Safety Procedures Flashcards

A meter reader slips and falls on a wet surface while on a customer's property. What should they do FIRST?

Answer: Assess themselves for injuries and report the incident to a supervisor immediately

All workplace injuries, no matter how minor they seem, must be reported immediately per OSHA regulations and company policy so that proper medical evaluation and documentation can occur.

Proper body mechanics when lifting a heavy meter vault cover include:

Answer: Squatting down, keeping your back straight, and lifting with your legs

Safe lifting technique requires bending at the knees, keeping the back straight, and using leg muscles to lift — this protects the spine from injury.

In extreme summer heat, a meter reader should take precautions against heat-related illness by:

Answer: Drinking plenty of water throughout the shift and taking rest breaks in shade

Hydration and scheduled rest breaks in shaded or cool areas are the primary defenses against heat exhaustion and heat stroke during outdoor fieldwork.

When using a meter reading wand or remote reading device near electrical equipment, the reader should:

Answer: Keep the device away from high-voltage equipment and use only as directed by the manufacturer

Electronic reading devices should only be used for their intended purpose and kept clear of high-voltage equipment to prevent damage to the device or electrical hazards.

A meter reader's vehicle breaks down in a hazardous location on a busy road. The safest action is to:

Answer: Move to a safe distance from the vehicle and call for help

Moving away from the disabled vehicle to a safe distance (guardrail, hillside, behind a barrier) and calling for help protects the worker from being struck by passing traffic.

Why is it important for a meter reader to report a meter location that has excessive vegetation or overgrowth?

Answer: Overgrowth can hide hazards like snakes, insects, or unseen drop-offs that endanger future readers

Dense vegetation near meters can conceal dangerous animals, trip hazards, or unstable ground, making it a safety issue that needs to be flagged and cleared.