Monthly Archives: November 2012

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

BE ON THE WATCH FOR WINTER STORMS!

Do you know the difference between Winter Storm Watch, Winter Storm Warnings, and Winter Weather Advisories?  Chances are, most of us don’t; only those who must be out in those conditions to work or get to work pay attention to the forecast.  If you don’t understand, please read on: 

WATCHES:  According to weather professionals, there is a 50% chance that severe winter weather will materialize:

  •       Winter Storm Watch:  Possibility of severe life-threatening winter weather conditions that include: heavy ice and/or near-blizzard conditions, or heavy snow. 
  •       Blizzard Watch:  Blizzard conditions may happen.
  •       Lake-Effect Snow Watch:  Heavy lake effect snow likely.
  •       Wind Chill Watch:  Potential of wind chills of -25°F or less, causing risk of hypothermia and rapid frostbite. 

WARNING:

  •       Winter Storm Warning:  Winter weather is expected to cause life-threatening public impact from winter hazards that include ice, near blizzard conditions, heavy snow, drifting snow and dangerous wind chills.
  •       Heavy Snow Warning:  When 7 inches or more of snow is expected in 12 hours or less, or 9 inches or more is expected in 24 hours or less. 
  •       Ice Storm Warning:  Issued for ½ inch or more of ice accumulation, which can cause damage to trees and power lines. 
  •       Blizzard Warning:  When blizzard conditions are about to happen or expected in the next 12 to 24 hours.  These include frequent gusts of or above 35 mph and falling, blowing and drifting of snow, reducing visibility to ¼ mile.
  •       Lake-Effect Snow Warning:  Potential of 7 inches or more of lake effect snow.
  •       Wind Chill Warning: Issued when the wind chill is expected to be -25°F or less.  In less than 10 minutes,  frostbite can happen.

ADVISORIES:

  •       Winter Weather Advisory: Hazardous combination of ice and snow that exceeds warning criteria.  These may be significant and/or life-threatening if proper precautions are disregarded.
  •       Snow Advisory: When forecasters are confident that the entire event will be snow and an average of 4-6 inches of snow is expected in 12 hours or less.
  •       Freezing Rain Advisory: These advisories are issued only when there is a high probability that the whole event will be freezing rain, resulting in very slippery roads.
  •       Snow and Blowing Wind Advisory:  Prediction of frequent gusts or sustained wind of 25 to 34 mph, accompanied by falling and blowing snow, which can occasionally reduce visibility to ¼ mile or less for three hours or more.
  •       Wind Chill Advisory: Given for wind chills of -15°F to -24°F.  

Brrrrrr!  For those of you who must work in these conditions, there are all types of warm weather gear you can layer to be more comfortable!  From winter liners for wearing  under hardhats or hoodies, tube style helmet liners, rainsuits, raincoats, cold weather work gloves, to Kevlar fiber heat sleeves that furnish insulation, check out Texas America Safety Company!  We are your winter warmth headquarters!

General Safety Issues

Shoulder Surgery for Sporting Injuries (Guest Post)

Written by Sharon Freeman.

Out of 7.5 million patients treated for shoulders injuries in North America, at least 4.1 million occur most often in sports. They occur more often in athletics due to powerful and excessive overarm motion notable in swimming, pitching baseballs, throwing balls and swinging tennis rackets.

Learn the warning signs for shoulder injuries

Athletes can help care for their shoulders health by learning the signs of injury developing so they can take measures to prevent further damage that could result in surgeries.

  • Shoulder stiffness: Normal rotation of the shoulder may be limited due to stiffness.
  • Different sensations: The shoulder may feel as if it will either pop out of joint or slide in an odd and uncomfortable way.
  • Strength: Weakness may result that reduces normal activity and ability to lift, press, or push with significant strength.

These tell-tale signs should raise flags. An orthopedic surgeon will be able to examine the shoulder in the office with range of motion tests and he may request x-rays and MRIs to check for further damage and evaluate whether surgery is necessary to repair the shoulder.

Common Shoulder injuries

Most people who try to self-diagnose what is happening to their shoulders will call it a rotator cuff injury. While that may be correct in some cases, it is not always correct. Surgeons group certain types of injuries to the shoulder into two categories:

  • Instability injuries happen when a joint or bone in the shoulder moves out of its correct position, aka dislocated shoulder. This type of injury is recognizable if the patient has intense pain when lifting the arm and feels a sensation that their shoulder is moving out of place.
  • If an athlete tends to use overarm motion with excessive force, like a baseball pitcher or a football quarterback, the muscles may tend to rub against the shoulder blade. This type of injury is grouped under the category, Impingement.

What is a Rotator Cuff Injury?

The rotator cuff is actually a grouping of muscles and tendons in the shoulder that provide the human body with stability for lifting and overarm motion. If an athlete experiences inflammation to these muscles and tendons, early treatment is recommended to prevent severe damage. If severe damage occurs the athlete may never really regain full strength to that shoulder. Surgery may help in some cases.

Treatments for Sports Shoulder Injuries

Treatments for sport shoulder injuries include less invasive physical therapy and anti-inflammatory medications that help with the injury itself and help the athlete change his mechanics to prevent re-injury. However, if the injury is severe surgery may be required to repair the damage. Post-surgery PT will help with recovery and retrain mechanics to prevent re-injury.

Shoulder Surgeries

Surgeries for shoulder injuries have come a long way. Less invasive procedures have been added to the repertoire a surgeon may have to choose from for a respective patient.

  • Orthoscopic Surgery allows the surgeon to use a smaller incision and use a tube with a small camera so the surgeon can see and repair the damaged area. The results are similar to other shoulder surgeries, but the recovery time may be lessened.
  • Bankart Procedure is used on athletes who throw a lot in their sport. This procedure tightens ligaments and repairs torn tissues to bring back proper shoulder stability.
  • Rotator Cuff Repair: Repairs tears to the rotator cuff and helps return stability and range of motion. It also helps reduce pain.

These are the treatments and surgeries usually provided to athletes so they can return the games they love to play. Do not try to self-diagnose your pain and injury. Consult a sport doctor about what is going on with you and follow your doctor’s advice.

Sharon Freeman is a freelancer who writes about Shoulder Surgery and health information for companies like Kaliper Orthopedics.

 

 

 

 

 

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Weather Protection

GEARING UP FOR WINTER SAFETY (GUEST POST)

Sent to us by Joel Joshi

Now that the calendar has turned to autumn, the countdown to winter has officially begun. As winter weather can be both severe and unpredictable, anyone who is exposed to the elements, whether to, from or in the workplace should maintain a high level of awareness and preparedness. Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind as the mercury starts to drop.

Know the Forecast, Be Prepared

It may seem self-explanatory, but knowing the weather is the easiest way to protect yourself from a cold, uncomfortable and potentially dangerous day on the jobsite.

Know the weather report before leaving home and plan accordingly. Try to dress in breathable, moisture wicking layers in order to conserve heat while allowing flexibility if the temperature should rise, with the outer layer being water/wind resistant.

If possible, try to balance warmth and dexterity, particularly if your job is hands-on. Protect your extremities: the head, hands and feet should be covered to avoid heat loss when the temperature dips. Although fingers stay warmer when in contact with one another in mittens, they are more cumbersome.  No matter what your role may be, ensure that the winter clothing you’ve chosen won’t compromise the equipment you need for your job.

Stay Hydrated

Dehydration is less easily apparent in the winter – but it’s just as dangerous of a threat! As the temperature falls, the level of physical exertion may not and water loss through sweat becomes easier to overlook. Don’t let this go unnoticed; doing so could lead to exhaustion, dizziness and muscle fatigue among other issues, multiplying the risk of error or injury.

Try to drink fluids throughout the day and go ahead and keep your thermos close at hand. Although coffee is commonly perceived as having dehydrating effects drinking coffee in moderation contributes positively to recommended daily fluid intake. The caffeine can increase alertness, and the warmth is obviously welcome on those cold mornings and evenings.

Watch Your Step!

Winter precipitation can cause problems in and around the workplace, particularly for those who work outside – but also because the wet snow can be tracked indoors where it will melt and create a slippery hazard in entranceways. 

The number one cause of accidents in the workplace is slips and falls, you can minimize the risks by taking some basic, proactive steps. Firstly, keep a mop close at hand in order to clean up wet spots and prevent slips. Secondly, keep walkways and entrances clear of snow, and use salt and sand to combat ice in these high traffic areas. Thirdly, consider wearing slip-resistant footwear when necessary. It may not always be fashionable but could save you from a rough tumble. Also, try to take smaller, more cautious steps in potentially icy/slippery areas.

When out on the jobsite, try to mark icy areas to prevent others from slipping. If you find a particularly icy spot, spread the word! Knowing to tread cautiously is often enough to prevent serious accidents.

Travel Safely

Whether headed into work or out to a jobsite, winter driving is inevitable for most workers. Beyond just taking it slow and driving defensively, be sure to equip your vehicle with the appropriate tires for the season. While all-weather tires may seem the cheaper option, a good pair of winter tires can protect you in ways all-seasons just can’t. Never cut costs on equipment that could save your life!

In addition to proper tires, ensure that your vehicle is equipped with a winter safety kit that has all of the essentials: anti-freeze, road flares, a warm blanket, a flashlight, jumper cables, a towrope/strap, waterproof matches, a first aid kit, a small shovel, extra high-energy food and a charger for any cellular devices.

Wrapping It Up

In winter, a little preparedness goes a long way. Spending just a little time planning for the changing conditions can help keep you and your co-workers safe from harm.

This post was shared with us by Workforce Compliance Safety, a safety consulting company from the cold climates of Alberta, Canada.

 Our thanks to Joel  for this great winter advice – we love hearing from our friends in Canada; and please stay warm and safe! Pat

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Health Issues, Uncategorized

IT’S “GET SMART ABOUT ANTIBIOTICS” WEEK!

Sponsored by the Center for Disease Control, the week of November 12 through 18th is dedicated to educating the public about the use of antibiotics and other similar drugs, which are called antimicrobial agents.  In use for the past 70 years to treat patients with infectious diseases, these drugs have immensley reduced illness and death from infectious diseases since the 1940’s.  Antibiotic use has been very beneficial, and when prescribed and taken correctly, their value in patient care is huge.  However, the drugs have been used for so long and so widely that the infectious organisms the antibiotics are designed to kill have adapted to them, making the drugs less effective.  Those patients who are infected with antimicrobial-dresistant organisms are more likely to have more expensive and longer hospital stays, and may be more likely to die as a result of the infection.

A growing number of disease-causing organisms, also known as pathogens, are resistant to one or more antimicrobial drugs.  A wide range of pathogens—including the bacteria that cause tuberculosis, the viruses that causes influenza, the parasites that cause malaria, and the fungi that cause yeast infections—are becoming resistant to the antimicrobial agents used for treatment.  More information about some of the organisms and diseases associated with antimicrobial resistance, may help us understand how important it is to not misuse antibiotics. 

Acinetobacter

Acinetobacter [asz−in−ée−toe–back−ter] is a group of bacteria commonly found in soil and water. While there are many types or “species” of Acinetobacter and all can cause human disease, Acinetobacter baumannii [asz−in−ée−toe–back−ter   boe-maa-nee-ie] accounts for about 80% of reported infections.  Outbreaks of Acinetobacter infections typically occur in intensive care units and healthcare settings housing very ill patients. Acinetobacter infections rarely occur outside of healthcare settings.

Anthrax

Anthrax is a serious disease caused by Bacillus anthracis, a bacterium that forms spores. Anthrax most commonly occurs in wild and domestic mammalian species, but it can also occur in humans when they are exposed to infected animals or to tissue from infected animals or when anthrax spores are used as a bioterrorist weapon. Some strains of B. anthracis may be naturally resistant to certain antibiotics and not others. In addition, there may be biologically mutant strains that are engineered to be resistant to various antibiotics.

Group B streptococcus

Group B Streptococcus (group B strep) is a type of bacteria that causes illness in newborn babies, the elderly, and adults with other illnesses, such as diabetes or liver disease. Group B strep has shown confirmed resistance to certain antibiotics. (My husband had this B strep bacteria following a hip replacement. He went through six weeks of antibiotic therapy through home health, wearing an IV continuously.) 

Klebsiella pneumoniae

Klebsiella infections commonly occur among sick patients who are receiving treatment for other conditions. Patients whose care requires devices like ventilators (breathing machines) or intravenous (vein) catheters, and patients who are taking long courses of certain antibiotics are most at risk for Klebsiella infections. Healthy people usually do not get Klebsiella infections.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a type of bacteria that is resistant to certain antibiotics. These antibiotics include methicillin and other more common antibiotics such as oxacillin, penicillin, and amoxicillin. Serious or life-threatening occurrences of “Staph” infections, including MRSA, occur most frequently among persons in hospitals and healthcare facilities (such as nursing homes and dialysis centers) who have weakened immune systems. Visitors are cautioned to wash their hands before entering and when leaving the room of a patient with Staph infection.  Visitors should avoid touching catheters or wound sites on the patient.  

MRSA in communities can be widespread and therefore, anyone is at risk.  Most people who get MRSA get infections of the skin.  Factors that have been associated with the spread of MRSA skin infections include: close skin-to-skin contact. Openings in the skin such as cuts or abrasions, contaminated items and surfaces, crowded living conditions, and poor hygiene.  People may be more at risk in locations where these factors are common, such as: athletic facilities, dormitories, military barracks, correctional facilities, and daycare centers. 

Preventing MRSA infections is a high priority for CDC. CDC is actively working to reduce MRSA infections in the United States through intensive efforts with healthcare providers to improve infection control practices and prevent HAIs. (Hospital-Associated Infections.) CDC also continually monitors the occurrence of MRSA and other infections in the population. CDC’s work provides the foundation for national and local healthcare-associated prevention efforts.  

When you are ill, your physician knows how much antibiotic therapy you should be given.  A good rule of thumb to stay healthier this winter is to eat healthy foods, exercise, and wash your hands often, especially when you go in and out of public buildings.  Keep a bottle of hand sanitizer in your purse or car, so you can clean your hands when there’s no water available.

 Source: CDC

General Safety Issues

IT’S NATIONAL DROWSY DRIVER PREVENTION WEEK, SO WAKE UP!

Drowsy Driving Prevention Week®, November 12 through 18th, is a National Sleep Foundation public awareness campaign to educate drivers about sleep safety.  The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety released a study showing that the tragedy of drowsy driving is more pervasive than shown in previous estimates. Their study shows that drowsy driving involves:

  •          About one in six deadly crashes;
  •          One in eight crashes resulting in occupant hospitalization,
  •          One in fourteen crashes in which a vehicle was towed.
  •          These percentages are substantially higher than most previous estimates, suggesting that the contribution of drowsy driving to motor vehicle crashes, injuries, and deaths has not been fully appreciated.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that drowsy driving results in 1,550 deaths, 71,000 injuries and more than 100,000 accidents each year. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety analysis of the accidents resulting from drivers falling asleep behind the wheels is cause for alarm and concern. According to the study, younger drivers age 16-24 were nearly twice as likely to be involved in a drowsy driving crash as drivers age 40-59, and about 57 percent of drowsy driving crashes involved the driver drifting into other lanes or even off the road.

The study also found that –

  • Vehicles in which the driver was accompanied by a passenger were nearly 50 percent less likely to be involved in a drowsy driving related crash.
  • More than half (55%) of those drivers who reported having fallen asleep while driving in the past year said that it occurred on a high-speed divided highway.
  • More than half (59%) of those drivers who reported having fallen asleep while driving in the past year said they had been driving for less than an hour before falling asleep; only one in five reported they had been driving for three hours or longer.
  • More than one in four drivers (26%) who reported having fallen asleep while driving in the past year reported that it had occurred between noon and 5 p.m.
  • Men (52%) were much more likely than women (30%) to report having ever fallen asleep while driving; men (14%) were also more likely than women (8%) to admit having done so in the past year.
  • Drivers age 24 and younger were most likely to report having fallen asleep in the past year, but they were least likely to report having ever fallen asleep. This is consistent with other studies that have found younger drivers to have a higher risk of falling asleep at the wheel.

According to the Foundation’s 2009 Sleep in America poll, about one-third (28%) of Americans admitted that they have fallen asleep behind the wheel within the past year, and more than half (54%) said they have driven while drowsy. The following warning signs indicate that it’s time to stop driving and find a safe place to pull over and address your condition:

  • Difficulty focusing, frequent blinking and/or heavy eyelids
  • Difficulty keeping daydreams at bay
  • Trouble keeping your head up
  • Drifting from your lane, swerving, tailgating and/or hitting rumble strips
  • Inability to clearly remember the last few miles driven
  • Missing exits or traffic signs
  • Yawning repeatedly
  • Feeling restless, irritable, or aggressive.

Sleepiness can impair drivers by causing slower reaction times, vision impairment, slips in judgment and delays in processing information. In fact, studies show that being awake for more than 20 hours results in an impairment equal to a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08%, the legal limit in all states. It is also possible to fall into a 3-4 second microsleep without realizing it.  Here’s how to prevent a fall-asleep crash:

  • Get a good night’s sleep before you hit the road. You’ll want to be alert for the drive, so be sure to get adequate sleep (seven to nine hours) the night before you go.
  • Don’t be too rushed to arrive at your destination. Many drivers try to maximize the holiday weekend by driving at night or without stopping for breaks.
  • It’s better to allow the time to drive alert and arrive alive.
  • Use the buddy system. Just as you should not swim alone, avoid driving alone for long distances. A buddy who remains awake for the journey can take a turn behind the wheel and help identify the warning signs of fatigue.
  • Take a break every 100 miles or 2 hours. Do something to refresh yourself like getting a snack, switching drivers, or going for a run.
  • Take a nap—find a safe place to take a 15 to 20-minute nap, if you think you might fall asleep. Be cautious about excessive drowsiness after waking up.
  • Avoid alcohol and medications that cause drowsiness as a side-effect.
  • Avoid driving at times when you would normally be asleep.
  • Consume caffeine. The equivalent of two cups of coffee can increase alertness for several hours.

Here’s another unsettling fact: National Sleep Foundation’s 2012 Sleep in America Poll Finds sleepy pilots, train operators as well as bus, taxi, and limo drivers.  The people we trust to take us or our loved ones from place to place struggle with sleep, according to the National Sleep Foundation’s (NSF) 2012 Sleep in America® poll.  It is the first poll to ask transportation professionals, including pilots, train operators, truck, bus, taxi and limo drivers about their sleep habits and work performance. Pilots and train operators are most likely to report sleep-related job performance and safety problems. 

So, people, let’s get those zzzzz’s, rest and recoup before you take to the roads, rails, or sky!

 

 

Source: National Sleep Foundation

 

General Safety Issues, Head Protection

VFW ASKS US TO “CELEBRATE OUR VETERANS ON THEIR DAY”

VFW invites all Americans to celebrate the service of our nation’s heroes

“On Veterans Day we honor every man and woman who has proudly worn the uniform of the United States military. We celebrate all those who have bravely defended our nation from the forces of evil and tyranny, and helped free countries around the world from the grips of despair. 

This Veterans Day weekend, patriotic Americans will gather to remember the countless sacrifices our veterans have made. As we honor them, we should also reflect on the price paid for our victories, as well as the many liberties we enjoy today because of the selflessness of our nation’s heroes.  

Our veterans cherish the values and virtues upon which our nation was founded, and generations have bravely answered the call to preserve them. We owe them so much, and we must not forget the thousands who are deployed all over the world defending our freedoms at this very moment. We pray for their safe return, and the VFW stands ready to support their families while they are away.  

Over the course of America’s history, it has been those who have worn the uniform, those who have tenaciously defended our way of life, who we will be forever grateful to: America’s proud Marines, Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Coastguardsmen, and National Guardsmen.  Today and every day, we thank you for your service. ”

This year, Veterans Day, as designated, will be observed on November 11th.  Because the date falls on a Sunday, persons will also observe the holiday on Monday, November 12.

Listening to friends and family who  served in World War II, Korea, Viet Nam, Desert Storm, Iraq and/or Afghanistan bring us closer to the realities of war.  Many of these men and women lived through such terror we cannot imagine what they faced on a daily basis.  It continues, and our prayers and support should be given to them every day of the year.  If you know a veteran, please say “Thank You for your service to our country”!  Hopefully, someday, somehow, we will be at peace with the world.  Let’s make that our goal.

The employees of Texas America Safety Company and Blog4Safety are very grateful for your service, past and present. 

 

General Safety Issues

HOW HUMAN RESOURCES CREATES SAFE WORK ENVIRONMENTS (GUEST POST)

Sent to us by Erin Palmer

Whether referred to as Human Resources or Human Services, at companies both large and small, the HR department strives to provide the best possible workplace for their employees. In the day-to-day operations of a company, human resource managers face a complicated set of challenges involving every aspect of the workplace.

Of all these areas, perhaps none are as important as maintaining a safe work environment.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there were 4,690 workplace fatalities in America in 2010, or about 3.6 fatal injuries per 100,000 employees.  While the second lowest total since such numbers were tracked beginning in 1992, this still represents an environment where safety should be of the utmost importance.

In light of all this, it is vital for human resources to make sure that the workplace has first aid supplies and maintains all federal safety rules. Putting rules for safety in place – and constantly evaluating and updating them – is of paramount significance to human resources managers.

What Human Resource Departments Do to Address Safety

Much of how a human resources manager might address worker safety depends largely on the industry and the nature of the work involved. However, there are some general areas that all human resources departments must address.

  • Compliance with regulations involving personnel and management practices. This is especially relevant for employees with special needs.
  • Coordinating health and safety activities. This involves supervising health and safety personnel, as well as coordination of activities on health and safety committees for employees.
  • Maintaining employee records. This can be of benefit for employees with special needs, those with illness or injury and employees with disabilities, or pregnant employees.
  • Ensuring employees are aware of HR policies. This is a big part of most human resources departments, and involves the orientation and training of new employees, transferred employees and promoted employees, as well as general announcements for the entire workforce.
  • Promoting safety culture. This involves not only training new employees on the safety rules of a workplace, but also offering continuing information to all employees on the latest safety guidelines and best practices for enjoying a safe workplace.

Using Health and Safety Programs to Foster Safer Workplaces

Generally speaking, a health and safety program involves formulating a method of best broadcasting the practices of a company’s health and safety programs to employees, in hopes of providing the safest workplace possible.

Most health and safety programs involve creation of a committee made up of representatives from different levels of management as well as those from the employee ranks. It’s usually best to have an equal number from both areas.

The committee is then tasked to meet regularly and develop elements of a health and safety program that will provide the most benefit to that company’s workers, not one that simply meets the compliance guidelines set forth in government regulations. Some of the areas addressed in a typical health and safety program include:

  • Management training
  • Scope and frequency of workplace inspections
  • Accident and injury incident investigation
  • Emergency preparedness
  • Organizational rules for workplace safety
  • Personnel communications
  • Off-the-job safety
  • Evaluation and improvement of the program

Some Basic Tips for Workplace Safety

The federal Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) oversees workplace safety for the nation, and since 1970 federal law has mandated that employers provide a safe working environment for all employees.

Keeping up with OSHA regulations is a top priority for most businesses, as is preparing for the possibility of more stringent standards. Some tips for staying ahead, culled from Express Employment Professionals, include:

  • Documenting all OSHA violations. Having an updated list of problem areas will help the company better focus on making improvements.
  • Updating safety programs. As mentioned above, one of the main commitments for a health and safety committee should be the monitoring and improvement of health and safety programs.
  • Keep all employees up-to-date on safety regulations. This includes training all new employees on safety procedures as well as keeping all employees current on the proper use of all equipment and any changes made to health/safety protocols.
  • Seeking expert consultation. It’s sometimes advisable to bring in an outside health and safety expert to evaluate your health and safety program and determine whether it is complete and current with best practices.

Whatever course a human resource manager decides to take in addressing workplace safety needs, it’s important to stay engaged in the matter and ensure the latest ideas are being incorporated into the company’s approach to all-around employee safety.

This guest post was provided by Erin Palmer. Erin writes about human resources certification for the University Alliance. She also covers topics like HR degree programs.

General Safety Issues

WHY DO DOGS BITE AND HOW CAN YOU AVOID AN ATTACK? (GUEST POST)

By Carlos Santiago

Nearly 80 million dogs are owned by U.S. residents. Of these, a majority are well-trained, submissive dogs that are playful, loving, and generally friendly, though there are certain dogs that are more aggressive and tend to be involved in more dog attacks annually. However, depending on the dog and situation, any dog could become aggressive and attack. And, while it is generally a dog owner’s responsibility to restrain their dog and make sure they cannot cause other people harm, knowing why dogs tend to bite and how to avoid these attacks can be extremely helpful should a person find themselves in a situation where they may be attacked by a dog.

Certain dog breeds seem to have more aggressive tendencies, while others may become aggressive under duress. Across the board, some of the most common reasons dogs attack others include the following:

  • Fear – if a dog is worried that it is going to be hurt or that it is in harm’s way, it may become aggressive and more likely to bite. What is important to remember about this type of aggression is that it is based on the dog’s perception of a situation, rather than what may actually be happening. An example of this is when a person tries to pet a dog, but the dog believes the person is going to hit them, thus causing the dog to bite the person.
  • Protection – if a dog believes that it is in harm’s way, or that its owner is, the dog may respond with aggression. This also extends to property that the dog views as belonging to it, such as its yard, bed, or crate. In this situation, the dog may be exercising its dominance and ownership of something or some place.
  • Redirected aggression – when a dog is unable to or believes that it is unable to attack another party, it may direct that aggression towards another party that it believes it can dominate or attack.

All of these factors will depend on the individual dog, however. If a dog tends to be more aggressive in general, these situations will likely provoke a dog more easily into biting a person. While it’s not always possible to avoid being in situations where a dog might become aggressive, there are certain things a person can do to try and avoid being the victim of a dog bite or attack, including:

  • Stay away from unknown dogs
  • Avoid making direct eye contact with a dog
  • Try to stay as still as possible
  • Do not immediately pet a dog without letting it approach you and smell you first

Unfortunately, millions of people are bitten by dogs every year, often causing victims to suffer serious injuries. In such a situation, a person may choose to take legal action with the help of a dog bite lawyer in order to get their medical bills and other losses covered.

 

General Safety Issues

ELECTRICAL TESTING – THE KEY TO ENSURING ELECTRICAL SAFETY (GUEST POST)

By Grace Beckett

Electrical appliance testing is important when it comes to ensuring the safety of the product. It helps to find out if the manufacture has complied with the safety standards that will help avoid hazards and risks associated with an electrical product. 

Further Benefits of Electrical Testing  

Most electrical tests are conducted to ensure that the end user does not suffer from electrical shock or get hurt when operating an electrical appliance which may carry high voltage or current.

Electrical testing basically determines if it is safe and secure to use the electrical equipment. So, if you know how to test such devices, you can actually find out yourself whether it is safe to operate the appliance or it needs repair.

Once you are aware of the testing procedures, you will be able to determine the risk associated with an electrical device and avoid hazards at home or office.

Types of Electrical Testing 

There are two types of tests performed on electrical equipment. One of them is the type test that is carried out by test houses during the approval of an electrical device. The other one is a routine test that a manufacturer performs at the end of production.

Most type tests are conducted to determine whether an electrical product conforms to the specified safety standards. On the other hand, production tests include dielectric strength, earth leakage current and checking insulation resistance. Each of these tests is explained briefly.

Dielectric strength test: Dielectric strength test or the hipot test determines whether the equipment has the insulation required for the passage of normal range of overvoltage. It also detects clearance distances and insufficient creepage that can occur while the electrical product is manufactured.

Insulation resistance or Megger test: This test is performed to determine the resistance between any two points in a circuit, which are separated by an insulator. It actually helps you know how effectively the insulator can resist the flow of electricity. So, if you’d like to check an appliance’s power of insulation, then this is the test you should conduct.

Earth leakage current test: This kind of testing helps you evaluate the risk of electrical shock associated with an appliance. This prevents injuries that can prove to be fatal for a person operating the equipment.

Leakage current test is performed by following the prescribed safety standards. The test should be carried out when the appliance is operating under normal condition and with reversed polarity along with switches open as well as closed.

PAT Testers and Their Importance in Electrical Testing 

When it comes to testing electrical devices, PAT testers make your task easier. They help you distinguish between a Class I and Class II appliance. Such classification is based on the risk associated with each type of appliance.

With PAT testers, you can conduct earth continuity test, insulation resistance test, polarity check and dielectric strength test on Class I equipment. For Class II appliances, these testers will be helpful in performing dielectric strength test, insulation resistance test, functional review and touch current test.

Grace is an expert associated with PAT-TESTERS, one of the leading distributors of Seaward PAT testers. If you are specifically looking for a Seaward Prime 50 tester, feel free to contact the company.

General Safety Issues

TEN TIPS FOR ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS (GUEST POST)

Sent to us from the U.K. , written by David Quarmby.

It’s important to make sure that your electrics aren’t faulty to keep your home safe. Here are some top tips for safe electrical installation in order to reduce electrical fires and shocks.

1.       It’s vital to visually check any plugs, cables and electrical appliances for any problems. This could be signs of scorching around sockets or damaged cables which are both potential hazards.

2.       In order to detect any potential risks of safety to an electrical installation, a qualified electrician should carry out an inspection. They have the knowledge and experience to identify electrical dangers and ensure your home is safe.

3.       You should think about getting an RCD, or a residual current device that can be installed to prevent shocks. This device disconnects a circuit automatically if there is a fault.

4.       Make sure that there are enough sockets for appliances as you don’t want to be using too many multi-way sockets.

5.       When you do have multi-way sockets take care that you don’t overload adaptors, particularly with high current appliances such as irons, kettles, or heaters.

6.       Ensure all covers are in place to prevent anyone touching any live parts that are visible.

7.       It’s important that your electrician checks that earthing arrangements are in place so a fuse or circuit breaker can clear a fault. These will cut the circuit so that a fire or shock is prevented.

8.       They also need to check that there’s sufficient protective bonding so a shock is minimised.

9.       Cables should be selected and installed in relation to a fuse or circuit breaker in order to protect the circuit.

10.   In your home circuits should be installed to avoid danger and inconvenience caused if there was a fault.

The most essential thing to remember is to make sure electrics in the home are checked regularly by yourself and an electrician. Any electrical faults can present a possible threat to you and your family, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

David, the author, is an expert in electrical compliance and testing for businesses and is part of the ElectricalCerts group.