Profile For Bill I.

A thinking truck driver: Viruses and germs (bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa) spread more easily through airborne pathogens but a common path can be through touch. While hygiene is never a bad thing I have a theory that might deserve consideration. Most sanitizers or antibacterial cleansers tout they "kill 99.9% to 99.99% of germs". In terms of math at best this would mean .01% survive. a)- How does this happen and, b)- What happens to the .01%. It is true that germs are pretty much everywhere so we sanitize, then sanitize again, and again several times a day. Any real science behind a claim might have an error factor that could be 3 to 4% meaning the claim at best (.01% survival) could be off by 3.996% and only 96.004% could be killed. A theorem is that a germ, having survived, becomes more resistant to other attempted exterminations, and can mutate. If a germ survives one or more "cleansings" several times a day what could this mean? Maybe a super germ, superbug or nightmare bacteria that we might be self-breeding? One CDC solution is to use a sanitizer that contains a minimum 60% alcohol but this may not remove chemicals such as pesticides. The National Institute of Health recommends 60-95% alcohol. "Honest Hand Sanitizer" contains 62% alcohol and the stated claim (like most others) is: "kills 99.9% of germs, "Purell contains 70% alcohol and gives the claim of "kills 99.99%, Kleenex states it kills 99.9% of cold and flu viruses with no alcohol. We should consider how effective a persistent antiseptic is if avoiding alcohol. How does SD alcohol 40B (ethanol with a denaturing agent) compare? Trying to be "too clean" in a dirty world, worrying only about the hands while breathing in polluted or infected air (no mask?), not wearing "dress gloves" while touching a handrail that 10,000 people have touched, or the store cooler, and even just going into a store where cheap air filters are used instead of microbial filtration might be considered. Don't forget the public bathroom doorknob (did the last person wash?) and other places. Placing our own hands in our mouths (biting our nails) or wiping the face could be a fast way to self-consume germs or viruses. Consider that obsessing over the hands might hinder the body’s natural ability to fight off infections. Keep on keeping on with being clean and avoiding potential problems but if obsessing then consider all options including using the highest alcohol content sanitizer instead of one with the "minimum". If we are that obsessed with catching something by touch then maybe a sterilized napkin and a bottle of 100% alcohol would be better? If we sanitize our hands (and maybe face) do we take vitamins to make sure our immune system is healthy? Get enough sleep? Other factors may be just as important. How much does national advertising affect sanitizing sells? Consider that if someone wants to sell something they need a market so need to advertise. Throw in "children" and germs and it can really generate positive advertising results. Don't just fall for advertising and be less effective than desired.

A couple of months ago I was stopped by Texas DOT and after asking for the normal stuff the officer asked me if I knew how to email my elogs. He seemed surprised when I said that I did. He gave me an email address and I sent the information. He then asked if I had elog cheat sheet and I showed it to him. Two officers went over the logs and in conversation, I was informed that in two weeks they issued many tickets because drivers did not know how to email (fax or otherwise send) the elogs and more didn't have the cheat sheet. I called my manager and he informed me that three of our drivers had already received tickets. I looked in three trucks when I arrived back at the yard and there was no cheat sheet in them so I stopped looking. When I called safety they stated they were working on it and I informed them this was an urgent issue that needs resolving now. I got the manager to copy my cheat sheet and placed one in every truck. Many issues ultimately fall on a driver, even though a company has a responsibility, but it does not matter when a DOT officer is writing out a ticket. The CSA 2010 score will reflect on the company for two years and the driver for three. The next morning when I logged in there was an urgent safety message with an explanation on how to forward elogs when requested. I found that many drivers did not know they could forward the logs to their own email address. I just thought I would post this for general information or for new drivers.