'Play to Live' during 101 Critical Days of Summer Published June 19, 2009 By Mark Stortecky 30th Space Wing Safety VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- This year's 101 Critical Days of Summer message, "Play to Live, Live to Play," is short and simple, but speaks volumes when we apply it to safely partaking in the almost limitless list of recreational activities available to our Airman and civilians both on and off duty. From mountain biking to motocross, hang gliding to windsurfing, camping to softball, you name it; it's out there to experience! We love the challenge and excitement these activities provide and it's a great way to let loose and enjoy life. Just remember it's great to have fun, but getting injured is not. As the slogan says, "Play to Live." Have fun, but do it safely. When planning to partake in any activity or take your family on a vacation out of the area, this is the best time to determine if risks are involved. Ask yourself, what can I do to protect myself or others from the hazards? What are my limitations and that of the equipment I'll be using? Operational risk management is a good tool to use for planning a safe time in anything you do. The six principals of ORM are: 1. Identify the Hazard. Hazards can be any real or potential condition that can cause an injury, illness or death. Hazards can also damage or destroy equipment or property. Hazards are not confined and do not have limits. 2. Assess the Risk. A risk is the probability and severity of loss that can happen from the hazard. Making a good assessment of the hazards involved will help determine the chances of a hazard happening, how bad it could hurt someone and the outcome if injuries or damage occur. 3. Analyze Risk Control Measures. What can I do to prevent someone from being injured or something being damaged? 4. Make Control Decisions. What can be done to avoid, reduce or find ways to remove hazards? This may involve purchasing the right equipment, taking time to learn about an activity, reading the instruction on a piece of equipment, getting training from professionals, spending money to get the best available activity or facilities, having enough people for the activity and ensuring they are adequately prepared. Is this something approved by the Air Force? 5. Risk Control Implementation. Once you know the measures to take for making an activity, trip, etc., safe, put them into action. 6. Supervise and Review. Throughout the activity you're doing, check on how effective the measures you've taken are working to keep things safe. For some activities, you may have to regularly inspect equipment to see if it has become damaged or how well it is functioning. For rappelling or rock climbing, frequently inspect ropes and harnesses for fraying and damage. If you're on a road trip, checking vehicle fluid levels, condition of the tires or get adequate rest to prevent fatigue. "Live to Play." If you are taking the steps to prevent yourself and others from being injured, you'll be able to enjoy these activities and keep from being injured. For more information of the 101 Critical Days of Summer, contact the 30th SW Safety office at 606-8805.