Safety First! What advice do you have?

[Nuclear]

Most of you who have been RVing for years have several lessons learned on many topics--especially common sense safety. And certainly many of you spent years in careers where safety was paramount in your success.

What unsafe situations have you seen over the years, or advice do you give those just getting started in RVing?

In my military career we focused extra closely on safety over the traditional summer months--Memorial Day to Labor Day (we called it 121 critical days of summer).

I've included two pictures that I spotted on my first time out that made me thing of things that could go wrong.

What can you pass on???

[Nuclear]

Sorry, may have to rotate pics.

[MSHappyCampers]

I can't tell what you're trying to show us there???

[SeeTheUSA]

The most profound advice I ever received during my 30+ years as a railroader, predominantly as a line officer in the Mechanical Department (locomotives and freight cars), was from a seasoned Division Superintendent way back when I was a young and inexperienced Road Foreman of Engines . . . . he insisted people on his team, at all levels, to NOT simply report a safety hazard, but to explain what they did to mitigate that hazard.

Cool thing was it transformed typically boring safety meetings loaded with complaints about this hazard and that hazard into meaningful and genuine meetings about a safer work environment. That process served me very well throughout my career, even ultimately as a seasoned Superintendent myself.

So, what did you discover as a possible hazard and what did you do to mitigate or nullify it? Your answer will likely teach us how to spot hazards and how to remove them. Thanks!

[Dick Noble]

If you have a fifth wheel or slides -- get a hard hat!

[slickest1]

Chock your trailer or toad wheels before unhooking!

[Skip426]

" Common Sense " is an oxymoron . If it were truly common every one would have it.

The first thing I learned about RVs and vehicles in general , is that the { self edit ....} that designs them never have to work on them. So if your looking for a part that needs to be repaired ; look in the least accessible place.
Safety , well Murphy is in charge of safety; and after 25 years as the shop first aid attendant for up to 65 people ... well enough said there isn't enough memory in the forums computers for those stories.

[Nuclear]

You make a good point seetheUSA, what do you do to mitigate the unsafe situation. Well, my pic that I posted was a bit unclear, it is my cargo bay door fully opened next to the entrance steps. When I came out after going in to get a tool I left behind, I just about ripped my arm on the sharp point of the door. The door is a t the right height to really hurt my granddaughter. So now I put a red foam on the corner. Poor design! Accident waiting to happen.

[Big Oil Guy]

Nuclear, I've seen people use tennis balls with slits cut to slip over the corners of slideouts to prevent injury. Also, a piece of Styrofoam or a length of pipe insulation like they sell at Home Depot. As far as the edge of the door, I suggest not leaving them open. Get what you need out of the compartment, and then close the door. This works for us..!

[Cliffy]

Getting my dear wife to close the cabinet doors immediately after opening them was the biggest safety item I have accomplished!! "-)

[Arch Hoagland]

Had two new tires blow out at the same time on a travel trailer.

By the time I got stopped one was smoking so I grabbed the fire extinguisher out of the trailer. You know, the one that is always by the entrance door.

What a joke RVIA approved fire extinguishers are.

I mitigated that problem and I now carry five extinguishers inside and outside my coach.

I suggest you do the same or at least replace the original.

[gruelens]

More RVers get hurt doing jobs on the roof than anything else. Wet roofs are very slippery. If you are not comfortable to go up there, have someone else do it. Also, the vertical ladders attached to the RV can be a safety issue. I climb up then pull tools/materials up with a rope.

[336muffin]

Think about this.............couple of days ago a fellow in a 40ft mh is blind backing into a site with his 6yr old grandson telling him how on a walkie talkie! Where is the common sense? I ran just in time to keep him from taking out a Grand Cherokee!

[Nuclear]

I can't imagine doing that! 6 yrs old! I am nervous when the little one are there one second and disappear the next. There are too many places for them to hide or get into. I defiantly am going to close to bay doors when I'm done in the compartment.