Monthly Archives: December 2012

General Safety Issues

European Union Pipe Marking Guide Available (Guest Post)

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 Author – Jack Rubinger

Portland, OR – Graphic Products, Inc. has issued the European Union Pipe Marking Guide—a user-friendly, free reference guide of pipe-marking information for general building, refrigeration and medical gas services specific to Europe.

Fully illustrated with application photos, colour charts, pictograms, placement guides and other practical information, this resource was created to help users comply with British (BS) 4800 and RAL colour designations used by the building industry in England and throughout the EU. In addition to meeting legal requirements, correctly identified pipes aid maintenance and repair workers and improve facility safety operations.

“Pipe marking labels communicate pipe contents and directional flow,” explained Steve Stephenson, chief marketing officer at Graphic Products, Inc. “Because pipes may be exposed to oil and chemical spills, extreme temperatures and UV sunlight, their marking labels must be industrial-strength, yet easy to read from any distance.” Graphic Products manufactures desktop-based and standalone industrial labeling systems that are capable of printing pipe-marking labels on demand. 

Effectively managing a physical plant is a major responsibility. Adding to the challenge is the massive network of pipes used to convey and distribute potentially hazardous contents. If pipes are left unmarked, workers waste huge amounts of time following and re-following water and steamer lines to track the flow. When emergency strikes, critical time can be lost trying to assess hazard level and determine a course of action. 

Facilities such as food manufacturing plants have anhydrous ammonia refrigeration systems that require pipe marking. Mines also require pipe labels. RAL colour designations are based on flammability, corrosive/toxic, combustible, fire quenching and compressed air. Arrows indicating flow direction are placed before and after the text. These colors provide a quick reference for maintenance and rescue crews. Upstream or downstream pump or tank identification numbers can be used to further clarify the purpose of the pipe. Constant relabeling is needed as companies grow and components need replacing. 

The European Union Pipe Marking Guide offers the following advice for evaluating pipe-marking applications:

  • Existing pipe markers. Are pipes missing pipe markers?
  • Are pipes physically damaged, deteriorated, or greasy? In some cases, pipes may be inhospitable to label adhesives, and pipe sleeves or hanging valve tags must be used.
  • Are pipes accurately labeled, including name, flow direction and label color? 

Graphic Products, Inc. manufactures mobile and wide-format labeling systems used by international shipping lines, distribution centers, mining operations and oil refineries worldwide. Customers include Amazon.com, Boeing, Intel and Toyota. 

Graphic Products offers more than 50 unique labeling supplies tailored toward virtually any industrial demand, as well as a technically advanced label printers for any size job. DuraLabel and Graphic Products have solved problems in the industrial safety arena for more than 40 years. 

To download the free European Pipe Markers Guide, visit: http://www.duralabel.com/free-gifts/free-european-pipe-marking-guide.php. 

For more information, visit www.DuraLabel.com.

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

DECEMBER IS SAFE TOYS AND GIFTS AWARENESS MONTH

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For several years, Prevent Blindness America has declared December as Safe Toys and Gifts Awareness Month.  For parents, grandparents and others shopping for children, there are many things to consider about the choices they make.  Children have been seen in emergency rooms due to choking, eye injuries, or even poisoning.  Most of this was caused by injuries due to poorly made items and misuse of toys. 

In a 2010 report from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission,  it was estimated that hospital emergency rooms treated 251,700 toy-related injuries throughout the U.S.  Of that number, 72 percent of injuries were to those less than 15 years of age.  They also found that 46 percent of the 251,700 ER-treated injuries occurred to the head and face area.  Lacerations, abrasions, and contusions made up most of the injuries.

There are two things to keep in mind when shopping for toys:

(1)   Keep the age of the child in mind when purchasing gifts and consider their maturity level.  Read the age recommendations and any warnings on the packaging, and abide by them.

(2)   Select toys that are well constructed and meet the American society for testing and Materials’ (ASTM) approval.  You will see a label on the package if the item meets these standards. 

Prevent Blindness asks you to make these recommendations to family members and friends about gifts that you feel are appropriate for your child, and be diligent about inspecting the gifts before the child plays with them.  This may seem a little heartless at Christmas, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. 

Choose toys that are a developmental tool as well as a recreational activity for children, not to cause harm.  Children should be supervised at all times, and instructed on the proper use of the toy.  Labels are the best way to decide whether a toy or other item is right for a child.  Most new toys have appropriate age labels and these should be followed.  Stuffed items should be machine washable, fabric items should be non-flammable and/or flame resistant, and art supplies should read non-toxic.  Crayons and paints should say ASTM D-4236 on the package, ( evaluated by the American Society for Testing and Materials).  Outdoor recreational items such as skateboards or baseballs should be accompanied by the appropriate safety gear, such as helmets and gloves.  BB Guns should be given to only those of the proper age and maturity to handle them safely, and comfortable safety goggles should be included. 

Keep these tips in mind throughout the year, as children are given toys more often than just at Christmas.  It’s just a good time to emphasize that we want everyone to have a safe and happy holiday season! 

Source: PBA

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues

HOW TO PREPARE FOR A HURRICANE WHEN CARING FOR KIDS (GUEST POST)

Shared with us by Emma Roberts
 

If you live in a coastal area that is prone to tropical storms and hurricanes, it’s imperative that you learn to quickly and efficiently respond when severe weather strikes. When you’re responsible for the health and safety of children, emergency preparedness becomes even more of a priority. In order to ensure that everyone in your household, including the youngest members of the family, are coached on proper hurricane preparation and are protected as much as possible, it’s wise to make sure that you’re familiar with the following concepts.
 
Explain What a Hurricane Is For younger children or those that have never experienced a hurricane first hand, it’s essential to help them understand what a hurricane is and why it’s important that they adhere to the safety guidelines you’ve put in place. Being under the misconception that a hurricane is just a high-powered thunderstorm could cause them to take the situation less seriously than they should, which could result in the children behaving recklessly or disregarding safety rules.

Be Honest Without Causing Alarm

To keep kids from behaving in an unsafe manner due to a fundamental misunderstanding about what a hurricane is, it’s very important that you’re honest and to the point when you discuss the matter with them. However, it’s neither wise nor necessary to phrase your explanations in a way that alarms them or causes them to become excessively afraid. Managing the natural fears that will accompany the worst part of the storm could be difficult enough for particularly sensitive children; adding to that anxiety with a needlessly frightening explanation will almost always be more harmful than helpful.

Talk About Evacuation Routes

Should your household be evacuated, it’s necessary for everyone in the family to be intimately acquainted with an agreed-upon evacuation route. This is especially important if you find yourselves separated, so that each member of the household knows where to go in order to be reunited.

Stock Up on Disaster Supplies

Living in an area that’s prone to hurricanes will require you to maintain a constant supply of survival supplies in the event of a disaster. Ideally, that kit will include enough non-perishable food and water to last the entire family for three to five days, a manual can opener, a battery-powered radio and a flashlight with an ample supply of batteries, as well as a well-stocked first aid kit.

Talk About When to Call 911

Kids should be coached long before an emergency occurs on the appropriate times to call emergency services. In the event of a catastrophic weather event, it’s important to avoid backing up the system with non-essential calls, but it’s equally as important to know when a situation is a legitimate emergency deserving of an emergency phone call. Explaining to kids when they should call 911 and how to proceed while on the phone with emergency services can mean the difference between surviving a storm as a whole family unit and a tragedy.

Work Out a Communication Plan

Cell phone towers, electricity and other modern forms of communication may be limited due to storm damage, so it’s essential that everyone in the family, including caregivers and extended family in the area, have an agreed-upon system for communication should you be separated. Designating a friend or family member who lives well outside the danger area for hurricane damage as a liaison for communicating and facilitating reunion is wise.

Teach Kids to Shut off Utilities

In some cases, you may be required to shut off utility lines that supply natural gas, water and other resources to your home. Though kids should not be forced to manage these tasks on their own when there’s a capable adult to carry them out, they should still be instructed regarding the proper procedure for doing so to prevent dangerous conditions if an adult is injured, unresponsive or separated from them. Make sure that you walk through the process of shutting these utilities off regularly, and that you educate the kids on the signs that indicate when doing so is necessary.

Explain the Importance of Resource Conservation

Preserving perishables during a storm can be difficult, especially if electricity service is suspended for an extended period of time. Knowing how to pack a refrigerator and freezer with ice to maintain a safe temperature, being aware that you should refrain from opening them unless it’s absolutely necessary, and acknowledging how important it is to conserve the resources in your survival kit are all essential things to teach even the youngest member of the family. The novelty of using flashlights, survival-kit food and battery-powered supplies can cause kids to be a bit wasteful of those resources, which could be disastrous if it takes longer to receive aid than you planned for.

In the wake of Superstorm Sandy, this is excellent advice to be prepared for the next natural disaster.  We know our friends in the Northeast are still reeling from the terrible devastation Sandy caused.   Hopefully, hurricane season is over for this year, but it pays to always be prepared and explain in detail how to be prepared, especially for children. Pat

General Safety Issues

THE OFFICE PARTY – HOW EMPLOYERS CAN ENSURE SAFETY! (GUEST POST)

Sent to us from the U.K, by Paul Ellett 

The Festive Season

So the period of festivities is fast approaching, a chance for everyone to over indulge in good company, food and of course alcohol. For many as well its the perfect chance to let your hair down and relax with work colleagues over a well deserved drink. The office Christmas party is notable for gossip and and the occasional romance but on a much darker note has been responsible for many drink driving offences. Here we look at ways to ensure the party runs as smoothly as possible and that everyone returns home safely to their loved ones. 

Who’s Responsible?

Often the blame for drunk driving has solely been put on the driver with no thought given to other influential factors. So who is responsible? Primarily responsibility lies with yourself, but family, friends and your working organisation should also come into consideration. At the office Christmas party it is vital that your employers put in place measures to ensure that no one drink drives this Christmas. How can they do this? First of all, your employers have a duty of care to abide by. Your employers should look at arranging transport for after the functions when they have reached their climax. Mini buses and/or taxis are a relatively cheap option for the company to arrange and can be shared by several employees. Organisations should also implement a strict drink driving policy to all employees whether on business duties or private matters and if found guilty of such an offence could result in instant dismissal. 

No Free Booze

Although the urge maybe there to give your employees an open bar, but try to avoid doing so. It goes without saying people will abuse this and this is where problems can occur. If you feel you must have a tab on the bar for employees to have a drink on the company’s expense, then limit each member of staff to how many drinks they can have. This will save unduly hangovers in the morning and ensure no matters get out of hand because of alcohol. 

Stick to Soft Drinks

If the bosses have been kind enough to take you for an end of year meal during office hours, then why not just stick to soft drinks. In recent surveys undertaken many people have reported they feel pressure from work colleagues to drink alcohol at such functions, even if they don’t want to. Take responsibility though and explain that you are unable to have a drink because you are driving. If you know there is a possibility that you will be consuming alcohol then take the biggest precaution is not to drive. 

A Fun Event for all

The Christmas party should be a chance for everyone to have fun and relieve some of the pressures and tensions which may have occurred throughout the year. Just try to ensure any distractions that could cause problems later in the future. When it comes to alcohol though, if you suspect someone of drunk driving or you believe they are under the influence of alcohol, reason with them and discuss the damming effects which could be caused if they are to drink and drive. If this doesn’t work, then it is your duty to contact the police. 

Author Bio

Stephen provides help for those who have received a drink driving ban. Stephen also ensure precautionary measures are in place so that no offenses are committed.

General Safety Issues

DON’T GET YOURSELF ALL IN A LATHER, BUT IT IS NATIONAL HANDWASHING AWARENESS WEEK!

December 2 through December 8th is National Handwashing Week.  A task we should do numerous times through each day, is observed this week, as a reminder of all the bad things that can happen to us if we and others don’t wash our hands. 

Think of how many places you enter and exit through the day – your car, subway, bus, taxi, or other means of going to work.  Doorknobs are a great place for germs to sit just waiting for you.  Your computer or cell phone probably has germs galore.  If you have to share a phone with someone else, you should have some antiseptic wipes to clean them between uses. 

Hospitals come to mind as one of the single-most places that infections occur (HAI’s or hospital-associated infections.)  It is not unusual that hospital rooms and other areas contain antiseptic stations for nurses, patient families, and doctors to ensure their hands are clean before coming in contact with a patient.  Don’t be embarrassed to ask your nurse if she washed her hands before touching you.  Many times, patients leave the hospital sicker than when they came in, especially if they have surgery.  Hospitals fight infection rates by keeping room temperatures low (chilly); however, keeping everything extremely sterile is of the utmost importance.

 Restaurants are another place where germs lurk.  How many times have you noticed someone preparing food without wearing gloves?  Have you ever witnessed them preparing, say, pizza, and then taking money from someone while you are waiting on your order?  Schools, cafeterias, and most restaurants require wearing hairnets and disposable latex gloves when handling food.  Manufacturing plants have strict rules about keeping food safe by wearing the proper protective equipment.  We are very trusting in our purchases of produce, but first and most important, is washing that produce once it is in our kitchen.  Of course, homemakers aren’t going to wear hairnets and gloves preparing the evening meal, but they should wash hands before and after preparing food. 

Airports are another handy location to pick up germs, both inside the terminal and inside the plane.  There have been reports of planes that have not been properly cleaned between flights, so it would pay to carry some antiseptic wipes in your carry-on bag or purse, to de-germ the things you may be in contact with. 

Teach your children to wash their hands the right way, with plenty of soap and water, in the amount of time it takes to sing “Happy Birthday” twice.  This is a good rule of thumb for grown-ups as well.  Keep some antiseptic wipes or cleaner in your car so you can use it after paying for soft drinks at the drive-in, doing your daily shopping or anytime you have been out of your car.  That way at least YOU know your hands are clean; just hope those you have been in contact with observe the same hand hygiene habits.  Think about these things the next time you shake hands with someone!

 

 

General Safety Issues

EDUCATE YOUR KIDS ON ELECTRICAL SAFETY (GUEST POST)

Another great article sent to us by Grace Beckett.

Educate Your Kids on Electrical Safety

It is important that you keep your family and home safe from the danger that electrical appliances pose. Electrical safety must be observed each time you touch an appliance connected to electrical circuits. Even bad weather conditions, hurricanes, floods, tornadoes and ice storms can pose a great risk to your electrical safety. Apart from you being careful, you have to ensure that you educate your child on electrical safety. Electricity surrounds your children everyday as they work on computers, encounter cords, appliances, power lines and outlets. 

When it comes to your kids, it is important that you teach them safety skills that they can use to make informed decisions when they are around electricity. Make sure that you teach your child how to avoid injuries due to electricity. Here are few things regarding electricity, which you should educate your kids about. 

Electricity follows the simplest route through the ground 

Inform your kid that electricity always tries and gets to the ground. Electricity takes a shortcut whenever possible. So, if some material like iron provides an easy path for electricity to travel, it will definitely take it! 

Electricity and the body 

It is important that you inform your child that metal and water are the best conductors of electricity. Mention that the water in our bodies makes us good conductors of electricity. Make your child understand that if he touches the ground and any electrical circuit simultaneously, he will become the carrier of electricity. Tell your children that electricity can easily flow through them and can hurt or kill them. 

Your children should know that they need not touch the ground directly to experience a shock or conduct electricity. Even when they touch a faulty electrical appliance while holding on to a bad conductor of electricity, like wood or tree, they can get an electrical shock.  

When your child is standing in water or touching an electrical appliance with wet hands, he or she can experience shocks, as electricity can rapidly travel through water. This is the main reason why you have to keep away all the electrical appliances from water. Ensure that you tell your child not to touch any electrical appliance when his or her hand is wet. Standing in a wet and marshy area touching electrical appliances can be very dangerous. 

Electricity and appliances 

Most of the electrical appliances have insulated coverings and cords to avoid electric shocks. Whenever your child is using an electrical appliance, ensure that he or she keeps the coverings and the cords in position to avoid electric shocks. If you find that the insulation for a particular appliance is not intact, tell your child not to touch that appliance until it is fixed. 

What should your child know about electric shocks?  

Nobody can tell when the contact with electricity can be fatal; so let your child know that electric shocks can cause weakness, spasms, shallow breathing, severe burns, rapid pulse, unconsciousness or even death. So, make sure that your child is very careful when he or she is dealing with electrical appliances. 

Grace is an expert associated with Blog4Safety.com which offers safety tips. If you want any information on Seaward PAT testers, feel free to browse through http://www.pattesters.co.uk/.

Thanks so much, Grace, for this information that is important for us adults, too! Pat

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

General Safety Issues

TEN WAYS TO TEACH YOUNG CHILDREN TO BE KIND TO PETS (GUEST POST)

This article is being shared with us by Molly Cunningham, of LiveinNanny.com. 

When kids learn to treat animals with gentleness and respect, they also learn about compassion and caring on a larger scale, which are traits that can later be applied to the relationships that they have with fellow humans. For parents of toddlers and young children, imparting these lessons can be a bit of a challenge; here are 10 ways to help your little one understand the importance of treating animals well.

  1. Set a Good Example – Children learn primarily through mimicry. They watch their parents and other authority figures, and then model their own behavior after their observances; one of the best ways to instill a love of animals is to have that same love yourself and to exhibit it often.
  2. Research Local Programs – Your local Humane Society chapter or other animal activism organization is likely to have a program or two specifically directed at helping small children understand the proper treatment of animals. A cursory glance at a local message board or search engine results could net dozens of options.
  3. Take Advantage of Story Time – Most kids love a bedtime story, and there are tons of books on the market written with this very subject in mind. A colorfully illustrated, well-written book about animals and the humans that love them can do wonders for explaining the concept of animal kindness to kids.
  4. Teach Proper Handling of Small Animals – Helping a child to properly hold and handle a small or newborn animal while emphasizing the importance of being gentle is a great way to teach a hands-on lesson about carefully handling animals and never being too rough.
  5. Visit a Petting Zoo – Spending an afternoon at the petting zoo can be a fun and informative experience for kids of all ages, but especially for little ones who wouldn’t ordinarily have the opportunity to interact with such an interesting array of animals or have access to professionals that are trained to help kids learn about them.
  6. Share Interesting Facts – Learning that baby goats are also called “kids” or that butterflies taste with their feet not only entertain children, but also help them to see that animals have their own unique, interesting qualities.
  7. Help at a Shelter – Taking a trip to your local animal shelter to help walk the dogs, feed the cats or do other fun and interactive chores not only makes a difference in your community, but also in your child. It might be best to stick to a privately run no-kill shelter or to be sure that no animals are scheduled to be euthanized during your visit, however, to avoid a traumatic experience.
  8. Study Local Wildlife – A trip to a local nature preserve or national park not only provides kids with a day of no-television fun, but can also help them understand the very important concept that wild animals are not pets, but should be treated with the same respect.
  9. Watch Kid-Friendly Television Programming – While you might want to skip the program chronicling the antelopes’ encounter with a hungry lion, there are plenty of kid-centric animal documentary shows that can provide strong talking points and valuable information.
  10. Get a Pet – After you’re certain that your child understands the basic treatment of animals, introducing a pet into your home is a great way to keep their education going. Even if you live in a small space or urban environment that isn’t conducive to traditional pets, a small hamster or a goldfish can still help give your child a sense of responsibility.

Most small children need to be reminded to be gentle more than anything else, as deliberate cruelty is quite rare in children so young. Kids that show signs of harmful behavior might be struggling with a larger issue. If this is the case the child’s pediatrician should be consulted.