Monthly Archives: July 2012

General Safety Issues, Home Safety Products

THE PSYCHOLOGY OF SECURITY LIGHTING (Guest Post)

7 Comments

Security lighting fulfills a number of important psychological functions. Primarily, security lighting provides the user with peace of mind, and reduces worries over burglaries in the home. Having a security light fitted also alters the perception of a property, while also being shaped by how a home owner interprets their immediate surroundings and their threat level. In terms of potential thieves, security lights act as an important deterrent that creates uncertainty about going through with a job. However, it is important to think carefully about whether security lights are being properly used, and how they might create a different impression for would-be thieves. These points are developed below: 

1 – Peace of Mind 

Having a basic set of security lights grants a home owner a level of personal safety. Those worried about being robbed or their property vandalised are able to rely on extra security to reduce risk. While perhaps only being a simple solution to increasing security, having lights in place can mean that a home owner can think less about monitoring and checking their property for threats. Relying on lights to provide this alert means that a plan is in place to provide an early warning, and more time to respond to a problem. 

2 – Perception of Property 

How security lights work depend on a person’s perception of their property and the surrounding area. Those that feel safe within a suburban or gated community might view security lights as an unnecessary expense, due to their belief that security is already provided for. Others may use security lights to better control their fears about living in an urban area with a high crime rate. Again, peace of mind and reduced anxiety are some of the primary psychological drivers behind installing security lights. 

3 – Deterrent 

Understanding the psychology of thieves is important to protecting your home. Sudden bright lights, or a well lit driveway and door, can be unattractive to thieves exploring a neighbourhood at night. Lights draw the attention of those in the neighbourhood, and lower the ability of a thief from being able to make a break in without identified. The shock factor of bright lights kicking in can also make a thief leave by creating the impression of further security features within a property. 

4 – Caution 

It is important, however, not to overvalue or rely on security lighting for peace of mind, or to trust that they will necessarily scare off burglars. Lights on a timer may indicate to a burglar that the owners of a property are not there, while those that scout out a neighbourhood will be able to work out if there aren’t any extra security measures. The problem of lights coming on for passers by may also mean that people are less likely to turn to lighting as a sole solution for their security. In this way, it’s also important to have a good set of bolts, glass breakage detectors and other devices in place if you are worried about a break in to your home.

About the author
Serena is an in-house copywriter for a leading supplier of energy saving electrical supplies at Discount Electrical. In her spare time she writes various other blogs online on numerous other topics such as health, automotive and the theatre.

 

General Safety Issues

FACILITIES INSPECTIONS

IT’S TIME TO CONDUCT YOUR FACILITY INSPECTION –

INSIDE AND OUT!

 How often do your safety and compliance officers conduct inspections of your workplace?  OSHA is responsible for regular workplace health and safety concerns to ensure businesses are in compliance with their standards, which includes physical surveys and evaluating that the business meets criteria to be certified.  It is up to the safety officials of the company to ensure that the company continues to meet the standards set up by OSHA, by providing a safe atmosphere for its workers.  Facilities that have been inspected and certified are on OSHA’s records.  This includes construction and industrial sites. 

OSHA strongly intends to conduct on-site inspections for facilities that have a high rate of incidents, injuries and illnesses shown by recorded data.  Types of these establishments are nursing facilities, personal care facilities and manufacturing plants.  Construction is considered a high-risk choice of work, as well.  Inspections and investigations are done by OSHA compliance health and safety officers, who are professionally trained in the disciplines of safety and industrial hygiene.   (You may go to our parent company’s home page, Texas America Safety Company, www.tasco-safety.com, to read safety news reports of those companies who were guilty of various non-compliance issues, resulting in death and injury to workers.)

Inspections are always conducted without advance notice.  There are, however, special circumstances under which OSHA may give notice to the employer, but such a notice will normally be less than 24 hours. These circumstances include the following:

  •  Imminent danger situations that require correction as soon as possible;
  •  Accident investigations where the employer has notified the agency of a fatality or   catastrophe;
  •  Inspections that must take place after regular business hours or that require special preparation;
  •  Cases where notice is required to ensure that the employer and employee representative or other personnel will be present;
  •  Cases where an inspection must be delayed for more than 5 working days when there is good cause; and
  •  Situations in which the OSHA Area Director determines that advance notice would produce a more thorough or effective inspection. 

Employers who receive advance notice of an inspection must inform their employees’ representative or arrange for OSHA to do so.  If an employer refuses to admit an OSHA compliance officer or if an employer attempts to interfere with the inspection, the Act permits appropriate legal action, such as obtaining a warrant to inspect. 

How does a compliance officer prepare for the inspection?

A compliance officer represents the agency and is expected to demonstrate his or her knowledge and expertise in the safety and health field in a courteous and professional manner. Before the inspection, the compliance officer will become familiar with as many relevant facts as possible about the workplace, such as its inspection history, the nature of the business, and the particular standards that might apply. This preparation provides the compliance officer with a knowledge of the potential hazards and industrial processes that he or she may encounter and aids in selecting appropriatePPE safety supplies for use against these hazards during the inspection. 

The above information is from OSHA, so it might be a good time to get out that inspection checklist and make sure your workplace is in compliance. Hopes are you won’t find anything too dangerous, but it would be an excellent way to avoid a serious injury, lost time, and lost productivity, as well as legal repercussions.  Plus, the employees on the front line will probably sleep a little better at night, knowing you check safety issues out on a regular basis.

General Safety Issues

WAREHOUSE SAFETY & FIRE PROTECTION (Guest Post)

1 Comment

Understanding and applying proper warehouse fire protection and safety procedures means having the right amount of protection for workers and company assets, as well as providing safety training regularly. Too little protection can mean a catastrophic loss of property or goods and putting employees in danger. Going too far, however, could create an aura of fear and hinder employees’ job performance. 

How do I know what I need? 

Become familiar with the local fire codes and then hire a professional who can audit your facility and tell you what you need to add or replace. This task cannot be done with just a little research. Codes can seem vague or use draconian language, making it difficult for you to casually read. Find a specialist with a background in your industry so they can make recommendations based on the codes that apply to you.

What kinds of requirements do I have to follow?

Specific requirements are spelled out in your local codes. There are a few requirements for any warehouse: 

  • Warehouses of all sizes must have an automated sprinkler system.
  • There is a minimum space required between storage (e.g., pallets) and sprinklers.
  • Aisles that result in a dead end at a wall have a maximum length.
  • For material stored in unconfined piles, there must be an aisle every few feet.
  • Restrictions about smoking, including designated locations and signage.
  • Propane fuel tanks and aerosol containers must meet specific requirements.
  • Plastics have many storage and packaging requirements.
  • Anything that falls into the hazardous material category (e.g., gasses, explosives, flammable liquids) have substantial storage and fire protection requirements. 

What is the purpose of fire codes and requirements?

Fire codes have evolved over time and are designed to help businesses prevent fires and, in the event of a fire, contain it until it can be safely extinguished. These rules minimize property losses and prevent injuries. The better the prevention, the better the chance of minimizing any fire damage. 

How do I protect workers? 

Fire inspectors look for hazardous situations that affect the workers as much as the merchandise. Some things an inspector looks for during a fire inspection include: 

  • Aisles and doors that are blocked, preventing people from escaping
  • Sprinkler systems that do not work
  • Missing or inoperative fire extinguishers
  • Emergency lights or signs that are missing or not working
  • Overloaded or otherwise unsafe electrical wiring or extension cords

When properly addressed, precautionary measures can prevent injury and fatalities in the event of a fire.

An organized approach to fire protection and prevention

A good model for maintaining a high level of protection in the warehouse is to adopt the 5S approach: 

  • Sort – Sort through everything. Keep only what is needed and get rid of the rest.
  • Set – Set up an appropriate place for everything and keep it there.
  • Shine – Do proper maintenance and cleaning in the warehouse and on equipment.
  • Standardize – Create standard procedures and educate workers about their use.
  • Sustain – Evaluate each of the above steps and make changes to improve the process. 

Don’t just follow the rules 

Passing fire inspections and keeping your facilities up to code will not completely erase the potential for a fire. Don’t assume that your warehouse and your workers are safe; instead, be proactive. Schedule regular drills and inspections and keep track of all safety measures, making sure to replace safety hardware when it’s nearing the end of its useful life. Remain dedicated to fire safety to prevent your company from becoming another statistic. 

Jessica is a freelance blogger and an admin for Instructions Optional. Her interest for construction and large scale projects has stemmed from DIY and home improvement projects as well as working for a commercial water damage restoration company. She enjoys learning about worksite safety and keeping up with the industry on Twitter (@jessstark9).

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues

FIVE ITEMS TO TAKE WITH YOU FOR A SAFE TRIP ABROAD (GUEST POST)

2 Comments

You’ve been dreaming about that trip abroad for months now. As the date approaches, perhaps you unpack and pack again in anticipation, perhaps tinged by a bit of apprehension. Questions about safety may arise, especially if you are traveling on your own. Preparation, as they say, is everything. Bringing the proper items with you on your trip abroad will help you travel safely and wisely.  While you’re abroad, don’t forget to take the proper precautions to ensure that your home, pets, and possessions are safe while you’re away-see the home safety checklist.

The All Important Passport

Considering that it is nearly impossible to board a boat, train or plane without a passport, this is not likely something you’ll forget. In addition to the official document, carry copies of the front page with you, preferably in a separate compartment. If your passport gets lost or stolen it is easier to replace, and you still have some form of ID. Some countries, such as Italy, currently require hotels to hold onto passports while they fill out the government visitor registration forms. Occasionally that means you will be without that passport for a few hours or even overnight. Having a copy with you is a welcome safety net. Along with your passport, bring along at least two copies of your itinerary and emergency contact numbers. Leave an identical copy back at home with friends. Better yet, sign up with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program operated by the U.S. Department of State. This service provides travel updates for different countries and can help your friends track you down in an emergency.

Credit Cards, ATM Cards, Cash

Keeping your funds secure on your trip is a must. Money belts and travel wallets that conveniently fit around your neck and hide beneath shirts and sweaters are the safest way to go. The key is not to advertize what you are carrying. If possible, carry your credit cards, ATM card and cash in different places. Write down your credit card and ATM numbers (but keep the information in a safe place) just in case they are lost or stolen. It makes it easier to cancel and/or replace those items. As far as cash, carry only as much as you need for a day or two and try to arrive with at least some cash in local currency. If you arrive at your destination in the wee hours you’re not going to want to visit an ATM machine. Banks and/or currency exchange offices, except perhaps at some airports and train depots, are not usually open 24hrs. Traveler’s checks are another option, especially in major cities.

Cell Phones and Communication

Cell phones offer a measure of mental comfort and safety for travelers, especially for those traveling alone or in rural areas. Many are equipped with GPS, which along with a good map may keep you from getting lost. Make sure your cell phone will work at your destination. United States phones must be unlocked to work abroad. Unlocking a phone means altering its SIM card, the little chip that makes your phone work, to let it “talk” to the foreign cell phone network.

Some cell phone companies have no problem doing this and usually offer add-on overseas plans. Others resist or have plans that are prohibitively expensive. It may be cheaper for you to buy a simple phone when you get to your destination. Kiosks are found in many airports and depots. Add on some minutes and you are good to go. If you run low, add more.


Safety and Emergency Equipment

Nothing is more comforting in a darkened room than a hint of light. We have flashlights and emergency lighting at home, so why not when we travel? A compact flashlight that in a purse of backpack is a must. First aid kits are also a plus. You may be in the middle of nowhere or unable to get to a pharmacy in the middle of the night. That deep paper cut or bug bite could benefit from a bit of attention sooner rather than later.

You might consider bringing some pepper spray for protection. Airlines require that pepper spray containers be kept in checked baggage only. Find out if there are any restrictions on bringing pepper spray into the country/countries you are visiting. As an example, it is considered illegal in Hong Kong, but legal in India. Likewise, in Europe, the spray is illegal in Belgium and Denmark and perfectly fine in the Czech Republic. If you want to visit Canada, leave the pepper spray at home.

Health Insurance Card, Medical Supplies

While we are on the subject of health, be sure and carry your health insurance card with you. If you policy doesn’t cover you overseas, it’s best to take out travel health insurance. AARP offers travel insurance for those 50 and older and some credit card companies, like American Express, offer their own policies. You may be able to go through your own broker for coverage. Travel insurance is usually a separate policy that covers you for the duration of your trip. Cost is based on length of trip as well as prior medical history.

If you happen to be on prescription medication, make sure you have enough for your trip. Pack your medication in your carry-on luggage, in their original containers, along with a copy of your prescriptions and doctor’s information. This makes it easier to clear customs. Be sure and check the prescription drug importation laws in the country/countries you are visiting. You may need an additional note from your doctor if you medicine includes narcotics or must be delivered by injection, such as insulin. Keep in mind that medications are typically hand inspected at security and customs checkpoints.

<  

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Home Safety Products

AN EFFECTIVE WAY TO EXTINGUISH SMALL HOUSEHOLD FIRES (GUEST POST)

There are times when there are small fires at your home. In a state of shock, you usually panic and call the fire brigade when you could have easily extinguished it yourself. In unfortunate incidents, there are also chances that these small fires could end up turning ugly and disastrous till the time fire brigade reaches your place. Therefore, keeping convenient and easy to use materials or equipments at your home to tackle such situations is a must. 

Fire blankets are one such option which can quickly, easily and efficiently help you to extinguish small household fires, all by yourself. These blankets are usually used in the kitchen area as there are chances of small stove or electrical fires in this part of your house. Usually, fire needs three different elements to keep on going. These are oxygen, heat and fuel. In the absence of any one, the fire ceases to exist. This is the principle on which fire resistant blankets work. These blankets make use of fire resistant material which blocks out any one of the three elements which keep a fire going. Depending on the usage and manufacturer, these blankets may be made out of different types of materials. Blankets which are made for small household fires are made up of fiberglass. 

How do these blankets work 

When you put a fire resistant blanket on top of the fire correctly, it starts suffocating the flames. By covering the whole surface area of the fire, these blankets cut off the oxygen supply which let the fire grow. By cutting the supply of oxygen, these blankets make sure that the fire does not grow and spread. Make sure that you do not try to extinguish big fires with the help of these blankets. Fire resistant blankets help in extinguishing only small household fires. In case of a big fire, just leave the area and give a call to the fire brigade. 

Storing Fire resistant blankets

Fire blankets can be easily stored in any corner of your home. They come in small plastic packages when you buy them. The package usually comes along with a manual. This manual has all the necessary instructions on how to store and use a blanket in times of need. Make sure that you go through all the instructions at the time of purchase. Depending on the manufacturers and the usage of the blanket, different blankets may have different instructions. So, you should read the instructions on how to unpack and use a blanket as soon as you purchase it. Fire blankets should be usually kept or stored in an area which is prone to small fires. This area may include kitchen or an additional cooking area where you might be keeping your grill or barbeque. Also remember to not lock away the blanket in a cabinet. Make sure that it is easily accessible whenever it is needed. The best place may be the kitchen wall or somewhere near the additional cooking area. These blankets are usually packed in a way so that they can be easily thrown over a small fire when needed.

Thanks, Sachin, for this information.  I think I may try one of those fire blankets! 

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Protective Clothing, Respiratory Safety

PROTECT YOURSELF WITH SAFETY EQUIPMENT FOR ASBESTOS REMOVAL (Guest Post)

2 Comments

Posing a serious health hazard, asbestos removal is a necessary process to ensure that the inhabitants of the home are safe from health complications. Asbestos is not just toxic; it is also a silent killer. Asbestos fibres are very light and often too small to be noticed by the naked eye. They can even float in the atmosphere for months and inhaled by unassuming victims. This makes it even more important to let professionals take care of asbestos removal in your home.  Before starting with the removal, there are many safety measures that should be attended to. Here are the essentials of safety equipment that are a must when removing asbestos.      

Respirators 

They are used to purify the air when working around asbestos. Covering mainly the nose and mouth, respirators filter out the asbestos and allow you to work safely around it. It is important that the respirators fit your head perfectly as even small air gaps can cause asbestos poisoning. Ensure that you are clean shaven to allow the mask to seal your head properly. 

At all costs, avoid using paper dust masks as they cannot filter the small asbestos fibres, causing unnecessary harm to your health. Check with your doctor if you can wear respirators. 

PPE (personal protective equipment) 

Ensure that all persons working inside the containment area wear safety equipment. Apart from protecting your lungs, it is also important to cover your face and body from asbestos. Prolonged exposure to asbestos has known to cause innumerable complications in the health of workers. 

PPE includes safety goggles to protect your eyes, disposable coveralls and gloves to protect your body from debris, and rubber boots to shield your feet from sharp objects. For optimum comfort and protection, opt for laceless rubber boots and ensure that they are thoroughly cleaned after each project. 

Large plastic sheets 

It is a good idea to line the containment area with large plastic sheets. For best results, choose 2 or 3 mil sheeting for the walls and 6 mil sheeting for the floor. Purchase at least one and half times the required amount to ensure that you cover surfaces comfortably. Use good duct tape to seal the corners and joints of the sheeting. 

Tank sprayers 

When removing asbestos, it is essential to keep it wet. Dry asbestos can come loose and risk affecting the workers and neighbours. Tank sprayers help asbestos stick to the wall during the removal. 

Large disposal bags 

The disposal of asbestos is as important as proper removal. All materials exposed to asbestos during the removal process should be safely disposed to prevent contaminating the home and the neighbourhood. Choose 6 mil disposal bags specially designed for asbestos and ensure that the bags are about 33″x50″ in size. It is a good idea to purchase about 4-5 bags for each 100 sqft of ceiling material. 

 Penny is an expert associated with Intersafety, a leading distributor of protective gear and safety equipment. If you are looking to protect your hands in the workplace, visit www.intersafety.co.uk and check out their collection of work gloves and more.

General Safety Issues, Hand Protection

SPECIAL HEALTH AND SAFETY MEASURES BEING IMPLEMENTED FOR THE LONDON OLYMPICS? (GUEST POST)

The London 2012 Games are set to be a hugely important historical event for the UK, and if you are lucky enough to have a ticket, you will certainly want to make the most out of it.   To make sure this is feasible, the organisers, with the help of the nation’s health services and security establishments are making sure that the games go ahead as smoothly as possible.   With this in mind, the organisers, alongside the UK health system and police forces, have put in place measures to ensure that the Olympic events run smoothly and safely, allowing visitors from all around the world to fully enjoy the Games. 

Ever since it was announced in 2005 that London would host the 2012 Olympics, the nation has been working overtime to take appropriate precautions.  There is a reason for this. The threat level in the country will be labelled as severe as a precaution, due to the high number of visitors expected. 

By the time the Games start, over nine million tickets will have been sold and on the busiest day it is estimated that 800,000 people will be using public transport to travel. So what exactly are the risks involved and what precautions and advice are being given?

Let’s break it down into health and safety. 

Health 

According to a report by the Health and Safety Executive, there are a number of health-related problems that are more likely to occur at busy events, such as the Olympics.

One of these include airborne and communicable diseases which can be a real threat during mass gatherings, but accident and emergency departments have been informed as to which diseases are not prevalent in the UK that may be an issue. To avoid spreading germs, it is recommended that visitors carry hand sanitizer on them.

Another health concern is regarding heat. British weather is temperamental and it is difficult to predict whether you are more at risk of sun stroke or hypothermia. Visitors are advised to come equipped for all weather conditions. Staff will be on rotation to avoid long exposure to harsh weather for their own safety. 

If you are travelling from outside of the UK, the National Health Service has compiled a list of what you may want to consider packing. These include: A valid European Health Insurance card if relevant, any prescribed medicine you may need, comfortable walking shoes, clothes for all weather,rainwear, sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 15 and details of your travel insurance. 

Safety 

A lack of training and site orientation for volunteers was highlighted as something that could risk the management of crowd safety and emergency procedures. With this in mind, all volunteers will have attended at least three training courses. It will also be likely that many local businesses may allow employees to work from home temporarily to ease the strain on public transport and reduce crowd-related dangers.
To reduce any security risks, all venues will be searched, and many visitors will have their bag searched too. In fact, visitors are advised to pack light and travel as if you were flying: this includes no potential weaponry and a bag that would fit under your seat. No storage will be available for security purposes. 

Up to 12,500 police officers from across the UK are being deployed for the London Games and a number of officers are expected to receive additional search training, as well as the use of specially trained dogs to aid in bag searches.

There has been a real emphasis on training this year to ensure that the focus can remain on the sports themselves and the historical event.  Huge crowds can be difficult to manage without a clear plan of action and this is useless unless all staff and volunteers are made aware of it.

 

 

 

General Safety Issues, Home Safety Products

SIX SAFETY TIPS ALL PARENTS SHOULD KNOW (Guest Post)

4 Comments

New parents may not realize just how much danger their children are exposed to on a daily basis. All families have to take precautions to protect their children, so that their homes are as risk free as possible from accidents. Below are six safety tips that can help make your home safe from their infancy, through crawling and walking:

Glass
Far too many children are seen in emergency rooms for injuries due to glass furniture. Coffee tables and side tables are not required by law to use safety glass, going the safe route and putting away furniture that has glass in it is the best thing to do until your child is older.

Window Blinds
Children continue to have accidents and strangulation from mini-blind and drapery cords. This is because children love twirling around in cords,and do not realize the dangers. The only way to prevent accidents is to invest in a blind winder, so you can have all your cords stored away, without hanging down. The cords can then operate with the push of a button!

Water
Children under the age of 5 are at the highest risk of drowning, but all kids needs to be watched carefully around water. If you have a pool in your yard or hot tub, be sure to have a high fence around it, locked at all times. Alarms should be installed on any door that can lead to a pool area, and be sure that any water you have is free of toys floating around that would entice a child to go there. Babies can drown in something as small as a bucket of water! 

Storage
Cabinets and cupboards should be secured with child safety locks. Inside those cabinets are glass dishes, toxic cleaning products, medicines, heavy pots and pans and other things that can be deadly to your baby, should they get into them. Installing locks on all cabinets and even drawers will help your baby be much safer.

Windows
Deaths from open windows has risen in the past few years. Preventing falls can be easy though, by simply having window guards put on the windows. Make sure all windows are locked too, so that your children don’t have these types of accidents.

Safety Gates
Safety gates should be used around your home anywhere that a baby can be hurt. Safety gates are a must at stairways, around fireplaces and at openings to rooms that the child would not be safe in. Netting is well worth the effort too!

There are many more ways to protect your child from hazards at home. Ensure that your children are at the least risk possible when in your home by taking these preventative measures.

Grace Green writes about safety, parenting & more at http://www.boatinsurance.org..

—
Guest Post U

The University of Great Content
General Safety Issues, Head Protection

HARD HATS – WHEN DO YOU WEAR THEM? (Guest Post)

2 Comments
Some construction workers will tell you that the hard hat is one of hardest things to keep on your head but they are a necessary part of safety.  When you are on the ground and someone is working above you there is always a chance of something hitting you from above. Two of our construction workers were finishing out their day and they were lowering the buckets of tools down from a swing stage to the ground.  One of the buckets of tools flipped over while being lowered to the ground and one of tools flew out.  It did not hit the worker that was on the ground, it was, what we would call a near miss, but the hard hat would have been her protection if it had been any closer.  Why take that chance?
 
When working on roadways, on boulevards, or in ditches, the Safety hard hat is the first thing others will see when driving past. The hard hat identifies that work is going on and tells motorists to slow down.  Of course the safety vest is also to be worn on these types of jobs. It is also a crucial part of identifying the construction worker.  Even the supervisor has to wear a hard hat and a safety vest when going on the job site to set a good example. 
 
Several years ago, before a lot of the safety rules which are in place now, a supervisor on a job site had his hard hat save his life in a very unusual way.    That supervisor was my Dad.  He was always in the site trailer doing his job but on this particular day he had been called out to the job site where  work was in progress.  Like always as leaving the trailer, he grabbed his hard hat and put it on.  When he got to the work site, one of the workers who had been causing problems and been warned before, was again causing havoc on the job.  He had no choice but to fire him.  After solving the problem, my Dad started walking back to his site trailer but still oddly enough kept his hard hat on.   The worker that had just been fired came up behind him with a small sledge hammer in hand and hit my Dad on the head.  His hard hat saved him from a major head injury and as I said before, possibly his life.  Mind you, my Dad had a pretty hard head.   The company he worked for at the time awarded him the golden hard hat award for his safety diligence.
 
Moral of this story is:  When on a job site, wear your hard hat all the time.  This includes workers, foreman, supervisors, safety officers and any visitors to the site.  You never know what is going to happen.  When attending one of our job sites you must have a hard hat, steel toed boots and safety vest where warranted.  Where is that?  Everywhere, you are on our jobsites.  As you can tell, I was taught these rules early in life.  As a child if I visited my Dad’s sites, you had to have steel toed boots on your feet and a hard hat on your head, to go anywhere on one of his sites.   Remember this was before there was a Safety Association to tell us the right way, or any kind of safety rules like there are in place today.  It was called common sense, and that is what safety is.
Susan Schwabl
nascon.ca
safetyequipment.shopbuynenjoy.com/
770-7478
General Safety Issues

FIRE SAFETY MEASURES FOR A SAFER WORKPLACE (Guest Post)

1 Comment

Today’s safety message comes to us from across the Ocean, from U.K. Fire Safety Solutions.

Health and safety in the workplace should be a top priority for any business, keeping your staff, customers and any other visitors safe on your premises is very important. The Fire Safety Regulation Reform Order has legislations in place that you must comply with as a business owner. 

One of these legislations is that you must perform a regular fire risk assessment on your premises; a fire risk assessment is a vital procedure towards keeping a safe working environment. It is the most effective way to identify any potential fire risks on your premises, eliminate them then maintain the work you have done. 

The law does not state who must perform an assessment only that the individual is a competent individual, this allows you to perform the assessment yourself or hire a third party fire consultant to do it for you. If you wish to perform your own fire risk assessment it would be beneficial to read up about it online. There is lot’s of informative websites which also offer fire risk assessment downloads such as checklists and forms to help you through the process. You can also purchase fire risk assessment software that will give you the information you need as well as running you through a full, step-by-step risk assessment.

Things you must consider when performing a fire risk assessment: 

Identification is key when it comes to preventing fire hazards, you must ensure to review your whole premises by hand to maximize the results of the risk assessment. The more thorough you are the less likely it is to miss a fire risk in your workplace. When identifying fire risks it is always good to consider the three elements that start a fire: heat, oxygen and fuel. 

Always consider individuals who may be at particular risks, these are the people most in danger, For instance – Anyone using highly flammable chemicals or liquids in an area high in oxygen is at particular risk. 

When you feel your whole workplace has been covered you must assess any risks that have been found and take action in removing them. Sometimes it is difficult to completely remove any threats so you must implement some form of fire precaution to protect against hazards. 

Another vital part of an assessment is to record the full process, by doing this you have written proof that you are complying with the fire safety law but it also makes it easier to manage your workplace fire safety. You can inform all staff members of what was carried out and make everyone aware of any specific duties they must carry out. 

Review your assessment on a regular basis; provided that you have recorded your fire risk assessment correctly it should be easy to review your workplace following your old notes. You should check that any implemented precautions are still in place and that removed fire hazards have not risen again. As you have your old notes it should be easier to spot any new fire hazards too. 

By following these simple steps you are taking great leaps towards creating a safer working environment for you and your staff. If you would like anymore information or help with fire safety and/or fire risk assessments then UK Fire Safety Solutions can help, they are professional fire consultants with years of experience in the sector having spent time serving as fire safety offices in the fire service.