Monthly Archives: February 2013

General Safety Issues, Health Issues

WHERE ARE MY KEYS? NON-DRUG THERAPIES FOR MEMORY CARE (GUEST POST)

Where Are My Keys? 5 Non-Drug Therapies for Memory Care

So much of your daily life depends on your memory skills. Little things such as remembering where your car keys are or where your car is parked are typical functions that most people encounter every day. It’s amazing how much space the brain has for storing memory. However, as you age, your ability to remember things can begin to decline. The great news is that the brain is similar to a muscle and there are exercises you can do to prevent it from having memory gaps. The following are some helpful tips to exercise your brain:

1. Exercise

Physical activity keeps blood flowing to the brain and also produces chemicals that help to protect it. The health of your brain is extremely important for maintaining a good memory and exercise should be a part of your daily plan. Instead of staying indoors and watching TV, go for walk or jog. The outdoor scenery can energize your senses and boost your memory. Since music improves your memory also, put on a headset and play your favorite tunes while you work out. Research has even shown that people who are physically and mentally active have a lesser risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. For those who have a mild case or are at risk for developing the disease, physical activity has been known to delay and even improve symptoms.

2. Socialize

Humans are social creatures that weren’t meant to be alone. Healthy relationships with family and friends can stimulate the brain, especially when laughter is involved. There are a number of ways to stay active and even meet new people by joining a club, volunteering and scheduling time with a favorite friend. Pets can also add value to your life and boost your brain’s ability to think.

3. Get Enough Sleep

The brain stores its long-term memories during the dreaming phase of your sleep and getting at least seven to eight hours of rest is important each night. Sleep also helps keep the memory keen and helps you function properly throughout the day. This is especially helpful for students and individuals that need to utilize their brain for studying and preparing for exams.

4. Eat a Healthy Diet

There are a number of healthy foods that can help enhance your memory. Omega-3 fatty acids, berries, whole grains, eggs, green leafy vegetables, brightly colored fruits and nuts can all speed up the brain to work faster and with efficiency. Eating the foods on a regular basis will also help prevent memory gaps.

5. Mentally Challenge Yourself

Finding mentally challenging tasks can keep your memory in top shape. Playing chess with a friend, putting together a puzzle, reading and cooking meals are important activities that can aid your brain function. For those in an assisted living center, you’ll find a number of activities available to help seniors stay sharp. You can even find continuing education classes for learning a new skill set or to just be computer savvy. If you are searching for a memory care program in an assisted living in Atlanta, then you may find these following non-drug treatments:

  • Reminiscence Therapy uses long-term memories to spawn interaction among the residents which acquaints them with one another and helps their caregivers to know and understand them better. This treatment validates who they are and their accomplishments.
  • Cognitive Stimulation Therapy uses games of association, memory, and concentration in a group setting. This treatment stirs the residents to communicate their memories in story form.
  • Five Sense Therapy explores the new research in physiology that suggests the mind is not in the brain but travels the entire body on convoys of hormones and enzymes, actively making sense of the complex wonder we index as touch, taste, smell, hearing, and vision.

Whether you’re a senior looking to lessen memory gaps, a student studying for a test or someone who just wants to stay mentally on the ball, there are a number of exercises you can do that will help to enhance and sharpen your brain power.

Kelly Dennie enjoys researching and seeking non-drug alternatives for diseases and overall health improvement. Dogwood Forest, an assisted living in Atlanta, has learned that through clinically proven non-drug treatments Alzheimer’s disease can be deferred by an average of six years. Their living environment is built around this medical science break through in the fight against dementia.

General Safety Issues

FIVE SAFETY ITEMS TO ENSURE A SAFE AND SECURE GARAGE (GUEST POST)

Most people take their garage door opener safety for granted but there are several things to take into consideration when owning a garage door opener.  Here are some helpful tips that should ensure your experience stays safe and secure for you and your loved ones:

 1)  Replace Old Springs – Your garage door’s springs are arguably the most important and can be the most dangerous part of your door.  Springs do wear out and when they break, an injury could be the result.  If you have an older garage door, have a professional inspect the springs and replace them if needed.

 2) Check Your Cables – Visually inspect the cables that attach the spring system to the bottom brackets on both sides of the door.  If these cables are frayed or worn, they are in danger of breaking, which can cause injury.  Due to the dangers associated with high spring tension, these cables should be replaced only by a trained technician. 

3) Squeaky Springs? – Springs can squeak and be noisy.  This is caused by normal wear and tear and does not necessarily indicate a problem.  Before calling a professional service technician, use a spray-on lubricant.  If the noise continues, call a professional garage door installer for service. 

4) Safety Cables – If your garage door has extension springs, you need a safety cable that runs through the spring and secures to the wall or ceiling at each end.  When your garage door is down, extension springs are under high tension.  If the spring breaks, it may cause injury.  A safety cable can keep that broken spring contained.  If you have extension springs but do not have a safety cable, call your local dealer for a safety inspection. 

5) Struggling Door – If your door does not go up and down smoothly, you may have an unsafe condition.  Even older door systems should operate smoothly.  If the awkward operation continues when the door is manually operated, you may have a spring system out of balance.  This can cause premature wear and tear on other important door components.  Spring systems are dangerous and should be repaired only by trained professionals. 

Be sure not to place your fingers between the door sections to pull down on the door.  If you manually open or close the door, use the handles or safe gripping points.  Your garage door is probably the largest moving part in your home and is typically used everyday.  Over time parts can wear out and break creating potential safety problems.  Monthly safety checks and necessary maintenance are recommended.  An annual visit from a trained door systems technician can keep your door operating safely and smoothly for a long time. 

Author Bio: I am Aaron Lerner and my team and I write about the Garage Door Industry! We help expose all the Garage Door Hardware companies to give you the TRUTH! We provide extremely relevant information about all Garage Door Openers, Remotes, Parts, and more through our blog. Our experience of 20 years in the garage doors industry makes us an authority to provide you FREE and IMPORTANT information. For more info click here.

General Safety Issues

HOW TO KEEP SAFE WHILE WALKING HOME AT NIGHT (GUEST POST)

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How to Keep Safe While Walking Home at Night

 

If you’re forced to walk home at night, one of the best and most effective ways of ensuring that you reach your destination safely is to have a companion along for the journey. Assailants tend to strike single targets, rather than couples or small groups that can be more difficult for them to successfully subdue on their own. While men should certainly be cautious when they’re walking home at night, it’s especially important for women to understand the dangers of walking alone at night and to be aware of the best ways to reduce their chances of being the victim of violent crime.

Project Confidence

When you’re walking, make sure that you take a well-known and familiar route so you don’t look confused or lost, and that you project plenty of confidence along the way. Violent criminals target potential victims that appear vulnerable, and may choose not to engage with a woman who projects an air of strength and seems to know exactly where she’s going. If you’re so nervous about walking home that you don’t feel you’d be able to project that self-assurance, it may be smarter to opt for mass transit or even spring for a taxi, rather than anxiously making the trek back home.

Avoid Dark Areas

It may seem like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised at how easily some people can be tempted into taking a shortcut through an alley or walking across a dark parking lot to shorten their journey back home. Whether you’re alone or in a group, it’s best to restrict your route to well-lit areas, always try to stay under streetlights and never duck into a shadowy area simply because it will shorten your walk. Attackers want as much seclusion as they can get to lower their chances of being spotted by passersby. If you’re hidden in the shadows with someone who has dangerous intentions, you may not be able to safely attract the attention of anyone passing by.

Wear Sensible Shoes

No matter how excited you are to wear your brand new heels, you should avoid them if you know you’ll be walking home after dark. If you’re insistent upon wearing fashionable but less-than-sensible footwear for an evening out on the town, be sure that you stash a pair of ballet flats into your bag to wear as you walk home. Should you need to outrun a potential attacker, you’ll have far better chances escaping if you’re not wearing precariously high heels that increase your risk of falling, twisting an ankle or just being slowed down dramatically by your lack of balance.

Be Aware of Your Surroundings

When you’re projecting confidence on your way down the street, don’t be so confident that you pop in a pair of earbuds and ignore everything around you. A long walk might be more enjoyable if you’re able to listen to your favorite songs, but it will also make you less likely to hear someone approaching and can distract you enough that you don’t notice a threatening figure until it’s too late. Don’t allow yourself to be distracted so that you’re never unpleasantly surprised.

Keep Your Cell Phone Charged

Talking on your cell phone as you make your way home may seem like an effective way to discourage an attacker, but it can actually distract you enough that you don’t notice their approach. Taking advantage of someone is easier when they’re distracted, so make sure that you have your phone charged and readily available, but don’t spend your walk home chattering away. You should make sure that it’s within a moment’s reach, however, so that you can quickly dial for help if you spot something suspicious.

Carry a Deterrent

Non-violent deterrents like pepper spray or mace can buy you enough time to successfully evade a would-be attacker and seek help, and as such are great tools to keep on hand if you frequently walk home alone. Be sure before purchasing a canister of mace or pepper spray, however, that it’s compliant with all state and local laws. The maximum concentration legally allowable can vary from one state or city to another, so you’ll need to double check before heading out of the house with a deterrent that it isn’t illegal in your area.

Sent to us by Patricia Salaway of Liveoutnanny.com

 

Ergonomics, Eye Protection, Fall Safety, First Aid Safety, Hand Protection, Hearing Protection

POWER TOOL SAFETY (GUEST POST)

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By Jason, from RiskAtMedia: 

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 the use of powered tools, some of these hazards accompany almost all types of work activity, such as manual handling and slips and trips.  Others are of particular concern to powered tool operators and we will consider these in this Power Tool Safety brief. 

Manual Handling

Manual handling related activities are a major cause of occupational injury.  Low back pain, joint injuries and repetitive strain injuries of various sorts, 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, tools 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, trips and falls 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 shoes and by taking responsibility for your own and your colleagues safety and appropriately containing any spills that you might discover. 

Contact Risk

Contact with moving or rotating power tools is a significant hazard to personnel using power tools, 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 any work equipment unless you have received suitable training and are qualified and competent to do so.  Before you begin to use a powered tool, make sure that you have read the manufacturer’s instructions for use.  Study the tool to make sure that you know which parts of the tool move, which parts are stationary and which parts are sharp.  Make sure that all guards are in place.  Where appropriate, remember to securely clamp tools or work pieces.  And ensure that you only use tools for the job they were intended to perform, as this can significantly reduce the risk of injury.  To protect others from the risk of contact with the moving or rotating powered tool parts, make sure any necessary warning signs and barriers are in place before you begin work.  You should also take care if you need to walk through or work in an area adjacent to where another person is using powered tools. 

Electrical Safety

Electric shock from powered tools can result in death or severe burns.  Additionally, serious injury can result if the operator falls against a powered tool as a result of the shock.  To prevent the risks posed by electrical hazards, all electric powered tools should carry a valid test certificate or label.  Testing should be carried out by suitably trained individuals.   If an electric powered tool does not carry a valid test label, it should not be used and you should inform your supervisor. 

Malfunction

You should also carry out a visual pre-use inspection of all tools to ensure that they remain undamaged.  If you do discover a defect, please do not use the tool and report the problem to your supervisor.  Never attempt to make temporary repairs to a tool.   You should also observe the tool while it is in use for possible signs of malfunction.  If you notice that the tool is vibrating abnormally, doesn’t sound right, or is displaying signs of any other problem, switch it off and report to your supervisor.  When using an impact wrench, only sockets specifically designed for use with impact wrenches should be used and you should carry out a daily pre-use inspection of the socket to ensure that it is undamaged.  Never use sockets designed for hand ratchets on an impact wrench. 

Maintenance

Ensuring that equipment is appropriately cleaned and maintained is also central to safety.  Clean tools after each use, as a dirty tool is unsafe and is difficult to use.  When you carry out maintenance, make sure that the equipment is isolated and cannot be turned on accidentally.  Ensure swarf has cooled before using gloves and a brush to remove it and clean the tool.  If you need to remove swarf from a running powered tool to prevent long strands developing, make sure that you are not wearing gloves and use a rod to remove the swarf.  Never use a rag to clean a tool while it is running and never use compressed air to clean a tool. 

Entanglement

When using powered tools, wear close fitting garments, do not wear a tie or jewellery and tie back long hair and long beards to reduce the risk of entanglement. 

Personal Protective Equipment PPE

Personal Protective Equipment, or PPE, is an important means of reducing the risks associated with projectile particles produced when using powered tools.  At least standard PPE with safety 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 wearing industiral ear plugs and ear defenders. These items of PPE should therefore always be worn while using impact wrenches, and should also be worn when using other powered tools unless local measurements indicate that noise levels are below the level at which such action is necessary. Controls should also be considered for individuals working in close proximity. 

Human Factors

Human factors also play a role in increasing the risk of injury while using powered tools.  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 use powered tools if you are overly tired or unwell, as concentration is important to using tools safely. 

Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome HAVS

If you regularly use powered tools, you may be at risk of developing Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome or HAVS.  This condition involves damage to the blood vessels, nerves and joints of the hand, wrist and arm.  It is a painful and debilitating condition, resulting in numbness of the hands to the extent where it is impossible to feel with your fingers and very difficult for you to pick up small objects.  This can make both occupational and leisure activities, such as playing darts, fishing or DIY, impossible.  HAVS is entirely preventable.  Always use the right tool for the job, as this will allow you to complete the job more quickly and will expose you to less hand-arm vibration.  Carry out a pre-use inspection of all hand held equipment and report any damage to your supervisor, as faults and general wear may result in increased vibration.  If you do experience abnormal vibration from hand held equipment, please report this immediately.  Try to reduce the amount of vibration you are exposed to in one go by doing other jobs in between.  Use a relaxed grip and avoid using excessive force on a tool or work piece.  Store tools so that they do not have very cold handles when used next.  Keep your hands warm and dry and take breaks to exercise your fingers regularly.   Wear gloves when using impact wrenches to reduce the effect of vibration. 

Compressed Air

Compressed air is a safe and reliable alternative to electricity for powering impact wrenches and other air powered tools, but it can be dangerous if it is not used responsibly.  In particular, contact with streams of compressed air can penetrate the skin and enter the bloodstream.  All compressed air plant should be appropriately inspected and certified to ensure that it is safe to use.  Never operate air compressors at faster speeds than the manufacturer’s recommendation and ensure that the air intake is from a clean, outside and fresh air source, with screens and filters used to clean the air if necessary.  Unless your tool has a quick disconnect plug, you should always turn off the air supply at the control valve and bleed the tool before disconnecting.  You should never compress, bend or kink air hoses and you should never carry an impact wrench or other tool by the air hose.  And never use compressed air to clean your clothes or yourself. 

Emergency Procedures

In the event of an emergency, isolate any equipment 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. 

Riskatmedia – Safety Videos

General Safety Issues

HOW TO MAKE YOUR HOME SAFE FOR A DEPRESSED TEEN (GUEST POST)

 Sent by Joyce DelRosario

There are some specific ways you can make your home safe for a depressed teen. This is a difficult illness, but it can be managed. Develop a treatment plan, eliminate or secure alcohol and medications, and create a positive environment. 

• Devise a Plan of Treatment 

You need to have a talk with your teen and his/her doctor. Generally speaking, depressed teens respond well to a combination of talk therapy and antidepressant medications. If the depression is severe, it might be necessary for the teen to remain at a hospital for treatment. Aside from having a treatment plan, you also need to ensure that your home is safe for a depressed teen. 

• Secure or Eliminate Alcohol 

If you have alcohol in the house, it must be either secured or removed. Teens suffering from depression will often try to self-medicate. This can lead to drinking if the alcohol is easily available. Secure it by keeping alcohol in a locked cabinet. Make sure the key is on you at all times, even if you are home. Teens can be very clever, even if you think the key is hidden well, they will probably be able to find it. The other option is simply to remove all alcohol. 

• Remove Guns 

It is best to not have any firearms in the house. Your teen has a mental condition that is impairing the way he or she thinks. Combine that with a natural impulsivity and inability to predict the consequences of their actions all teens struggle with, having guns in the home is simply not worth the risk. If you must have firearms, keep them locked in a secure safe and keep the key on you at all times. 

• Secure All Prescription Drugs

 As mentioned before, depressed teens will often self-medicate. Prevent this by keeping your prescriptions locked away. Some commonly abused prescription drugs are 

  • 1.  Amytal
  • 2.  Ativan
  • 3.  Xanax
  • 4.  Ambien
  • 5.  Lunesta
  • 6.  Valium
  • 7.  Adderall
  • 8.  Vicodin
  • 9.  OxyContin 

Even over the counter drugs can be abused, such as cough medicine, asthma inhalers, and allergy medicine. Teen girls with depression and an eating disorder may also abuse laxatives.  Be very aware of your medications. If large amounts are missing, you will need to keep over the counter medications secured as well prescription drugs. 

•  Maintain a Positive Environment 

Follow the suggestions made by your therapist and doctor. Be supportive of your teen by providing him or her with a positive environment that is free of judgment. Gently encourage them to do things they enjoy and talk to them. Keeping an open dialog going with your teen is important. He or she needs to feel safe and comfortable talking with you. Providing him or her with a stable routine is also helpful. 

Keep your home safe by following  these steps. Create a solid treatment plan with your doctor and therapist. Provide safety by securing all firearms and medications. Finally, make sure your teen has a safe and comfortable home.

Kaylee Wilson is a proud single mom and a professional writer. She currently contributes at Help Your Teen Now. Help Your Teen Now brings together a vast collection of resources that will help families find their bearings and help them with managing depressed teens.

Note: I received a list of tragic events that cost many lives – every one of the perpetrators on that list were on some sort of prescription drug for depression, and/or a combination of drugs.  Parents, know what your kids are abusing and pay attention to personality changes.   pb 

 

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

SEVEN COMMON FORMS OF CHILDHOOD BULLYING (GUEST POST)

As the importance of preventing bullying and teaching kids to deal with torment from their peers is emphasized more and more in the media, it becomes apparent that today’s bullying bears little resemblance to the taunting and teasing that most parents were subjected to during their own childhood years. The modern bully wears many faces, and has an unprecedented level of access to the lives of those they hurt. Here are seven forms of bullying that today’s children are exposed to on a regular basis.

  1. Cyber-Bullying – Bullies are able to take their insults, threats and hurtful words to a very public and thoroughly humiliating new level through social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter. Status updates make it easy for an entire social group to view and even comment on cruelty, while more personal threats can be sent through private messaging. Blogging platforms can also be used to mount full-scale smear campaigns, making it almost impossible for victims to face their peers.
  2. “Frenemies” – While the word “frenemy,” a portmanteau of the words “friend” and “enemy,” can be traced back to a 1953 Nevada State Journal article, the concept is intimately familiar to modern tweens and teens. Girls in particular have started to accept backhanded compliments and blatant rivalry as traits of their associates. When more assertive girls use the force of their personality and the threat of revoked social standing to coerce other members of their peer group into doing or saying things against their will, it is absolutely a form of bullying and should be treated as such.
  3. Bullying By Authority Figures – Typically, bullying is considered to fall in the realm of children and their peer group. As a result, taunts, insults and derogatory comments made by mean-spirited teachers or overzealous athletic coaches typically go unchallenged. Taught to obey authority figures, meek and mild-mannered children may never report this behavior for fear of retribution or punishment.
  4. Physical Harassment – There’s nothing new about physical bullying; stronger kids have been known to lord their prowess over smaller peers since the beginning of time. Tougher punishments and penalties have simply forced these bullies to get more creative when doling out their abuse, rather than curtailing it.
  5. Exclusion and Ostracism – Teachers and counselors with good intentions can make every effort to stamp out physical and verbal harassment, but their hands are tied when it comes to exclusion. Children and adolescents simply can’t be forced to associate with someone they’ve deemed an outcast, and this ostracism can be more painful for the victims than physical punches and kicks.
  6. Verbal Harassment – Name-calling, teasing and making fun of a child’s appearance, wardrobe or any other area of perceived inferiority might have crept over into social media and text message wars, but that hasn’t diminished its face-to-face value. Though the old adage about sticks and stones makes for a catchy rhyme, it does little to comfort youngsters that are mercilessly taunted for one “failing” or another.
  7. Blackmail – When every tween and teen carries a phone that doubles as a camera, snapping photos that double as blackmail material is the work of a moment. The release, or even the mere threat of release, of an embarrassing picture can send kids into a panic; kids who willfully inflict this torment on a peer are a new breed of bully.

Shame and fear of revenge can keep children from telling even a trusted adult about what they’re suffering through, leaving them feeling overwhelmed at the prospect of shouldering the burden alone. Because children are so often reluctant to discuss bullying, parents and caregivers should be on the lookout for signs of depression, isolation and agitation, which can be indicators of emotional turmoil and distress.

Sent to us by Roxanne Porter, of NannyJobs.org

There is nothing more hurtful than knowing that your child is the victim of bullies, regardless of how it is done.  Parents of bullies should start at home, letting their youngsters know that this is not allowed.  Teachers should do something about it when they witness this kind of behavior at school.  Young bullies can become mean adults who make life miserable for everyone they encounter.  If they are the cowardly type that hides behind a computer, their true character comes out.  We live in a time when the results of bullying can cause terrible things to happen to the victims.  Let’s please all find ways to get it under control – in your town, community, school, and at home.  If you see it happening, step up and say something.  Students are finding that if they all stick together, the bully will back down.  Support someone who needs your help.  Pat

General Safety Issues

FIRE SAFETY – FIVE THINGS YOUR OFFICE SHOULDN’T BE WITHOUT (GUEST POST)

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Fire escape routes

Every workplace needs to have a clear and safe fire escape route. A diagram of the office should be drawn up, highlighting the locations of fire escapes as well as the best escape routes. Note that elevators shouldn’t be a part of your emergency escape plans. A meeting zone outside the building should be designated where everyone can assemble. Managers should be assigned to perform headcounts in this meeting zone. Finally, don’t forget to carry out regular fire drills so your employees become familiar with the evacuation routes and procedure. 

Sprinkler Systems

Automatic sprinklers are highly effective at eliminating fires in large office spaces. They are triggered by extreme heat and so are quick at detecting fires, ensuring that staff can evacuate safely. Sprinkler systems can also activate a remote alarm which notifies the local fire services. As well as being highly reliable (with an estimated success rate of over 95%), sprinklers also have the benefit of being relatively cheap to maintain. Sprinklers should not be overlooked! 

Fire Extinguishers

If a fire develops in the workplace, generally the best course of action would be to evacuate the building and let the emergency services deal with it. However, if only a small fire breaks out you should be able to eliminate it with an extinguisher. Ensure that the extinguishers are within easy reach and that different ones are available for different types of fire. Offices tend to be packed with electrical equipment such as computers and monitors – if these catch fire your best option is a CO2 extinguisher. For fires involving solid materials such as fabric, wood or paper, use a water fire extinguisher. Foam extinguishers can protect against material fires as well as fires involving flammable liquids. 

Fire Blankets

Fire blankets are often overlooked in the home, but in offices they are essential due to their many uses. They are best kept in workplace kitchens to combat small fires that may break out, and can sometimes save you from having to use an extinguisher. In the event of someone catching fire, you can wrap the blanket around them and get them to roll on the floor to extinguish the flames. Fire blankets can also be used as a protective shield during an escape where flames are in the way. 

Exit signs

The importance of a simple fire exit sign should not be underestimated. Office staff may be familiar with the workplace layout, but during a fire it can be easy to forget due to panic, especially in large multi-storey office buildings. The arrows on fire exit signs show the quickest way to safety and could prevent your employees from being trapped inside the building. If your office does not have emergency lighting installed, luminescent exit signs should be used. Remember, it is also mandatory to have signs placed on top of fire exit doors. 

This blog post was written by Hassan Ali who works for Ardent, a UK based company who are specialists in fire suppression systems.

 

 

 

 

 

General Safety Issues

SIX WAYS TO PREVENT YOUR HOME FROM BECOMING A TARGET FOR THIEVES (GUEST POST)

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By Bill Walter 
 
Some things in life can’t be controlled. If a tornado is coming towards your home you have to pray that it turns in the other direction and heads off down another street. When it rains so hard your roof feels like it’s about to collapse you have to hope the slates will keep as much water out as possible. All these things can’t be controlled and if Mother Nature wants to destroy your home you have to just sit there and hope there’s still something left by the time she stops. Then you have nasty thieves who want to destroy your home, but they want to do it in another way.
They want to smash your window, climb in and steal as much things as possible. It’s probably dirty drug addicts who want their next fix. They’ll come into your home and steal your TV, then hopefully they can sell it for a few bucks to buy some heroin. Those dirty people are only looking for one thing: an easy target. You don’t see many drug addicts climbing fences, cutting your electricity, and using sophisticated tools to open your door without leaving evidence. They just want an easy target and here’s how to make your home unattractive to them.
Make it painful
If you have shrubbery outside your home you should make sure it’s the jaggy kind. That way when they see it they will know they are going to be ripped to shreds if they decide to sneak through it. If it’s on the other side of your fence and they decide to jump over they are in for a nasty surprise. You won’t see many people break into someone’s home when they have blood pouring down their arms.
Get a higher fence
Small fences are not going to scare many people away. They will deter a small number of would-be thieves, but you need something a little higher if everyone is going to turn around and walk away. You don’t have to rip out the old one and build something much bigger, but just take it into consideration if you ever decide to replace it.
Let there be light
You want your home to light up like a Christmas tree whenever anyone approaches it. If it’s a friend they are going to appreciate the fact they don’t have to walk around in the dark, and if it’s a burglar they are going to turn around and start sprinting for their car. Unless someone is a really good ninja they are not going to get past motion detection lights.
Beware of the dog
This is obviously an old one and you do see lots of people with these already, but that’s because they work. Have a big sign on your garden fence that tells them you have a huge dog, even if you have a little one or none at all. Would you take the chance when you could just as easily look for another home to break into?
Let there be more light
This time you need to think about what’s happening inside your home. When someone is walking down the road and they spot all your lights off they will realize there’s no-one home. Now they just need to get in and out as fast as possible and they have themselves a new television. If they see lights on they won’t come and steal the TV while you’re watching it, so keep the lights turned on when it’s dark.
Have an alarm system
Everyone would benefit from an alarm system. It gives you some peace of mind when you go to sleep. It’s even better if you tell people you have an alarm, just so they don’t have the same peace of mind when they decide to break in. If they see a sign telling them the house is wired they won’t come near it.
 
Bill Walter has recently started writing home improvement topics and regards home security as the top most priority. Refer the mentioned link to get knowledge on best home security system.
Eye Protection, Fall Safety, General Safety Issues

IMPORTANCE OF PROPER LIGHTING AT WORK AND HOME (GUEST POST)

By Ross Donald

Poor lighting is one of the most commonly identified causes of workplace injuries. It is not surprising when you consider that proper lighting is a key factor of being able to identify and avoid hazards, safely handle dangerous equipment, and deter criminal activity. Though additional lighting means additional costs, the costs of personal injury are often far greater. It is vital to give ample consideration to the lighting conditions of businesses and homes not only with cost in mind, but also the well-being of occupants and visitors.

Light Measurement

In meeting safety standards, light is usually measured in foot-candles. This refers to the amount of light cast on one square foot of a surface from a candle one foot away. There are many meters one can buy for professional use in measuring light, but personal intuition cannot be overvalued in determining unsafe lighting conditions.

Outside

Outdoor lighting needs just as much consideration as indoor lighting. Slip and fall accidents often occur outside when poor lighting makes it difficult to spot ice, oil, or dips and rises on walkways and parking lots. Also, a high level of visibility around the exterior of a building enhances its security by deterring criminals who would be easily seen conducting suspicious activity. In terms of safety and security, brighter lighting covering the largest area possible is usually advisable. This will also ensure that security cameras capture what they need to when incidents do occur.

Though business and home owners often give a good deal of consideration to aesthetic in their outdoor lighting, it is important to balance safety into that equation. Parking lot lighting is not federally regulated, but you will often find local legislation that requires something like, “a minimum of .25 foot-candles on the parking surface.” Such a minimum requirement is not necessarily suitable for all cases, however.

Stairs

Stairways indoors and outdoors need to be well lit as they are a hot spot for falls and tend to result in more severe injuries. Though there are a variety of options for lighting stairs, it is a good idea to place the lights so that there is as little shadow on the stairs as possible. Legislation often requires something around one foot-candle at the center of each stair and landing, so it is important to evaluate the light on this area of stairways.

Dangerous Equipment

Perhaps the most important consideration for proper lighting, dangerous equipment has to be evaluated on a case by case basis depending on how it is used. This includes everything from handling knives in a kitchen to operating a fork lift in a warehouse. Equipment involving careful manual operation needs a good light source that allows the operator to clearly see what they are doing. Also, if the operator is casting their own shadow over the equipment, the light source may need better placement. For equipment where there is a danger of injury by falling into its area of operation, ample light should be provided for a zone around the equipment as well.

Emergency Lighting

Emergency situations such as power outages and fires require not only good back up light sources, but also well-lit egress routes in case evacuation is necessary. Though this is an obvious and regulated consideration for businesses, it is important not to allow maintenance of such provisions to fall by the wayside. After all, just because they are not used every day doesn’t mean you should ignore them and expect them to perform whenever you may need them.

The Mood Factor

Though we wouldn’t generally consider a dreary state of mind to be an injury, it is a light-related factor that affects us all on some level at work and at home. Studies have shown that low light conditions contribute to a dark mood. At the same time, too much light also causes a decline here, so the trick is to find the right level of light that both enhances mood and provides safety where necessary.

As lighting technology evolves, more and more efficient, low-cost options are becoming available. While cost and aesthetics are valid considerations, safety is always paramount and should not be sacrificed in favor of other factors. Even with proper lighting installed, regular maintenance and replacement of the lights themselves and removal of obstructions is advisable for businesses and homeowners alike. When health and well-being are at stake, no cost in money or effort should be too great. Whether at home or at work, we should always be on the lookout for unsafe lighting conditions so they can be addressed before harm is done.

Ross Donald is a safety-conscious stay at home dad and blogger who loves to undertake a variety of DIY projects. He writes for leading supplier of light fixtures, Lightingsale.com

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

METALWORK: CUTTING OUT THE DANGERS (GUEST POST)

The market for welding equipment and profile cutters has broadened considerably in recent years as such machinery become more affordable, less cumbersome and thus available to the majority of the population. The hazardous methods used to accurately carve shapes from metal sheets are now adopted equally by unskilled hobbyists working in their own home and heavy industries of mass production. The widespread availability and unregulated use of profile cutting machinery has exposed more people to harm. Looking at plasma cutting in particular, it is easy to see the dangers of this trade and the necessity of certain safety precautions which all users must adhere to. 

The Risks 

From arc-eye to smouldering debris on the skin, the dangers associated with plasma cutting are all extremely hazardous to anybody working in the vicinity. One serious risk is the fire hazard created by the arc of plasma which not only emits intense heat but also gives off sparks, which can land on nearby surfaces, clothing or skin. The arc also produces a bright glare which is damaging to the eyes. Molten metal and shards of freshly cut debris can be airborne and can burn or cut exposed skin. Then there are the fumes released by the metal during the process which can create an immediate choking hazard or more long term health problems. Any coating on the metal (ie. galvanised steel) must be removed beforehand as they produce truly toxic fumes. Finally, the extreme power output of a plasma cutter creates a high risk of electrocution. It certainly sounds like a risky business, but with the following precautions in place, profile cutting can be a safe and efficient way to manufacture cut metal. 

The Solutions 

Before starting any form of profile cutting, it is essential to inform any people in the vicinity that the equipment is being used so that each individual can take the necessary action to avoid harm. In industrial manufacturing, no unauthorised persons should be allowed to use a plasma cutter and it is essential that every operator undergoes appropriate training. Protective clothing and eye-wear is an absolute must for all machine operators. Goggles must provide unrestricted vision and movement while protecting the eyes from glare and debris. This means a suitably shaded, thick and unbreakable lens. Clothing must be full length to cover every inch of skin, fire resistant and without cuffs which could catch smouldering debris. It is essential to ventilate the room with fresh air or wear breathing apparatus where the fumes are likely to be intense. The risk of electrocution can be eliminated by being well grounded by wearing rubber soled boots and gloves as well as the standard welding gloves. There also must be no moisture or water around which could conduct electricity throughout the room. Finally, ensure that the plasma cutting machinery is placed as far from surrounding objects as possible to avoid sparks leaping to any material that could act as a fuel for fire.

In the workplace, the employer must ensure that these regulations are upheld to the highest standards to guarantee staff safety. At home, the individual is responsible for their health and ultimately their life, so such hazardous metalwork should not be undertaken lightly.

 Sent to us by Dan Oztunc

This article was written by Emily Banham on behalf of Kerf Developments Ltd, the leading British supplier of profile cutting, oxy-fuel cutting, high definition plasma cutting and waterjet cutting equitment. More information on plasma cutters can be found on the following link – http://www.kerfdevelopments.com/plasmacutting.html