All posts by pat brownlee

Ergonomics, First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues

COMMON INJURIES AND THEIR TREATMENT (GUEST POST)

A large number of Americans are injured every year. While some get injured at home, others get workplace injury. We should have first aid kits both at home and work, and know how to use them.  Here are the most common home and workplace injuries:

Home Injuries Studies reveal that one-third of  total injuries take place at home. Common causes of home injuries are:

  • Falls-a major cause of home injuries and deaths. 
  • Burns and cuts-exposure to pointed objects leads to cuts and wounds. Stoves are the major sourse of burns.
  • Choking and suffocation-major instances of choking and suffocation may be related to food.

Workplace  injuries are also very common. While some injuries are a result of working in unhealthy and unsafe work environments, others happen due to uncomfortable office furniture, poor office layout and improper posture of employees. Here are some of the major workplace injuries:

  • Sprains
  • Strains
  • Tears 
  • Pain,  Bruises and Contusions
  • Cuts, punctures, and lacerations
  • Fracture
  • Multiple Traumatic Injuries
  • Burns
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Amputations
  • Chemical Burns, Corrosions.

How do you treat common injuries? If someone at home or the workplace gets an injury, you must immediately provide first aid to that person to prevent the situation from worsening. In case of bruises, apply heat, massage, and pain relieving cream to treat the injury. To effectively treat abrasions, first clean the wound with water and soap or use alcohol. After that, apply ointment with antibacterial properties on the affected area. For minor cuts, simply clean the area and apply the bandage. For sprains, relieve the pressure off the injured area and apply heat or ice. To alleviate the pain, use an anti inflammatory such as ibuprofen. Ice is the preferred treatment for inflammatory problems.

First aid mistakes to avoid:  When treating home and workplace injuries, make sure that you do not commit the following mistakes:  Applying butter to sooth the pain of a burn, as it can increase the risk of infection.  You must know when to apply a tourniquet to treat bleeding, as it can cause permanent damage to the limbs. Applying heat to sprains, strains, and fracture can increase swelling and slow down the healing process.  Moving someone injured in a car accident away from the scene. If the person has internal injuries, moving him can cause paralysis or death.  Treating allergic reactions caused by bee sting at home. Seek professional help to prevent consequences, such as anaphylactis.

Taking first aid training can help you treat home and workplace injuries quite effectively.  Call a poison control center if you know a child has ingested a poisonous substance.  If you are unsure about treating any injury,  call 9-1-1 for professional help.

This article was submitted by Carol of http://www.adamssafety.com/.  We thank Carol very much for safety information we all can use. pb

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues

MARCH – IN LIKE A LION OR LAMB?

Everyone in the United States will agree that this has been a very unusual, and very cold winter for a majority of states.  Talk about your mood swings – Mother Nature has really suffered from them this winter!  In North Central Texas, the high temperature for the final day of February was 81 degrees, and another unseasonably warm day is in today’s forecast!  So, the beginning day of March for those of us who live in this area is rather confusing, coming in like a lamb.  But, hold on – weather experts say our low on Monday, March 3rd will be 19 degrees.  Here comes the lion, and experts say there’s a lot more winter left to come this month. 

Texas America Safety Company and Blog4Safety want to remind our readers of the following March safety observances: 

  • March 1-31:     National Nutrition Month
  • March 1-31:     National Eye Wellness Month
  • March 2-8:       National Patient Safety Awareness Week
  • March 2-9:       National Sleep Awareness Week
  • March 16-22:  National Poison Prevention Week

For those who want to promote these safety issues at work, please mark these important dates on your calendar. 

We all know that nutrition is very important, so try to encourage your employees to keep their bodies healthy by eating well-balanced diets, and getting plenty of exercise, beginning this month (if they are not already doing so).

Eye wellness if very important to everyone.  When those working in industries that could be harmful to their eyes, the correct eye protection is required.  Eyewash stations should be available and accessible to employees.

Keeping patients  safe is the Number One priority of hospitals, home healthcare, and other facilities.  Healthcare providers strive to offer the safest possible services to their patients.  If you work in this type of environment, you are aware just how important this is.  Most hospitals will observe this week by offering free wellness screenings and other incentives of patient safety to the public.

This first week of March also serves as National Sleep Awareness Week.  Most persons know the right amount of sleep that they need to be able to perform their job responsibilites.  If one tries to work without the proper amount of rest, serious injuries could occur, either to themselves, or to a co-worker.  Take care of your body by getting enough sleep the night before.

March 16-22 is National Poison Prevention Week.  This is another observance that should be a daily one, especially in homes with children.  It’s also a good time for employers to remind their employees that this is a very serious threat – specifically for those who work in hazardous conditions where they may become exposed to toxic fumes. 

Every month there are safety observances that we need to be reminded of.  We wish for each of you a safe March!

General Safety Issues, Health Issues, Weather Protection

TIPS FOR DEALING WITH INCLEMENT WEATHER DURING THE WORK WEEK (GUEST POST)

By Sarah Walden of UmbrellaBagger.com

 Traveling to the office during dangerous weather conditions can be frightening. Safety precautions are necessary for employees and management to remain calm, collected and protected during severe storms. Paying attention to any and all warnings before, during and after a storm secures employees during their commute and office hours. Aside from safety concerns, trekking to work in bad weather is uncomfortable and a lack of preparation can lead to an intolerable day.

rain-windshield

Here are four tips to help make the rainy, slushy or snowy commute easier for full-time employees.

Stay Informed and Drive Cautiously

Set up weather alerts on a smart phone or computer the night before a large storm is due. Tune into the morning news while getting ready and take notice of the suggested strategies and tips for the current conditions. When leaving the house, travel with extreme caution and care. If proximity allows, consider carpooling with coworkers – multiple eyes and ears increases awareness of precarious conditions and helps ease stress for drivers.

Dress Appropriately

Invest in a reliable raincoat and sturdy rubber boots. Although clunky and awkward, protective outdoor gear helps keep work clothes dry. Forgoing style during the commute to the office is better than sitting in soggy clothing all day long which can lead to a head cold or wrinkled attire.

Take Advantage of Facility Accommodations

Spend a little more money to park in the indoor garage or covered lot on days when weather is extreme. Opting for street parking is usually the more cost-effective alternative, but defrosting a car after eight to nine hours of snow or ice build up is time consuming. Fallen tree branch damages or sliding accidents cost more time and money than garage parking fees.

Unlike drivers, walkers get stuck with soppy shoes and a wet umbrella after their commute. Office lobbies are often equipped with dry floor mats and a wet umbrella bag dispenser. Both resources prevent slip and fall accidents that are all too common during winter snowstorms and the rainy spring months. Don’t bypass these luxuries; they are in place to keep workforce visitors safe and dry.

Take the Day off or Work from Home

There is no shame in missing work if travel doesn’t feel safe. Use a sick day or paid leave if necessary. Although roads may seem fine in the morning, conditions can change rapidly in the afternoon. Getting home could be a nightmare and pose a greater threat than the initial travel. If necessary, ask to work from home. Most managers allow remote labor, as long as employees have a computer and the basic materials to complete their duties for the day.

Dealing with rain, snow and ice shouldn’t have to interfere with productivity. Instead of letting the weather dictate professional life, take the necessary precautions to aptly coordinate work-related travel.

Thanks, Sarah, for this unique idea for wet umbrella bag dispenser(s).  These would work great for work, school, or churches.  pb

General Safety Issues, High Visibility Safety

7 Ways to Safeguard against Potential Hazards while Operating Heavy Equipment (Guest Post)

1 Comment

 There are serious accident hazards that materialize due to inadequate precautions taken by either the operator of the earth moving machine, the excavator or site personnel while moving along an excavation site. Fatalities caused by caught in- or -between hazards are serious concerns and can be avoided with proper training and by implementing precautionary measures. When choosing earth moving operators in Brisbane or elsewhere, make sure you are taking care of following safety measures. 

1. Enlist potential hazards and bring it to the notice of all site personnel

The risk of a potential hazard can be significantly curtailed by adequately educating site personnel and the earth moving machine operator about potential hazards that can take place at the excavation site. A certified HSE person should inspect the excavation site to enlist the potential hazards and to make sure that all those who are potentially prone to the hazards are fully aware about those. 

2. Keep safe distance from the operating radius of earth moving equipment

The earth moving machine operator may not be able to notice if you are standing very close to the earth moving machine. Hence it is recommended that site personnel should keep safe distance from the machine. In case they need to get across, they should make sure the machine operator is fully aware of their presence. You can alert the earth moving machine operator by waving hands and signaling him that you need to cross.  (Wearing high visibility vests and other personal protective equipment is necessary.)

3. Avoid wearing loose clothing

The earth moving equipment has unguarded moving parts like belt, pulley and if you are wearing loose clothes you run the risk of your clothes getting stuck in them. The consequences can be life threatening. Hence the clothes you wear should properly fit to your body. While carrying out maintenance, the machine operator should ensure that the moving parts are either de-energized or properly guarded. 

4. Beware of working in unprotected trenches

While working in unprotected trenches, workers run the risk of cave-ins which can cause suffocation or even crush the person. To prevent such accidents, the personnel should avoid working in unprotected trenches which are 5 feet deep or more. 

If working in a deeper trench, be sure that the trench has a sloping at a safe angle, which prevents it from collapsing. If there is no sloping, a trench box should be used, which will protect the worker from cave-ins. The sides of the trench can also be shored using a wooden structure, which will also prevent a cave in. 

5. Beware of being pinned down between a stationary object and the earth moving machine   

To avoid being pinned down between the earth moving equipment and a stationary object, make sure that you are never working between a stationary immovable structure like a tree or a wall and the earth moving machine. In some cases, if the load carried by the earth moving equipment is not stable or secured, you run the risk of being hit by a falling load. 

6. Use of barricades and warning systems while using earth moving equipment along excavation or trench

Using earth moving equipment close to a trench or an excavation site could be hazardous. A barricade or a warning system should be installed at a safe distance from the edges of the excavation site, so that the operator who may not be able to see the edges is alerted with a sound or by way of hand signaling. In case the earth moving equipment needs to work straight over the opening of the trench, then workers should not be working in the trench. 

7. Wear seat belts to avoid being crushed during tip-over

The ideal way to protect machine operators from being crushed due to a tip over is to avoid the situation in the first place. Overloading is one of the most common causes of tip over and it should be completely avoided. If a tip over still happens, the operator can still hope to be protected, if he wears a seat belt. Wearing a seat belt would ensure that the worker is not thrown out when a tip over of the equipment or vehicle occurs. 

We hope that you will follow all these safety tips. Remember: just knowing what to do is not enough – you have to avoid being careless and follow all the rules and regulations to minimize risks.

Our thanks to Billie Wilder for sending this important message. pb

General Safety Issues

SIX QUESTIONS YOU SHOULD ASK YOURSELF BEFORE SELECTING AN ALARM COMPANY FOR YOUR BUSINESS (GUEST POST)

With so many options to choose from, finding the right security provider to protect your business can be difficult. While there are a lot of great providers who offer, upfront, honest and quality service, there are a still a few that you should look out for. This is why it’s important to properly evaluate your potential alarm company before you sign. You’ll want to shop around and carefully consider your options.  A major part of this involves taking the time to learn as much as you can about each company in your area. To help you get on the right track, we’ve provided six essential questions every business owner should ask them self before signing with an alarm company. Find answers to the questions listed below before you choose your alarm service provider to make sure you’ve found the best option for protecting your valuable investment.

1.       Does the company meet industry accepted standards?

This is arguably one of the most important aspects of an alarm business. This is because the equipment they use and services they provide will determine the quality of your alarm system overall. To find out if your potential company is up to par, research the industry standards for your area and compare them with the features list provided by the company. You may also want to call the company’s corporate headquarters to make sure that you have properly evaluated the services and equipment they offer. 

2.       Are there any hidden costs?

Hidden costs are all too prevalent in the alarm industry. Rather than wait to be shocked by your monthly bill later, carefully read the fine print and be sure to ask your dealer to clarify each cost. It will also be beneficial to ask them if there will be any additional fees or charges for installation and support services.

3.       Do they provide 24/HR customer support?

Even though business hours typically run from 9-5, problems with the system or potential threats to your workplace’s security can arise after hours. Having fast and friendly support available when you need it is of utmost importance when it comes to your alarm monitoring. Look for this detail in the printed information provided by your dealer or on the company website.

4.       Have surrounding businesses used their services?

Chances are, your dealer services other offices in your business complex. Speak to neighboring business owners who you’re familiar with and ask friends and family for recommendations. Referrals are typically the best way to find a good company as they provide insight on the company’s quality of service after the sale has been made.

5.       Does the security system offer everything you need?

You will want to make sure that their systems provide options for protecting your business from every potential danger. Be sure to get a full list of standard features and options from your dealer. Your needs will be a bit more complex than those of a homeowner, including things like 24-hour surveillance and motion detectors. Once you’ve determined that the company is able to provide you with a system that can meet your needs as a business owner, ask for pricing information to see if there will be any additional costs for the features you need.

6.       Is the central monitoring system fully redundant?

Your alarm company’s central monitoring station monitors the activity of each alarm they’ve installed. If their central monitoring provider is fully redundant, it ensures that your workplace will remain protected should a problem occur at one of the monitoring stations. You will want to ask your service provider for information on their central monitoring station to ensure that it is capable of providing full redundancy. 

Overall, the most important thing to remember is to take your time during the purchasing process. Although a good sales representative can be pretty persuasive in getting you to sign on the spot, carefully considering each option to find the company that can meet your needs will make all the difference in the quality of protection and service you receive from your provider in the future. After all, you’ve come this far in building a successful business. Isn’t it worth taking a little time to make sure that it’s fully protected?  

 

COSETTE JARRETT | RED OLIVE ® 

Marketing Specialist | cosette@redolive.com

Back Safety, Ergonomics, Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Head Protection

TIPS TO KEEP YOU SAFE AT WORK (GUEST POST)

 Getting to work safely, working in a well-managed environment and returning home safe in the evening is every employees right – but not all the responsibility for this can be held by your employer. It is true your employer had a duty of care to protect employees from danger whilst at work, but as individuals we also have a personal responsibility to ensure we do not place ourselves (or our colleagues) in any danger. 

You will find that keeping safe at work is often common sense, so here a few tips based on common mistakes, which will hopefully make you think twice and help prevents accidents and injuries: 

1- Understand and minimise the risks

Before you commence any task, stop for a moment and consider the task which is about to be undertaken. By doing so you will create an opportunity to briefly analyse the individual components of the task and highlight any aspects which could potentially cause injury. If you feel a safer alternative is available this should always be discussed and then implemented. 

2. Use mechanical aides wherever possible

It is a well-known fact that the majority of back injuries at work are caused by incorrect lifting techniques or by individuals lifting more weight than they can comfortably manage. I’m sure we have all been guilty of this from time to time.  Unfortunately this not only leads to injury for the individual but also to time off work and loss of production for the company. Therefore, if your company offers a training session on manual handling, it is strongly advisable (and often mandatory) that you attend. This can provide you with knowledge on safe lifting techniques that can also be used in the home, and save you from any potential injury.   

3.Wear the correct clothing and footwear (P.P.E)

You wouldn’t dream of turning up to work at farm in a bikini and heels, would you? So why would it be deemed acceptable to work on, for e.g. a building site or indoors as a cleaner, without the correct clothing or footwear protection. Although this sounds like common sense many people shirk wearing the correct items as they deem them unnecessary, when reality safety boots will protect your feet from heavy objects or nails through the soles and hard hats will protect your head against knocks and falling objects, with safety goggles protecting our eyes from chemical splashes. Personal Protective Equipment is important, therefore if you feel you would benefit from any of these items but haven’t been issued any; don’t start the task without first speaking to your employer. 

4. If working alone ensure you are aware of the procedures – and ensure you adhere to them.

If you have to work alone, as many people do, your organisation should have a process in place which you will be expected to follow. This usually involves regular communications with a control centre or named individual so you can ‘check in’ at the beginning if your shift, again at set times throughout and ‘check out’ at the end, and if a call is missed someone will be dispatched to check on you. If you currently work alone and don’t have a process to follow it may be worth discussing setting one up with your employer, as it could one day save your life. 

5. Read and understand the risk assessment.

If you are asked to sign a risk assessment before you commence a task then please ensure you read, understand and appreciate it’s importance – this information is provided for you, so you are aware of any risks involved and how best to mitigate them, don’t brush these documents aside as just paperwork. 

Remember when arriving at work – staying aware, assessing the task and minimising the risks are all that are required to keep you safe in the workplace.  

 

Author Bio: Vivienne Ollis Journalist & Blogger for http://www.essexinsulation.co.uk

General Safety Issues

TEENS AND ONLINE SHOPPING SAFETY (GUEST POST)

Blog4Safety’s main focus is work-related safety; however, we do receive other articles that refer to other types of safety.  Since it the goal of everyone to teach their teens to be safe on the internet, these tips may help them not only now, but when they are working in their chosen occupations. pat

The Internet is enormously powerful in terms of letting people find anything they want online. The problem is that younger people, including especially teens, could end up with a lot of trouble when it comes to using these options. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to make sure nothing bad happens and that your teenagers stay safe.

Talk to Them

As is the case with a lot of safety issues when it comes to younger people, the most important thing is to make sure they’re informed on the matter. It may not be simply that teens tend to make poor decisions when it comes to online shopping, it might actually be that they just don’t know any better. They might not have any idea about what can happen if they aren’t careful when making purchases online. There are many stories online about teens who cost their parents thousands of dollars on Ebay because they didn’t realize that it cost real money to obtain the items they were bidding on.

Avoid Debit Cards

One thing that is definitely true is that you should have your teens avoid using their debit cards when making online purchases. When it comes to credit cards, most of them have guarantees when it comes to fraudulent online purchases. Debit cards often don’t have such protections.  Additionally, since debit cards are connected to actual money instead of just credit, anyone who gains access to a debit card due to your teen using it on a bad site online can instantly steal all of the money in the account.

Avoid Public Wi-Fi

Public Wi-Fi hotspots are great for getting free Internet access in a pinch, but they aren’t so good when it comes to Internet safety. It’s entirely possible for hackers who have the right equipment to steal debit card, credit card, and other information from anyone who uses a public Wi-Fi spot. They aren’t secured against this kind of thing, and most of them don’t use any encryption whatsoever. This means that the smart thing to do is to have your teen only do their shopping from secured locations.

Trusted Retailers

One of the biggest problems with online shopping is that there are a lot of sites out there that are extremely unreliable. If your teen purchases something from one of these sites, all sorts of bad things can happen. It’s entirely possible for a teen to have their credit card or debit card information stolen from a site that looks like a store but that is actually simply a scam. One of the best ways to avoid this problem is to make sure that your children only shop from trusted retailers. These might include sites like Walmart, Best Buy, and so on. If you’re not sure about it, caution might be a good approach. You can usually check sites using various programs designed for the purpose such as McAffee.

Personal Information

Some sites will ask for a lot more information than is required. It’s a good idea to have teens only fill out the information that is absolutely required in order to make the transaction go through. This is usually indicated by stars. Any information that isn’t needed can be left blank safely.

This advice also applies to anyone making their own site with a website creator. It’s important to choose one that will be safe.  This is actually one of the ways that teens can tell how safe a site is, by looking at what sort of website creator was employed in its creation since many sites will have seals to this effect.

Thanks to Marianne Ross for the valuable advise that we can all use! pb

 

 

 
Ergonomics, Fall Safety, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection

HOW TO TEACH WORKPLACE VIOLENCE SAFETY (GUEST POST)

Workplace safety involves a few topics such as personal hygiene, and personal safety against physical violence to name the most important ones. These apply to almost all fields of work whereas accidents by materials happen only in certain industries. Proper orientation and awareness and also education toward workplace safety need to be taught to all employees in order to avoid any hazard in the workplace.

Personal Health Safety: All companies should educate their employees on the relevance of personal hygiene, diseases and the most probable causes of such diseases. People working in laboratories and industries regularly come in contact with chemicals which could be allergens or irritants. Therefore, employees need to be aware of the use of protective gloves, masks and skin cream etc. in order to safeguard themselves from these health issues.

How to Teach Personal Health Safety: · Posters can be hung at places where workers wash their hands, at rest rooms, and where they change their uniforms and all. A seminar or some talks can be arranged to make the employees aware of the risks involved in their workplace in case they do not take care of themselves properly.  Tours to such other companies can be organized in order to show the workers how other companies manage to be risk-free.

Slip and fall safety: This is one of the most common causes for workplace accidents. Several steps can be taken to prevent these accidents. It is highly essential to be aware of the possible spots of danger namely water spills, spots of grease or oil. Every employee needs to know these spots and be on alert when negotiating these places.  Slopes or low-lying areas pose dangers and employees should wear proper foot wear which would save them from the possible mishaps.   Hanging posters or holding meetings, or awareness programs would help a great deal in protecting oneself from workplace accidents.

Workplace Violence Safety: Workplace safety is a point of serious concern since violence could happen due to misbehavior’s of other employees let alone the accidents that happen by environmental conditions.

How to Teach Workplace Violence Safety: · Pamphlets and seminars would be of a great help to employees. Since workplace violence is a sensitive issue workers should have a provision to complain  anonymously about the issues they face at the workplace.  Employees could also hold group discussions on these issues and share the possible remedies that they can think of.  Visuals always give extra effect to all things. Showing videos on workplace violence would have a great impact on workers.

Ergonomics: Ergonomics is the scientific discipline which concerns with the understanding of humans and other systems. In simple terms, this would involve keeping things at the proper heights in the workplace to prevent muscular, skeletal and other injuries. Ergonomics could also be taught to employees by way of distributing pamphlets, by holding talks and seminars for workers etc. Companies could also bring ergonomic experts to personally teach the employees how to take care of themselves while at work.

This article was sent to us by Christy Nelson of buyessays.us.

Eye Protection, First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Head Protection, Health Issues, Protective Clothing, Respiratory Safety

THE IMPORTANCE OF UNDERSTANDING CHEMICAL SAFETY

Look around your place of work or your home and you will be surprised by the number of chemicals you will find.  Chemicals that you use at home include gasoline, paints, fertilizers, lawn chemicals, bug spray, paint strippers, kerosene, bleach, other household cleaners, and even hair spray.  We must take care when cleaning to not mix cleaners with bleach, as the combination could cause unsafe fumes. 

Chemicals you may use at work are facility-specific solvents, laboratory chemicals, fuels, paint, office copier chemicals, correction fluid, lubricants and corrosives.  Other examples include toxics, corrosives, and solvents. As long as we understand and practise chemical safety and are provided the proper protection, these substances can be handled safely.

If your work requires you to come into contact with volatile chemicals on a daily basis, it can pose a risk to your long-term health. When new chemicals are approved for use on, in, or by humans, there has usually not been sufficient time allowed to determine whether they pose a long-term health threat. Daily exposure to chemicals has been associated with increased cancer risk, particularly when chemical particles are inhaled or ingested, even in tiny amounts. If your workplace provides on-the-job protection, such as protective suits, goggles, or masks, make sure you use them properly and daily to minimize the risk of chemical exposure.

Regardless of the type of chemicals you are around, there are various ways of being exposed.  (1) Ingestion, such as eating contaminated food; (having lunch in work area with airborne contaminants.)  (2) Inhalation: breathing in dusts, vapors or mists (i.e., mixing bags of concrete, cattle feed or similar chemicals without a respirator, or working in dusty environments. (3) Absorption: skin contact with a chemical affects eyes or can cause dermatitis. (4) Injection: forcing an agent into the body through a needle -needle stick or misuse of drugs.

By all means, protect yourself as much as you can!  Read container labels, material safety data sheets (MSDSs) and safe-work instructions before you handle a chemical; (How many times have you started a project that you didn’t read the instructions until after you failed to figure it out?)  Find eyewash stations before you begin working and know how to use them. 

As mentioned before, use personal protective equipment (PPE) for the task at hand; including chemical-splash goggles, a respirator, safety gloves, apron, steel-toed shoes, safety glasses with side shields, etc. Ensure the PPE fits properly and you are trained in its use.   Look for defects in the PPE such as cracks, missing parts, rips, etc.  Leave your contaminated clothing at work. If you wear the clothes home, you can expose your family to the hazards. (Better yet, wear disposable clothing where applicable.) 

These chemical hazard color codes and numbers on the labels are especially important for you to know: 

  • 1.      Red – Fire Hazard.
  • 2.      Yellow – Reactivity Hazard.
  • 3.      Blue – Health Hazard. 
  • 0 –Minimal Hazard
  • 1 – Slight Hazard
  • 2 – Moderate Hazard
  • 3 – Serious Hazard
  • 4 – Severe Hazard 

Other types of warnings on containers of chemicals include symbols, pictures with words, such as flammable, poisonous, etc.  Information on the white part of the label include National Fire Prevention Association labels – acid, radioactive, corrosive.  Hazardous Materials (HMIS) on the white section of the label recommends the type of personal protective equipment that should be used.  After you have READ labels first, consult the Material Safety Data Sheets if you are still unsure.  Chemical hazards can be very harmful to your body and health, and all those working around you.   If you suspect a chemical spill, call the National Response Center, toll-free, 800-424-8801 and report what you suspect has spilled and approximately how much is spilled.  The NRC also has an online reporting tool on their website.

Last, but not least, washing hands often is of the utmost importance.  Especially while you are working, before and after you eat, and before you leave your work.  Also, keep any chemicals (cleaning products, etc.) out of children’s reach and/or away from your pets.

 

General Safety Issues

Getting the Most Our Of Your Commercial Outdoor Security Lighting – The Mighty Electricians Guest Blog Post

If your small business has been broken into in the past, you will understand how angry such a scenario can make you feel, as well as how victimized, exploited and upset the encounter leaves you. If you have ever experienced a burglary – whether at work or in your own home – you may recognize the deep-seated feelings of sadness and frustration that go with such an encounter, combined with a sense of vulnerability, of being taken advantage of. Those who have been affected by a burglary will wonder “will this happen again?” or may blame themselves for the fact that thieves have targeted their business. Therefore, it is wise to have your company covered with a modern security lighting setup, in case burglars decide to strike. 

State-of-the-art security lighting systems are suitable for both residential and business properties. Many people question how to keep their premises secure, as well as how to get the most out of the security lighting they have fitted to conquer the “dead lighting spots”. Luckily, there are a handful of security light options that will help you decrease the chances of a breaking and entering crime occurring. To begin with, all lighting should be mounted high enough that it is out of reach of vandals. To foil attempts by ne’er-do-wells who want to smash your lighting fixtures, your lights should also be protected by wire mesh as well. 

One of the most crucial things to bear in mind is to keep the entire grounds comprehensively illuminated, as this will help prevent a potential break-in by dissuading criminals from trying to venture onto your property. Shining spotlights will discourage those who are perhaps targeting your site, and some well-placed landscape lighting will make it difficult for criminals to hide within the grounds to reconnoiter the place. 

Flood lights that shed large amounts of light over an expanse of land can be a hugely effective deterrent. However, they must be  positioned well enough that they do not inadvertently cast deep, harsh shadows that will actually attract those looking to rob you. For example, a typical side-effect of bright flood lights is that they cast dark shadows behind nearby trees, and these are obviously ideal areas for trespassers to try to conceal themselves. Furthermore, although the basic purpose of flood lights is to emit great swathes of light, if they are placed in problematic areas, excessive illumination will actually become counterproductive due to the strong dazzling effect emanating from them. Ironically, this not only makes it more difficult for anyone to tell if interlopers are in close proximity, but they also create the possibility for injuries due to people being unintentionally blinded so that they trip and fall. 

Keeping your entry and exit points well-lit after hours can provide the pretense of night security being present onsite during off-peak hours, even if this is not really the case. Consequently, multiple lights controlled by dawn-to-dusk timer switches are a great investment, although they need to be well-shielded from any neighbor’s property and positioned in such a way that they are effective for deterring unwanted guests. Point 150 watts lamps downward towards your property (and not into the sky like the Bat-Signal!), since lights with too much power create unwanted glare. Essentially, many medium powered bulbs are preferable to a smaller amount of high powered lamps. 

Have motion sensor lighting set up around problem areas of the building, as this will let you know when there is movement outside, especially in the fall and winter months when it gets darker much earlier. One of the advantages of motion sensors is that they will activate lights all of a sudden, which will startle anyone who is not supposed to be onsite. For lighting under windows, always pick a low wattage bulb. This will allow you to see all movements from inside your office if you are working late hours. Adding lights along outside walkways is also a great deterrent for would-be muggers preying on anyone walking to their cars after the workday ends. 

Any combined arrangement of these different lighting types will assist in frightening off intruders. As a final point, it is vital to protect the wiring of your security lighting, so that tampering is not possible. As such, bury the wiring underground wherever possible so that it is out of reach of interference. It is also prudent to have multiple circuits installed, so that if a circuit trips out you still have other live circuits on hand, instead of the entire lighting system going offline and burglars find a way to take advantage of the darkness. 

Since 1999, The Mighty Electricians have created a successful name for themselves as the premier electrician team in the Phoenix metropolitan area. We are proud to provide professional services for all your residential and business needs, including security light setups, parking lot lighting, electrical troubleshooting, main breaker replacements, appliance circuits and ceiling fan installations. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and serve residents living in Tempe, Scottsdale, Mesa, Chandler, Queen Creek, Gilbert, Ahwatukee and Carefree. For further information on the electrician services we supply, please visit our website at The Mighty Electricians or, alternatively, you can call us at 602-375-2005 today.