Yearly Archives: 2012

General Safety Issues

HOW AND WHEN YOU SHOULD TEST YOUR EMERGENCY LIGHTS (GUEST POST)

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Areas of work, occupancy buildings and public sites are all required by law to provide an adequate escape route out of a building in times of emergency. These exit routes must not only be readily accessible but they must also be clearly illuminated by emergency lighting in the event of a power failure.

Emergency lights are required to correctly light up an evacuation route to enable all occupants to safely leave a building in times of an emergency and can be required for a duration of up to three hours or longer. Regular maintenance and testing therefore is required to ensure that all emergency lighting systems are functioning correctly. In the UK these requirements are covered by the Regulatory Reform Order and British Standard Codes such as BS 5266. The British Standard BS 5266 for example recommends that emergency lighting systems are serviced regularly.

To test any emergency lighting system, a power failure or power cut will need to be simulated, which then forced the emergency lighting and luminaires to be switched on.

It is also a good idea to keep replacement lamp bulbs, spares and legends, which can be immediately installed if required.

Manual Testing

Many emergency lights will have to be manually checked, particularly on old and legacy emergency lighting systems, although some more modern systems are now capable of automatic testing.  To manually test an individual light or circuit a test or ‘fishtail’ key is used to simulate an isolated local power failure. This will then trigger the back-up emergency lights to operate.

It is important to systematically check that all emergency lights are working, particularly in a non-maintained system. This will often involve a single walk along the escape and evacuation route.

Automatic Testing

Many site managers and in particular new builds now have installed automatic testing devices. Automatic testing is more efficient and comprehensive and is also flexible enough to test various elements and sections of a system. The cost of automatic testing against the cost of an engineer manually testing the system is also favourable over the long term.

Duration

Daily – Daily checks only apply to standard emergency lighting systems with one central back-up battery. In this instance a visual inspection of indicators is required to confirm that the system is in a suitable condition.

Monthly – Monthly checks involve checking luminaires and legends for any sign of damage. A brief test of the lights can be performed during a simulation power failure, which can be achieved few a fuse box or at a manual test box using a lighting test key.

Annually – at least every twelve months it is essential to perform a full discharge test. This involves a three hour run down test to guarantee that the battery system is able to perform for the maximum time of an evacuation period. Individual lights will need to be examined and it may also be useful to conduct an audit of the system, checking the overall effectiveness and adequacy of the emergency lighting as well as the correct use of emergency legends.

As a general rule a logbook should be kept recording the test results, whether they are carried out daily, monthly or annually. Any faults found within the emergency lighting system should be logged and fixed as soon as possible.

Martha is an expert in home and business security and pays particular attention to fire safety and prevention. For more information on fire safety including emergency lighting equipment for your business, please visit Discount Fire Supplies.
Thanks, Martha,  for reminding all businesses and facilities that they should regularly check their emergency lighting equipment.
 
 
General Safety Issues

A LOOK INTO THE MIND OF A BURGLAR (GUEST POST)

Burglar Reveals 15 Trade Secrets – A Look Into The Mind of a Burglar


Ever wonder what goes through the mind of a burglar? Well, SimpliSafe home security sent a team of us out to hit the streets for some raw data. We got the chance to sit down with burglary professionals and ask them some real tough questions. It wasn’t easy getting these questions answered but we got them! We gathered the most common answers and assembled them to give you an inside look into the mind of a burglar. It’s time for you to meet Bob, your local burglar.


“Hello, my name is Bob and I’m your local neighborhood burglar!”
First I’m going to tell you what I look for before breaking into your home, and then I’m going to tell you how I can break into your home. I’ll even tell you what I’m doing and looking for inside your home.  A lot of people ask me why I do what I do, and why I haven’t been caught yet. Do you know what I tell them? Because people don’t realize how easy they make it for me. I shouldn’t be doing this but I need a challenge!
Here’s what I’m looking for to make your house my next target:
Before picking a house I have to scope the whole neighborhood. To do this I’m not going to be walking in the traditional cat burglar uniform. I’m going to be walking around with a rake, dressed up as the cable, electric, or phone repairman. In some cases I even post a flier on your door for a closer look. Usually my work hours are from 8AM-11AM. I want to avoid any kind of confrontation.

 
· High privacy fences – This way your pesky neighbors can’t sneak up on me or call the police
· Any sort of high vegetation, like trees or shrubbery, covering your windows – this way they can’t see me break your window. I prefer lots of cover.
· Toys or playground equipment in your yard – Toys or playground equipment in your yard are signs that kids live there, which to me equals a mother lives there and “cha-ching” that means JEWELRY.
· I’ll post a flyer on your door to get a closer look of your home. I’m also checking to see if you have a burglar alarm.
Here’s how I break into your home:
· I’ll knock on your door to see if anyone is home. If someone answers the door I’ll just come up with some bogus story.
· I’m going to check if the front or back door is unlocked. Sometimes people usually hide a key somewhere easy to access. If I can’t find a key I will check the windows. If worse comes to worse I’ll just smash a window.
· I can also get into a home through your doors using my trusty crowbar.
· If I can’t make it into your house in one minute I just move onto the next one.
Now here’s what I’m doing once I’m inside your home:
· I always use the same search pattern. I go straight to the master bedroom. I look for cash, jewelry, or anything that might be valuable. People often make the mistake of leaving money or jewelry in the most common areas.
· I’ll even look under the bed and in your closets.
· I’m always listening for outside noises. It’s a 6th sense.
· I check your bathroom medicine cabinets for any narcotic prescriptions. Pills are easy money.
· I’m going to check your kitchen and living room for electronics, credit cards, car keys, and personal information.
· After I have gathered everything I need, I call my backup driver to meet me so we can load up all the goods in the car or van.
· Once I have loaded all the goods, my associate and I drive away to the next target. It’s a never ending cycle.

And that’s it folks. It usually takes me about 8-12 minutes to get in and out of your home. It’s as easy as that!
In closing, there are a lot of things that you can do to avoid someone like me. Home Security is Important!” A security system is a no brain-er. If that’s not an option, leaving a TV or stereo on during the day usually helps someone like me avoid your home. This usually indicates someone is home. Also most burglars won’t even attempt entry if they know there’s a large dog in the home.
So now you know my methods and secrets. Hopefully this will help you avoid bad guys like me. If not, I’ll be lurking around. “So, once again, I’m Bob, your local Burglar, and I’ll be coming to a city near you!”

Our thanks to Kevin Raposo, with another article from his series on home security.  Kevin Raposo is a writer for SimpliSafe-Live Safely, and can be contacted at kevin@simplisafe.com. He will be featured in upcoming articles.  Our homes are our castles; we don’t want Bob or any other bandit invading them!

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Head Protection, High Visibility Safety, Protective Clothing

SAFETY TIPS FOR TWO-WHEELERS!

 

The Month of May recognizes two types of riders: first, Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, and second, Bike Month.  We felt that this would be a good time to feature both forms of riding,  and the safety factors involved to keep all cyclists safe on the roads. 

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) supports Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month.  Temperatures are on the rise and motorcyclists and bicyclists are taking to the roads.  This is the time to remind all drivers to share the highways and streets.  The League of American Bicyclists sponsors Bike Month. This year Bike to Work Week is May 14-18, (so think about it), and Bike to Work Day is Friday, May 18th.  The inaugural Bike to School Day is May 9, 2012.  This is a chance to celebrate the unique power of the bicycle and the many reasons we ride.  Regardless of your reason to ride – commuting to work or school, saving money or time, preserving your health or the environment, exploring your community –  get involved in Bike Month, and possibly recruit more people in your community to ride bikes, as well! 

First, we want to furnish safety tips for bicycle riders; however, many of them apply to motorcyclists, as well. 

  • Follow the rules of the road.
  • Ride with traffic and obey the same laws as motorists.
  • Use the rightmost lane that heads in the direction that you are traveling.
  • Always look back and use hand and arm signals to indicate your intention to stop, merge, or turn.
  • Obey all traffic control devices, such as stop signs, lights, and lane markings.
  • Be visible.
  • Ride where drivers can see you.
  • Wear brightly colored clothing at all times.
  • At night, use a white front light and red rear light or reflector.  Wear reflective tape or clothing.
  • Be Predictable.
  • Ride in a straight line and don’t swerve between parked cars.
  • Do not ride on the sidewalk.
  • Make eye contact with motorists to let them know you are there.
  • Anticipate conflicts.
  • Be aware of traffic around you and be prepared to take evasive action.
  • Be extra alert at intersections.
  • Learn braking and turning techniques to avoid crashes.
  • Wear a helmet.
  • Make sure that the helmet fits on top of your head, not tipped back or forward.
  • After a crash or any impact that affects your helmet, visible or not, replace it immediately. 

Are you aware that over two-thirds of vehicle-motorcycle accidents are caused by drivers, not motorcyclists, and lead to more serious injuries and deaths?  The main reason is that drivers tend to look for other vehicles and don’t notice cyclists until it is too late.  There are no seatbelts on motorcycles, of course, so a rider can easily be thrown off in an accident.  Here are some safety tips for motorcyclists:

  • Practice defensive riding.  Avoid riding in blind spots, use turn signals, and extra caution when passing a vehicle.
  • Position yourself to be seen.  Lane placement will help you see further and others see you.
  • Protective eyewear and protective clothing will serve as a buffer from the impact of an accident.
  • Wear a helmet even if it is not required in your state.  Generally speaking, those who wear a helmet suffer far less head injuries and/or are less seriously injured. 

Last, but not least, here are some safety tips for drivers of automobiles and trucks:

  • Be aware of motorcycles and bicycles at intersections and when they may be making a left turn or changing lanes.
  • Anticipate a rider’s maneuver: obstructions that you do not notice may be deadly for a rider.
  • Don’t follow too closely behind a motorcycle; allow plenty of room. 
  • Be courteous to bicycle riders.
  • Be mindful that motorcyclists and bicyclists have the same rights and privileges as other drivers. 

Increased safety will result in increased awareness.  Drive friendly!  Let’s make it a safe summer for everyone.

 

Source: League of American Bicyclists; NHTSA

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues

NO MORE DOG BITES, PLEASE!

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In the United States last year, 4.7 million people were bitten by dogs, with children being by far the most common victims, and the most likely to be severely injured.    Over 800,000 Americans receive medical attention for dog bites annually – with 400,000 victims being children.  The U.S. Postal Service reports that around 2,500 mail carriers are included in those statistics.  The next-most common victims of dog bites are senior citizens.  The American Veterinary Medical Association is teaming up with the U.S. Postal Service and American Academy of Pediatrics to sponsor the 18th annual National Dog Bite Prevention Week, (May 14-20),  in hopes of educating the public on how best to prevent dog bites. 

A dog’s mouth can deliver from 150 to 450 pounds of pressure.  Imagine if the mouth with its strong sharp teeth is latched on your arm or your leg. A dog’s bite can cause deep punctures and big lacerations. It can also cause broken bones and may damage the muscles and the tendons.  Naturally, these kinds of wounds would bleed profusely.  That is why it is so important to understand the importance of preventing dog bites. 

Here are some interesting facts from experts that will help us understand the nature of dogs, and what may cause them to bite, particularly, a child.

  • Children are dog height, and may be loud and unpredictable.  When a child screams and runs, it may seem like prey to a dog.
  • If dogs are not socialized around children, they are often less tolerant and can be caught off guard by their behaviors.  Carefully select your pet, and make sure it is socialized as a young puppy so it is at ease with other people and animals.
  • Dogs have some degree of tolerance, but may reach their threshold of patience quickly.  Do not tease them.
  • Human behaviors that children may do around dogs, i.e., hug, kiss, and make eye contact are offensive to dogs, especially if they do not know the child.
  • Signs of discomfort by a dog are: turning away, yawning, licking their lips, ears back, hair bristled up, then a growl or snap. 

Here are some basic safety tips to teach and review with your children often.  It’s good advice for adults, as well:

  • Do not scream or run from a dog – remain motionless when approached by an unfamiliar dog.
  • Do not approach an unfamiliar dog.
  • Do not approach a dog that is alone in a fence, car, or on a chain. If you own a dog, be sure the fenced yard and gates are secure.
  • Do not play with a dog unless supervised by an adult.
  • Avoid direct eye contact with a dog.
  • Do not bother a dog that is eating, sleeping, or taking care of puppies.
  • Do not pet a dog without allowing it to see and sniff you first.
  • If knocked over by a dog, roll into a ball and lie still (e.g., “be still like a log”).
  • Try to throw a jacket, purse, or anything to distract him from you in the event of being attacked. 
  • Treat your pet with respect.
  • Never leave a small child alone with a dog.
  • Dogs must be vaccinated regularly.  Rabies is a deadly disease caused by a virus that attacks the nervous system when bitten by a rabid animal.  Vaccination is a simple way to protect your pets and family.

When someone is bitten by a dog, here’s what to do:

  1. If the dog’s owner is present, request proof of rabies vaccination, and get the owner’s name and contact information.
  2. Clean the bite wound with soap and water as soon as possible.
  3. Consult your doctor immediately or go to the emergency room if it’s after office hours.
  4. Contact the dog’s veterinarian to check vaccination records.

It is important to distribute this information to the public; however, please don’t get the idea that all dogs bite!  There are around 67 million great dogs out there!  It’s up to owners to teach them how to socialize, to see that they are spayed or neutered, and keep their shots current.  They make wonderful companions, and love their owners unconditionally.  I can’t imagine life without a dog.   Appreciate your pets and train your dogs to behave!  Most important of all, monitor your dog when children are around.  No one wants to see anyone suffer from a dog bite! 

Source: AVMA

 

General Safety Issues

TOP TEN PERSONAL SAFETY TIPS FOR KIDS (GUEST POST)

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Top ten personal safety tips for kids

Kids are the most endearing and adorable people around, giving joy and pleasure to everyone around. However, they are equally vulnerable to outside dangers and harmful factors. It becomes very crucial and important that they are taught the simple basics of personal safety once they are capable enough to apprehend the lurking dangers. If properly explained and taught the art of self defense and self protection, kids can show a remarkable sense of maturity when the time comes.

Here are the top 10 tips of personal safety for kids:

1. Travel only in known vehicles

Kids sometimes can impulsively take a lift from strangers, if they are late to school or classes. They should never indulge in climbing into any unknown vehicle for the fear of being kidnapped or whisked away for personal gains. It is wise to teach kids only to ride vehicles of known people.

2. Be aware of your surroundings

Kids should be aware of their surroundings and be quick enough to notice any untoward happenings in the vicinity. This will make the kids respond quickly and take flight before any harm is done. You need to teach the kids to have an eye for detail especially in the regular paths that they tread.

3. Carrying only what is needed

Kids should never make a habit of carrying unwanted things such as loads of money or any costly items that can attract thugs to harm them. Thieves are always lurking around and watch the behavior of kids, since they are the most susceptible to sweet talk. Kids should also not carry harmful items such as guns or knives, even if it is for self protection. This can trigger any time and lead to untowardly incidents.

4. Scream for help

Whenever you think you are in danger you can simply shout for help. Almost always, people who are in the vicinity will respond positively to a child’s cry for help and you may be saved from a grave situation. There is no harm in shouting and no one will think twice that a kid has screamed unnecessarily.

5. Be alert

Kids should always be alert in today’s violent scenarios. Any sign of a crowd fight or a mob attack should be sensed at once so that you can run to safety before any harm is done. Whether a fire breaks up or there is building collapse, kids should be quick enough to understand the gravity of the situation and respond instantly.

6. Show bravery

If you think you are being stalked or followed, do not panic. Be calm and composed and see that you reach a place that has enough people around so that you can ask for help. If kids become scared and behave cowardly then the situation may go out of hand and help may come a tad too late.

7. Keep in touch with near and dear

Kids should always carry the phone numbers and addresses of their parents or guardians. This can be of timely help especially if a kid is lost in a crowd. If the kids do not know where to go, it becomes easy for the surrounding well wishers to escort them safely back to their homes.

8. Be wary of strangers

This should be strictly followed by kids that they never ever talk to an unknown person. No one will take the child’s reaction in the wrong way even if they are your close relatives you are meeting for the first time. In fact, they may appreciate the child’s safety sense that the kid is showing ample maturity in this regard.

9. Be careful in water

Many a mishap has occurred in the pool due to simple safety tips not followed by kids. Even if your kids are good swimmers, you need to teach them the basic dangers of water and what to do and what not to do with water. Swimming pools, sea shores are the single most places that have proved fatal to many kids due to lack of personal safety by kids and their guardians.

10. Never walk alone

Kids should always play or walk in groups, so that if in trouble, there is someone else to help you out of the situation. What’s more, you are not exposed to dangers of kidnapping for ransom by stalkers and thieves.

Personal safety is a must for every kid to avoid any untoward happenings. Small personal safety measures can go a long way in keeping your child safe and secure, so that he goes on to grow into an amazing adult who will achieve something in life.

 

About the author: Kelly is a blogger by profession. She loves writing on technology and luxury. Beside this she is fond of blogging. Recently an article on Home Designs attracted her attention. These days she is busy in writing an article on acne vulgaris.  Thank you, Kelly; let’s hope that parents will take these good tips to heart.  Our world is certainly not as safe as it once was.

 

Uncategorized

A LOOK INTO THE MIND OF A BURGLAR (GUEST POST)

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Burglar Reveals 15 Trade Secrets

Ever wonder what goes through the mind of a burglar? Well, SimpliSafe home security sent a team of us out to hit the streets for some raw data. We got the chance to sit down with burglary professionals and ask them some real tough questions. It wasn’t easy getting these questions answered but we got them! We gathered the most common answers and assembled them to give you an inside look into the mind of a burglar. It’s time for you to meet Bob, your local burglar.

Hello, my name is Bob and I’m your local neighborhood burglar!

First I’m going to tell you what I look for before breaking into your home, and then I’m going to tell you how I can break into your home. I’ll even tell you what I’m doing and looking for inside your home.

A lot of people ask me why I do what I do, and why I haven’t been caught yet. Do you know what I tell them? Because people don’t realize how easy they make it for me. I shouldn’t be doing this but I need a challenge!

Here’s what I’m looking for to make your house my next target:

Before picking a house I have to scope the whole neighborhood. To do this I’m not going to be walking in the traditional cat burglar uniform. I’m going to be walking around with a rake, dressed up as the cable, electric, or phone repairman. In some cases I even post a flier on your door for a closer look. Usually my work hours are from 8AM-11AM. I want to avoid any kind of confrontation.

  • High privacy fences – This way your pesky neighbors can’t sneak up on me or call the police
  • Any sort of high vegetation, like trees or shrubbery, covering your windows – this way they can’t see me break your window. I prefer lots of cover.
  • Toys or playground equipment in your yard – Toys or playground equipment in your yard are signs that kids live there, which to me equals a mother lives there and “cha-ching” that means JEWELRY.
  • I’ll post a flyer on your door to get a closer look of your home. I’m also checking to see if you have a burglar alarm.
  • I’ll knock on your door to see if anyone is home. If someone answers the door I’ll just come up with some bogus story.
  • I’m going to check if the front or back door is unlocked. Sometimes people usually hide a key somewhere easy to access. If I can’t find a key I will check the windows. If worse comes to worse I’ll just smash a window.
  • I can also get into a home through your doors using my trusty crowbar.
  • If I can’t make it into your house in one minute I just move onto the next one.
  • I always use the same search pattern. I go straight to the master bedroom. I look for cash, jewelry, or anything that might be valuable. People often make the mistake of leaving money or jewelry in the most common areas.
  • I’ll even look under the bed and in your closets.
  • I’m always listening for outside noises. It’s a 6th sense.
  • I check your bathroom medicine cabinets for any narcotic prescriptions. Pills are easy money.
  • I’m going to check your kitchen and living room for electronics, credit cards, car keys, and personal information.
  • After I have gathered everything I need, I call my backup driver to meet me so we can load up all the goods in the car or van.
  • Once I have loaded all the goods, my associate and I drive away to the next target. It’s a never ending cycle.

Here’s how I break into your home:

Now here’s what I’m doing once I’m inside your home:

And that’s it folks. It usually takes me about 8-12 minutes to get in and out of your home. It’s as easy as that!

In closing, there are a lot of things that you can do to avoid someone like me. A security system is a no brain-er. If that’s not an option, leaving a TV or stereo on during the day usually helps someone like me avoid your home. This usually indicates someone is home. Also most burglars won’t even attempt entry if they know there’s a large dog in the home.

So now you know my methods and secrets. Hopefully this will help you avoid bad guys like me. If not, I’ll be lurking around. So, once again, I’m Bob, your local Burglar, and I’ll be coming to a city near you!

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

TEN RULES TO AVOID DOMESTIC ACCIDENTS – GUEST POST

10 Rules to Avoid Domestic Accidents

Domestic accidents are an integral part of our lives and one cannot ignore them completely. Especially when you have small children in your house and a lot of clutter as well, you must expect some form of contingencies in your house. The best way to prevent such accidents is to exercise caution where you can. Many times, adults too fall victim to domestic accidents. Besides implementing appropriate steps to avoid such accidents, also maintain a complete first aid box to provide immediate medical attention to the person.

In this article we will tell you 10 rules to avoid domestic accidents so your loved ones are safe:

1. Avoid Too Much Clutter at Home

The more your house is cluttered, the greater are the chances that anyone could face contingencies. This happens because things are not organized and are thus placed at the wrong places. For example, scissors on your bed or over your sofa can be equally dangerous for both children and adults.

2. Keep Dangerous Items Out Of Reach of Children

Dangerous items include sharp items, glass items, cleaners, chemicals, blades, sharp tools, match boxes etc. Children are not aware of the consequences of the wrong use of these items and your absence can be very dangerous.

3. Keep the Garage Closed At All Times

Garages should be kept closed at all times of the day when no one’s around since it has equipment, tools, flammable liquid and maybe chemicals that can be dangerous for any one including adults who do not know the correct usage of such things.

4. Ensure the Pool Area Is Fenced

This is really important when you have small children in your house. Install fences so that even if your child strolls around, there is no danger of him/her drowning in the pool.

5. Keep Away Sharp Objects in the Kitchen Out Of Reach

Children make their way inside kitchens very easily and you cannot shun them always, instead keep away sharp objects away and do not leave them on counter-tops and tables.

6. Never Let Your Children Come Near the Gas Oven or Hold Knobs

Gas ovens alone account for a high number of domestic accidents. Keep your child away from gas ovens and gas knobs. Tell them it’s very dangerous right away so they do not come into contact with them even if you are away.

7. Keep Glass Bottles, Frames and Mirrors at Safe Places

Take off even slightly scratched glass from your coffee table, dining table, picture frames etc. These can be equally dangerous for both adults and children.

8. Arrange Your Glass Furniture and Decoration Pieces Wisely

Arrange glass furniture and decoration pieces wisely as anyone might knock over them. Avoid placing heavy glass at low levels in smaller settings.

9. Do Not Leave Your Children Alone In Bathrooms

Children love playing with water and everyone else does too, but doing so in a bathtub in the bathroom can be fatal as well!

10. Keep Your Store Room Locked Away

Store rooms are hardly ever very clean and organized. Mostly, people keep them full of old furniture, and things that can be potentially harmful in storerooms. A storeroom full of such items is surely a great threat for anyone.

 

Andrew works in the healthcare industry distributing daily living aids and bathroom aids. As part of his job, Andrew has gained experience on the risk of domestic accidents and how to avoid then.  (We at Blog4Safety appreciate Andrew’s advice on avoiding accidents in our homes. 

General Safety Issues, Respiratory Safety

ENSURING WORKPLACE SAFETY FROM TOXIC AND HAZARDOUS GASES – (GUEST POST)

Ensuring Workplace Safety from Toxic & Hazardous Gases

Many individuals who work in heavy industry frequently come into contact with incredibly hazardous and toxic gases, which can cause serious health risks to workers, members of the public and even cause plants to shut down due to dangerous levels of gas. It is of paramount importance then that they ensure that their workplace is correctly protected against this risk.

Guaranteeing Safety

The reliability and durability of the equipment you use is the most important element and the best way to ensure a safe working environment. Many businesses operate in hazardous conditions and their equipment has to withstand incredibly tough environments. What matters here is guaranteeing that your systems can withstand any potential damage without the need for continual repair and maintenance. Your equipment must be able to cope with the rigors of day-to-day use in challenging conditions and provide reliability every step of the way.

Comprehensive, Workable Solutions

It is important to have the ability to configure the detection equipment in such a way that it all works perfectly alongside each other to deliver a comprehensive gas detection system.

Depending on the working environment, individuals can be exposed to a number of different hazardous and toxic gases. In order to ensure complete safety it is advised to employ detection systems, which combine a number of different detection methods in order to identify all potential dangers.  These systems can then be connected to central computer systems and integrated to a wide network of sensors and are not limited to the detection of harmful gases but also include flow, temperature and pressure monitoring.

By carefully monitoring for any changes to the immediate surroundings pre-emptive action can be taken allowing the entire workforce to respond accordingly.

Bespoke Gas Detection

By enlisting the expertise of professionals in the gas detection industry you can safeguard against potential risks. Bespoke gas detection allows for the implementation of the most effective detection systems for your specific sector, business or location. Bespoke gas detection ensures the highest levels of safety possible and involves the design and installation of gas monitoring systems to exact environmental specifications that are tailor-made to suit your exact needs.

Personal Gas Detection

By using personal gas detectors you enable your workforce to complete the required work in both normal and dangerous conditions. Personal gas monitors allow individuals to monitor their own safety while at the same time gathering valuable information relating to working conditions that can be catalogued and uploaded to increase broader safety procedures.

About the author:

This article was provided by Gas Alarm Systems Ltd who have over 15 years’ experience in the design, development and maintenance of gas detection systems.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

MAY IS NATIONAL ELECTRIC SAFETY MONTH

The theme of this year’s National Electrical Safety Month is “Be in the Know about the New.”  Sponsored by the Electrical Safety Foundation (ESFI), a non-profit organization dedicated exclusively to promoting electrical safety in the home, school, and workplace.  This month’s observance is to increase public awareness of electrical hazards in order to reduce the number of electricity-related fires, fatalities, injuries, and property loss.  We often take electricity for granted.  There are new ways of furnishing electricity, such as solar power and wind power.  The electricity that you use in your home travels through an electrical grid, going through an interconnected network of generating plants, transformers, and transmission lines.  

Solar power is derived from sunlight.  Sunlight can be directly utilized, converted in electrical energy, or converted into mechanical energy.  This is an important source of sustainable alternate energy.  Three common types of solar power are:

  •         Passive Solar
  •         Photovoltaic (Solar Cells)
  •         Solar Thermal (Electric Power Plants)

Solar power is advantageous for its cost effectiveness and environmental friendliness.  However, before choosing to install a solar power system for your home there are a variety of considerations.

  •          Your property should have open rooftop space or land that is free of shade five hours per day. 
  •          You should have your home evaluated by a licensed, qualified professional to ensure it can support this new technology.
  •          Only professionals should be hired to install and repair solar panels at your home or workplace.
  •          Building, electrical, and plumbing codes also apply to solar power installations.
  •         Solar power systems present unique safety challenges for fire fighters.  In the event of a fire, inform all officials of the use of solar panels as well as  identify the type used, in order to help them assess the risks. 

Wind power has become more mainstream in recent years.  The power of the wind is harnessed and transformed into electrical energy through the use of wind turbines; when wind blows over the blades of the wheel, it creates lift, causing them to turn.  The blades are connected to a shaft, which turns an electric generator, thus converting kinetic energy into electric energy.

Here again, there are certain aspects that homeowners should consider, such as:

  •          An average annual wind speed of at least 10 mph is considered necessary to make a small wind system economical.
  •          Determine the requirement and costs for connecting your system to the grid by checking with your utility company.
  •          Be sure of your household electricity needs and purchase the correct size wind turbine. 

We have named a couple of new sources of electric energy.  One thing remains: electricity is dangerous.  Here are some things you should know about electrical safety: 

  •          Arcing faults are one of the major causes of more than 50,000 home electrical fires that occur each year in the United States.  This is a dangerous problem caused by damaged, overheated, or stressed electrical wiring or devices.
  •          GFCI’s (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters are designed to protect people from shock and electrocution.  They constantly monitor electricity flowing in a circuit, and switch off power if they sense any loss of current.  According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, GFCI’s could prevent over two-thirds of home electrocutions that occur each year.
  •         TRR’s (Tamper Resistant Receptacles) look like regular outlets, but are designed with spring-loaded receptacle cover plates that close off the receptacle openings, or slots.  The 2011 National Electrical Code (NEC) requires installation of TRRs in all new homes because they have proven to be so effective.
  •          Every year in the U.S. more than 2,400 children under ten years old are treated in emergency rooms for electric shock or burns caused by tampering with a wall outlet, which could have been prevented by having TRRs in the home. 

It is estimated that electricity causes 140,000 fires each year.  Electricity kills almost 400 people and injures thousands more annually.  Most could have been avoided with an increased awareness of electrical safety.  Power line contact with construction equipment, ladders, and gardening tools are among the leading cause of electrocutions.  Flickering lights, overloaded circuits, and discolored outlets and light switch faceplates indicate the need for electrical upgrades.  By addressing these hazards, lives can be saved, injuries reduced, and economic losses caused by electrical fires will be lessened.

Utility company personnel are required to wear several types of Personal Protective Equipment, such as special safety glasses with dielectric hinges designed without metal parts, hard hats, antistatic shoes and antistatic coveralls (flame retardant).  

This article was shared with Jack Rubinger,  http://graphicproducts.blogspot.com/2012/04/may-is-national-electrical-safety-month.html 

Source: Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI)

 

 

 

General Safety Issues

NAOSH WEEK – MAY 6 – 12, 2012

NORTH AMERICAN OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH WEEK – May 6 – 12, 2012 

NAOSH (North American Occupational Safety and Health )Week occurs every year during the first full week of May to raise awareness about occupational safety, health and the environment and safety, as well as health and engineering professions.  The American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) joined with the Canadian Society of Safety Engineering (CSSE) and partners in Mexico to promote awareness in North America during NAOSH Week. This is one tool the almost 100-year-old ASSE and its 32,000 SH&E members use throughout the year to promote occupational safety, aimed at preventing injuries and illnesses. Several organizations representing thousands of businesses have partnered with ASSE and CSSE to support NAOSH Week, including U.S. federal agencies such as the Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). 

NAOSH Week began in 1997.  Canada originally began observing Occupational Safety and Health Week in 1986.  During the NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement) talks in 1997, the representative from Canada suggested that Mexico and the United States become involved in a similar endeavor.  Hence, this continent-wide event got its start. 

Each year ASSE urges everyone to get involved in NAOSH Week in order to better educate the public about the positive benefits a safe workplace provides not only for workers, but for their families, friends, businesses, local communities and the global community 

Wednesday, Occupational Safety and Health Professionals Day is observed.  This began in 2007, with the goal of honoring occupational safety, health and environmental professionals who have dedicated their lives to protecting people, property and the environment.  

Occupational Safety and Health Professionals are dedicated to focus, reinforce and strengthen workforces to concentrate on staying safe and healthy on the job.  Among their many requirements are teaching things such as:

  • Team building and commitment.
  • Establishing safety committees.
  • Creating a safety-minded culture.
  • Improving attitudes toward safety.
  • Increase cooperation among workers.
  • Further understanding of the benefits of working safely and remaining healthy.
  • Reduce workplace injuries and illness.
  • Catastrophe awareness and preparedness.
  • Proper ergonomics in the workplace.
  • Fleet safety classes.
  • Preventing roadway crashes.
  • Mining safety.
  • Transportation safety. 

Safety Professionals encourage safety committees to ensure that company employees are properly trained and aware of the hazards presented in their particular job duties.  One very important piece of the safety puzzle is seeing that workers have the correct type of P.P.E. (Personal Protective Equipment).  Whatever P.P.E. is required, i.e., hardhats, ANSI safety glasses, gloves, fall arrest systems, etc., should fit correctly and always used when on the job.  Employees should understand the importance of taking care of their protective equipment and know when it should be replaced.

There are many ways of working safely and not taking chances.  We must endeavor to stay safe at work and on the job.  This is a good time to encourage new safety and health activities during NAOSH week, and thank the professionals that encourage safety. 

 

Source: NAOSH.org; Canadian Society of Safety Engineers