Volume 3, Issue 7
March, 2010
SCOPE FOR PARAS, CUSTODIAL, PLANT OPS., BUS DRIVERS AND OTHER EDU. EMPLOYEES
SAFETY TIPS
BUS DRIVERS:
Use of Mirrors on your School Bus
Correct Mirror Adjustment
Proper adjustment and use of all mirrors is vital to the safe operation of the school bus in order to observe the danger zone around the bus and look for students, traffic, and other objects in this area.
You should always check each mirror before operating the school bus to obtain maximum viewing area consistent with the vision requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard N0. 111, “Mirror Systems”. If necessary, have the mirrors
adjusted.
Outside Left and Right Side Flat Mirrors
These mirrors are mounted at the left and right front corners of the bus at the side or front of the windshield.
They are used to monitor traffic, check clearances and students on the sides and to the rear of the bus.
There is a blind spot immediately below and in front of each mirror and directly in back of the rear bumper.
The blind spot behind the bus could extend up to 400 feet depending on the width of the bus.
Ensure that the mirrors are properly adjusted so you
can see:
200 feet or 4 bus lengths behind the bus.
Along the sides of the bus.
The rear tires touching the ground.
Outside Left and Right Side Convex Mirrors
The convex mirrors are located below the outside flat
mirrors. They are used to monitor the left and right
sides at a wide angle. They provide a view of traffic,
clearances, and students at the side of the bus.
These mirrors present a view of people and objects that does not accurately reflect their size and distance from the bus.
Ensure that the mirrors are properly adjusted so you can see:
The entire side of the bus up to the mirror mounts.
Front of the rear tires touching the ground.
At least one traffic lane on either side of the bus.
Custodial, Service & Grounds Maintenance Workers – Safety Tips
- Read labels on all chemical products and do not mix chemicals. for example: do not mix bleach with ammonia...
- Let someone know when you are going to do ladder work.
Do not climb when you are alone in the building. - Ladder: Be certain of stability. Make sure it is level and the base doesn't slide.
- Ladder: Be sure shoes and rungs are free of grease or mud.
- Ladder: Don't lean too far out.
- Ladder: Make sure someone else is in the building, in your area or nearby. "Buddy system".
Bad case senario: A Friday evening...falling from tall ladder...injured horribly...not able to move and not being discovered until the following Monday.
Source:http://custodian.info/custsafety.html
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THE 2010 CENSUS IS IN YOUR HANDS
MAKE SURE YOU’RE COUNTED
You count! The 2010 Census is about to begin, and the AFT is encouraging members to participate.
The U.S. Census counts every resident in the United States, and is required by the Constitution to take place every 10 years.
The 2010 Census will help communities receive more than $400 billion in federal funds each year for things like:
- Hospitals
- Job training centers
- Schools
- Senior centers
- Bridges, tunnels and other-public works projects
- Emergency services
The data collected by the census also help determine the number of seats your state has in the U.S. House of Representatives.
We can't move forward until you mail it back.
In March of 2010, census forms will be delivered to every residence in the United States and Puerto Rico. When you receive yours, just answer the 10 short questions and then mail the form back in the postage-paid envelope provided. If you don't mail the form back, you may receive a visit from a census taker, who will ask you the questions from the form.
The majority of the country will receive English–only materials. Households in areas with high concentrations of Spanish-speaking residents may receive a bilingual (English/Spanish) form.
Any personal data you provide is protected under federal law.
Source: http://2010.census.gov/2010census/how/index.php
Broccoli and Garlic Penne Pasta
Ingredients
1 cup Chicken Broth
1/2 teaspoon dried basil leaves, crushed
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 cups broccoli flowerets
4 1/2 cups hot cooked penne pasta (medium tube-shaped pasta), cooked without salt
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Directions
Mix broth, basil, pepper, garlic and broccoli in skillet. Heat to a boil. Cover and cook over low heat for 3 minutes or until broccoli is tender-crisp.
Add pasta and lemon juice. Toss to coat. Serve with cheese. Great with grilled fish or meat.
2010 Scholarship Opportunities for AFT Families
- McAllen AFT Scholarships due by April 15, 2010
- Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship due by March 15, 2010
- Robert G. Porter Scholarship (AFT) due by March 31, 2010
- Loan Repayment Assistance
Get Involved in your Union:
Become an AFT e-Activist
Log on to:http://www.aft.org/getinvolved/enews.cfm