Monthly Archives: January 2013

General Safety Issues

INFORMATION ON NEW FIRE SAFETY HISTORY INFOGRAPHIC (GUEST POST)

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Sent to us by Jack Rubinger
jarubinger@graphicproducts.com 

Fire Safety History Infographic Released by Graphic Products, Inc. 

Portland, OR – Graphic artist Joe Hanson continues to “blaze” with his newest infographic for Graphic Products, Inc. illustrating fire safety history and significant dates with fun and compelling graphics. 

To add Fire Safety History – Significant Dates in Fire Safety History/Statistics/Important NFPA Codes to your own media, visit www.duralabel.com/infographics/fire-safety-infographic.php. 

Using a hybrid of both photographic and vivid drawing techniques in shades of red and yellow, Hanson takes us on a trip back in time as he illustrates the first practical fire engine, the first salaried fire department and the first U.S. patent on an automatic fire alarm system – leading to the first use of the self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), introduced in 1971 and required by the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA). 

Our nation’s fire department origins can be traced back to the 1730s when Benjamin Franklin established the Union Fire Company in Philadelphia. Even George Washington was a volunteer fire fighter. 

Hanson also created a series of pictographic pie charts to communicate property damage, civilian injuries and deaths caused by vehicle, structural and outside fires reported in the United States in 2011. 

Finally, the infographic addresses three important NFPA codes to remember: 

  • NFPA 1: fire safety for the public and first responders
  • NFPA 101: new and existing building requirements for occupant protection
  • NFPA 70: the accepted code for electrical installations 

Hanson’s work brings to six the number of infographics created by Graphic Products, Inc., whose thermal transfer printers and industrial printing supplies are used in safety communications and lean manufacturing. The other five include: OSHA Worker Safety, Deadliest & Safest Cities for Workers, Arc Flash Boundary, Globally Harmonized System of Chemical Labeling (GHS), and 5S.  (We have included this infographic as your history lesson for the day! It is very interesting.)

The company has developed an expansive catalog of publicly-available content designed to influence safety behavior and has grown its visual communications library to include: 

About Graphic Products

Graphic Products, Inc. manufactures DuraLabel mobile and wide-format labeling systems used by manufacturers, international shipping lines, distribution centers, mining operations and oil refineries worldwide. The company offers more than 50 unique labeling supplies for virtually any industrial demand. Customers include Amazon.com, Boeing, Intel and Toyota. 

To add Joe’s infographic to your own media, visit http://www.duralabel.com/infographics/fire-safety-infographic.php

For more information, visit www.DuraLabel.com, call 800-788-5572 or email Jack Rubinger at jarubinger@graphicproducts.com.

Fall Safety, General Safety Issues

BE SMART WHEN IT COMES TO THE DANGERS OF THE HIGH LIFE (GUEST POST)

Reducing the dangers of the high life 

The risks of working at heights are obvious with potential for accidents whilst climbing to and dismounting from the raised point and while carrying out the work once there. In legal terms the word ‘height’ is applied to any surface above the ground from which a fall could result in injury. This could equally be the middle rung of a ladder or a raised operations platform. When it comes to this type of hazardous work, there are certain legal requirements which must be met by the employer. Here we will look at some of the key rules set out in the Working at Height Regulations 2005 pertaining to access and platform safety and safeguard mechanisms for arresting falls (Schedules 1, 3 and 4 of the government legislation) 

While most employers will search for alternative ways to complete work at raised points, such as using mechanical long arms for window and gutter cleaning, it is more often necessary for a hands-on approach to ensure the task is done correctly. The most important areas where safety must be assured are the access points and the working platforms, both of which will be upholding an operator who will be in varying degrees of motion, depending on the task. Therefore, the principal regulations for both sections are the same. The access route and platform must be suitably stable, strong and rigid for the purpose and large enough to hold the person safely upon it. There must be substantial fall-prevention mechanisms in place and no gaps through which any person may fall or become trapped. They must also both be constructed with a non-slippery surface. 

In the event of a fall, certain safeguards can be in place to prevent injury. However, the safeguard must enable the work to be carried out freely without adding to the risk, for example with excess ropes dangling or creating a trip-hazard. If it is indeed ropes which are in use, then training is obligatory for all operators, such as the IRATA (Industrial Rope Access Trade Association) qualification for abseiling. Rope-based safeguarding techniques must also take into account the elasticity of the rope on impact, meaning a much shorter rope than the actual drop distance. If it is an airbag or landing mat being used then this must be secure and stable upon the ground. The safeguard must also be such that it does not injure any person when put to use. 

These regulations are just a few of those which apply to all work carried out at height. Jobs which must abide by these rules include telecommunications rigging, window cleaning, film crews, building, scaffolding and cladding construction. It is legally the employer’s responsibility to ensure their workforce’s safety at all times, but designers and planners must also consider the risks when a new project is being developed. Risk assessments are then used to decide the type of precautions to be put in place so that with sufficient planning and preparation, work carried out at heights can be both safe and productive. 

This article was written by Emily Banham on behalf of Groves Window Cleaning, established in 1985, has over 25 year’s experience of commercial window cleaning. More information on Working At Heights can be found on the following link – http://www.groveswindowcleaning.co.uk/working-at-heights.html.

 

General Safety Issues

HOW TO KNOW YOUR CHILD IS SAFE AT SCHOOL (GUEST POST)

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In the light of the Sandy Hook tragedy and a smattering of school shootings over the course of 2012, many parents are beginning to wonder in earnest if their children are actually safe in their schools. Fears of violent attacks aside, you may also be wondering if your little ones would be adequately protected and looked after in the event of a natural disaster or catastrophic weather conditions. While there is no surefire way to predict the future, there are steps you can take as a parent to ensure that the children in your child’s school are being protected and kept safe to the best of the administrators’ abilities.

Visit

The only way that you can actively observe your kids’ schools and the daily procedures that are in place is to visit. Be sure that you stop at the office to explain your presence, prove that you are the parent of a student and ask for a tour. Watching the children as they make their way to classes and seeing common areas and safety features for yourself will allow you to not only determine how the school is operated and if you feel that their practices are safe, it will also help you learn more about the layout of the school in case of an emergency. Taking the time to visit your child’s school will also provide you with the opportunity to do a bit more in-depth investigation.

Communicate With Administrators and Teachers

During a visit to the school, you’ll be able to see the daily operations and routines. More importantly, however, you’ll be able to meet with and talk to your child’s teachers, school administrators and others in positions of power. You can ask them about any procedures they have in place for managing a violent attack on the school, how they deal with violence between students, the official stance and repercussions for bullying and what procedures are in place for managing dangerous weather conditions. Sometimes speaking to administrators and getting the chance to become acquainted with them will be enough to ease your mind altogether.

Talk to Your Child

The best source of information at your child’s school is your child. He knows more about the daily goings-on than you could ever determine just by visiting, and also understands the inner workings of both the student body and school administrations. If he seems hesitant to discuss certain subjects or exhibits signs of fear, reluctance to go to school or frequently feigns illness, there may be a chance that he simply does not feel safe there. While it is wise to keep in mind that kids can be prone to exaggeration when they’re under stress or worried about world events, there could be some truth to your child’s statements. Administrators and staff can put on a convincing face for visiting parents, especially when they’re expecting them and have time to prepare statements. Kids that spend the majority of their days in the school, however, may have a more realistic view of them.

Examine Disciplinary Policies

In the hustle and bustle of the back-to-school rush, it can be easy to toss your child’s student handbook aside for later perusal and simply never get to it. Those documents, however, almost always contain valuable information about procedures and policies, including disciplinary actions. Knowing what the school is willing to subject a child to in the name of punishment and whether or not those disciplinary actions line up with your own parenting procedures can give you an even greater idea of the school’s safety level.

Consider Emergency and Disaster Plans

After a violent attack on schoolchildren is sensationalized in the news, it’s easy to focus solely on the possibility of violence. Because some areas of the country are more prone to some natural disasters and weather problems than others, you’ll need to know what the emergency and disaster plan is for severe weather in your area. Knowing what plans the school has in place for such situations and how well-prepared they would be in the event of a disaster striking your individual geographic area will help you be more informed when deciding whether or not your kids are safe in their schools.

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Hearing Protection

MACHINING SAFETY (GUEST POST)

Sent by Jason, of riskatmedia.com. 

All work activities carry the potential to cause harm to our own and others’ health and well-being, but we sometimes forget how real and close to us these hazards are. Every year, a large number of people are killed at work, and an even greater number of people suffer work related injuries because they are unable to follow safe working practices.

There are particular hazards associated with machining activities, which includes both general machining activities and the use of magnetic based equipment. Some of these hazards accompany almost all types of work activity, such as handling and slips and trips. Others, such as contact with moving machinery and contact with hazardous substances are of particular concern to machine operators as they result in significantly higher rates of injury amongst these personnel than amongst other workers. 

Manual Handling

Manual handling related activities are a major cause of occupational injury. Low back pain, joint injuries and repetitive strain injuries affect over a million people each year, and many of these injuries are the result of manual handling. Prior to carrying out any unavoidable manual handling activity, you should help to protect yourself from injury by following good manual handling practices. Consider the task to be carried out and the nature of the load, and be aware of your own capabilities and the environment in which you are working. In particular, machine attachments and work pieces can be extremely heavy and you should give consideration to safe manual handling practices before undertaking any job that involves lifting these items. 

Slips, Trips and Falls

Slips and trips represent a significant cause of work related injury. Slips and trips can result from contamination, obstacles, inappropriate footwear, reduced visibility, the environment and people’s attitudes. Good workmanship and good housekeeping are practices that can help to prevent accidents and fires. By removing debris, swarf, packaging and other waste materials to waste skips you can contribute significantly to good housekeeping. You can also reduce the risk of slips and trips by properly routing any cables or air hoses that you use, by appropriately storing materials, tools and other equipment and keeping walkways clear, by ensuring that you always wear appropriate footwear and by taking responsibility for your own and your colleagues safety and appropriately containing any spills that you might discover. 

Risk of Contact

Contact with moving or rotating machine parts is a significant hazard to personnel involved in machining activities, as well as to personnel working close by, and can result in serious injury. All personnel need appropriate training and experience to be able to use work equipment safely. Never use machinery unless you have received suitable training and are qualified and competent to do so. You should ensure that you are suitably qualified and are competent to use the particular type of equipment that you will be working on. Before you begin to use a machine, study it to make sure that you know which parts of the machine move, which parts are stationary and which parts are sharp. Make sure that all guards are in place. Remember to securely clamp both the machine and the work piece. To ensure Machine Safety make sure that you only use that piece of equipment for the job it was intended to perform. To protect others from the risk of contact with the moving or rotating machine parts, make sure that the appropriate warning signs and barriers are in place before you begin machining ensuring Authorised Personnel Only can gain access.” 

Electrical Safety

Electric shock from machinery can result in death or severe burns. Additionally, serious injury can result if the person falls as a result of the shock. To prevent the risks posed by electrical hazards, all electrical equipment should carry a valid test certificate or label. Testing should be carried out by suitably trained individuals. If an electrical appliance does not carry a test label, then please, do not use it. You should also carry out a visual pre-use inspection of all machinery, if you discover a defect or problem with the machine, it should not be used and you should inform your manager. 

Machine Malfunction

It is equally important to monitor the machine while it is running for possible signs of a malfunction. If you notice that the machine is vibrating abnormally, doesn’t sound right or is displaying signs of any other problem, switch it off and report to your manager. 

Machine Maintenance

Ensuring that equipment is appropriately cleaned and maintained is also central to machine safety. Inspect and sharpen cutting tools, lubricate machinery and check the alignment of milling machines as appropriate. Clean machinery after each use, as a dirty machine is unsafe and is difficult to use. When you are carrying out machine maintenance, make sure that you follow the appropriate lockout and tag-out procedures to ensure that the equipment is correctly isolated and cannot be turned on accidentally.

When cleaning machines after use, ensure that the machine is switched off and that the swarf has cooled before using gloves and a brush to remove swarf and clean the machine. If you need to remove swarf from a running machine, make sure that you are not wearing gloves and use a rod to remove the swarf. Never use a rag to clean a machine while it is running. Never use compressed air to clean a machine, your clothes or yourself. 

Risk of Entanglement

When conducting machining operations, it is extremely important that you take the steps necessary to reduce the risk of entanglement. Wear close fitting garments, do not wear a tie or jewelry and tie back long hair and long beards. Never wear gloves when operating a machine. If material is rough or sharp and you need to wear gloves to handle it, make sure that you place or handle the material while the machine is turned off and that you then remove your gloves before turning on or operating the machine. You should never attempt to measure a part that is moving. 

Personal Protective Equipment PPE

Personal Protective Equipment, or PPE, is an important means of reducing the risks associated with projectile particles during machining operations. At least standard PPE with safety sun glasses should be worn. It may be necessary to screen the work area if projectile particles pose a hazard to individuals working or passing nearby. Only PPE in good working condition will reduce the hazards associated with your work, so it is important to remove, clean and store your PPE correctly. 

Noise at Work

Hearing loss caused by exposure to noise at work is a significant source of occupational disease, with many people suffering deafness, tinnitus or other ear conditions as a result of exposure to excessive noise levels at work. The level of noise and how long people are exposed to noise at work both contribute to potential hearing damage. Noise can be reduced to harmless levels by using ear plugs and ear defenders while conducting machining operations, and these items of PPE should therefore be worn unless local measurements indicate that noise levels are below the level at which such action is necessary. 

Human Factors

Human factors also play a role in increasing the risk of injury while conducting machining operations. Never come to work in possession of, or under the influence of, alcohol or drugs. These substances expose everyone to risks that are unnecessary and easily avoided. You should also not conduct machining operations if you are overly tired or unwell, as concentration is important to operating machines safely. Behave sensibly in the machine shop. Don’t run and don’t walk behind someone who is operating machinery as you may bump in to them. 

Hazardous Substances

Substances such as coolants and other metal working fluids, hydraulic, lubricating, gearbox oils and cleaning agents can cause dermatitis if they come into contact with your skin. Fluid systems containing water or water mixes can cause bacterial infection on contact.

If you need to use these or other potentially hazardous substances, ensure that you follow the procedures outlined in your hazardous substance assessment, which may include the use of additional PPE. Try to avoid getting these substances on your skin, but if you do, pre-work or barrier creams will make your hands easier to clean. Rehydration creams will also replace lost skin oils after washing, and help to keep your hands in good condition. Wash, eat and drink away from your work area, and always wash your hands before eating, drinking or smoking. Avoid breathing in metal working fluid mists by using machining procedures which reduce the amount of mist produced, by using extraction and by using appropriate PPE. Remember that all hazardous chemicals can be identified by their warning signs, and should be stored in suitable containers that are clearly labelled and which identify the hazards associated with their use. Information on the substance as well as an assessment of the hazards associated with its use should also be available. 

Magnetic Based Equipment

There are additional hazards relating to the use of magnetic based equipment. It may well be unsafe to use magnetic based equipment if you have an active implantable medical device fitted. Make sure that you have informed your manager if you have an implanted medical device and talk to your doctor about the safety of using magnetic based equipment. Particular safe working practices are necessary to prevent injury should the electrical supply to the magnetic base fail. You should label the relevant electrical supply sockets and switches to prevent someone accidentally turning off the supply. 

Emergency Procedures

In the event of an emergency while conducting machining operations, isolate any machinery that you have been using and evacuate the area according to the site emergency procedures. If you are involved in an accident, seek immediate assistance. You should never operate machinery while alone unless specific lone working procedures are in place.

 

Riskatmedia – Safety Videos

General Safety Issues

SAFETY AND SECURITY IN YOUR VAN (GUEST POST)

Sent by Chris Grasso  

The size and shape of vans lend to some particular safety issues, and since many people assume that vans are carrying something valuable, security becomes an issue, as well. It’s important that your vehicle is not an easy target for those hoping to cash-in on some easy-to-steal valuables. Protection of your family and possessions is an aspect of travel that cannot be overstated. Whether you’re using your van around town or driving it across the country, always keep these safety and security issues in mind.

Mind Your Speed

Conversion vans are high-profile vehicles, and susceptible to flipping over at high speeds. It’s always important to mind your speed on busy highways and unfamiliar roads. Reducing your speed isn’t only a safer way to drive your van, it lowers fuel costs and protects you from speeding tickets. Fewer tickets and accidents also save you money on insurance premiums. Stay at the speed limit, and take care around steep curves, unfamiliar, icy and wet roads. Watch for signs indicating low shoulders, steep curves and slippery conditions.

Be Aware of Surroundings

Dark parking lots aren’t the only time to have your guard up. Sometimes, to prevent being a victim you have to think like a criminal. What target would you pick? Someone distracted loading or unloading a van, people walking to or from the vehicle with their head low, drivers who don’t lock their doors – all these are signals to the would-be criminal that you’re an easy target. Keep your head up and stay alert, even when you’re busy loading and unloading.

Keep Valuables Out of Sight

Many crimes are opportunistic and would probably never happen if the victim hadn’t “tempted” the perpetrator. When you have equipment, packages or other items of value, keep them out of sight. One way is to get a van with tinted windows, like many of the selections at Dave Arbogast Vans. Another option is to keep old blankets or sheets in the vehicle to cover items while you’re away from the van. Someone might not risk breaking in the vehicle if it looks like nothing, but they might risk it if they see electronics, tools or valuable equipment.

Use Smartphone Apps to Stay Safe

One of the neatest security devices we own is in our pocket. There are tons of apps to issue alerts in case of emergency. Some automatically dial emergency numbers if you don’t respond at a designated time. Other apps alert emergency response teams or sound an alarm. Apps range in price from free to about $6, but many of the free apps are actually the highest rated by users.

When it comes to safety and security in your van, there simply isn’t a substitute for common sense. If a situation looks dangerous, listen to your gut. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Chris is a UNC Chapel Hill grad, now residing in Tampa.

General Safety Issues

HOW TO SECURE YOUR CONSTRUCTION SITE AGAINST WINTER CONDITIONS (GUEST POST)

Winter can bring some challenges for construction contractors throughout the country. Even in warmer climates like Florida, it is important to know when you need to protect your site and equipment from freezing temperatures and winter conditions. From securing an empty worksite to keeping machinery in working condition, here are a few ways to make sure that your construction site is ready for late winter. 

Don’t Overwork Your Engines

Heavy equipment and machinery can require some extra attention to keep them running in premium condition. First, you should make sure to follow all manufacturers’ guidelines regarding use and lubrication, but here are a few easy steps to make sure you keep your engines running smoothly. 

  • Always use a winter fuel blend, which will help run at lower pressures and actually be a little cheaper.
  • Allow your machines to warm up before using them to full effect. Idling the engine is not that effective at warming the engine, so just operate the machine at low speed until everything is running smoothly.
  • Don’t allow diesel engines to idle for long periods. Idling in the cold lets water build up in the exhaust that can cause problems later.
  • Make sure to fill your gas tanks at the end of the day to avoid condensation and rust in your fuel tanks.

Control Winter Erosion

Winter erosion and runoff is one of the biggest problems facing most construction sites. Between snow melt and winter rain storms, it can be difficult to control sediment and dust throughout winter and into early spring. Depending on your location, there are a number of tactics you should employ to make sure that your site does not leak pollutants or sediment into the neighborhood. 

  • Precipitation is the most important factor in preparing your site. Understand how much rain or snow you can expect and work direct any snowmelt into a manageable area.
  • Erosion control blankets should be placed over dirt piles to prevent precipitation from washing them away.
  • Know your soil. Clay and organic soils are resistant to erosion, while silt and sugar sand will erode very quickly.
  • Dirt roads are very susceptible to runoff, but there are a number of ways to mitigate winter precipitation. Hydrogels like Soil2O absorb and trap up to 400 times their weight in water, which can help slow or arrest erosion and sediment runoff.
  • Adding woodwaste mulch and vegetation to the borders of your site can increase soil integrity and help trap any sediment in runoff water, adding a natural filter to any water that leaves your site.

It’s important to remember that the start of spring does not mean that you can relax, even if you have had a mild winter. Spring thaws produce a lot of water from melting snow and thawed ground. Make sure to maintain all drainage routes and the keep your erosion control methods in place throughout early spring. 

Securing Your Site

Keeping your site safe is important throughout the year, but winter conditions can make construction sites even more hazardous. Your site should always be secured with safety fences, but in winter unstable ground conditions can affect workers and visitors to the site. Make sure to have clearly marked, reinforced pathways for work and stabilize all equipment and heavy machinery prior to beginning work. 

Author Bio:
Mike Poslaiko is the Director of Marketing for GelTech Solutions which focuses on bringing environmentally friendly solutions to homeowners and industries alike.

General Safety Issues

TEACHING YOUR CHILD PHONE ETIQUETTE (GUEST POST)

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When I first received this post from Martina Keyhill of BecomeANanny.com, I thought, what does this have to do with safety? Then I read the article, and saw that it has some very good safety advice.   As parents and grandparents, we can set the example for them by using our cell phones in a way that they will understand: please pay attention to the advice Martina shares with us.

Back when landline phones were a fixture in every household, kids were taught proper phone etiquette as a standard skill. Conversely, in 2010,  USA Today reported that one in four American homes had only wireless phones, with that figure steadily climbing. As a result, more of today’s kids are growing up in homes without landline telephones altogether, simply receiving their own mobile devices when they reach an age that their parents determine is appropriate. Teaching your children proper phone etiquette at an early age can help them understand the best ways to politely and appropriately use both the decreasingly popular landline telephone and their own cell phone, when they receive it.

Safety First

Children often have a tendency to give out more information than is strictly necessary over the phone. While these over-shares can range from mildly embarrassing to downright hilarious, that lack of discretion can be dangerous. Kids should be taught from a young age that certain information should never be shared with a stranger, which can help ensure that they never give out information that’s better kept quiet. To guarantee that your youngster understands what is considered appropriate sharing, role play a variety of hypothetical phone conversations and talk about the right way to handle certain questions. If you live in a home with a landline that is still regularly used, these conversations and exercises should start taking place before your child is allowed to answer the phone on his own.

Model Good Phone Behavior

Kids learn much about what is and is not acceptable behavior by observing parents and other trusted adults, then modeling their own behavior after those observations. You can start teaching your child good cell phone etiquette long before he ever gets his own mobile device by simply practicing good phone manners yourself. To provide your kids with a good phone-etiquette role model, don’t take non-essential calls in quiet, public settings or use alert tones that disturb others around you. If you want to raise a child who doesn’t text or talk on his cell phone while driving, it’s vital that you don’t either.

Discuss Appropriate Behavior

When it’s time for your child to get his first cell phone, it’s also a good time for you to discuss your family policy regarding accessing and sharing inappropriate content. If applicable, let your child know that his phone may be subject to random searches or that you’ve installed monitoring software to keep tabs on his phone use, and that he should never send messages or share photos that they would be embarrassed for anyone other than the intended recipient to see. Explaining that content is easily shared, both inadvertently and deliberately, and can never be retrieved may help to prevent him from sending potentially embarrassing content.

Declare “Phone Free” Time During Certain Hours

Banning cell phone use during dinner or landline use after a certain time will help your children learn that it’s not appropriate or polite to send messages or make calls at all hours of the day or night. Enforcing the rule and explaining why your family has such a policy also presents a great opportunity for discussion regarding other times and situations where using a cell phone or placing a traditional landline call might not be acceptable.

Talk About Bullying

Bullying and peer harassment is a very real problem for today’s youth, and it extends far beyond the boundaries of school property. Modern technology allows cruel kids to reach their victims through social networking sites, email and text messages for what often amounts to round-the-clock torment. Talking about cyber-bullying, how to handle it and why it’s wrong before giving your child his first cell phone can also help to open a dialogue about the subject of bullying in general, which can offer you some valuable insights. Explain to your child that even sharing a message with cruel content written by someone else is cyber-bullying, and that it’s never okay to participate in pranks that cause other people pain. It’s also wise to teach him how to deal with any cyber-bullying that he might encounter, so that he’s prepared in the event of this all-too-common occurrence.

In addition to teaching your children the rules governing public cell phone use, inappropriate content, and the basics of cyber-bullying, you should take the time to explain the proper methods for addressing someone after they answer the phone, asking to speak with a member of the household, and answering the phone in a polite, friendly manner.

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

MINING SAFETY AND PROTECTIVE GEAR (GUEST POST)

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Mineworkers that wear full safety clothing can address several dangers. All mines need to stipulate the mining safety and protective clothing required and the kind of activity to be carried out.

Old Hundred Gold Mine Tour

Purpose of the protective gear

Improved visibility: A gear with high visibility is critical in a mine particularly if dealing with high traffic. Retro reflective strips and bright colors always make the workers at the mining site visible.
Abrasion Resistance: Thick and tough leather offers high abrasion resistance in case of a crash though fabrics like cordura are also able to provide significant protection. Fabrics are waterproof, easy to maintain, cheap and quite comfortable during hot weather. Thick leather is uncomfortable during hot weather and could result in the loss of control and heat stress. There are fabric gears designed into a mesh-like pattern which provides cooling plus a more stable surface to attach the padding.
Padding: Quality pants and jackets offer significant extra padding within the joint regions that are more vulnerable. This takes the form of dual-density foam or simple foam padding. The integrated pieces are available inside some jackets.
Weather Protection: Protection against weather elements is very important in mines. At times, extreme weather makes the working conditions rather dangerous or unbearable.

What is the required protective gear for greater safety during mining?

Approaching safety experts is the best answer. Every safety expert is exposed to a number of risks in the mines and is a witness of accidents, nearing accidents, hazards and falls in all the weather conditions. Some of their recommendations on mine worker safety include:

  • Protective gear needs to conform to the anatomy but not the surrounding slide
  • The hands, head, knees, hips, shoulders and elbows are all vulnerable areas
  • A protective gear should be purchased not as some fashion statement but for protective purposes

Examples of specific protective gear items

  • Full-face helmet: This offers the most protection.  It is imperative that hardhats be worn.
  • Gloves: Gloves need to be designed specifically for a given mining activity. It is commonly made using cordura, Kevlar, leather or other given combinations. There are some with carbon fiber knuckle protection and other rigid padding forms. There are gloves that offer wrist protection.
    Jackets: Most jackets are made from ballistic nylon, leather, Kevlar, cordura and other related synthetics. Many jackets feature a special padding on the spine, elbows or shoulders.
    Pants: They include special protection for hips and knees. Cotton denim jeans that have Kevlar are preferred by some people.
    Boots: It’s specifically designed for the undertaken mining activity and includes plastic caps and reinforcement on the ankles or the toe area.
    Helmet Visor or Goggles: Something of utmost importance is eye protection. Metal pieces or pebbles that are kicked up towards your eye have sufficient momentum to render significant damage.
    Ear plugs: These devices offer protection against any hearing damage and reduce fatigue.
    Vests: Made using retro reflective materials with high-visibility color. It is possible to wear them over jackets so as to increase the possibility of remaining visible. This will more critical in adverse weather conditions.

Author bio:
This has been a post by Danny, a blogger from Australia. He is writing about business and human resources on behalf of Australia Mining, a company that provides information to people looking to get a job in mining.

General Safety Issues, Head Protection

TEAMS GOING TO THE SUPER BOWL! BROTHER AGAINST BROTHER!

Football fans, this year’s Super Bowl should be a good one.  All season long, many have watched their favorite teams play for this final Championship game.  The matchup, as you already know, is between the AFC Champions Baltimore Ravens, coached by John Harbaugh.  On the other side of the field, John’s brother, Jim, will be trying to lead his NFC Champions San Francisco 49’ers to victory.  This first ever Super Bowl brother v.s. brother matchup,  should bring even more interest to fans.  (How their parents will get through this is anybody’s guess.)  This will be some family reunion!

Now’s the time to order your favorite team hardhats!  What a chance to show your team spirit at work, and, if you are lucky enough to go to the game, there, too!  Remember, if you mention keyword: BLOG4SAFETY, you’ll get a 5% discount off your order.

Super Bowl XLVII will be at Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans, February 3rd at 5:30 p.m.  If that isn’t wild enough, the game will be held inbetween the two week-ends of Mardi Gras.  It is the first time the title game is being played in New Orleans since Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast in 2005.  Since serving as a shelter in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, the Superdome has undergone $336 million in repairs and renovations.   

 Load up on snacks, because sometimes the commercials are as good as the game!  We hope all football fans will enjoy the game; if your team isn’t playing, there’s always next year!