Monthly Archives: December 2012

General Safety Issues, Weather Protection

TORNADO SAFETY WHAT EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW (GUEST POST)

By Brandon Allred 

Everyone should know about tornado safety, even those who do not live in areas that are highly prone to these devastating acts of nature. Tornados are serious storms that can ruin everything in their path. This is why knowing what to do before, during and after a tornado is of great importance. It can mean the difference between life and death.

Before the Tornado

If the weather conditions are ripe for a tornado to develop than your area will come under a tornado watch. At this point all you really have to do is keep an eye on the weather in case the watch turns into a warning. A tornado warning is issued when a tornado has been spotted in or near your area. This is when it becomes important to begin the steps of safety and protection. Before a tornado hits you should be ready to take cover. This is when a family tornado safety program comes in handy. Practice your plans with tornado drills so everyone understands what to do and think in advance about the place you will be the safest in your home. Make sure that you have a tornado kit filled with flashlights, water, food (non-perishable), band aids and other first aid supplies. It is also a good idea to have a weather radio that relies on batteries for power.

Where to Take Cover

Tip 1:

If you are in a place where there is a basement you should go there and get under something sturdy. This will help protect you from anything that falls. Basements or any other part of a home that is underground is the best place to be during a tornado.

Tip 2:

If no basement is available then stay on the first floor of the building in a room that has no outside walls. This is usually a bathroom or closet. Stay clear of windows and outside walls as these parts of buildings are the most vulnerable during a tornado.

Tip 3:

If there is no basement or rooms with no outside walls (such as in a mobile home) it is best to seek shelter elsewhere. Go to a designated tornado shelter or the home of a friend or family member that is considered safe (or at least safer) than a mobile home.

Tip 4:

Never take shelter in a vehicle. If you are already driving when the warning occurs or you see a tornado, pull over and get out. Vehicles are easily picked up and tossed during tornados. Instead you should get into a ditch or a drainage pipe. While it is not a good idea to try to out drive a tornado, if you can do so from right angles away from the storm you may be okay to do so.

Tip 5:

If you have no other choice because you are caught off guard, lie in a bathtub and pull a mattress over the top of you for protection. Some people have also survived by tying themselves to the sink pipes in their homes to stop them from being pulled into the tornado. However, this does not protect you from falling debris.

After a Tornado

Always stay in your safe place until after you are sure that the storm has passed. Listen to your radio for the latest weather information. When it is safe to emerge check to see if there are any electrical or gas damaged areas. When you go outside be on the lookout for fallen power lines and report any to the proper authorities. Also report any injuries immediately. Steer clear from any rubble and wait for help to arrive if it is needed. Knowing all of this puts you in a better position to survive a tornado.

There was a time when tornado season was typically in the spring.  One never knows when the conditions are just right for one to strike, so pay attention to these tips just in case. Pat

General Safety Issues

DECEMBER: “THREE-D MONTH” – DRUNK AND DRUGGED DRIVING PREVENTION MONTH!

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  • December marks the observance of a very important campaign: 3-D Month: Drunk and Driving Prevention Month!  Pardon the pun, but the statistics on alcohol-related accidents are truly staggering!  Of 42,000 people who die on U.S. Highways annually, more than 18,000 lives are taken due to drunk drivers.  One in every ten Americans will be involved in an alcohol-related accident in their lifetime.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, every day in the U.S. 36 people die, and approximately 700 are injured, in car crashes involving an impaired driver. While some crashes might involve other factors as well, it’s probably safe to say that most of that death, and most of that pain, was entirely preventable.  Think about this: Getting behind the wheel when you’re impaired not only puts your life at risk, but the lives of so many others, possibly children. 

Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) has an organized campaign to improve conditions on the roadways.  Some projects they have been able to get approved are:

o       High Visibility Drunk Driving Crackdowns – Twice yearly during high-risk periods such as Labor Day and the December Holidays. 

o       Sobriety Checkpoints – Evaluating drivers for signs of alcohol or drug impairment at specific points of the roadways.  Signs may be posted in advance.  Average time of stop would be the equivalent of a traffic stoplight.

o       Smart Vehicle Technology-Within the next five years, car manufacturers may have developed DADSS (Driver Alcohol Detection Systems for Safety).

o       Ignition Interlocks – Convicted drivers have to blow into a device about the size of a cell phone that is connected to the starting circuit of the vehicle.

We worry about drunk drivers, drowsy drivers, and other risk-takers on the highways, such as drugged drivers.  Driving under the influence of prescription drugs can be deadly.  Medications act on systems in the brain that impair driving ability.  Warnings against the operation of machinery (including motor vehicles) for a specific time after use are included with the medications.  How many pay attention to those warnings?  If prescription drugs are taken without medical supervision (i.e., when abused), impaired driving and other harmful outcomes can result.

Drugs acting on the brain can alter perception, cognition, attention, balance, coordination, reaction time, and other faculties required for safe driving. The effects of specific drugs of abuse differ depending on their mechanisms of action, the amount consumed, the history of the user, and other factors. The principal concern regarding drugged driving is that driving under the influence of any drug that acts on the brain could impair one’s motor skills, reaction time, and judgment.

Behavioral effects of these medications vary widely, depending not only on the drug, but also on the person taking it.  Anti-anxiety drugs can dull alertness and slow reaction time.  Others, like stimulants, can encourage risk-taking and alter the ability to judge distances.  Mixing prescriptions or taking them with alcohol can worsen impairment and sharply increase the risk of crashing.

Almost nightly, we hear on the news about some drunk driving or drugged driving accident where innocent persons lost their lives, many times by a drunk wrong-way driver.  The mystery is how the guilty person has already been involved in similar incidents and is still driving.  It is now time that we recognize and address the dangers that can occur with drugged and drunk driving, a dangerous activity that puts us all at risk.  Drunk and Drugged driving is a public health concern because it puts not only the driver at risk, but also passengers and others who share the road.  

When you are celebrating the holidays, use common sense if drinking, and give a sober friend the keys if you overindulge.  Designated drivers play a valuable part toward the protection of their friends who are impaired, as well as the innocent folks in the other lane.  If you don’t have a designated driver, call someone, or take a cab.  As the saying goes, “Friends Don’t Let Friends Drive Drunk or Under the Influence of Drugs and/or Medications!”

 

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

SAFETY OF MARITIME WORKERS: DO YOU KNOW YOUR RIGHTS? (GUEST POST)

Written by Saam Banai.

Every industry has workplace hazards, although some industries are more hazardous than others. Maritime occupations such as crab fishing rank as some of the most dangerous in existence. This is due to the unique variety of threats faced at sea and limited medical facilities. To exacerbate matters, receiving compensation for an injury at sea can be difficult.

Common Threats at Sea

Maritime workers face a variety of threats at sea, the least of which are the mundane threats faced by workers in any industry. Slip and fall accidents, injuries from overexertion, and even intentional acts caused by coworkers are all hazards while at sea. Due to the physically intensive nature of work at sea and the presence of excessive moisture, these ordinary threats become magnified for sailors.

Work at sea also entails threats unique to the ocean. The ship itself is one potential threat. Moving nets can snag workers, causing falls, muscle strains, broken bones, or even ejection over the side of the ship. Other moving equipment can cause blunt force trauma of any severity, including death. Unlike most working environments, ships are also at risk of sinking, thereby exposing workers to frigid waters and potentially harsh waves.

Exposure to severe weather is another hazard at sea. Severe winds can send equipment flying into workers or even send the workers overboard. Large waves can destabilize the employee’s footing, causing falls. In freezing temperatures, accumulated ice that becomes dislodged from the ship can also become a flying weapon.

Employer Duties and Employee Recourse for Injuries at Sea

The nature of an employer’s duty to its employees varies depending upon the nature of the vessel. The United States Coast Guard regulates fishing vessels while the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, otherwise known as OSHA, regulates the remainder of the industry and shipyards.  Employers regulated by OSHA are expected to provide employees with certain equipment, such as helmets and fall restraints, otherwise, our maritime injury lawyer tells us, they might be liable for negligence. Employers not regulated by OSHA will have less restrictive requirements.

The United States has a sophisticated workers’ compensation and tort system that will remedy most complaints. The Merchant Marine Act of 1920 extended this system to sailors, permitting them to bring actions for negligence and other traditional torts against the owner of the ship, the captain, or other individuals who committed the tortious acts. The action may be filed in state or federal court like any other tort action.

Actions for negligence require a showing that the actor breached a duty of care. The standard duty of care is to act reasonably. If the injured party is injured as a result of another party failing to act reasonably, then the injured party may recover for damages like any other plaintiff. Failing to comply with regulations may also constitute a breach of the duty. The defense will also contest the other elements of negligence, such as causation and injury.

In practice, recovering for injuries suffered at work while at sea can be more complicated. Vessels are routinely registered out of different countries and assigned for different purposes. There are also certain limitations as to what constitutes a sailor under the Merchant Marine Act. Anyone injured at sea should contact an attorney specializing in admiralty law. An attorney can give legal advice to injured plaintiffs and help them understand their options for recovery, if any. 

Saam Banai is a freelance writer, editor, and certified sailor.  He contributes this article for Doyle Raizner LLP, trial lawyers experienced in maritime law. Having a maritime injury lawyer on your side in the event of a work accident at sea might mean the difference between receiving compensation or not receiving compensation.

Thank you, Saam, for another informative article. I didn’t know that fishing vessels were regulated by the U.S. Coast Guard rather than OSHA.  It would seem that these industries would provide the proper safety supplies for their workers, because it is such a dangerous occupation.

General Safety Issues, Health Issues

HOLIDAY SHOPPING TIPS (GUEST POST)

By Jakob Barry

It’s the holiday shopping season which means just about everyone will be heading to a mall at some point over the coming weeks. Even if you never go to one the entire year chances are you’ll be entering a store somewhere with the intention of purchasing a gift for a loved one or friend.

At the same time it’s important to keep in mind holiday shopping can be stressful, especially when you can’t find what you’re looking for and are running out of time. Even if you aren’t the one feeling the pressure others around you are which makes the perfect ingredients for unfortunate accidents and misunderstandings.

For a safer journey this shopping season keep the following tips in mind.

1. Make a list
It’s a safe bet making a list can prevent unnecessary rushing around and the potential for accidents. Why? One of the most frustrating things is when there’s a lot to do, a number of errands to run, things to pick up and just when we think it’s all under control we realize we forgot to get something at a previous location.

Then, with so much going on in our lives and all kinds of timetables and schedules to keep staying focused is a challenge and frustration sets in. With millions of other shoppers out doing the same thing a list can come in handy and keep us safer than we realize.

2. Drive safely
Even if a list was made be reasonable with your time and don’t rush, especially with driving. Plan shopping with enough time to compensate for long lines and lots of traffic, as there are a lot of other people on the road who also have goals they are trying to meet and may get an itch to speed.

Keep an eye on the road and on everyone around you as driving this time of year may just be a real obstacle course.

3. Watch the weather
Driving carefully is one thing but when the weather gets bad extra precautions are needed. Check the forecast before going out and if things get messy make sure to keep distance between other vehicles.  Also, dress accordingly. This means if bitter cold air moves in don’t rely on heat from your car or inside the mall. Bring what’s necessary to be self sufficient so you stay healthy throughout the holiday season.

4. Stay hydrated:
Believe it or not, shopping can take a lot out of a person and dehydration, even in the winter can occur. This is particularly true when being exposed to a lot of dry heat like in department stores.  For this reason make sure to drink enough water and stay away from sodas and sugar drinks. Not only are they less healthy but will dry you out faster. 

5. Hygiene:
When it comes to safety and shopping we often forget many items we touch were already touched by countless other people. Hangers, changing rooms, bathrooms, railways, door handles, checkout counters, and more. What they all have in common is the likelihood of having been in contact with germs that can be picked up easily when we aren’t careful.

Always remember to wash hands before eating or putting them anywhere near the mouth. This will also prevent the transfer of germs to others we may be traveling with such as children or friends.

Jakob writes for Winston Salem, N.C. flooring contractors

Thanks, Jakob, for these great tips for successful and healthy shopping for the holidays.  It would be wise to carry some hand sanitizer along, for those times when a rest room is not close by. 

Also, to our readers, Texas America Safety Company, tasco-safety.com, is still offering free shipping on gift orders placed before Christmas.  Check out some of our great products that would make someone very happy. Pat

General Safety Issues, Health Issues

NOT FUN, BUT FLU FACTS FOR DECEMBER, 2012.

According to the Center for Disease Control, the “bug” is back, and earlier than it has been in almost ten years.  It is predicted to be an especially bad flu season for some Americans.  Suspected flu cases have jumped in five states, and the primary strain circulating is one that tends to make people sicker, especially the elderly.  This years’ bug is H3N2; fortunately, the vaccine that was developed for this year is well matched to the strains of flu seen this year.  Also, one-third of Americans have been vaccinated so far this year. 

The CDC’s flu-tracking system’s reports are a week old the day they are made, since it takes time for reports to reach them.  These are based directly on physician-reported illnesses.  The CDC’s flu tracking system shows that flu-like illnesses are widespread in five states:

Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Texas.  Georgia and Missouri have moderate levels of activity. 

WebMD’s Cold and Flu Map, based on cold and flu symptoms entered into the WebMD Symptom Checker, shows “severe” flu activity in Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, South Carolina and South Dakota.  Moderate to severe activity is reported in southeastern, south central, and central states, as well as Alaska and Hawaii. 

Dr. Thomas Frieden, Director of the CDCP, predicts it is shaping up to be a bad flu season, however, only time will tell.  There are ample supplies of the flu vaccine; manufacturers have shipped 123 million of this year’s expected 135 million doses of the flu vaccine.  Dr. Frieden reports that last year had no shortage of the vaccine and they expect it won’t fall short this year. 

So, if you haven’t received your vaccination, do so now, so your holidays won’t be spoiled.  That way, you don’t risk giving it to your friends, families, or co-workers.  If you do become sick, please stay at home and try to not come in close contact with others.  Washing your hands or using anti-bacterial hand wash will help kill germs.

General Safety Issues

GROUND REQUIREMENTS FOR SAFETY IN THE WAREHOUSE (GUEST POST)

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Another great article sent to us by Maree Kyle.

Safety in the workplace is at the top of any company’s list because risks that aren’t accounted for and dealt with accordingly have the potential to cause the loss of life, limb and livelihood. No matter what rules and guidelines you put in place, you still have to exercise caution when using power supplies and tools. To avoid unnecessary harm or danger, it’s important to make sure you are on top of safety compliance issues, communicate safety rules to your employees and ensure they are using every precaution possible to prevent hazardous situations from arising. Here are some tips for promoting safety.

  • Provide training and education: Good communication is one of the most important safety tools you can use in your workplace. Regular workshops sponsored by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration should be a consistent part of your warehouse safety plan. As technology in the warehouse increases, new information must be passed on to the workers so old, outdated practices don’t inadvertently cause a safety issue.
  • Avoid electrical accidents: Machinery and tools that use electricity place everyone in the warehouse work environment at-risk for accidents. Power supplies for heavy duty industrial equipment are an important addition to your warehouse tools and supplies. When new supplies are introduced into the workplace, be sure to provide on-the-spot training so employees are aware of the new supplies and how they function. Daily electrical safety checks should be a part of every morning to ensure your employees are starting the day in a safe work environment.
  • Provide emergency kits: Your local fire department will work with you to ensure you’re in compliance with your emergency kits, which may include first aid supplies, a light source, batteries, a radio, water pouches and food rations. Follow the directives put forth by the fire department to ensure each emergency kit contains what it should and is placed where it’s easily accessible by you and your employees.
  • Post evacuation plans: Evacuation during an emergency is an essential component of your warehouse safety plan, and it’s something you and your employees should practice. Even though workers in a large warehouse may have assigned emergency exits and shutdown procedures to follow, make sure they know safety comes first and it’s okay to use a closer or safer exit when necessary. Likewise, discuss when equipment shutdown practices should be followed or abandoned in an emergency.
  • Be diligent with cleanups: This simple-but-effective tip will make the warehouse a safer place to be for anyone on the floor. Even small spills from water, oil or other slippery component can pose a hazard in the workplace. Avoid accidents that can become serious issues by being mindful of messes.

The time and training invested in promoting workplace safety is well worth the cost when compared to the time and money you’d have to expend to recover from a workplace accident. Keep communication lines open and convey every new safety tip to your employees. Make sure they’re following through with safety measurements, even if it involves a little extra work and time. Some companies try to save time and dollars by cutting corners on safety; not only is the practice unsafe, but it places little value on the company and those who keep it going. Follow these and other safety tips to make your warehouse a safer place to work.

 

General Safety Issues

ELECTRICAL SAFETY – ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW (GUEST POST)

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By Grace Beckett 

Electricity is almost everywhere. It is never good to come in contact with it, as it always looks for a way to reach the ground. If you are in its way, it will most definitely pass through you. It is better to take precautions than to face a fatal situation. Here is all that you need to know about making your your environment electricity-proof. 

In your yard 

  • Make sure your house is not built adjacent to any transformer. Always have a front yard and backyard to give your house some distance from the power lines.
  • Keep all the tools in a safe area like a garden shed or a garage far away from any electric lines.
  • Position all the satellite dishes, television and radio antennae in an area on the roof where there would be no interference with any power line.
  • While using metal ladders, make sure you work away from any overhead lines. If you work on an aluminium ladder that is in contact with a power line, you might get electrocuted. Use wooden ladders if possible.
  • Do not attempt to rescue objects or animals from power lines on your own. Call for help from the electricity department or the fire department.
  • Trees can conduct electricity when in contact with any power line. So remember not to climb trees close to transformers or power lines and educate your kids on this.
  • While landscaping, make sure that your trees, plants and shrubs do not interfere with power lines and transformers.
  • Electrical circuits and outlets that are present outdoors need to be protected with a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI). 

Within your walls 

Keep testing all your electric outlets and appliances for any damage or break. Replace defective electrical parts when necessary. Install all electrical outlets higher up on the wall away from a child’s reach. Another reason for this is because outlets closer to the ground may cause dangers if there are water spills near the electrical circuit. Keep all electrical appliances away from water. Make sure there are no hair-styling equipments like blow dryers, straighteners, dehumidifiers, etc., in your bathrooms or near the kitchen sink. 

Water is an excellent conductor of electricity, so keep away all electric cords from damp places. Avoid overloading any electrical outlet. Keeping checking all the circuits and wiring for any defects and get them fixed immediately. Always switch off an outlet before unplugging the cord. Unplug unused electrical appliances and keep them in a safe place till you need to use them again. Do not keep any electrical appliance or cord on any cloth like curtains, carpets, table cloth, etc. All electrical appliances release heat and this may sometimes lead to a fire. Use tested and certified appliances and electrical equipment (Ex: Underwriter Laboratories certified.) 

Grace is an expert associated with PASS training courses. Feel free to visit their website http://www.pat-testing-course.com/training-courses/liverpool.php for more details on the training courses they offer.

General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Head Protection, Weather Protection

SAFETY MEASURES WHILE CONSTRUCTING HOMES (GUEST POST)

Another great article sent by Grace Beckett. 

Most homeowners rely on the contractor to take responsibility for any mishap that may happen to a laborer.  But the fact is that the homeowners are equally responsible in case of any untoward circumstances that occur during construction. Mishaps can happen due to negligence on the part of the labour or faulty procedures. 

The homeowner will be asked to pay necessary compensation or he may have to confront legal authority in case of any accident caused to the labour due to his negligence. Even fatal incidents are possible, when safety measures are not adopted in construction sites. For smooth completion of the construction process, the homeowner and labour must adopt certain best practices, some of which are listed below: 

Safety tips for labours and homeowners  

When constructing a basement, place supporting planks in the portion that is excavated. The planks prevent the sides from collapsing into slushy, soft soil. Even in partially-built areas, you should provide protection at excavated areas by installing signboards. You could also make lighting arrangements to prevent passersby from falling into pits.

Before cement is laid, the homeowner should make sure that the contractor is not using old, decayed construction material. Ant-bitten planks, which cannot take up much load, can be the cause of construction mishaps. 

When old buildings are brought down, the contractor may not always incorporate safety measures during the dismantling operation. So, the owner should also prevent the labour from moving near the construction area. Barricades can be erected to keep away trespassers as well. 

The tank built for water storage should be shallow to avoid fatal incidents such as children falling into it. You could instead increase the breadth and length of the tank to store a greater volume of water. The tank should also be provided with steps. 

From the point of view of safety, the homeowner should use electrical wires encased in plastic pipes or sticks of bamboo. In some cases, the steel bars on roofs are bent and touch the power lines passing close to the construction area; this may lead to accidents which can happen when these current-carrying electric wires are touched. 

Common-sense tips for labours and homeowners 

Ban alcohol and drugs: Prohibit the use of drugs or alcohol on the construction site as they give room for injuries due to impaired judgment. As it is very important that you as well as the labour have a clear focus on the task at hand, never allow drugs or alcohol to cloud your thoughts. 

Avoid getting angry: Anger distracts you from your purpose and while you’re in a construction site, you are more likely to hurt yourself. Don’t lose your focus while monitoring tasks on the site. 

Use of protective gear: Protective gear includes everything from sunscreens to sturdy safety helmets. Wear a hat or jacket to get protection from heat and cold. Distribute protective goggles and gloves to labours and instruct them to use them when working with power tools. Make sure you as well as the labour wear strong soled shoes as a form of protection against injuries.
Using correct tools: Make sure that the right tool is used for the task. When a tool is used for a task for which it is not designed, it leads to injuries. 

Grace is associated with SHS Ltd, a UK based company that is a balustrade supplier and a steel designing and manufacturing firm.

 

 

 

 

 

General Safety Issues

PROS AND CONS OF TAKING CHILDREN ON CRUISES (Guest Post)

 With the holidays coming up, and kids out of school for a couple of weeks, some families may be considering taking a cruise.  Here are some thoughts sent to us by Jeralyn Nelson of HouseSittingJobs:
 
Cruises have become a popular vacation option lately because they offer multiple stops and plenty of activities both onboard the ship and off, and many of them have started catering to families, planning the entire cruise around kid-friendly events.  If you’re toying with the idea of taking the kids on a cruise for your next family vacation, then check out these pros and cons and see if they help if your decision making.

Pros

  1. More and more cruise lines are taking families into consideration and ships are more kid friendly now.
  2. Many of the cruise lines (Norwegian, Royal, Disney, and MSC) are catering to kids with ships that have attractions such as water slides, kids’ clubs, kids’ camps, mini-golf, outdoor movies, and video arcades.
  3. There are plenty of things for the kids to do so parents can enjoy some time alone.  Cruise lines have increased their staff to include camp counselors and others to work strictly with the kids on board.
  4. There are teen clubs where teens are free to dance the night away in a non-alcoholic environment or just hang out and make new friends.
  5. One cruise line (MSC) even lets kids cruise for free.
  6. Most cruise lines will accommodate the tastes of your child and several even make their own baby food, but you will need to request this ahead of time.
  7. Room service is free so if you would rather feed your child away from the crowds and distractions of the dining room you can.
  8. Staff members are willing to babysit on the ship during their off hours so that you can get out and take in a show.  Some parents prefer to bring their nanny or a babysitter with them on the cruise, and the cost for an on board babysitter can vary.
  9. High chairs are available in the dining room, or you can have one brought to your state room.
  10. Some cruise lines even have classes geared toward teenagers like photography and film making.

Cons

  1. Some cruise lines have not gone the extra mile to include very many kid friendly activities, so you’ll need to do some research ahead of time to see if they have or not.
  2. Even on the cruise lines that have been touted for their kid friendly programs there is often not enough for the kids to do.
  3. Typically kids have to be at least 3 to go into the kids’ clubs and they have to be potty trained.
  4. The tweens (8 to 12) struggle to find their place.  They are too old for many of the kid areas where they are doing crafts and games, but they are too young for the teen club areas.  Depending on the kid you may still find them saying that they are bored.
  5. While some cruise lines have added many kid-specific things to do there aren’t very many family friendly activities.  So if you are looking for a place that you can do something as a family the cruise ship may not be the place.
  6. Most cruise lines charge full price for kids.
  7. Most of the state rooms only have a stand up shower so if your child can’t take a shower you will need to bring an inflatable bathtub with you.
  8. Toddlers who are not potty trained cannot use the pools. Pools on the cruise ship are usually highly chlorinated and it probably wouldn’t be good for young kids anyway.
  9. There aren’t many outlets in the room so you will want to bring your own outlet strip to plug in cell phones, iPods, DVD players and the like.
  10. Closets are very small and filled with shelves, so keep that in mind when you are packing.  There are a few drawers, but not enough for everyone to have their own if you’re all in the same room.

Before booking a cruise with kids in tow, consider the pros and cons to evaluate if family cruising is right for you.

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues

SAFETY WHILE PLAYING PAINTBALL (GUEST POST)

Sent to us by Grace Beckett 

When playing any game that involves shooting, safety should be your priority. Injuries, though not very serious, may still occur if you are not prepared for it. There are various safety issues and how to prepare for them. Knowing these can save you the unwanted trouble and pain of  an injury. Following these simple steps can ensure that you stay safe while having fun.

Safety equipment

Paintball masks that provide comprehensive protection for the face are available. It is necessary to wear a mask all the times in the playground. Even when you can feel the mask fogging up, you should not remove it during the game.     Play at places that have certified courses and staff, to aid you in case of any injury. The staff is adept at what they do and playing under their supervision can save you from potential injuries. 

  •      Avoid shooting wildlife when playing. It isn’t ethical, and is possibly illegal, too. 
  •      Check your CO2 tank before you start the games. It is important that you follow the steps explained by the manufacturer, as it can cause serious injuries. 
  •      Goggles are as important as masks. Eyes are especially susceptible to injury. If someone shoots directly at your face, it’s better to have your face protected, or you might even lose an eye. A paintball travels at over 200 feet per second, so it’s advisable to be safe than sorry. 
  •      Barrel plugs and barrel bags are important to be checked and done every time you take a break. Accidentally shooting someone is a realistic possibility and should be avoided. Put the barrel plug in place as soon as you go for a break. It not only ensures safety for others, but also for you, as you set an example for others by doing this. 
  •      Paintball is a fairly unregulated game. There are no statistics that give indications of the injuries afflicted by players. So, don’t believe the myth that it is safer than bowling or tennis. Field support has noticed increase in injuries in the last three years. So, play responsibly. 
  •      Avoid overshooting people. People generally get carried away and shoot opponents more than once in the heat of the battle. This shouldn’t be done. Repeatedly getting hit by these bullets can not only be uncomfortable, but also cause serious injury in the process. 
  •      Keep eyes in a different direction from air release valves. You can also wear jock or cup straps if you are a guy. This will reduce pain when hit by bullets. 
  •      Don’t shoot people from up close. In the heat of the moment it’s understandable that you might shoot someone from a distance. But it’s unacceptable to do it from point blank range without even calling surrender. If they don’t accept the surrender then you can go ahead and shoot them, but avoid doing it on the face as mentioned earlier. 

Paintball is a very entertaining game if played correctly and by following all rules. The game should be played responsibly to avoid causing injuries, or getting injured in the process. 

Grace is an expert with Airsoft BB guns, and posts blogs about these topics on various sites. The site she represents gives many offers on electronic and normal guns.

Grace, I believe I will stay on the sidelines for this one!  Thanks for the safety tips to follow while playing this game, and we can only hope participants follow your advice! Pat