Monthly Archives: July 2012

General Safety Issues

THINKING ABOUT A NEW CAREER?

Nanny Conference and Nanny Schools
This article was sent to us by Martina Keyhill at  http://www.becomeananny.com/blog/nanny-conference-and-nanny-schools/.
Our thanks to Martina for sharing a vocation that many persons would love to learn. pb

Whether you are thinking about becoming a nanny or have been a nanny for several years, there is always something new to learn about caring for children and working as a nanny. A quality nanny training program can help increase care giving skills, foster professional development and build confidence.  From one day conferences to full year or more campus based programs, there are many educational opportunities for those seeking a career as a professional nanny to consider.

Annual Nanny Conferences

International Nanny Association. The International Nanny Association (INA) serves as the umbrella organization for the in-home child care industry. The association offers guidance, information and education to industry professionals and the public. INA offers a Basic Skills Exam and the INA Nanny Credential Exam. The association has also published a book, both in English and Spanish, titled Beyond Parenting Basics: The International Nanny Association’s Official Guide to In-Home Childcare.  INA members have access to INA’s Nanny Mentor Program as well as discounts for eStore purchases and Annual Conference registration, the association’s main event of the year. The cost of INA membership for nannies is $35 per year.  INA’s 2013 Annual Conference will be held in Louisville, Kentucky in the spring of 2013. Those who joined INA after June 1, 2012 and who have never attended an INA Annual Conference are eligible to receive 50% off of their conference registration fees. Learn more at www.nanny.org.

Nannypalooza. Nannypalooza is a 2-day conference held each year for nannies and those who support the nanny industry. The 2012 event will be held October 13th and 14th at the Philadelphia Airport Hilton in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Registration is $140. Nannypalooza provides an opportunity for nannies to learn new skills, to make new friends and to have fun. To learn more about Nannypalooza, visit www.nannypalooza.com.

National Nanny Training Day. National Nanny Training Day is a one day educational event hosted by various nannies, nanny groups and nanny placement agencies across the country and is organized by Nanny Biz Reviews. The 2012 event brought together nearly 1,300 nannies from across the United States and Canada for a day of professional development, childcare training and networking. Over 30 events were held in 27 cities across the United States. The 2012 National Nanny Training Day will be held on Saturday, April 20, 2013. To learn more about National Nanny Training Day visit www.nannybizreviews.com.

Nanny Schools

The English Nanny and Governess School. Since 1984, The English Nanny and Governess School (ENGS) has provided nanny training to aspiring nannies. Located in Chagrin Falls, Ohio, The English Nanny and Governess School offers students the opportunity to become a Certified Processional Nanny or a Certified Professional Governess upon successful completion of the school’s program and a passing grade on the American Council of Nanny School’s exam.  The English Nanny and Governess School is a member of the International Nanny Association and the American Council of Nanny Schools. The school is also approved by the Ohio State Board of Career Colleges and Schools. To learn more about the English Nanny and Governess visit www.nanny-governess.com.

The Alexandria School.  Founded in 2007, the Alexandria School offers diploma and certificate programs for nannies, including the 18 week diploma program and the Advanced Professional Nanny Certificate. For those looking to expand their service offerings into newborn care, the school also offers a newborn care specialist certificate. Based in Solon, Ohio, the school offers both on-site and distance learning options. The Alexandria School is a member of the International Nanny Association. The Alexandria School is also approved by the Ohio State Board of Career Colleges and Schools. To learn more about current course offerings, visit www.alexandria-school.com.

Sullivan University. Sullivan University offers professional nanny students the opportunity to earn a career diplomat in as little as 12 months. Students can complete the coursework online or at the Louisville, Kentucky or Lexington, Kentucky campus. Sullivan University is a member of the International Nanny Association and the American Council of Nanny Schools. To learn more about Sullivan University’s nanny program, visit http://www.sullivan.edu/professional-nanny.asp.

Northwest Nannies Institute. Northwest Nannies Institute (NNI) based in Lake Oswego, Oregon, offers a 30 week nanny training program, which includes classroom time, homework time and a practicum. Northwest Nannies Institute is licensed by the State of Oregon as a private career school and approved by the US Department of Education as a Title IV School. NNI is also a member of the International Nanny Association and the American Council of Nanny Schools. To learn more about Northwest Nannies Institute visit
Continuing your education not only benefits you, but it benefits the children in your care and the families for whom you work. If you are serious about being a career nanny, consider continuing your education. Like with any career, the more specialized education you have, the greater your earning potential and marketability will be. When competing for jobs, setting yourself a part as an educated professional could make the difference between landing the job and the job going to someone else.

This is the type of career that can be very rewarding, as nannies play a large role in the child’s developmental years.  Having a loving caregiver assures the parents that someone trustworthy is taking care of their child/children, and that their safety is of the utmost importance.  pb

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

GET YOUR ARC FLASH GAME ON! (Guest Post)

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Get Your Arc Flash Game On

By Jack Rubinger, jarubinger@graphicproducts.com, www.DuraLabel.com

What happens when an arc flash occurs? And what is being done to lessen the risk? Few topics stir the emotions as much as arc flash dangers.  There is so much energy involved, and the nature of electricity is unlike anything else: invisible and unpredictable. Think burns and severe eye injuries.  

Working smart is critically important though experts agree it’s still hard to anticipate an arc flash occurrence. That’s why it’s so important to be prepared.  The most important question is: “Can we do this work de-energized?” said Mike Balinskas of PowerHawke, Inc. 

“Unfortunately, arc flash studies aren’t an exact science. They are snapshots, based on current utility information. As the grid fluctuates over time, so does the hazard exposure,” said Dave Hill, Intertek Testing. So it’s not enough to rely on PPE. Every precaution should be taken to prevent arc flash.

What’s missing from many electrical safety programs is a strategic game plan to address arc flash hazards.

“The distance between a lifetime of pain, disfiguration, and disability when compared to going home safely is no further than the fraction of an inch air gap that can be ionized to initiate an arc in the presence of significant voltage. Knowing the site and following the rules keep individuals safe and equipment intact,” said Michael Morse, Professor of Electrical Engineering, University of San Diego.

Electrical safety plans must address:

  •         Training/compliance
  •          PPE
  •          Tools/equipment

Training/compliance

Employees fear they’ve not been adequately trained. Training needs to increase to keep employees up to speed. How familiar are you with new NFPA requirements and how they apply to your equipment?

Mr. Hill reviews current arc flash NFPA, ANSI, IEEE and NEC information:

  • NFPA 70-2011/NEC is the driving document for all electrical installations. The other NFPA, ANSI/UL, IEEE, NEMA and harmonized IEC documents refer back to the NEC for installation practices.
  • NFPA 70-2011/NEC Section 110.16 and the Informational Note reference NFPA 70E for guidance of Arc Flash and PPE as well as ANSI Z535.4 for the safety warning signage.
  • Industrial electrical equipment and control panels, are required by NFPA 70-2011/NEC Section 670.3(A) to have a permanent label denoting short-circuit current rating of the control panel with references to UL 508A Supplement SB as an example of determining the SCCR. Section 409.22 and 409.110(4) are the references for industrial control panels specifically.
  • NFPA code calls for labeling electrical panels, disconnects and access points to inform those servicing equipment to communicate potential arc flash hazards present based on studies of the electrical system feeding each location.
  • NFPA 70E requires workers to document arc flash analysis calculations used for electrical equipment labeling. Even though NFPA 70E and IEEE 1584 provide standardized calculations for an arc flash analysis, other methods exist, opening the door for variation. Posting key elements of your analysis on electrical equipment will help you remember the methods used after a job is complete.

As of September 30, 2011 NFPA requires labels to display the nominal system voltage, arc flash boundary and one of the following: 

  • Available incident energy and the corresponding working distance
  • Minimum arc rating of clothing
  • Required level of PPE
  • Highest hazard/risk category (HRC) for the equipment 

NFPA’s new standards require that labels display additional information and must be posted on switchboards, panelboards, industrial control panels, meter socket enclosures and motor control centers.

A switchboard is a large single panel, frame, or assembly of panels. Switches, overcurrent, other protective devices, buses and usually instruments are mounted on the face, back or both. Switchboards are generally accessible from the rear and from the front and not intended to be installed in cabinets.

Panelboards are single panels or groups of panel units designed for assembly in the form of a single panel. These include buses, automatic overcurrent devices and those devices equipped with or without switches for the control of light, heat or power circuits. Panelboards are designed to be placed in a cabinet or cutout box or against a wall, partition, or other support; and accessible only from the front.

There are two main types of industrial control panels (ICP) — enclosed and open ICPs. Enclosed ICPs are installed within a complete enclosure at the panel manufacturer’s location. An open ICP includes factory wiring, field wiring terminals and components mounted on a sub-panel without a complete enclosure. ICPs often contain motor controllers, switches, relays, power supplies, computers, cathode ray tubes, transducers and auxiliary devices used in the manufacturing process to control industrial utilization equipment.

Meter socket enclosures are equipped with matching jaws to accommodate the bayonet-type (blade) terminals of a detachable watt-hour meter. It also has a means of connections for the termination of the circuit conductors. It may be a single-position socket for one meter or a multi-position trough socket for two or more meters.

Motor control centers are unlike other types of power distribution equipment, which are used with a variety of load types. Motor control centers primarily control the distribution of power to electric motors.

PPE 

Whether you are in an underground high-voltage transmission system or a substation, personal protective equipment (PPE) reduces exposure hazards. PPE means wearable protective gear: a shielded hood, bibs or coveralls. 

“A key technology ensuring safety is the infrared window. Installed on cabinet panels and doors, IR windows are view ports providing access into electrical cabinets and other enclosures. With an IR window, an electrical worker uses an infrared camera to inspect energized internal electrical components for temperature abnormalities without the direct exposure from removing covers and panels,” said Andre´ Rebelo, FLIR Systems, Inc. 

Infrared windows are a framed lens made of special transparent crystal or polymer material allowing infrared spectrum waves to pass through the window making it easy to perform infrared inspections. IR windows have a protective cover to shield the lens when not in use. 

Tools and Equipment


Industrial labeling systems such as the DuraLabel Toro are indispensable for electrical contractors. New systems are mobile, compatible with many types of software and empower end-users to quickly create custom safety, hazard and warning signs and labels on-site, in sequence. Displaying arc flash calculations on an industrial label offers valuable information to other electrical workers, inspectors and emergency responders who will likely work on or around the equipment you label in the future.  

No one can dispute the power and force of an arc flash. Following these three strategic steps, we can minimize many arc flash hazards. 

For more information about Arc Flash, visit www.arcflash.me.

General Safety Issues

TIPS TO MAKE YOUR KITCHEN SAFE (Guest Post)

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There are many reasons why people like to get their kitchens redecorated. Among them is child safety. Plenty of accidents happen in kitchens of homes, and homeowners want to take every possible precaution to ensure that their kids will remain safe in the area. After all, it’s one place that small children and toddlers are bound to end up in a house. If you’re looking to get your kitchen remodelled, following are a few tips you may consider. 

Child-proof locks must be used wisely 

All drawers and cabinets that contain sharp objects like scissors and knives, lighters and matches, medications, cleaning supplies, breakable objects like glass and heavy objects like cast iron skillets must have locks. Apart from keeping dangerous items locked in cabinets and drawers, it also serves as an idea to put hazardous items that aren’t used very frequently in drawers that are not in your child’s reach. 

Baby gates must be used to keep kids out 

Though toddlers and babies may be good to have around, but when you’re cooking, it is safer, and more practical to keep them away from the kitchen. For instance, when there are too many cooks, it is best forchildren to stay out of the area, as more people in the kitchen increases the chances of accidents. Moreover, there may be times when toddlers just make their way to the kitchen and find sharp or dangerous items to play with. The best way to keep them out is to install a baby gate that allows them to look on the other side and interact, but doesn’t let them get past into the thick of the action.  

If you’re busy cooking, and there’s no one to baby-sit, you may place the toddler in a playpen or a high chair inside the cooking area. Playpens and high chairs keep children contained and away from harm, while allowing them to be part of things inside the kitchen. 

Appliances must be used to practice child safety 

Appliances like the refrigerator can be locked using a child-proofing product. Devices that can keep stoves bolted into the wall and keep it from flipping over are also available in the market, in case the kid uses the door of the oven as a step. Small appliances that are not being used must be kept unplugged and the cords must be wrapped up and away from the kid’s reach. For the pots on the stove, make sure that their handles face inward. This is extremely important to ensure that the child doesn’t grab it and pull the pot, and the boiling liquid down onto him/herself. 

There is no doubt that kitchens are inviting and warm rooms in a home, but the fact that many an accident occur in the area cannot be overlooked. Cabinets must be locked, unsafe items must be put in high places and away from children’s reach, baby gates must be used to keep toddlers away from the hazards of the kitchen and appliances must be used to practice child safety and then, you can be assured that your child will be out of harm’s way. 

Penny Cooper is an expert associated with Kingston Cabinets, manufacturers of white oak radiator covers based in London & Handforth (UK). Kingston Cabinets offer a beautiful collection of home radiator cabinets and radiator cover grilles, designed to add style and distinction to every home.

Thank you, Penny, for this good advice on child safety.  Many accidents happen in the kitchen, and most are preventable. pb

 

 

General Safety Issues, Weather Protection

WIERD WEATHER IN THE UNITED STATES!

As we say in Texas, “if you don’t like the weather, hang around for a while….. it’ll change!”  It’s either feast or famine, no happy in-between most of the time.  Last year, many parts of the Southwest experienced a drought they will never forget.  Tanks were dry, animals had to be sold due to a lack of both water and growth of food.  This year, thankfully, in many parts of Texas, rains have come pretty regularly and things have greened up better than usual.  However, we’re experiencing a pretty dry July, so we have much more heat ahead of us.  So, we continue to pray for rain. 

This year, wildfires have devastated Colorado, New Mexico, and other Southwestern states, as well as northern states, too.  People have lost their homes and everything they have.  Firefighters do everything they can to contain them; however, Mother Nature controls the winds and other conditions that make them hard to contain.

In the southeast, it’s the opposite: hurricanes develop in the states that border the Gulf Coast.  Much destruction has been experienced there, as well.  It is hard to stay dry in states that get a large accumulation of rain at one time.  Also, I’ve seen quite a few baseball games, and even the Olympic time trials in Oregon, where the rain had no mercy.  Times like that require some coverage – such as some new rain gear! 

It’s best to be prepared regardless  where we live.  Stay alert to weather forecasts by using your NOAA radio or other weather forecast systems.  There are several mobile apps that you can put on your cell phone free.  Have an emergency plan, just in case, along with a supply of water, non-perishable food, flashlight, cell phone, can opener, blankets, pet food, medicines and important papers you don’t want to lose.  Most things can be replaced, but we only get one time around in life.  

Our friends in other countries have certain weather conditions that we don’t have, so it is important that worldwide, we are ready when nature takes over.  Earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanoes and other devastating events have taken lives and greatly disrupted  normal ways of life.  Weather happenings are not of our making, so we must try to contend with them the best we can.  

Just remember, whatever type of work you do, there is some type of Home Safety Supplies that will be of great help to you when you must be outdoors.  You will notice that all rescue personnel wear their gear when they are carrying out their duties in times of emergencies, so let’s take advantage of the standard required protection, regardless of the weather, or other conditions.

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Head Protection, Home Safety Products, Protective Clothing, Weather Protection

PLAY IT SAFE THIS SUMMER! CHILL OUT!

July just arrived, and with it came plenty of hot sun and humid weather.  Life goes on, whether it is work or play, so the best way to cope with it is to keep your body temperature as cool as possible.  (My suggestion is to stay inside!)  For those folks who don’t have that option, there are some “cool” ideas that we hope will help you make this summer go by faster by staying as comfortable as possible. 

Here are some ideas  from Texas America Safety Company: 

Introducing the MiraCool Body Cooling Vests.These vests come with water activated MiraCool crystals sewn into the fabric of the vest. These crystals become activated once soaked in cold water for approximately 30 minutes, and then will stay cool for the rest of the day. The cooling vests can be worn over shirts, or under a protective suit to provide an excellent source of heat relief.The cooling vests measure 24 inches tall, and 16 inches wide. These are a one size fits most type of poncho design. The sides are open and have adjustable straps with snap-on buckles. Finally, the material is 100 percent cotton. Features:
  • Pull over poncho style
  • 1 3/8″ Yellow gloss reflective tape
  • Expandable sides with adjustable buckles
  • One size fits all

 

There are also MiraCool Bandannas, which work on the same principle.  They are great for outdoor workers, golfers, and athletes.  Once soaked with water for 30 minutes, they keep you cooled down for 18 holes, at least. 

If you have a way to carry these, here’s a suggestion you may not have heard before:

Purchase a pack of inexpensive washcloths from a dollar store, roll each up and secure with a rubber band.  Then toss them into a cooler of ice water for everyone to grab.  The neck and wrists are the best cooling points to choose, because the large arteries run close to the skin. 

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!  Water is the best choice, of course, but certain other drinks, such as Gatorade can help fight dehydration and fatigue on the job or at play.  Drinks with caffeine or alcohol can cause more damage than good, so leave those for later.  When we sweat, we lose weight, so we need to restore the weight lost by ingesting water.  Football and baseball players and other athletes that are exposed to extreme heat, should have plenty of water on hand during practice. 

Of course, it goes without saying that we must protect our heads, eyes, and skin.  For construction or other outdoor workers who must protect their heads by wearing hardhats, there are sunshields that fit well onto the hardhat for additional shade, as well as neck cloths.  UV rays can damage our eyes, so Polarized safety sunglasses can protect those peepers.  Regardless if you work outdoors or play outdoors, long-sleeve shirts and hats offer skin safety, along with plenty of sunscreen.  

Summer can be a fun time for vacations, but not-so-fun for those who must be out in the heat due to work or athletics.  Please take care of yourself by using the right precautions and protection.  Sunburn can be costly later down the line, while making you miserable at the time you experience it.  With the 4th Of July coming up, remember to drive safely, buckle up, keep your “cool” behind the wheel and have a safe holiday. 

We hope our tips on “chilling out” will help you this summer.  Be sure to check out all our cooling products, and if you mention you read it on the blog, there’ll be a 5% discount for you!