A strong gust of wind blows the front door open and strikes
a customer, causing severe personal injuries. Is this the responsibility of
Mother Nature or the owner of the car wash? The easy answer is to blame it on
natural causes, but that might not be the RIGHT
answer.
At your car wash, the unexpected will happen and it’s nearly
impossible to protect against every scenario that could occur. That being said,
I believe there are several common hazards that require preventive attention
and are too often overlooked. For example, everyone takes precautions to
protect their wash when the forecast calls for tropical storms, tornados, or
hurricanes that can cause severe property damage. But how many take the time to
prepare with the same due diligence when it applies to more common weather forecasts,
like heavy winds? Shouldn’t the additional exposure expected by this seemingly
non-threatening event receive the same level of regard?
Monitoring the forecast is already a daily task performed by
most car wash owners to check for the probability of rain or severe weather. Consider
implementing a process that steps up that practice. Include a checklist of potential
risks that might pose a bodily injury threat in response to certain weather
conditions, like high winds.
The following are tips for protecting your car wash against
high winds:
- Be sure that all doors are equipped with a permanent stop devices. These prevent the door from being caught by a heavy wind gust and swinging uncontrollably into unsuspecting customers or employees.
- Consider a second means of exiting the car wash as an option for when winds are extreme. Always the door that is more susceptible to being caught by sudden gusts.
- Regularly check the hydraulics on the door hinge to ensure the safe opening of the door.
- Properly close and secure all umbrellas in preparation for high wind conditions.
- Clear any debris, no matter how small, from your property before inclement weather strikes. Flying objects can be lethal.
- Secure your vacuum hoses and other loose pieces of equipment.
- All employees should be trained to know that wind can affect their hearing capabilities. Be prepared to compensate for warnings and directional comments that might be more difficult to communicate.
- Double check tree branches and shrubbery for damaged or rotten pieces that may be dislodged by high winds.
- Remind employees to be on the lookout for car doors that may be caught in a wind gust or open farther than expected. This will help avoid other drivers colliding with an open door or causing an uncontrolled impact with someone inadvertently walking by.
- Be sure all signs, both permanent and temporary, are properly secured.
- After the severe wind passes, take the time to thoroughly inspect the property to ensure nothing appears loose or is hanging freely.
- Be sure any awnings or over hanging structures are secured.
I’m sure that without much effort, you can think of several
other ideas that aren’t listed above. Risk management all starts with the right
mind set and accepting the unending challenge to establish a safe environment
for employees and customers! Put on your thinking cap today and stay ahead of
the next possible disaster.
Remember a Safe Wash
Protects People and Profits!!
