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Safety Tips

Safety Provisions

Designate a safety person to be positioned in a location where he/she can see and ensure the safety of all participants.

The designated safety person will make sure that all temporary warning signs are placed and maintained within a half mile of where participants are actually working and will check them often.

  • DON'T pick up litter on the highway or close to the edge of the road or on any median. Stay on the right-of-way, facing the traffic, and stay with your team.
  • DON'T pick up litter in construction or maintenance sites, in tunnels, or on bridges or overpasses. Leave the work for RIDOT.
  • DON'T play around or do anything that will distract passing drivers or other volunteers. Being on the roadside is already a distraction.
  • DON'T work during peak travel time when many cars will be passing. RIDOT will help you identify suitable times.
  • DON'T participate in the litter pick up while under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol.
  • DON'T overexert yourself. Take breaks and drink plenty of fluids.
  • DON'T bring small children along. No participants shall be below 11 years old, in accordance with national standards for this program.
  • DON'T pick up materials that appear to be hazardous. Contact state police or the Hazardous Waste Division of the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (401-222-2797).
  • DO wear an orange safety vest so that you can be seen easily. Wear it to the pickup site so you have it on from the moment you leave the car.
  • DO wear light or bright colored protective clothing, as well as hard-soled shoes and work gloves.
  • DO work only in daylight and fair weather.
  • DO stay alert for snakes and noxious weeds and avoid them.
  • DO take pride in daring to care about keeping Rhode Island Beautiful.