Adhesive tape Adhesive bandages in several sizes Elastic bandage Antiseptic wipes Antibiotic cream Antiseptic solution (like hydrogen peroxide) Hydrocortisone cream (1%) Acetaminophen and ibuprofen Tweezers Sharp scissors Safety pins Disposable instant cold packs Calamine lotion Alcohol wipes or ethyl alcohol Thermometer Plastic gloves (at least 2 pairs) Flashlight and extra batteries First aid manual

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Emergency numbers Local communities

Saudi Red Crescent Authority Fire/Civil Defense Local Police & Security Trafc Accident 997 998 999 993

Saudi Aramco communities

Ambulance/Fire/Security By mobile phone: 03-872-0110 (Central Area) 03-572-0110 (Southern Area) 03-673-0110 (Northern Area) 01-285-0110 (Central Region) 02-427-0110 (Western Region) 110

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