Safety Information and Updates

Winter fuel deliveries come with unique challenges that require special attention to safety. As temperatures drop, fuel delivery drivers face the risk of frozen spill buckets, inaccessible lids, and slippery, ice-covered areas increasing the chance of slip, trip, and fall accidents. These hazards not only threaten the safety of drivers but can also lead to environmental risks, equipment damage, and costly service delays. This blog explores the most common winter hazards and offers practical solutions for ensuring a safe and smooth fuel delivery process for our drivers.

1. Dealing with Frozen Spill Buckets Full of Ice

Spill buckets are essential for containing any overflows or leaks during fuel deliveries. They are designed to catch and hold any spilled fuel, preventing contamination of the environment. However, when temperatures drop, spill buckets can freeze, rendering them ineffective.

The risks associated with frozen spill buckets include:

• Inaccessible Buckets: Ice and snow buildup can block access to the bucket, making it impossible to check for leaks or safely store any spillage.
• Overflowing Fuel: If a spill bucket is full of ice or frozen shut, it may not function properly during a delivery, leading to spillage on the ground and potential contamination.

To address these risks:

• Inspect Spill Buckets Regularly: Prior to deliveries, inspect the spill bucket to ensure it’s clear of ice and snow. If ice has built up, safely remove it with warm water.
• Heated or Insulated Spill Bucket Covers: Consider investing in heated spill bucket covers or insulated models. These covers prevent ice from forming inside the bucket, ensuring it remains operational even during the coldest months.

2. Frozen Spill Bucket Lids: A Potential Safety Hazard

Frozen spill bucket lids pose a different set of challenges. When the lid becomes frozen, it can be impossible to open, rendering the spill bucket unusable and preventing proper spill containment. If the lid is forcefully opened, it could damage the equipment and create further hazards.

To prevent issues with frozen lids:

• Check the Lid Before Each Delivery: Make sure the lid can be easily opened. If it is frozen, gently thaw it using warm water. Avoid using excessive force to open the lid, as it could break or crack.
• Regular Maintenance: Check lids and seals regularly, especially after heavy snow or freezing temperatures. Ensure that the lid’s seal is intact and can open smoothly.

3. Slip, Trip, and Fall Hazards in Delivery Areas

Slippery conditions around delivery sites are one of the most common causes of injuries during winter fuel deliveries. Snow, ice, and freezing rain make it easy for drivers and technicians to slip, trip, and fall while walking to and from the fuel tank.

To prevent slip and fall accidents:

• Clear Snow and Ice: Ensure that walkways, driveways, and access areas are cleared of snow and ice. This can include using snow shovels or ice scrapers to remove any buildup, especially around the tank fill area. For added protection, consider applying de-icing salts or sand to reduce the likelihood of ice forming.

Winter fuel deliveries involve unique risks, including frozen spill buckets, ice-covered delivery areas, and slippery conditions that can lead to dangerous slips and falls. However, these challenges can be managed with proactive safety measures. Regular inspections, and proper equipment maintenance can ensure that fuel deliveries continue smoothly and safely throughout the winter. By addressing these potential hazards head-on, costly accidents, environmental damage, and delays can be avoided—ultimately protecting both our drivers and the customers in which we serve.

At Dennis K. Burke, Inc. we consider Safety one of our top priorities. We aim to deliver products to our customers in as safe a manner as possible, while making sure our drivers make it home safely to their families at the end of each workday.

Winter weather brings a unique set of challenges to our industry, from making deliveries in inclement weather, winter driving, and safely accessing customer locations. Below are a few reminders from our Safety Department on how to ensure customers can ensure they’ll receive the products they need as reliably as possible.

If you’re a generator customer, please be sure the generator has a working gauge or whistle. Delivery drivers are not permitted to fill a tank without ensuring they know how much product will fit safely. Oftentimes our drivers arrive to fill generators and discover either the gauge is broken (i.e. not responding when fuel is delivered), or the tank is equipped with a whistle that does not sound. If the driver is unable to determine how much fuel is in the generator, the delivery will have to be stopped until the matter is resolved. This is to protect the customer’s property and avoid having a fuel spill.

We kindly ask all customers to provide safe access for our drivers, so they can gain access to the fills. This includes removing and or treating any snow and ice that may have accumulated, as well as other items that might be stored near the tanks we’re filling. Sometimes snow falls during the delivery, so there might be a fresh covering, making it difficult for a driver who might be unfamiliar with a location to locate a below ground fill. If possible, please mark fills with traffic cones or other objects to make them easy to spot!

Finally, a tip from DKB Safety - Remember to clear all snow and ice from your vehicle when traveling on the roadway. Motorists are responsible for anything that comes from their vehicle, including loose snow or ice. Clear the entire windshield so the driver has a clear field of vision while seated in the driver’s seat, and make sure you have plenty of washer fluid.   During winter travel it’s a good idea to bring an emergency bag just in case you get stranded. A change of clothes, bottle of water, and a snack, and even medication, in case of emergency could be the difference between a tragic outcome and a positive ending to a roadside emergency.

On behalf of DKB Safety we want to wish all our customers a Safe, Happy, and Healthy Holiday Season.

This weekends forecast calls for snow and ice storms, particularly Saturday into Sunday for the entirety of New England. 

Because it is still early, there are HUGE variances in the amounts of snow and ice predicted, which is frustrating, but there is little doubt we will be getting hit head on by this winter's first major snow event. There is also pretty much consensus that the coast is likely to see flooding and severe icing, which is definitely something to be aware of if you are on the coast or have travel plans or work obligations in the metro Boston or Providence areas.  

We will try and keep you updated on expected impacts & developments on our social channels as the models become more predictive. 

If you're expecting a delivery, please make sure you are using fill ports that are properly coded, and make sure the pathway to the fill is cleared of snow and ice so your driver can make the delivery as quickly and safely as possible. (If you're at home, the same goes for making sure your fill pipe is accessible and there is a clear path to access).

The easier it is for your driver to deliver, the quicker he can get home and off the roads himself. 

If you run backup generators, we highly recommend ensuring they are operational and fueled up prior to the incoming storm. Several of the projected forecasts are prediction damaging ice accumulation and high winds, so it is entirely possible large numbers of New Englander's could lose power.

You definitely don't want to miss the Pats game, so make sure you and your generator are ready to go. 

In terms of general winter preparedness, ready.gov has a great overall guide, you can access it here: 

Ready.Gov - Snowstorms & Extreme Cold

Below is a refresher on the API fill port coding. 

Stay warm & safe out there & GO PATRIOTS!

We all know the running joke, no one in New England seems to remember how to drive the second it starts raining or especially snowing. But in all seriousness, its important to take a step back when the temperature drops and the snow starts falling, and make sure you're taking the simple steps necessary to make sure youre handling the tougher conditions safely.

Stay Back - Leave Time to React

In ideal road conditions, the safest following distance is 3-4 seconds. In snowy or icy conditions however, you want to leave at least 8-10 seconds of following time between you and the vehicle ahead of you. No easy task on some of our more infamous Massachusetts highways, but still an important proactive and simple measure you can take to vastly decrease your odds of a collision.

Be Aware of the Day's Varying Hazards

Is there a rain or wind advisory? Fog? Is the sun glaring off all that snow and ice? 

In rainy or slushy conditions, speed management is critical for avoiding hydroplaning, and keeping a safe distance between your truck and other vehicles is of paramount importance. The same goes for speed management and distance with foggy conditions, as the lack of visibility means its more important than ever to give yourself the most possible reaction time.

Sun glare can be mitigated with sunglasses and a visor, obviously. But keep in mind also that the difficulty in visibility even with those measures in place means you should still be watching your distance from other vehicles and speed, because not everyone else on the road is taking the steps to maximize their own visibility. 

Snow Driving - the worst, right? In any type of snow, but especially thick, slushy snow managing your speed and making sure youre taking your time on accelerations and decelerations is absolutely essential. In both snow and ice your braking distance can be much greater than it is in ideal conditions, so distance from other vehicles is key. Reduced traction from snow or ice packing on a road can result in it having 20% of the traction of a wet road. Poor traction means spinning wheels, so paying close attention to your speed, acceleration and deceleration is critical.

Black Ice - one of the most dangerous driving situations out there in the winter. Drivers should pay attention to the spray thrown from other surrounding vehicles - if it suddenly stops, it may indicate black ice is forming ahead.  

Reduced visibility from snow and ice buildup is hazardous. If you cannot see in ALL directions, it is not safe for you to be driving.

Additionally, should your vehicle break down in any of these extreme conditions, immediately call into your dispatcher or supervisor. You should not attempt to walk for help unless absolutely neccessary, and if so leave a note indicating your direction and attempted destination, etc. If your engine is able to run, remain in the truck with the engine running and the window cracked to prevent carbon monoxide buildup and wait for help to arrive. 

It Pays to Pay Closer Attention to your Truck Inspections in Extreme Weather

In addition to your regular daily vehicle inspections, once the cold weather hits its important to remember to pay extra attention to certain parts, fluids, and accessories. 

• Coolant & Antifreeze - both of these fluids need to be full at all times to help prevent any cold related engine problems
• Windshields - Make sure your defrosters are working properly at all times, your wipers are properly fitted so they press the window hard enough to completely clear the vision field. Your washer fluid should always be full, and you should be using a cold weather fluid, like a -20 formula.
• Tires - you need to make sure your tires are in good condition for winter driving, good tread, properly balanced and inflated. 
• Brakes - Make sure your brakes are properly adjusted, and make sure you are regularly checking for ice on the brake linings, and keeping air tanks as moisture free as possible. In a winter where youre dealing with a lot of ice driving & braking, pay attention to wear.
• Fuel Tank - you should be keeping your fuel tank full at all times if possible, especially overnight. Definitely do a top off when the forecast is calling for bad weather the next morning. 
• Lights & Reflectors - make sure that your lights are working, and make sure that all lights and reflectors are free from ice and snow before heading out - in this weather you need all the visibility advantages you can get.
• Exhaust - make sure exhaust fittings are tight to prevent carbon monoxide leaking. Also make sure your exhaust piping is free of snow and ice.
• Wiring & Airlines - any exposed airlines and wiring on your vehicle should be free of snow and ice
• Coupling Devices - Before coupling its critical that all snow and ice is removed from the 5th wheel. In below freezing temperatures, the jaws of the coupling device may not lock if the grease is frozen. The locking should be double checked, and the 5th wheel should be lubricated.
• Handholds, steps, and deck plates - should always be cleared of ice and snow to avoid falls. Always remember the 3 points of contact rule!

Winter Driving Equipment

The following items should ALWAYS be in your vehicle for winter driving:

• Windshield scraper
• Snow Brush
• Small Shovel
• Flashlight
• Warning Devices 

Its also advisable to think about your safety too - keep bottled water, some snacks, a cell phone/CB, and something to keep you warm should the need arise.