So what’s that dinky black box of yours doing?
Newmont policy is that when a project is being constructed or if you’re out and about on site and have to be out of a vehicle for any length of time is to carry a lightning detector. To be honest, I don’t think it really works or at least the one I have been provided with is pretty shrunk in the AI department. It’ll blink that there’s lightning in the sky within the zero to six mile mark. Only… there is no clouds.
Supposedly, it acts up worse when its around diesel engines. What is construction equipment usually powered by? You got it, diesel.
Santa Clause (my nickname for the main foreman guy on the project… he reminds me of Santa, I have no idea why) is always asking me and then teasing me about having the silly thing turned on. I usually shrug and say, “At least they can’t accuse me of not trying to be safe.”
Such has been the last few weeks for me. Playing construction manager and finding myself stressed almost at every turn. I need another person. My tech and I are in the field constantly, him running density tests for compaction, and me trying to solve what problems crop up, so our samples end up piling up in the lab. My tech and I don’t always see eye to eye too. A few weeks back he deliberately ignored me on something. We had a talk and it hasn’t happened again. I feel strange to be in that type of position though. He’s double my age and has alot more construction knowledge than I do. They often talked about this kind of pairing in school. Now I understand what was trying to be explained.
I should be sleeping right now because the contractor is working tomorrow, but I’m wired. I actually don’t think we’ll be working. It’s suppose to rain tomorrow.
Here’s hoping.
Your text leaves me wondering what the Newmount policy is when the lightning detector does blink, do you have to run and put wellies (rubber boots) on or are you not allowed to work…Here’s hoping that it rains too, gives you yet another chance to test out that fancy detector device again.
Comment by Rick — September 24, 2007 @ 1:08 am
I’m actually required to keep a safety book by Newmont. The color codes indicate different actions. Yellow - Be aware. Orange - Be next to shelter (within 300 feet), and Red - be in a building or truck where you’re grounded. Which means everyone is mostly safe already on the project except for the laborers which number like 3.
Comment by lore — October 7, 2007 @ 10:14 am
I say keep the lightening rod or find one that you know works. And there have been instances where there are no clouds but people have been struckby lightening.
Comment by B Sheep — October 8, 2007 @ 10:02 pm