All posts by pat brownlee

General Safety Issues

HAVING TEENAGERS IN YOUR HOUSE, AND HOW TO KEEP THEM SAFE (GUEST POST)

                Parents around the world who are fortunate enough to raise children understand that certain phases of childhood are more difficult than others. Parenting is unique in the sense that it requires constant and steadfast attention to detail. Any lapse in judgment can compromise the safety of children, and successful guidance starts in the house.               

                A particularly difficult phase of childhood is the time surrounding the teenage years. The combination of puberty, peer pressure and curiosity forms a tornado of risk taking behavior. Below, I list main areas of the house for parents to safe proof with the goal of making the teen transition a safe one. 

1.       Make the house a forum for communication.       

        One of the most common struggles that parents encounter with their children during the teenage years is lack of communication. It’s hard to foster a safe environment if the ability to understand one another is lacking. If you are a parent or another guardian figure, make sure that you explain to your children that you are always available to talk with them. Your house should be their safe haven.

        When parents don’t hear from their children they have no means to intervene and be helpful when teens are going through tough times. Be open, friendly and trustworthy as a parent and you both will be rewarded. There will be ups and downs, but making your house a place of two way communication can contribute to mental and physical safety. 

Minimum action: Have a sit down conversation every week with your child. Sunday is a convenient time to start. Just before the school week starts is ideal because your child may want to share what happened over the weekend and what they’re worried about heading into the week. 

2.       Loosely monitor internet activity.       

        While avoiding the “Helicopter Parent” label, make sure as a guardian that you are aware of your teenager’s internet presence. It’s crucial to understand the general activity that your child is involved with when it comes to the cyber world. Try not to dwell on the worst cyber-related news stories you’ve ever heard, but at the same time, take into account the possibilities. Set ground rules, and monitor usage to an appropriate degree.  Some ways to accomplish this: 

-Briefly check the computer’s history each week.

-Enable cookies on the browser in case you really need to investigate at some point.

-Frequently ask your child what they are doing on the computer.

-Make it clear you are monitoring usage. If not, a child can feel he or she is not trusted. 

Minimum action: At the very least, you as a parent need to have a good idea of what your teenager is using the internet for. In 2013, this is a prime area of concern when children are involved. Monitor usage to the degree that you feel is necessary within your relative situation that will lead to the highest level of safety. 

3.       Lock up alcohol and firearms. 

        Two extremely dangerous factors in American teenage culture are alcohol and firearms. The combination of the two can be fatal and it’s very, very important to make sure they are locked up. The only time a child should come into contact with either of these items under your watch is when they are legally able to. For one, it is very illegal for adults to provide alcohol to minors. Similarly, it’s very illegal for a teen to operate a firearm without any training or license. Safety can be compromised and completely turned upside down if firearms or alcohol are used inappropriately. 

Minimum action: In a perfect world, there wouldn’t be guns in your household. If there are, lock them up in a gun safe. Putting them on the top shelf of a closet is not sufficient in 2013. With alcohol, make sure to put it in a place where you can adequately monitor it. Alcohol is a complex issue for parents to handle when it comes to teenagers. The best course of action is to be up front with your children and monitor bottle counts and levels. 

Teenage years are an important phase in life for children and possibly even more so for a parent. If you are a guardian, your true test will come during this time. It’s important to put safety above all else, and it starts in the house. Your property is where your child will spend a majority of his or her time, and with all of the risks in society, it’s vital to safe proof the house.  

Naomi Broderick is a professional writer who’s secure in her abilities and even more confident in her parenting. When she’s not juggling her three children in the front yard she writes for ProtectYourHome.com, a leader in home security.

 

 

 

General Safety Issues

SIGNS YOU NEED A NEW WATER HEATER (GUEST POST)

People often neglect their water heaters. When a water heater begins to fail, however, they come to the forefront of their owners’ minds. Fortunately, there are often early signs that a water heater is failing, and those who are able to determine a failure early will be able to plan for a replacement in a smooth manner. Here are some of the signs of a failing water heater and some hints that it may be time to purchase a new one.

– Lukewarm water

One of the most obvious signs of a failing water heater is inefficient heating. There are a number of reasons why a water heater might fail to heat the water as effectively as it once did, but some of these problems may lead to the conclusion that the water heater cannot be repaired. A broken heating element can be replaced without much difficulty, but other structural issues may mean that recovery is impossible. Even homeowners who are capable of fixing their water heaters may want to have an expert examine it to see if more failures are likely in the future. In many cases, a second failure causes the system to completely break, which can leave homeowners without hot water until the replacement unit has arrived and can be installed.

– Failing structure

Even though water heaters do not have many moving parts, the combination of heat that is constantly generated and the flow of water will eventually lead to metal fatigue. While some cracks can be patched, some cannot be fixed so safely. Further, early signs of metal fatigue often indicate that there are further structural issues within the water heater, and cracks may simply be a sign of advanced age. When the metal casing or other structural parts of a water heater begin to break, it may be time to consider purchasing a new one.

– Ineffective operation

In some cases, a water heater will be capable of keeping water hot but will not operate in an effective manner. Some older systems are simply ineffective by design, and an upgrade may be worth the expenses involved. However, parts that a become degraded may simply be unable to operate as effectively as they had in the past. In addition, internal leaks can sap energy away from the system, which will also cause wasteful operation. An early sign that a water heater cannot operate effectively may be higher electricity bills. If any question arises, it may be wise to consult with an expert who can determine if a water heater is functioning correctly and if it can be repaired.

– Frequent repairs

Much like cars, old water heater sometimes require constant repairs. Even if these repairs are successful, constant failures may indicate that dumping more money into a water heater is a wasteful effort. At some point, owners will want to determine if they have already wasted too much money on an old water heater and if purchasing a new device will save money in the long run. Fortunately, new water heaters offer a number of advantages over older ones, and upgrading to a more efficient unit will lead to significant savings over time.   

 
Authors’ Bio: Benjamin Franklin Plumbing is a plumber in Springfield, MO.  We offer an excellent 24 hour emergency program to fix any issues that you may have, anytime of the day. We understand that emergencies do happen, and it is important to get them corrected the first time. 
Fall Safety, General Safety Issues

AVOIDING SLIPS AND FALLS (GUEST POST)

The idea of a slip and fall leading to serious injury may seem silly to some people.  Imagery of clumsy people and frivolous lawsuits immediately come to mind.  However, slips and falls can be very dangerous and lead to over 1 million emergency room visits each year.  Nearly half of all accidental deaths at home are caused by falls,  and most injuries happen at ground level rather from elevation. 

The risk carries over to the workplace as well.  In fact, slips and falls are the leading cause of worker’s compensation claims , tallying nearly 85% of all claims, primarily on slippery or slick floors.  They also represent the primary cause of work days lost, with 22% leading to over 30 days of work missed.  The combination of compensation and medical costs from slip and fall injuries is estimated at over $70 billion annually.  The most common places for slips and falls are doorways, uneven surfaces, areas prone to wetness or spills ramps, and areas of heavy traffic.   

Despite the danger, there are a number of simple steps that can be taken to make the workplace or home safer: 

– Stay off freshly mopped floors and ensure caution signs are used on wet areas.

– Clean up spills immediately

– Secure all electrical cords in any traffic areas

– Wear footwear with good support and slip resistant soles

– Maintain open walking pathways

– Ensure that all traffic areas have adequate lighting, both indoors and outdoors

– Adjust gutters to drive water away from walkways and paths

– Never stand on a surface that has wheels, such as a table or chair

– Use non skid mats

– Install handrails on both sides of all staircases 

These steps, along with countless others, can go a long way creating a safer workplace, home, and overall environment.   Martin Solomon is a Phoenix personal injury attorney and has represented hundreds of people who have been injured.  He is an advocate for safety and works to help create safer work environments for employees and the general public.

General Safety Issues

TOP TWENTY-FIVE SAFETY ARTICLES FOR WEEK MARCH 22 (GUEST POST)

Erin Raub, of Safe Sound Family’s Weekly Roundup, notified us that we had made the top twenty-five list of safety articles for the weeks of March 15, and 22nd.  We appreciate having our articles chosen, and want to give our guest authors a big pat on the back!  Below is the latest list:

Home Safety

  1. If you have little ones at home, Alison at KidSafe has an excellent home safety cheat sheet (overview), complete with babyproofing advice that even seasoned parents can overlook.
  2. Raise your hand if you love Q&A sessions. Rachel from the Culture of Safety blog answers six reader questions this week. Pop Quiz: Can you get burned by tap water?
  3. We do a lot to protect our families and homes, but here’s something that’s easily overlooked: Have you made an inventory of your possessions? That list can be indispensable in the case of theft.

Family & Child Safety

  1. What’s one surefire way to boost your immune system? Get enough sleep. Most adults need 6-8 hours, and kids need more.
  2. If you know someone who just doesn’t “get” the effects (and dangers) of cyberbullying, send them over to iKeepSafe to read Katie’s post on bullying in the digital age.
  3. And, yes! Here’s an uplifting story: Lenore of Free Range Kids recounts a tale of two kids (ages 9 and 10) who saved a baby’s life. This is what heroes look like, readers.
  4. The news is full of the “fear factor,” but Kenny’s post at Blog4Safety debunks some common safety myths. Click on over to discover 20 things that are statistically safer than you think.
  5. This is almost the flip-side of the above list, but the Compliance and Safety blog shares a great infographic of 20 surprising dangers. If they weren’t dangerous, some would be almost funny. (e.g. You’re more likely to die by collapsing sandcastle than get eaten by a shark!)
  6. Caroline of Common Sense Media has some practical (read: realistic, finally!) advice about children and screen time. Because you know you let your kid watch TV.
  7. Back in my day, we plastered Mr. Yuck! stickers everywhere, but parents today can count on Jacque’s excellent post on poison prevention at Baby Product Experts.
  8. And finally, since your pets are definitely an important part of the family, PetSafe gets real about how to introduce a new cat to your household.

Food Safety

Food safety topics kept popping up this week, so they’re getting their own category! 

  1. Casey at Moms Rising summarizes a recent study linking sugar to diabetes, and encourages parents to play whack-a-mole with our kids sugary snacks.
  2. Also from Moms Rising, Debbie wrote a powerful and heartfelt post this week on junk food, school, and how hard it is today to watch what our kids eat. Read the whole post for a happy ending!
  3. Monifa, again of Moms Rising (I just can’t help it, they’re on fire this week!), explains that black children are at greater risk of childhood obesity. And she encourages all parents to sign the petition to support Junk Free Schools.
  4. Speaking of sugar and health, Consumer Reports has a scary statistic for you: soda and sugary drinks have been linked to 180,000 deaths per year.
  5. And here’s one that will strike close to home for anyone with a picky eater: evidence suggests a link between the Standard American Diet and behavior problems, like hyperactivity and sleep issues.

Mobile & Cyber Safety

  1. Hackers are getting sneakier, and meaner and more detailed. And, increasingly, hackers are targeting small businesses. WeLiveSecurity talks about keeping your customer information safe.
  2. Michael Levine and Christopher Ferguson cross-post to SafeKids and discuss whether video games influence youth violence. You might be surprised at their answer.
  3. Nikki posts to the iKeepSafe blog about passwords, specifically on how to create hacker-resistant passwords.
  4. Tim of uKnowKids is one of my favorite safety bloggers, and for good reason: his posts are always excellent – rich and meaty. This week, he gives us some great tips on how to talk to teens about sexting. Way to tackle a sensitive topic!
  5. Just one more from Tim, because it’s also important: read up on his recommended digital safety rules for every household. I love that he differentiates trust in your child from trust in everything available online. That’s an important distinction.
  6. Heads up, there’s another email scam on the loose. WeLiveSecurity clues us in to a link scam that masquerades as current events (in this case, Cyprus and its financial crisis).
  7. And here’s another timely warning; Robert Siciliano of McAfee warns about tax-time scams. Think about it: millions of Americans filing taxes + private banking and financial data + a prevalence of online tax software/advice/filing = a dream cocktail for hackers and scammers.

Senior Safety

  1. Susan of Help! Aging Parents reminds us that aging bathrooms are not the best choice for aging parents. Even small changes can make a big difference in your parents’ quality of life.

Work Safety

  1. As I sit here in my brand new desk chair, I can’t help but nod in agreement: Joe guest posts on Blog4Safety about why ergonomics matter so much, especially for office furniture.
General Safety Issues

OFFICE SAFETY 101: KEEPING THE WORKPLACE HAZARD-FREE (GUEST POST)

Office Safety 101: Keeping the Workplace Hazard-Free

Workplace safety is a big focus for most companies, in large part because accidents can be very costly to a business. Each injury or accident can lead to increased insurance costs, lowered productivity and a potential lawsuit, so it’s no surprise that most business owners want to create the safest working environment possible. Many workplace accidents are avoidable; better accident prevention can always reduce the risk of something going wrong.

Even with an office safety plan in place, there are always little things you can do to make your environment just a bit safer. Read on for some suggestions of small changes that can make a big difference—and possibly help you and your coworkers avoid a painful accident.

Use proper signage

Exit doors should always be clearly marked, but that’s not the extent of how signage should be used. Use signs throughout the office to make employees aware of nearby hazards. For example, set out notifications in obvious places to warn employees about slippery floors, or to keep people out of the way of a door’s swinging path. You could even use signage to warn of equipment-specific hazards if you feel the risk warrants an alert.

Tie up or cover cables and cords

Loose cables and cords create a serious tripping hazard in the workplace. When bunches are present, tie them together to reduce the risk of catching onto a foot. When possible, embed them under the carpet or along baseboards. You can also purchase cable raceways to run groups of cables above the floor in a way that won’t create a tripping obstacle for foot traffic.

Keep walkways, doorways and congested areas clear

The more congestion found in walkways, the more likely it is that trips, bumps, spills and other accidents will occur. Keep high-traffic areas as free of clutter as possible. Make sure areas by doors are wide open to prevent collisions. And never leave clutter or other objects on or near flights of stairs.

Install surge protection devices

Electrical surges can pose a great risk to devices, but employees close to that equipment can also be damaged if a surge occurs. Voltage regulation devices help keep the flow of electricity consistent, stopping a surge before it strikes electrical equipment. These devices are easy to install, and they can be a great layer of protection for both equipment and employees if an electrical surge hits your building.

Keep shelving orderly

When shelving is piled high with unstable contents, the risk of a spill increases. Particularly with overhead shelving, the risk of falling objects can be significant and potentially lead to injuries. Keep shelving neat and orderly at all times to eliminate the risk of an accidental spill. Invest in shelf dividers, storage drawers and other organizational items to keep items separated and prevent an avalanche of office supplies.

No one wants to work in a dangerous environment, and injuries in the workplace are always a burden for businesses. It makes sense to do everything you can on the prevention end, stopping incidents before they start. Your business will appreciate your efforts, and your office morale may also enjoy a boost.
Maire lives in the Indianapolis area and enjoys writing about safety and construction. She also loves double chocolate brownies and her Scottish Terrier, Pete.

Note: Under the segment about Use Proper Signage, all offices can use safety posters throughout the building, that fit the particular hazard in that place. 

 

 

General Safety Issues

TEN THINGS MOMS DO THAT COULD GET IN TROUBLE WITH THE LAW (GUEST POST)

Parenting is a tough job under the best of circumstances, but there are things that can get mothers into legal trouble today that wouldn’t have been frowned upon at all in previous generations. While some of the transgressions on this list are far more serious than others, all of them can lead to trouble with the law if you’re discovered behaving in such a manner.
  1. Leaving Kids in the Car Unattended – This may seem like something a good parent would never do, but it’s actually far more common than you might realize. News reports tell of kids who were left in the car and died due to heat stroke or freezing on a regular basis, many of which never make it past the local level of news outlets. You probably think that you would never do such a thing to your child, but then may make exceptions when situations seem to call for them. Even attentive, dedicated parents will leave their kids unattended for “just a second” to run into the store or drop something off, never realizing the danger. Leaving your child in the car unattended for any reason is not acceptable, and can lead to very serious legal trouble if you’re discovered.
  2. Failure to Use Proper Vehicle Restraints – Some police officers get very riled up when they see parents driving with kids unbuckled or not in the proper car seat for their weight and height. Most parents have encountered times when the kid just didn’t want to stay in the car seat, and may even consider letting them briefly take the belt off. It can be very stressful, but it is much better to stop and handle the situation rather than let your child remove the seatbelt.
  3. Spanking – “Spare the rod and spoil the child” is an axiom that older generations grew up with. Now, in many states, spanking is banned. Some parents have had to deal with Child Protective Services as a result of physically hitting their child in public. Whether or not you believe spanking is acceptable, knowing the laws in your state is still a wise move.
  4. Leaving Children Home Alone – Getting the mail or going down the hall of your apartment building to do the laundry may not seem like such a big deal, but in many states leaving young children alone for any length of time is a problem. In reality, it doesn’t take long at all for a tragedy to occur with unsupervised little ones. Even though it may be inconvenient, it’s best to either take the child with you or wait until someone else is in the home and can watch him.
  5. Using an Underage Babysitter – Some states have laws regarding the appropriate age for babysitters. Years ago, preteens could make pocket money by sitting for younger kids. That’s not the case anymore. There are guidelines and rules for sitters that are established on the state level. For example, if you live in Illinois, leaving your 14-year-old alone for an “unreasonable period of time” will put you on the wrong side of the law. A few states away in Maryland, however, 13-year-olds are able to babysit infants. Check your local laws to find out what’s acceptable in your state.
  6. Breastfeeding in Public –There is much being done in support of breastfeeding, but in many areas it is still against the law for a mom to nurse her child in a public place. It does sound ludicrous that a parent can get in trouble for feeding her child in public, but it’s better to know and abide by the rules and work to change them then to get in trouble for bucking the system.
  7. Allowing Kids to Drink – While some families allow their children to have a taste of wine at special meals, it is illegal for minors to drink in every state. There are some parents who believe that they are heading off trouble by allowing their kids to drink at home, but they could actually be courting trouble of the legal variety. Some parents feel that teens are going to drink regardless of permission, and that teenagers under the influence are safer at home than sneaking around. It’s still against the law and parents can get in big trouble by condoning underage drinking.
  8. Inappropriately Defending a Child – Occasionally, the news media will do a story about a Mom being hauled off by the officers for getting out of control. Unfortunately, it’s not so unusual for some parents to get overly involved in the outcome of their child’s sporting event or group outing, causing embarrassment to the child and disrupting event. When this behavior gets out of hand to a worrisome degree, law enforcement often becomes involved. It’s better to keep a level head at the little league game, even when the ump makes a bad call.
  9. Truancy – Whether it’s through fault of the child or the parent, failure to force compliance with school attendance guidelines is a serious legal issue for parents. Some kids will manipulate their parents into letting them stay home, or they may just skip school on their own. There are also over-protective moms who keep their children home at the first sign of any cough or cold. Too much missed school can lead to truancy charges, and that can lead to a visit with legal officials. If a child has valid reasons for missing a lot of school, arrangements need to be made so that authorities are aware of the circumstances.
  10. Domestic Violence – Many women do not realize that when they are being abused by a partner and the child is witness to that abuse, they are actually endangering their child. This is a criminal offense, and unfortunately one that happens far too often. If you are being abused, seek help right away and do not allow your child to be an endangered witness to your abuse.

You may not even be aware of the fact that you are breaking the law in some cases, as you feel that you’re making appropriate choices for your child and household. It’s best to check the laws in your state to make sure you are in compliance, especially in the realm of leaving the kids home alone and using disciplinary tactics.

Sent to us by Lindsey Samuels of NannyBackgroundCheck.com

General Safety Issues, Respiratory Safety

HANDLING WOOD DUST HAZARDS IN THE WORKPLACE (GUEST POST)

1 Comment

There have been a lot of studies from all around the world looking at the hazards of wood dust in the workplace. The results are pretty conclusive that there are serious potential health risks as well as other problems associated with wood dust. Depending on what area your workplace is located in, there may be different laws covering how to handle wood dust. Let’s look at this problem a little closer right now.  

 General Information

When it comes to wood dust, there are generally two categories that they are broken down into. Dust from soft woods and dust from hard woods can pose different problems for the workplace to handle. On top of this, different parts of manufacturing with wood and wood finishing can produce different kinds of wood dust that also pose different kinds of problems. Soft woods are woods such as cedar and pine. Hard woods are ones such as oak, teak, mahogany, and more.

The different kinds of wood dust depend on a combination of the kind of wood and the process that the wood is undergoing. Sawing of woods produces larger wood dust particles while sanding wood produces finer particles. Soft woods generally produce larger particles. Sanding harder woods can produce the finest of wood particles that can pose some real health hazards.

The wood itself is not the only concern in the workplace. Many woods and wood products have other materials. Particle board has glues and other materials that need to be considered when looking at potential hazards in the workplace. There can be paints and other hazardous materials that need to be considered as well.

Worker Health

The various kinds of wood dusts can pose different health risks to workers and anyone who comes into contact with wood dust. Studies from all around the world have shown health problems from wood dust. These health problems can include nose, sinus, skin, throat, and lung conditions. These problems generally appear after years of exposure.

Allergies are one commonly associated problem related to exposure to wood dust. Asthma can also result from exposure to certain kinds of wood particles. These problems are usually related to certain kinds of woods, or woods from certain parts of the tree. Dermatitis is also linked to exposure to wood dust. Dust can irritate the skin and lead to skin problems.

The most severe health problems associated with wood dust can include cancer which can be fatal. These are commonly associated with finer particles such as from sanding. Some of these fine wood particles have shown to be carcinogens in studies in Europe and North America. Certain trades that work with wood have also shown to have higher than normal incidents of cancer.

Possibility Of Explosion In The Workplace

Another serious problem associated with wood dust in the workplace is explosion. The right amount of fine particles in the air and even a simple source of heat can lead to a catastrophic explosion. These explosions can be powerful enough to completely destroy the building killing everyone inside.

Sources of ignition can be any electric spark or even in some cases just enough heat will set it off.

Solution To Wood Dust Hazard

The best way to handle wood dust in the workplace is by using dust extraction systems designated as local exhaust ventilation (LEV). LEV generally consists of a hood of some kind to capture wood dust, duct work to form an enclosed path for the transfer of wood dust, and a way of removing or filtering the dust. Many machines come with LEV already included, but not all do.

With some machines there can be more than one source of wood dust. In these cases, it is important to make sure that each source of wood dust is covered by a LEV.

Portable wood working tools such as belt sanders often have small attached dust bags. These are often times not enough to properly filter out the finer wood dust particles. Adequate respiratory protection may be necessary in these cases.

Again, depending on your area there may be very specific laws regarding how to handle the hazards of wood dust in the workplace. Long term worker health and safety as well as the possibility of explosion make this a very important topic.

About the author:
Danny has been writing about business and HR for years and has produced many interesting articles. Recently workplace safety and health has caught his attention. He has been researching and writing mostly about dust extraction and abrasive blasting related topics.

 

General Safety Issues, Health Issues

SAFETY TIPS WHEN LEAVING A SENIOR ALONE AT HOME (GUEST POST)

A lot of things can happen which might jeopardize the safety of an elderly person. Even in your own home, safety can be at risk due to certain factors. Living with a senior, either temporarily or permanently, can be a bit challenging in terms of keeping him/her safe all the time.

A mishap can take place any time. That is why it is critical to take extra precautions to avoid untoward incidents. If you need to go somewhere for a while leaving your elderly alone, there are simple safety measures you can do to make sure nothing bad happens to your senior. 

  • Unclutter – Make it a habit to keep every room in your home uncluttered. Cleaning the house is one way of making it safe not just for elderly person, but for everyone as well. Organize things inside the house. Keep things in their proper places. See to it that your floor is free from anything which might trip your senior. Kids love to play on the floor; so be sure to store their toys in a box or in their room after playing. With a tidy and organized home, you do not have to worry about leaving your elderly all alone.
  • Easy accessibility of needs – Take note of every item that your senior needs. Store these items in an easy-to-reach shelves or storage. For instance, keep the commonly used kitchen ware in the drawers so it will be easier for the senior to grab them. Never put anything needed above eye level. This might force your elderly to stand in a stool to reach for it – not a good idea. Before you go, make sure everything your senior need is within reach.
  • Clear hallways/stairways – Check your hallway and stairway. Do you have a rug in there? Even though rug is a practical and a unique decorative item, it is one cause of accident to senior citizen. So, it is better to remove it and place it elsewhere – where your senior do not usually pass by. Clear the stairway from any objects. If needed, you can place non-slip pads on the steps to prevent the risk of falling.
  • Install mat on bathroom – Leaving your senior alone means you cannot look after him/her when going to the bathroom. For added safety measure, put a rubber mat on the bathroom floor to prevent accidental falls. When the floor is wet,  your senior is prone to slipping which could result into broken hips and minor injuries. Additionally, slipping can cause internal hemorrhage leading to death. The rubber mat could save a life.
  • Keep medications close at hands – Before leaving the house, keep all the medications needed in a storage box or container. Some elderly have a maintenance medication, which of course, should be taken at prescribed time. Make a note of the quantity and what time the medicine must be taken. Stick the note on the container so your senior can easily read it. Put the medicine box in the bedside table so your senior will find it quickly.
Keeping your senior safe while you left him/her is pretty simple. For additional safety precaution, purchase an alert device such as medical guardian system to inform you instantaneously when an emergency occurs. Otherwise, you can ask someone to watch over your senior for you.
 
Ashley O’connor loves sharing ideas on how to practice safety at home, on the road, at the office and just about everywhere. Aside from writing, she also enjoys cooking and reading books. Follower her on Twitter at @AshleyOconnor82, Google+ or add her on Facebook.
 
Thanks, Ashley, for the great advice on how to keep our seniors safe. I might add that small pets, such as dogs and cats, are sometimes a hazard to cause someone to fall.  They are innocent bystanders, but many times get underfoot.  Especially when leaving someone alone, it might be a good idea to leave your pet in a kennel or with a friend.  pb
General Safety Issues

CHOOSING THE RIGHT MULTIFUNCTION TESTERS (GUEST POST)

Choosing the Right Multifunction Testers

Chances are that if you’re looking to pick up a new multifunction tester for the very first time, you’ll probably find yourself a bit overwhelmed by the scope of the options on the market. There are literally hundreds of brands offering thousands of different multifunction testers for every purpose under the sun and of course, all will be gunning for your business with the same enthusiasm.

Well, the one piece of immediate good news is that just as long as you stick with a brand you can trust, it’s pretty difficult to go wrong. Examples like Megger PAT Testers and others like the Fluke 1651 multifunction tester have been industry standard for such a long time for a very good reason – they’re as good as it gets. That being said however, there are various other considerations to keep in mind and if you address them all before hitting the stores, chances are you’ll find the job of picking up an installation tester or appliance tester much easier.

Initial Considerations

Right off the bat, you can make life considerably simpler by looking at a few of the basics in terms of what you need and what you can stretch to. For example, begin by outlining the following:

  • How much money you can spend comfortably
  • The environment in which the Tester is to be used
  • How many portable appliance tests are to be carried out per day/week
  • How results and reports are to be made
  • Whether the tester is to be used for a major industrial installation or lighter use

The simple fact of the matter is that if an electrician is only likely to be using a PAT Tester sporadically and far from on a frequent basis, there’s really no point in forking out for an industrial-scale heavy-duty piece of kit when a low-priced Megger PAT Tester aimed at exactly such use would do fine. And likewise, if industrial use is on the cards, then there’s no sense in going for bargain-basement lines that only stand to make life more difficult in the long-run.

Recording of Results

There are two types of testers to choose from – those being the downloadable variety and those to the contrary. Downloadable testers allow their users to record the results of their tests automatically and in some instances produce immediate reports. The alternative is to complete a manual log-book of all tests carried out, which is perfectly simple for light use environments but a complete and utter nightmare for those carrying out hundreds of tests across multiple sites.

As such, the Seaward Primetest 50 for example would not be the better option for heavy-duty use, but would be a perfect choice for lighter demands – the Seaward Supernova Plus being an example to the contrary.

Basic Pass or Fail Testers

Speaking of the Primetest 50, this is also an example of a simple Pass or Fail PAT Tester which delivers exactly what is says on the tin. These are the most basic types of PAT Testers which rather than deliver a thousand and one details for analysis simply let the user know whether the test carried out is a pass or a fail. The bonus is of course that these kinds of testers are extremely easy to use and are largely fool-proof, though on the downside they are extremely limited in terms of their application and are not useful for heavy-industrial environments.

Battery or Mains

Battery powered PAT Testers are actually pretty new to the market and offer their own various benefits and drawbacks. The biggest benefit is of course the fact that they don’t need to be connected to a mains outlet and have a much faster startup time. However, the batteries will not last forever and running out of juice at an inopportune moment can be quite the headache. What’s more, battery-powered units generally aren’t as capable in terms of wide-scale and industrial usage as say the Seaward Supernova Elite. Again, it all depends on how, when, where and how frequently the tester is to be used.

Other Considerations

There are dozens of other considerations that may come to mind, but generally speaking the above points will cover the basics and set you on your way. You might want to think about whether you want to extend your services and competency enormously by using a Thermal Imaging Camera – technology that has become comprehensively affordable and accessible over recent years like never before. And then of course there’s scope for the future – you might only be testing a few domestic appliances today, but are you expecting to branch out over the coming months?

The initial point remains the most valid of all – opt for a brand and model with a long-standing reputation like the Seaward Supernova Plus or the Primetest range and it’s largely impossible to go wrong.

 

By James Walsh

Francesca Holmes is a former electrical engineering lecturer who now runs an online training academy for aspiring electricians. She tutors on the use of various industry-standard devices including the Seaward Supernova Elite range and dozens of leading Megger Testers.

General Safety Issues, Health Issues

ARTHRITIS SAFETY (GUEST POST)

Arthritis is one of the most common disabilities in the United States, affecting about 21 million adults, according to a National Health Interview Survey from 2007-2009. Arthritis is a term used to describe hundreds of rheumatic diseases and conditions, from fibromyalgia to rheumatoid arthritis. These conditions affect the joints, tissue around the joints, and other connective tissue.
 
Since this disability is so widespread in America, it is important that people with arthritis take the necessary precautions to ease their pain and joint stress. While arthritis is incurable, there are steps people can take to ensure their safety, health, and comfort. 
 
 
Be Conscious of Medications
Many anti-inflammatory medications taken by arthritis sufferers have dangerous interactions with over-the-counter medication. It is important to discuss every medication you take with your doctor. 
 
Prescription arthritis medication also has serious side effects. The most commonly used arthritis medications, NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), are known to cause stomach problems, heart attacks, and strokes. These side effects can be combated by taking the prescription with food or antacids. 
 
DMARDs (disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs) are more invasive than NSAIDs and can cause kidney and liver damage. It is important to take frequent blood tests when taking DMARDs.  
 
Protect Your Joints
The use of splints and braces can aid in joint protection. There are other assistive devices like jar openers, raised toilet seats, and “grabbers” that can be used to accomplish basic tasks. 
 
Good posture can also protect the back and joints, as well. Practicing proper body mechanics will make your body move more efficiently. If you work in an office, use wrist support while typing. When you’re sitting down, be sure to have both back and foot support.  
 
Exercise
Regular exercise can improve joint flexibility and make them stronger. Water exercises reduce the stress on joints. Look to the internet for exercise options http://arthritis.answers.com/management arthritis management. 
It has been proven that weight loss can significantly reduce the stress on weight-bearing joints. Losing weight can improve mobility and decrease the need for joint replacement in the future.  
 
Get Proper Sleep
The pain and difficulty that comes with walking can reduce the energy level of arthritis sufferers. In order for a person with arthritis to function at a higher level (both mentally and physically), they must get a proper amount of sleep. 
 
 
Stay Healthy
According to the http://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/ Center for Disease Control  (CDC), people with arthritis are at a higher risk for respiratory infections and the flu. Also, adding Omega-3 fatty acids will greatly decrease stiffness. They naturally reduce inflammation in the body. 
 
Vitamin C is another helpful addition to a diet. It helps the body build collagen and connective tissue. Using olive oil when cooking, instead of butter or other oils. Oleocanthal, the compound found in olive oil, works to prevent inflammation and provides about as much relief as a dose of ibuprofen. 
 
By Liam Garcia