Monthly Archives: June 2017

Ergonomics, Eye Protection, First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Health Issues

Workplace Plumbing Safety Tips

Following the correct guidelines when performing any plumbing ask is essential to ensuring complete safety for yourself and whomever you are doing the work for. Knowing about your responsibilities as a employee and also if you are an employer, knowing what you have to do is critical to be sure you are abiding by the law with all the work you, and your company does.

 

Main Employer Responsibilities

 

  • the provision and maintenance of plant and systems of work that are safe and without risk to health (this includes the supply of all necessary personal protective equipment)

  • safety in the use, handling, storage and transport of articles and substances

  • the provision of information, instruction, training and supervision as necessary to ensure the health and safety at work of employees

  • the provision of access to and exit from the workplace that is safe and without risk

  • the provision of adequate facilities and arrangements for welfare at work.

  • provide a health and safety policy statement

  • undertake regular risk assessments

Main Employee Responsibilities

  • take reasonable care at work of your own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by what you do or do not do

  • do not intentionally or recklessly interfere with or misuse anything provided for your health and safety

  • co-operate with your employer on health and safety matters. Assist your employer in meeting their statutory obligations

  • bring to your employer’s attention any situation you think presents a serious and imminent danger

  • bring to your employer’s attention any weakness you might spot in their health and safety arrangements.

As a plumber it is necessary you understand what types of actions are to be taken by you or your employee in order to keep the workplace or worksite safe at all times, there are statutory regulations in place in order to keep safety to a maximum and to make sure you do not have any law suits coming your
way.

 Some of the actions taken to keep safety to a high are risk assessments, method statements and permit to work statements. The permit to work statement is a list of checks which you would carry out before taking on any dangerous plumbing jobs
like going up high to fix a broken pipe.

When
on site it is important to lay down a list of requirements for safety. If you are on a plumbing job which may take you a few days, it is essential to make sure your plumbers read these before working on the site. Some regulations to take into consideration can be found below.

 generally ensuring a safe place of work

  • precautions against falls from height or into excavations

  • protection against falling objects

  • protection against structural collapse (while work is taking place), i.e. the building falling down! safeguards when working in excavations

  • prevention of drowning (falling into water)

  • provision of safe traffic routes (on sites)

  • prevention and control of emergencies (site emergency evacuation procedures, etc.)

  • provision of welfare facilities – WCs, washing facilities, canteens/rest areas, shower facilities (if required)

  • provision of site-wide issues – clean and tidy sites, adequate lighting, constant and fresh air supply, etc.

  • training, inspection and reports – proper training of staff, use of properly trained staff to do the work, proper supervision of staff and monitoring the work carried out by staff to ensure it is carried out in a safe manner.

 

Plumbing safety tips

To ensure you always stay safe when working, it is best to follow these simple, yet somewhat obvious instructions.

  • Do not walk under a ladder that has somebody working up it

  • Wear the correct safety equipment (ie boots, hard hats etc.)

  • Always make sure to not work with plumbing issues near electric whilst power is on, turn all power off to prevent anything tragic happening

  • Make sure you have received full training on the job you are about to undergo

  • Do not work if tired as many times we have seen work going wrong due to sleep deprivation

  • Follow the correct health and safety guidelines (mentioned above)

  • Be sure to use the correct tools for the job to ensure you complete it safely

 Author Bio

This article was written by Dan Mawson who is the owner and founder of Multicore emergency plumber wigan.

He is an avid blogger, plumber, electrician and web developer hoping to share his knowledge through the web.

 

Ergonomics, General Safety Issues

How to Conduct an Effective and Safe Training Session?

How to Conduct an Effective and Safe Training Session?

Nothing is impossible in the world. Once you decide that you need to get yourself trained for the most challenging but helpful skill of the world, you only need to concentrate. Just give yourself to your trainer and follow the instructions carefully. But here lies the immense accountability of the trainer. So, here is an action plan to conduct a safe and effective training session by https://bodycompblueprint.com/ :

 

Balanced Diet: Balanced diet is the first and foremost step that must be taken before beginning any physical activity at any age. Be it dancing, exercising or learning Martial Arts. It should be properly studied according to the age groups and foods should be taken on time. A chart must be made of all the macronutrients and micronutrients with the quantity required by adults and non-adults and the foods which would supply that quantity. Then the balanced diet can begin before 1-2 months.

 Compulsory Jogging: Jogging has to start from the very first day. It is a very effective strengthening exercise for making every muscle of ours ready for Martial Arts kind of tough sport. One thing needs to be understood that jogging differs from running. Running is little faster as compared to jogging. Jogging is done with little steps and has slow effects but they stay for a long time.

Before-After Warm up Exercises: Warm-up exercises are the exercises necessary for blood circulation which is made to do by the trainees only before the exercises or practice of martial arts games. But this goes incomplete. It should be practiced both before and after the exercises.

Beginner Exercises: After getting convinced for warm-up pre and post the exercises, now it is time to go for the exercises for beginners. The trainees are often very excited to do much in less time but the trainer should not get carried away in the heat of the emotions. He should make them start with beginner exercises only.

Core Exercises: After practicing the beginners’ exercises for 2-3 months regularly with proper balanced diet and a healthy routine now the trainer can take the trainees to the core exercises. The core muscles are the organs which aid us in digesting and reproducing. It is the area which is just below the navel. There only is the target area where we call flat stomach if achieved.

Disciplined Routine: The routine of the trainees has to become punctiliously disciplined. All the activities should take place on time. If they are not followed on time it can be a serious problem. As when we start doing something new to our body, it becomes habitual of it and it tends to demand that on time as the body programs itself for certain functions in that context and if it does not take place the organs may get troubled and we may become uncomfortable.

Regular Training Sessions: The training sessions after exercising can now properly begun with light movements of the opted game of Martial Arts and the training sessions should take place on time with proper dedication & commitment.

 

 

Ergonomics, Fall Safety, Protective Clothing, Respiratory Issues

Health and Safety Concerns in the US Cleaning Industry

Health and Safety Concerns in the US Cleaning Industry

 

The US Cleaning Industry is growing at a rapid pace, owing to the growth of industries such as healthcare. For instance, the employment of janitors and cleaners is expected to witness 6% growth from 2014 to 2024, a fact revealed by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Department of Labor, in its Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2016-17 Edition, Janitors and Building Cleaners.

 

Working in the cleaning industry can be a physically demanding task, especially while working outdoors, such as cleaning windows of high-rise buildings. Here’s a review some of the key health and safety concerns and what the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommends to address these issues.

Safety and Heath Related Tips for the Cleaning Industry

  • Personal Protective Equipment – OSHA recommends that all equipment for personal protection be safely designed and constructed. These must meet or be equivalent to the standards developed by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). The guidelines recommend the equipment fit comfortably, something that can mean the difference between “safely covered” or “dangerously exposed.”

 

  • Safe Work Practices When Using Chemicals – As per OSHA, it is the responsibility of the employer to train workers on safe practices while handling cleaning chemicals. Gloves act as good personal protective gear while dealing with chemicals. Natural latex gloves are recommended by experts at Signature Restaurant Supply, even while taking on messy cooking chores or at the time of cleaning and washing dishes.

 

  • Preventing Falls – One of the leading causes of work-related injuries and deaths is falls. Employers in the cleaning industry must provision for equipment like safety harnesses and safety nets. Another step that can be taken to prevent falls is to keep the floors in the work areas clean and dry at all times.

 

  • Protection Against Respiratory Issues – The use of respirators protects workers against work environments where there is lot of dust, smoke, vapors and allergens in the air. A respirator will either work by providing clean air from an external source or by filtering particles and chemically purifying the air. Some of these apparatuses such as a Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) and Powered Air-Purifying Respirator (PAPR) might require special training on how to use it safely.

 

  • Ergonomics – A good work place manager will always focus on the ergonomics aspect of the cleaning process. There are many concern areas for a cleaning worker, from moving furniture to carrying buckets and many things in between. For instance, the more tools and supplies that are loaded on a cart or a barrel, the greater the amount of force needed to push it.

 

  • Confined Spaces – Several areas, given the fact that they aren’t designed for humans, are termed as “confined spaces” and are occupational work hazards if adequate safety precautions are not taken. For someone in the cleaning industry, such areas could include tanks, vessels, pits, manholes, tunnels, large storage bins, etc. For instance, a blocked leachate line in a composting toilet, where liquid waste is backing into the waste vault, will be termed as an example of a “confined space” hazard for someone in the cleaning industry, according to The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) guidelines.

 

  • Electrical Safety – For an all-important issue of electrical safety, OSHA recommends never to operate electrical equipment while you are standing in water. Only a qualified and authorized person must inspect the electrical wires. Fallen electrical lines must not, therefore, be handled by janitors and cleaners, and must be reported to the utility company.

 

Well, the guidelines are out there to be followed. It is the primary responsibility of the employers in the cleaning industry to ensure compliance and provide a safe and healthy working environment for their workers.

General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Health Issues

The Top Five Mistakes Made by the DIY Electricians

The Top Five Mistakes Made by the DIY Electricians

 

We live in an age where everyone is surrounded by Pinterest inspiration boards, online guides, and Youtube video tutorials – so it’s no surprise, we have turned ourselves into the do-it-yourself generation. It certainly is a good feeling to accomplish something and be proud of our own work. But how safe is it to approach electrical work as a DIY electrician?

With the given nuances to electrical work, we are needlessly putting ourselves at risk. Here are the top five DIY homemade electricians’ mistakes and how to properly fix them:

  1. Installation without a junction box – Do not attempt to connect wires without an electrical box. Junction boxes shield the connections from unintentional damage and contain sparks and heat from a loose connection or short circuit. Add an electrical box. Be sure the installation is done properly and the box is flush. If the outlet is wiggling or loose, it’s not adequately installed and needs repair.

 

  1. Outlet overload – Every outlet is prepared to handle a specific electrical load. For instance, you’d never want to plug a refrigerator in your sitting room, as you know the general purpose of that circuit isn’t designed to handle such a large electrical power draw. Placing a high demand on a circuit creates an unnecessary hazard of shock and fire. Be wary of the demand placed on circuits and how much equipment you are plugging into each outlet (including those plugged into extension cords and power strips).

 

  1. Securing Electrical Wires – Properly securing electrical wires does not mean stapling and hammering a wire too tightly. If the insulation is accidently pinched or perforated, you are prone to a serious fire risk. Accidentally pinching or piecing an electrical wire can create an arc fault, resulting in a possible fire. Inspect wires and avoid piercing or hammering these – they should be secured properly without being too restrictive and always use specialized staples and staple guns and/or fasteners.

 

  1. Stuffing electrical boxes – Do not overstuff an electrical box. Every electrical load has a minimum box size. Calculate the proper electrical box size. Use the following formula to help you:

-Add 1 for each hot wire and neutral wire going into the box

-Add 1 for all the ground wires combined

-Add 1 for all the cable clamps combined

-Add 2 for each connected electrical switch or outlet

Take that figure and multiply it by two for a 14-gauge wire, and by 2.25 for a 12-gauge wire. This figure establishes the minimum box size required in cubic inches – choose a box with this amount of volume.

 

  1. Incorrect wiring type – To an inexperienced individual, wires look almost the same, but they’re intended to be unique and purposeful. Each wire (copper, aluminum, residential and outdoor) has a type, rate amperage, and specific use. Choose the appropriate wiring type. Incorrectly using these can place you at risk for shock, electrocution or fire.

Wiring mistakes and problems are far too common, and when ignored have the capacity to cause short circuits, shocks, electrocution and even fires. If you’re in doubt, don’t do it yourself, as a lot can and will go wrong. Hire a licensed professional, who is specifically trained to perform and recognize the hazards associated with the job.

 

Written by: Vania Silva. Vania is an electrical safety advocate and enjoys reading and writing about electrical related issues.

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection

Safety Tips when Installing an EPDM Flat Roof

Safety Tips when Installing an EPDM Flat Roof

EPDM roofs are more popular than ever due to the relatively easy application process. Whilst it’s great to see so many people buying the materials for themselves and following instruction manuals or video tutorials online, it’s also important to remember some key health and safety tips. As with all building jobs, there are many safety precautions to take in order to stay safe when installing an EPDM flat roof. Here are Waterproof System’s top 5 safety tips to follow.

  1. Read the product packaging carefully. While this might be an obvious place to start, it’s easy to overlook product packaging, instruction manuals, and technical information guides. This is especially important for the adhesives, primers, and sealants used to help bond EPDM rubber to other surfaces, as some of these contain strong chemicals that are flammable or might pose a health hazard. For any flammable products, avoid smoking and exposed flames. It is best to study any packaging and technical information before you start as well as familiarising yourself, and anyone working with you, with the signs and symbols used for these products. This government page is a good place to start.
  2. Clothing and protection. It is so important to buy and wear the appropriate protective clothing before embarking on an EPDM roof project (or in fact any large DIY job!) Key items include:
  • Safety glasses
  • Shoes with a good grip
  • Chemical resistant gloves

Also, whilst it might be tempting to throw on some old loose clothes, this is actually incredibly dangerous. Baggy clothing can get caught on various surfaces whilst you are climbing to the roof, or can cause you to trip and fall. Try to strike a good balance between something that allows adequate movement but without impeding your safety.

  1. Breathing and ventilation. As mentioned above, adhesives which contain strong chemicals to help the rubber bond are the most dangerous in terms of ventilation and air quality. If you feel a bad headache coming on, dizziness, eye or throat irritation, take a break from your DIY project and call for help if necessary.
  2. Be careful when working at a height. Although the roof you are planning to install will be flat, there are still many precautions to take as roof installation and repairs are one of the highest-risk aspects of building work. It is estimated that falls account for more injuries and deaths than any other accidents caused in the building industry.

It is important to monitor the weather while you are working as rain, wind, and snow make roof installation even more dangerous – the surfaces of the roof and ladder might become slippery and strong wind might cause a fall. Take note of weather forecasts and be prepared to leave your project if it is too dangerous to continue. Some EPDM flat roofing materials are also ineffective in wet conditions. For example, adhesives can be affected by condensation in wet conditions.

  1. Don’t go it alone.

One of our key pieces of advice – which is applicable across all building jobs – is to work alongside another person. Even if they are not helping with the DIY work, they can support you if you encounter any trouble and this can make the difference if it comes to an accident or injury.

So there are our top tips for those considering DIY EPDM roof installation or repairs. Even if you’ve carried out roofing work before, it’s crucial to remind yourself of the risks involved in such work and how you can keep yourself safe from accidents. Even experts can make mistakes. Above all, if you do not feel able to install your EPDM roof safely, we advise that you seek professional help from a trusted roof contractor.

General Safety Issues

5 Safety Recommendations on Operating an Adjustable Hydraulic Loading Dock Ramp

5 Safety Recommendations on Operating an Adjustable Hydraulic Loading Dock Ramp

It’s understandable that all the buyers pay great attention to the quality and performance, including safety factors, of hydraulic loading dock ramps when placing orders. While during the real operation on the container ramps, safety considerations are easy to be neglected, for the operators or users will not expect that safety hazards may accumulate with time going by, even though such steel structure machine is strong enough.

In order to avoid accidents produced from the operation process of the loading dock ramps, here 5 safety recommendations are listed for your reference.

 

  1. Regular maintenance on the hydraulic cylinders.

Hydraulic cylinders and oil are the motive part which offers lifting and lowering power for the whole ramp, so that the ramp can hold the weight of forklift and goods. Any mistake or subtle problem that lies in the hydraulic power part must be dealt with immediately to prevent the container loading ramp from breaking down or cause injuries. Therefore, regular maintenance and inspection should be conducted with special care.

  1. Check out the control box.

Container loading ramps can be controlled by manual power or electric power. For the latter one, control box is the control part on which users or operators manipulate the buttons to control or adjust the working conditions of the loading dock ramps. Regularly check on whether the power button, lifting and lowering button and emergency button are in good condition to ensure safety.

  1. Examination on safety devices.

Safety devices of hydraulic loading ramps mainly consist of safety chain, safety supporting legs, brake pads, guardrails, leading board, which are all essential auxiliary components of yard ramp. Regular examination on these devices is of great importance to protect workers and ensure operation safety.

  1. Platform test and inspection.

Anti-skid platform is adopted on the loading container ramp, and it’s made of steel with welding, grinding and coating techniques. Generally few problems will be formed from this hard platform, but do heed that whether it crackles or deforms to affect the work of forklifts. Also check all the screws and junctions are both in normal conditions.

  1. Daily inspection on the tires.

This recommendation is especially applicable for mobile loading dock ramps with tires which usually are solid tires in type. Although such solid tires are hard enough to move the container ramp and support the body structure firmly, it will crackle or deform after longtime use. So daily inspection on the tires is a must to keep the good condition of mobile loading container ramps.

More details about hydraulic loading dock ramp can be reached on the linked website, and welcome to contact us for any of your questions.

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

3 Simple Ways to Promote Worker Safety in Your Workplace

3 Simple Ways to Promote Worker Safety in Your Workplace

 If you own or manage a business, it’s your responsibility to keep your workers safe. Workers need to be protected when performing any tasks required of them in their workplace. Everybody wants to make sure that no incidents occur that will cause any major damage to their employees and their property.

 It’s fairly simple to ensure your workplace is in the best condition to prevent accidents. Sometimes this involves a simple installation of reliable shelving, or even easier putting up posters that remind employees of the proper protocol around certain areas of the workspace.

Depending on your industry, the safety rules will be different. Specifications are usually available as resources online to businesses. If you need more advanced solutions, it’s a good idea to contact a professional safety advisor or your local occupational health and safety organization.

 Taking the right steps will put your business in the best position to be protected in a situation where accidents may occur. While it’s impossible to guarantee that nothing bad will ever happen in a workplace, there are many things you can do to reduce the risk of harm occurring.

 Here are three simple things you can do to substantially decrease the chances of accidents happenings:

 1.     Prevent slips and falls

 One of the most common occurrences of incidents occurs through slips and falls. While often small and harmless, these are easily avoidable. They can result in larger incidents occurring, depending on the type of industry you work in.

 Keep walk ways and areas of operation free of clutter. In cases of spillage, or where areas are slippery, make sure that employees know the proper protocol. Having accurate signage that reminds workers of the risk in that area can make a huge difference.

 2.     Prevent clutter

 When an area is enclosed with items and cluttered, the chances of injury occuring increases substantially. Employees need space to operate. When they’re working in an enclosed environment, they’re much more likely to hurt themselves or others.

 This hazard can easily be reduces through the installation of proper storage and making sure that employees know where things need to be. Workers should not be having to twist and turn to operate important tasks.

 3.     Control Fire Hazards

 A fire can have really drastic effects on a workplace. It’s one of the worst incidents that can occur. Often workers are dealing with combustible material and there is a danger posed by this. Whether it’s oil, petrol, easily-combustible materials or any other chemicals, fire can be extremely dangerous.

 Ensure you have a proper fire safety plan in place. This involves training of employees on the proper way to deal with fire hazards. It also includes evacuation plans, fire warden training and proper sprinkler systems in the workspace.