Monthly Archives: September 2012

General Safety Issues, Hand Protection

SAFE MACHINE GUARDING PRACTICES AND GUIDELINES (GUEST POST)

That one of a kind, hand-crafted bed that you’ve admired was not made without risks. The folks at The Joinery (a Portland, Oregon woodworking shop) make beautifully detailed furniture – beds, dressers, armoires, even old-fashioned kids’ toys. They are as passionate about their work as they are about woodworking safety. But here’s the catch: a machine designed to reform solid wood has no problem reforming parts of the human body. 

And that’s where machine guarding comes in. When a machine or any piece of equipment has a hazard that cannot be eliminated, the appropriate course of action is to install appropriate guarding or other safety devices.  The Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) § 1910.211, defines machine guarding as “a barrier that prevents entry of the operator’s hands or fingers into the point of operation.” 

Rotating motion machines can be particularly dangerous. Even slow-moving smooth rotating shafts can grab clothing or skin and entangle a worker in a machine leading to death or serious injury. Rotating shafts such as power take off units have caused many injuries, many of which could be avoided with a proper guard. 

Included in rotating motion are in-running nip points that can grab a small piece of a worker or the worker’s clothing and pull the worker into the machine until a part of the machine breaks or the motors stall out. 

“All saws, jointers and milling machines need machine guards,” explained Gary Michael, The Joinery. “We post shop safety policies on the machine guards, using brightly colored signs and labels.” 

Fortunately for the employees at The Joinery, Mr. Michael recognizes the need to not circumvent equipment guarding that is usually installed by the equipment manufacturer.  Mr. Michael’s use of visible signs and labels help remind his employees of the importance of machine guarding. 

Appropriate signage and labeling by an employer or manufacturer can help reduce the likelihood of guards being removed or circumvented. Providing such visible reminders for employees can be a life-saving addition to any safety program. 

There are some important principles that apply when making labels to be used on guards. For example, there is a tendency to just make a label that says, “WARNING: Do Not Remove Guard.” There are some people who may ignore this warning. They could very well think, “I can get away with it just this one time and not get hurt.” That is why one of the principles of written warnings is to inform the reader of the consequences of not complying with the warning. An example of a warning statement that communicates consequences is:

WARNING – Do Not Remove Machine Guard. Loss Of Fingers May Result.

Another principle of written warnings is that the warning communicates the actions needed to avoid a hazard such as:
WARNING – Lock Out Breaker 45 Before Removing Machine Guard

 A comprehensive discussion of proper warning design is beyond the scope of this article. Employers and equipment manufacturers would do well to familiarize themselves with good warning practices and to work with a label manufacturer that is familiar with good practices and applicable warnings standards.

Responsible machine guarding manufacturers are taking the responsibility for safe machine guarding practices and techniques seriously. “We just installed a guard on the end of conveyor. The conveyor travels away from you, so there is no danger of you getting caught as the belt travels into the guard. The bottom of the conveyor is totally guarded,” explained Jet LaBarge, Vice President, Machine Guard & Cover. 

An understanding of basic machine guarding principles can help equipment manufacturers and employers reduce the likelihood of injury with machinery. 

What constitutes an acceptable guard design? This is one question that needs to be asked when trying to guard a machine that contains hazards.  An acceptable guard follows these minimum general requirements similar to the minimum requirements laid out by OSHA 3067: 

1)      Prevent contact.  A sufficient guard should prevent a person from coming into contact with a hazard.  This includes arms, legs and fingers. Openings within the guards or space between the guard and the machine should be small enough that a person cannot come into contact with any hazard within the machine. 

2)      It should not be easy to remove or defeat a safeguard. If the safeguard is easily defeated it is really no safeguard at all. For this reason any fixed guard attached to the machine should require the use of tools to be removed. If a guard or a gate can be opened by hand, that guard or gate needs to be interlocked to the machine to prevent hazardous motion from occurring while the guard or gate is open. 

3)      Protection from falling objects. An object that falls into a running machine could be struck by moving parts and become a dangerous projectile. 

4)      The guard must not create its own hazard. Installing a guard should not create additional pinch points or cutting hazards. 

5)      Create no interference. A guard that a worker considers a severe hindrance to his job has a higher likelihood of being overridden by the operator. 

6)      Allow safe maintenance and adjustment. If a guard has to be removed regularly for frequent maintenance or adjustment then it has an increased likelihood of being removed and not replaced. Try to design guards so that such things as lubrication can be performed safely without removing the guard. 

Hazards generally occur in one of three locations: 

1)      Point of operation — the location where the machine actually works on material, such as cutting, bending, pressing. 

2)      Power transmission devices that mechanically transmit power from one location to another such as shafts, belts and pulleys, chains and sprockets. 

3)      Other moving parts such as feed mechanisms, part removal systems and auxiliary parts of the machine or system. 

Each of the three locations will have a bearing on what type of guard can be utilized. For example, a power transmission device may require a fixed guard that is bolted in place and rarely has need of removal except for infrequent repair work. A point of operation guard may need to be opened each time a part is made and would be better served by an interlocked guard that stops mechanical motion rather than a fixed guard that needs to be removed with tools. 

Poor machine guarding practices are a major hazard confronted by people every day. About 8 out of 10 workplace fatalities and 1 in 4 workplace injuries involve mechanical equipment. Many workplace machinery injuries are preventable, according to SafeWork SA, Government of South Australia. 

To put a human face on machine guarding, consider Kina Repp. 

As a young woman, ready for some adventure, she was literally lured to Alaska where she talked her way into a cleanup crew job at a fishing cannery. There, her boss ordered her to clean underneath a conveyor belt roller. 

“My arm was immediately caught when the machine was turned on,” she explained. “My arm was pulled one way while my head and neck were twisted the opposite way. My arm broke just below my shoulder. The machine kept pulling. The conveyor pulled until my arm was torn from my body.” 

Not one to let adversity stop her, Repp has since earned a second degree black belt and has run in 13 marathons. 

Had a proper machine guarding policy been in place that accident might never have happened. 

When you’re unsure about a work situation, think twice before putting yourself in danger. It’s better to be cautious. A machine or a process can always be changed to ensure safety, but a human life is irreplaceable.

Those who work around machinery would be wise to pay attention to this excellent article, sent to us by:

By Jack Rubinger, www.DuraLabel.com and John Hamilton, www.jhengineer.com. pb

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Respiratory Safety

AVOIDING CUBICLE DISASTERS (GUEST POST)

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For those who work in high risk jobs, workplace safety is a topic that stays close in mind. In truth, even the most placid of occupations and workplaces can lend themselves to some dangerous moments — the coffepot inferno or the Acme anvil that cascaded through the heavens to eventually collapse poetically onto one of the copy-editors —  when disaster strikes, it’s best to be prepared.

One of the main keys to safety in the workplace is to have an escape plan in place in the case of a fire, a bomb threat, or any other reason that makes it necessary to evacuate the building. Whether there are a large number of people in a workplace or just a few, proper organization is key when it comes to keeping everyone safe. Without it, it’s easy for employees to become panicked and the likelihood of injury increases substantially.

One of the first things that should be done long before any emergency situation occurs is choosing a leader. Because dealing with an emergency is not the same as dealing with everyday business needs, this may not be a person normally in a management role. Whoever this leader is, it’s important they’re able to remain calm and are capable of presenting themselves as an authority during a stressful situation. Because there may be many different ideas on what the appropriate procedure should be during an emergency, the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) has developed regulations that help assure that certain regulations and standards are upheld during a workplace emergency.

  • Have a procedure for reporting emergencies.

It’s important to know what is going to happen in the event of an emergency before it happens. There may be fire alarms to pull, a plan to call 911 or an internal emergency number. Especially for larger workplaces, this should link to an intercom system so everyone knows an emergency is actually happening and isn’t a drill. For those who may be hearing impaired, another inaudible alarm, such as a flashing light, may be used to assure everyone is aware of the situation.

  • Have an emergency action plan in place.

It’s not enough to alert everyone that there’s an emergency. It’s important that employees know what to do depending on the type of emergency. In instances of a fire or gas leak evacuation procedures should be followed, and if there is a storm or some threat outside the building, seeking shelter inside is better. Larger companies often use a stairwell, smaller buildings might congregate in a closet, break room or restroom.

Often in an emergency situation, a power outage may take place, so having emergency lighting in place helps avoid potential catastrophe and keep everyone safe.

  • Designate a clear chain of command

It’s likely that your leaders in a business strategy meeting will not be the same as those who will lead the employees and visitors in a company to safety should an emergency occur. However, whoever takes on the role should be able to take it on completely. By practicing various worst case scenarios, employees will get to know and understand who they must follow in an emergency situation. Those chosen for these leadership roles should be skilled in first aid and respiratory aids such as CPR or have the ability to operate respiratory masks. 

While OSHA provides standards and guidelines for how companies should prepare from potential emergencies, having arrangements beyond those requirements are certainly recommended. Where a new business is concerned, establishing and notifying everyone of these procedures needs to be made a priority. During orientation procedures, employees should meet those who take on leadership roles in an emergencies.

Whatever emergency action plan a company puts in place, it should be tailored towards the size and type of the business. In a smaller store, one or two people in a leadership position will likely be enough in order to prevent chaos during an emergency situation. A larger corporation will need several people and will likely need to organize those persons with in a way that fits the seating arrangement of employees. Manufacturing plants, or other workplaces where there’s a lot of noise, may need to rely more heavily on the use of lights to communicate an emergency. Those who work outside, such as construction workers, may want to designate a trailer or some other safe place to go in the event of a storm or other inclement weather. The particular risks will vary depending on the size and nature of the business, so making sure the appropriate risk assessment is made is important.

In most cases, workplace emergencies will be rare, but because there is a potential of serious consequences it is important that they are treated as a real possibility. Even with all the proper plans and procedures in place, the ability of all employees to remain calm and professional is important to keeping everyone safe.

Sent by Jessica Stark

General Safety Issues, Respiratory Safety

“WHOOPING COUGH” CASES ON THE RISE

Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious respiratory disease. It is caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis.  The Texas State Health Department recently issued an advisory to have children vaccinated, and adults catch up on their booster shots.  At the end of August, 1,000 cases had been reported – double the cases from last year.

Pertussis is known for uncontrollable, violent coughing which often makes it hard to breathe. After fits of many coughs, someone with pertussis often needs to take deep breathes which result in a “whooping” sound. Pertussis most commonly affects infants and young children and can be fatal, especially in babies less than 1 year of age.

Vaccination is the best way to be protected against Pertussis. There are vaccines for infants, children, preteens, teens and adults. The childhood vaccine is called DTaP, and the pertussis booster vaccine for adolescents and adults is called Tdap. Talk to your healthcare provider about getting vaccinated against pertussis.  You must stay vigilant. We may think we’ve gotten the upper hand against pertussis. But, the disease is always scheming to get back on top. Since the 1980s, doctors have been reporting increasing numbers of pertussis cases. At the moment, there are still far fewer cases than there were before the vaccine. Still, the number of people infected seems to peak every three or four years, showing that pertussis is still out there figuring out its next move.

Pertussis leaves its victims literally gasping for air. At first, this tricky pretender might seem like a common cold—runny nose, fever, and cough. That’s stage 1, when pertussis is just warming up. After a week or two, pertussis infection delivers its cruel surprise—extreme coughing spells. In these fits people can literally cough so hard and long that they throw up or turn blue because they can’t breathe. Victims of pertussis make a gasping “whoop” sound when they suck in air after a coughing fit. Pertussis infection is no joke—about 40% of infants who get it wind up in the hospital! Weeks after Stage 2, as the body finally fends off pertussis, the victims’ cough tapers down.  Infected persons are most contagious during the time severe symptoms appear; and remain contagious up to two weeks after the cough begins.

Pertussis fears four letters — D, T, a and P — and 2 vaccines, “DTaP” and “Tdap”. Kids get “DTaP” while teenagers and grownups get a “boost” with “Tdap.” The vaccine ammo contains diphtheria (the D), tetanus (the T), and acellular pertussis (aP). The term “acellular” (pronounced A-SELL-you-lur) means that the vaccine uses pieces of pertussis bacteria (not the whole bacterium cell). By using just pieces, the vaccine can “teach” the body to protect itself, with the fewest side effects.

Since the days before the vaccine, pertussis cases are down more than 80%.  Pertussis may be tough, but some simple basics can help to keep it in check: like washing hands with soap, covering up coughs and sneezes, and not sharing cups and silverware.  Wearing a N95 face mask could be of help, especially to those parents and caregivers of new infants.

Source: CDC

             TDHS

General Safety Issues, Health Issues, Home Safety Products

UPDATE ON WEST NILE VIRUS, SEPTEMBER 12, 2012

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There are two illnesses that are affecting many parts of the U.S. right now, and we want to address both of them, in hopes that everyone will be more aware of them and what to do.  As of September 4, 2012, 48 states have reported West Nile virus infections in people, birds, or mosquitoes. A total of 1,993 cases of West Nile virus disease in people, including 87 deaths, have been reported to CDC. Of these, 1,069 (54%) were classified as neuroinvasive disease (such as meningitis or encephalitis) and 924 (46%) were classified as non-neuroinvasive disease.

The 1,993 cases reported thus far in 2012 is the highest number of West Nile virus disease cases reported to CDC through the first week in September since West Nile virus was first detected in the United States in 1999. Over 70 percent of the cases have been reported from six states (Texas, South Dakota, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Michigan) and almost 45 percent of all cases have been reported from Texas.  As of September 12, Dallas County Health officials say more than one-half of trapped mosquitoes are infected with West Nile Virus.  There have been six deaths in Tarrant County, fifteen in Dallas County, included in the 824 cases known in four counties in North Texas.

West Nile virus (WNV) is a potentially serious illness. Experts believe WNV is established as a seasonal epidemic in North America that flares up in the summer and continues into the fall. This important information from the Centers for Disease Control can help you recognize and prevent West Nile virus.

Prevention measures consist of community-based mosquito control programs that are able to reduce vector populations, personal protection measures to reduce the likelihood of being bitten by infected mosquitoes, and the underlying surveillance programs that characterize spatial/temporal patterns in risk that allow health and vector control agencies to target their interventions and resources.

The easiest and best way to avoid WNV is to prevent mosquito bites.

  • When you are outdoors, use insect repellent containing Deet.  Follow the directions on the package.
  • Many mosquitoes are most active at dusk and dawn. Be sure to use insect repellent and wear long sleeves and pants at these times or consider staying indoors during these hours.
  • Make sure you have good screens on your windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out.
  • Get rid of mosquito breeding sites by emptying standing water from flower pots, buckets and barrels. Change the water in pet dishes and replace the water in bird baths weekly. Drill holes in tire swings so water drains out. Keep children’s wading pools empty and on their sides when they aren’t being used.

Being outside means you’re at risk. The more time you’re outdoors, the more time you could be bitten by an infected mosquito. Pay attention to avoiding mosquito bites if you spend a lot of time outside, either working or playing.

People over 50 at higher risk to get severe illness. People over the age of 50 are more likely to develop serious symptoms of WNV if they do get sick and should take special care to avoid mosquito bites.

Because warm weather continues, be watchful of mosquitoes, and use spray repellent on yourself, your children and everyone’s clothes.  This is a very serious illness that affects persons in different ways.  

Source: CDC, WFAA News

Ergonomics, First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues

AVOIDING INJURIES DURING THE MOVE (GUEST POST)

Tips to Stay Safe When You Are Moving

How to Stay Safe and Fit As you Move?

Moving to another location can get exciting when you think about meeting new people and settling down in a totally different place. However, the stress involved in planning the move, packing and unpacking can take a toll on your health. Apart from the stress involved in moving, there is every possibility of suffering from minor and severe injuries.

Injuries are common due to lifting, loading and unloading items during the moving process. It is therefore important to consider certain safety tips prior to the big move in order to avoid injuries and have a smooth move. Keeping yourself safe during the move requires great attention. Here are a few safety tips to help you take care of yourself during the moving process.

Avoid Back Injury

Most of the injuries occur when you lift heavy items. You can hurt your back when lifting heavy items. In order to avoid back injury, you need to make use of legs for lifting items instead of your back. The best way to lift heavy items is by squatting down, grasping the item and lifting it with your legs, exerting pressure on leg muscles.

Distribute weight of boxes equally by packing items in various boxes, instead of dumping all items in one single box. This will make lifting boxes much easier.

Carry Filtered Water Bottles

A strenuous exercise like moving that involves lifting, packing and unloading heavy items dehydrates the body. In order to keep the body hydrated, it is vital to drink plenty of water during the moving process. Carry filtered water in a bottle in case the new place does not have water turned on.

Check Out for Risky Walkway Areas

Check out the areas around your home, particularly for bumpy sidewalks and dangerous walkway areas. There is every possibility of getting injured when loading items due to the risky walkway areas in your home. Ensure that the steps leading to your home are clearly seen and it is not slippery. The best way to avoid slippery areas is by placing mats on them, so that you don’t walk on such areas.

Besides, this there are other things you must duly consider for a safe move. These include poles, tree branches and pillars that can be a major obstruction during the moving process. It is imperative to get rid of these obstacles completely by removing them or marking the area with bright colored tiles.   

In order to move special items, you must hire professional movers. Moving items like refrigerator, TV set, furniture and other large appliances require the help of professional movers.

Don’t forget to keep a safety aid kit with you when moving. This will help you treat minor injuries during the move. Ensure that your cell phone is fully charged and it has all numbers of people to be contacted during emergency in case you are seriously injured. I hope these safety tips will help you avoid injuries and allow you to have an enjoyable moving experience.  

Author Bio:

 Rony Mikal is a blogger and freelance writer. He writes extensively on topics related to environmental issues, business, moving, household removals and storage and removal services London. Apart from writing, Rony takes keen interest in traveling and photography. He is an avid traveler and spends quality time with family and friends.

http://www.aussieremovals.com

 http://www.ward-thomas.co.uk

 

 

 

General Safety Issues

HOW FUTURE INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT PRIORITIES CAN REFLECT THE IDEAS OF YOUTH WORLDWIDE (GUEST POST)

Glancing around the international community shows a clear reflection of the ideas of youth worldwide. In several major international industries such as technology, healthcare, fashion, music and energy, trends make clear the desires of youth: A safer, more innovative, collectively sustainable future.

  • Future international development priorities include:
  • .Sustainable green energy
  • .Potable water and Crops
  • .Global warming trends
  • . Education and healthcare 

Sustainable Green Energy
Some of the highest levels of pollution exists in major industrial producing countries. Youth in these countries endeavor to promote their priorities for sustainable green energy to protect their futures and that of future generations.

Potable Water and Crops
International development priorities into water desalinization is helping increase potable water in many parts of the world where access to clean, safe water is compromised. In addition, development priorities in sturdier, more drought and flood resistant crops for increased food supplies are constantly advancing worldwide.

Global Warming Trends
Also reflected in international development priorities are the youthful ideas of focused remediation of global warming trends. Ongoing programs monitor various areas of the world’s weather patterns and changes as a means of gauging the damage global warming is causing the planet.

Education And Healthcare
Access to education and affordable healthcare is a global priority that has the potential to become a shared worldwide conglomerate. Sharing of educational courses of study internationally has already been implemented and opens the door to global schoolrooms and educators.

Youthful ideas change daily life in radical ways. In combination with international development priorities, attitudes and social values merge into conceptualism that advance all peoples of the world. This is also true in art, history and literature. Core ideas and traditions persist in making their mark on individuals in society. For innovative youth, they become stepping stones to forward advancement into the future. As an example, literature has had the greatest impact on industrial and social development. Many of the literary ideas contained in classic science fiction are today’s useful conveniences. Present-day writers of mythical and science fiction may well produce hi-tech advancement of the future.

Mindful of ideas of contemporary youth, it would seem convention will play less a role in international development priorities of the future. A greater dimensional initiative to innovate from a base of continuing advancement appears to energize industries. This is particularly true in the computer age. The possibilities of how the ‘age of the internet’ will advance through international development priorities is already seen in cloud computing and social networking. Trends toward a common international language in brief speak, not to mention a more compatible global currency, investment stocks and trades are youthful ideas with prevailing international priorities.

Nancy Parker was a professional nanny and she loves to write about wide range of subjects like health, Parenting, Child Care, and Babysitting, find a nanny tips etc. You can reach her @ nancy.parker015 @ gmail.com.

General Safety Issues

SEVEN STEPS TO GET A JOB IN CONSTRUCTION (GUEST POST)

Jobs in the construction industry can be divided into two broad categories: labour and management. In either category, there are countless opportunities to secure jobs with sub-contractors, contractors, private organizations and municipal agencies. Construction as an industry can be very rewarding if you are willing to work hard. There are good employment benefits and the pay-rate is also higher compared to jobs in other industries. Here are 7 steps that could make getting a job in the construction industry easy for you. 

  • Know your vocational inclinations to understand which type of position in the construction industry would suit you the most. If you like physical work, a labour based position should be your choice. On the other hand, if you are not averse to paper-work, like compiling budgetary allocations, and co-ordinating projects, you might be better suited for a managerial post.   (It must be noted that managerial posts would require the candidate to have degrees in business, architecture management or engineering. Even in case of labourers, some sort of minimum qualification like a high-school diploma or an equivalent is required for minimum eligibility.) 
  • Research the various types of jobs available in the construction industry. There are general labour jobs like carpentry, wood-framing, drywall work and door installations. On the other hand, speciald labour would include electrical work, plumbing, painting, masonry and concrete work. You need to take time in properly researching the different aspects of the industry and look at them from the perspective of your vocation before starting your job hunt. 
  • You would need to narrow down your search based on the type of job you are looking for. For example, if you wish to occupy a managerial or general labour post, you will need to target general contracting companies which handle all aspects of a construction project. 
  • Keep tabs on the local construction activities in your area. This would allow you to predict accurately the demand for the type of employees. It will also allow you to sound informed about local trends in a job interview, further bettering your chances of landing the job. 
  • Look for trade schools and/or apprenticeship programs being offered in your locality by community colleges or trade unions. Possessing a degree in your chosen trade would keep you ahead in the competition. In case of an apprenticeship, you will get assistance in securing a job while taking classes at night to augment your skills in the chosen trade. 
  • Keep your eyes open for construction jobs listed in the local newspapers. Apply to the appropriate openings with your resume and then follow the instructions specified in the ad. It is also a good idea to constantly follow up on your applications through e-mails and phone-calls until you land a job. 
  • Take initiative in contacting prominent contractors or sub-contractors even if they are not looking to hire anybody new. It would be preferable to meet them face to face about your interest in working for them. If not, leave a letter and a copy of your resume.

 

Penny Cooper is an expert associated with CV Insight, a leading UK firm specializing in CV verification and pre employment screening services. For more details on their employment screening and verification services, click here.

Many thanks, Penny, for this good advice about securing a job in this industry.  The key is to be “willing to work hard” in many jobs; and, there are folks out there who need work, so we hope these suggestions will help them to emphasize their willingness to do just that when they are seeking employment.  It also would be wise to assure them that they will be a careful and safe employee.  pb

General Safety Issues, Head Protection, Respiratory Safety

REMEMBERING SEPTEMBER 11, 2001

September 11, 2001, was a day of infamy in the minds of Americans, the same as December 7, 1941, when Pearl Harbor was attacked by Japan.  For those who lost their lives, innocently going to do a day’s work, little children in day care, and for their families, this country still grieves.  We also grieve for the police, firefighters, emergency medical services, and all those who answered the call of duty.  It will be forever in our minds, that picture of those brave souls as they walked toward those huge towers, knowing they probably wouldn’t return. 

It is sad to feel that there was so much hatred for our country that this horrible deed happened, along with attacking our Pentagon, and trying to direct Flight 93 to the White House.  Most countries at one time or another have been victims of attack.  Americans are brave citizens who love their country and aren’t afraid to serve.  We owe those brave military personnel all over the world protecting us our utmost thanks. 

After the clean up of the World Trade Center, John Henshaw, Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA, U S Department of Labor stated: “On May 30, 2002, when the recovery was completed, not another life had been lost, and illness and injury rates were far below national average for industries involved in the recovery.”  This was a very dangerous time for all who gave their time and talents to the clean-up.   

Along with hundreds of suppliers and businesses in America, Texas America Safety Company immediately sent hard hats head protection and disposable respirators to protect the dedicated workers.  OSHA distributed more than 131,000 respirators, 11,000 hard hats, 13,000 safety glasses and goggles, 21,000 pairs of protective gloves, and identified more than 9,000 hazards. 

Texas America Safety Company, along with all Americans, salutes the workers for the difficult tasks performed during the 10 months of the recovery mission.  Let us never forget that terrible day, and may each and every one of us pledge to keep America strong! 

Source: OSHA

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Head Protection

DIFFERENT TYPES OF HELMETS FOR MOTORCYCLE RIDERS (GUEST POST)

Helmets are very necessary whenever you are riding a two wheeler. In most of the states, they are even mandatory. This is because helmets serve the basic purpose of protecting your head while riding or in case of a crash. Moreover, they also keep you comfortable when you are riding a bike. Most of the people think that helmets are only for your protection. But, it is very important to keep comfort in mind because you will be spending most of the time in riding the bike rather than crashing it somewhere. 

In most countries, motorbike helmets are divided into four different categories. Helmets also have to be certified through various tests. These may be associated with DOT or SNELL or other departments. You should make sure that you always buy genuine helmets so that you are completely protected and comfortable while riding a bike. In this article, we will discuss different types of helmets which are used in places all around the world. These helmets are the most commonly used motorcycle helmets. 

Different Types of Motorcycle Helmets 

1) Full face helmets – These type of helmets are recommended by most of the experts. They are completely safe and comfortable. Full face helmets cover your whole head and face so that you are comfortable while riding and protected even if you crash. Most of these helmets have a flip up visor which can even be easily removed. Visors come in tints as well as with total clarity. These helmets also come in different styles, which you can choose from according to your needs and preferences. 

2) Modular or Flip face helmets – These helmets lie somewhere between the comfort of a 3 / 4 helmets and the protection of full face helmets. The visor is attached to the lower part of the helmet which can be flipped up. Most of the people find these helmets neither comfortable nor completely safe. But, modular helmets look quite different and stylish. This is the reason why most people buy them. Moreover, modular helmets are considered to be safer than 3 / 4 helmets. You should always go for these helmets if you think that full face helmets are not for you. 

3) 3 / 4 helmets – These helmets were extremely popular a couple of decades back. Full face and modular helmets are usually heavy and bulky. Therefore, people use 3 / 4 helmets because they are very comfortable. 3 / 4 helmets come in various different colors and give a trendy look. But when you think about safety and protection, 3 / 4 helmets are not a wise choice. They expose your chin and lower face leaving them unprotected. 

4) Half helmets – These helmets are also known as brain buckets or puddle cups. These helmets are not very safe if you crash. They almost expose your whole face while you are crashing or even riding. Your face is even exposed to dirt when you are riding a bike. Half motorbike helmets are usually used by only cruise riders. However, these helmets should be avoided if you have other options.

 “Sachin is a freelance writer and he loves to follow the latest social trends. He writes on different topics such as adventure, fashion, technology, safety and tutorials. He loves to travel and make new friends all around the world.”