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Memorial Day Safety

May. 27 2022 Safety By McCandless Idealease

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Read the latest Idealease safety bulletin below or access the entire bulletin here. Remember to sign up for the weekly bulletin and receive it directly in your inbox! Stay informed on the latest safety news, tips, and information! Need a PDF version to download and share?

As we celebrate this upcoming Memorial Day, let's be mindful of the freedom we all enjoy. On May 3, 2000, President William J. Clinton, designated 3:00 pm on Memorial Day as a time for US citizens to observe one minute of silence is respect and reverence for those who have served our country. We are thankful for all the heroes who have sacrificed and continue to do so to protect our freedom. Keep in your thoughts and prayers the lives of the men and women who currently serve in our armed forces. Have a safe holiday!

In This Issue:

  • Preparing Your Terminal Facility
  • What CDL Drivers Should Know About Using CBD Products

Now is the Time to Prepare Your Terminal Facility for the Holiday Weekend

This is the first three day holiday weekend of the year and it is not uncommon for thieves to target truck terminals and truck dealerships. Unfortunately during the COVID-19 pandemic there has been a rise in vehicle break-ins. Diesel Particulate Filters (DPF), are being stolen more frequently.

The DPF is constructed with precious metals. Thieves use a battery-powered saws-all to cut off the DPF. Recently, a complete after-treatment system was stolen from one of our customer's units. This occurrence resulted in the cost of replacing the parts and the unit was down for six weeks due to backorder issues. Thieves know this holiday is a good opportunity for a successful theft as the possibility exists for no one to be at the facility. 

Safety Precautions:

  • Take the extra time to secure the trucks and items of value at your facility.
  • If your units do not have anti-siphon fuel devices or locking fuel caps, instruct the drivers not to fill the units at the end of the day.
  • Make sure that all security alarms and cameras are in working order.
  • Walk the yard perimeter to make sure that security fencing is in good condition.
  • Move units and all other materials such as pallets, tires, etc. far enough away from the fence so they cannot be used to climb on to get over the fence.
  • Review your security lighting to make sure it is operational and adequate. Lighting can be obstructed by vehicles or trees allowing a thief a place to be unseen.
  • Make sure the security alarm system is operational and cameras are adjusted.
  • Consider blocking the entrance and exits to the lot so units cannot be stolen. Throughout the three-day weekend assign management personnel to check the terminal randomly.
  • Notify local law enforcement officials of your hours of operation over the holidays so they know when to expect activity at your location.
  • Using a little prevention and common sense can deter a thief from striking your facility and disrupting your business!

Be on the lookout for cargo theft activity over the holiday weekend


What CDL Drivers Should Know About Using CBD Products

Positive drug tests account for 81 percent of total violations reported in the Clearinghouse since January 6, 2020. As of May 1, 2021, marijuana has been detected in over half of all drug tests that have been filed in the Clearinghouse.

It is important for all employees who perform safety-sensitive functions, including CDL drivers, to know:

  • The USDOT requires testing for marijuana and not CBD.
  • The labeling of many CBD products may be misleading because the products could contain higher levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) than what’s stated on the product label.
  • The USDOT’s Drug and Alcohol Testing Regulation, 49 CFR Part 40, does not authorize the use of Schedule I drugs, including marijuana, for any reason.
  • CBD use is not a legitimate medical explanation for a laboratory-confirmed marijuana positive result. Therefore, Medical Review Officers will verify a drug test confirmed at the appropriate cutoffs as positive, even if an employee claims they only used a CBD product.
  • Since the use of CBD products could lead to a positive drug test result, USDOT-regulated CDL drivers should exercise caution when considering whether to use CBD products.

Read the USDOT’s “CBD Notice” in full on the USDOT website.

CVSA "Operation Safe Driver Week" 

July 10-16, 2022


Throughout Operation Safe Driver Week, law enforcement personnel will be on the lookout for commercial motor vehicle drivers and passenger vehicle drivers engaging in risky driving. Identified unsafe drivers will be pulled over and issued a citation or warning. Data shows that traffic stops and interactions with law enforcement help reduce problematic driving behaviors. By contacting drivers during Operation Safe Driver Week, law enforcement personnel aim to make our roadways safer by targeting high-risk driving behaviors.

https://www.cvsa.org/program/programs/operation-safe-driver/operation-safe-driver-week/


*The Idealease Safety Bulletin is provided for Idealease locations and their customers and is not to be construed as a complete or exhaustive source of compliance or safety information. The Idealease Safety Bulletin is advisory in nature and does not warrant, guarantee, or otherwise certify compliance with laws, regulations, requirements, or guidelines of any local, state, or Federal agency and/or governing body, or industry standards.