Author

Headquarters Safety Review

Local Review

Name: Dean Taiani

Title: Safety Specialist

Date: 6/26/2002

Name: Frank Lundblad, CIH, CHMM

Title: Manager, Safety Programs

Date: 6/26/2002

Approval: Yes

Name:

Title:

Date:

Approval: Yes No

Sequence of Basic Steps

Potential Hazards and Effects

Safe Work Practices

Required PPE*

1. Stop when seeing dog approach.

1.1. Hazard: Not stopping

Effect: Dog may follow and attack

Note: If dog approaches too close for comfort, firmly say either one of these phrases “No,” “Go Home,” “Stop.”

1.1. Stop and pay attention to the dog, make sure you do not stare at the dog’s eyes.

1.1.
<None>

2. Take out your dog repellent.

2.1. Hazard: You might panic

Effect: Drop dog spray

Only use repellent if the dog attacks. Note: Do not use repellent as a means of keeping distance between you and the dog.

2.1. Store dog repellent in an easy-access location. Practice removing repellent to become fast and efficient.

2.1.
Dog repellent

2.2. Hazard: Not knowing where your dog repellent is located or if you do not have any dog repellent

Effect: No defense toward the dog

Note: Only use repellent if the dog attacks. Do not use repellent as a means of keeping distance between you and the dog.

2.2. Store dog spray in an easy-access location. Practice removing spray to become fast and efficient.

2.2.
Dog repellent

3. Place satchel between yourself and the dog.

3.1. Hazard: Loosing sight of the dog when reaching for satchel

Effect: Dog may attack

Note: Only use repellent if the dog attacks. Do not use repellent as a means of keeping distance between you and the dog.

3.1. Make sure not to turn away from dog when preparing satchel.

3.1.
Dog repellent

4. Back away from the dog.

4.1. Hazard: Not backing up from the dog, but rather running away from dog

Effect: Dog will want to chase and may attack

Note: Only use repellent if the dog attacks. Do not use repellent as a means of keeping distance between you and the dog.

4.1. Make sure to back away facing the dog, keeping your satchel between you and the dog.

4.1.
Dog repellent

5. When safely away from the dog, call supervisor and Animal Control.

5.1. Hazard: Not reporting dog attack

Effect: Dog may attack at another time

5.1. Always report the incident so that appropriate action can be taken. This will help prevent another dog attack in the future.

5.1.
<None>

6. Sign and complete complaint form from Animal Control.

6.1. Hazard: Do not complete complaint

Effect: Dog will roam freely and may attack later.

6.1. Make sure to file a complaint. This will help assist Animal Control.

6.1.
<None>

7. Request a dog letter be issued to the owner of dog.

7.1. Hazard: Not issuing a letter to the owner of the dog

Effect: Dog may attack again at another time.

7.1. Request a dog letter be issued to the owner of the dog.

7.1.
<None>

8. Curtail mail until dog situation is under control.

8.1. Hazard: Not curtailing mail

Effect: When carrier delivers mail, the dog may attack again.

8.1. Make sure mail is curtailed until the dog is restrained and/or placed under control.

8.1.
<None>

Health Risk Assessment: 4 (Minor)

Ergonomic Risk Assessment Code: 3 (Moderate)

Safety Risk Assessment: 3 (Moderate)

Qualitative/Quantitative Exposure Assessment Data: N/A

Supporting Postal Service Policy Documents: EL-801 and EL 814

Supporting Safety Talks

Required Training