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MARKETING & SUPPLY Fredericks Fuel and Heating Service takes an aggressive and proactive approach to safety. doing on the job is integral in engineering the best and safest solution.” The size of an operation is yet another safety con- sideration. “Frequency of use is important to factor in,” continues Semiklose. “If you’re a smaller compa- ny or you make a specialty blend, you might receive only a few large loads a week. But for a plant that has 30 trucks arriving per day, a need for speed would be vital. If you work with knowledgeable equipment suppliers, they can help you identify needs and work within your time and cost constraints.” SafeRack’s recently introduced Erecta Step product is an example of how manufacturers and suppliers can address safety needs identified by bulk plant operators. The modular platform and stairs can be easily assembled and configured for specific installations, thereby allowing workers to safely step over pipes and walls. Ultimately, Semiklose believes the greatest threat to safety is inaction. “Complacency is com- mon for companies that are used to operating a certain way,” he cautions. “But what if a worker is unaware of potential dangers? The law says it’s your responsibility to provide a level of protec- tion. But unfortunately, sometimes it takes a fall or a near-miss to shake up our complacency. Merely focusing on the upfront cost, rather than looking at how your employees can be safer, is a big mistake.” PROACTIVE APPROACH At Fredericks Fuel and Heating Service, Whritenour concurs with the need for a proactive approach to 18 MAY/JUNE 2011 safety. “Federal and state regulations require daily, monthly, and quarterly inspections,” he reports, “but we also prevent spills through training.” The company’s safety plan includes a semiannual “spill drill.” After each drill, he explains, “We critique ourselves and talk to our drivers to see if we could do something different. The drill is great for experi- enced drivers whose jobs can be monotonous, and also beneficial for new employees who will often make innovative suggestions.” If the worst occurs, the three Fredericks plants have fail-safes in place for spills and leaks. “Our plants are built self-enclosed in preparation for a spill,” says Whritenour. “There is a dike under- neath the tank for containment. So if a truck leaks, oil travels into a pipe and is directed into the dike. The spilled oil then just needs to be pumped out.” Hoping for the best and not planning for the worst can have disastrous consequences. “I’ve heard horror stories about other plants that had a truck that didn’t hook up correctly or have a shut- off valve,” Whritenour relates. “It caused a major clean-up when product flowed down the street and into the river.” By contrast, a few years ago Fredericks became concerned about aging tanks and voluntarily tore down one of its plant in order to build a better and safer one. “We consulted a construction company that specialized in tanks and building petroleum plants. Along with a qualified engineer, we designed an optimal site,” he reports. At all three Fredericks plants, safety protocols are rigorous. Trucks are grounded to prevent static discharges. Fire extinguishers are provided in all NPN Magazine n www.npnweb.com