Category Archives: Eye Protection

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

WAYS TO TALK TO YOUR BOSS

Yesterday, we offered some advice to those applying for jobs, and ideas for new hires.  Our main focus was to help them question what the company expects of them and if there are hazards associated with their job duties.  We’ve all had to start with a  first job, and it is overwhelming to learn each facet of the things you will be doing, and getting to know all of your coworkers.  The most important part of getting off on the right foot is to know when and how to talk to your boss.  This may not only include the top executive of the company, but your supervisor as well. 

Let’s begin with when to talk to your boss……..

  • You feel that you need someone to watch you do the job and make sure you are doing it right.
  • You know there is a hazard.
  • You need more training and information.
  • You feel there is something in the work that could endanger you or a coworker.
  • You have an idea on how to make the work safer.
  • There is any type of question about your job.
  • Anytime you feel there has been a change to a term or condition of your working arrangement. 
  • Wait until he or she is not in a bad mood!

How to talk to your boss…………

  • Be polite and respectful.
  • Write down your concerns so your boss may review it later. 
  • Don’t blame individuals.
  • Avoid confrontational words and behavior.
  • Keep a positive attitude and speak out of concern for your safety and others.
  • Watch your body language.
  • Make a suggestion to solve the problem if you can.
  • State your issue or what you would like, clearly and concisely.
  • Be positive about both your job and the future of the company. 

When asked about the things that most executives and supervisors appreciate about their employees, they answered:  those with positive attitudes, that are ready to help coworkers, are prepared by anticipating things that will need to be done in order to successfully complete the project, and have the initiative to do things without being told.  A smart worker knows how to save the company time and money.  A hard worker may stay up all night to complete a project; a smart worker finds a way to do it in half the time, or delegates the assignment in order to finish successfully.  It takes hard workers and smart workers, (many are both), to make a company productive. 

If you feel that you have been informed of the hazards or risks associated with the job duties you will be performing, remember that you should be equipped with the proper personal protective equipment, PPE, and that it fits and protects you.  If it doesn’t fit, let your supervisor know.  It won’t protect you if you don’t wear it, whether it’s safety glasses, gloves, coveralls, or a hardhat.  Follow the safety rules and policies and procedures that your company has posted.  Get the right training and work safely. 

If you asked questions about health or safety concerns, or if you don’t have the health and safety training you need, tell your supervisor immediately.  If he or she cannot or does not solve the problem, it is alright to say “no” to unsafe work.  You have the right to refuse work that you think is unsafe; this is the law.  Until the issue is resolved, you will be kept from the unsafe work.  A process that has been set out in Occupational Safety and Health Act will be followed.  This is fully explained on the OSHA website in the U.S., or in Canada, you can contact your Ministry of Labour. 

Sources: WorkSmart Ontario, OSHA

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Head Protection, Hearing Protection

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT COMPLIANCE

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OSHA recently issued the Enforcement Guidance for Personal Protective Equipment in General Industry.  This is a directive that provides enforcement personnel with instructions for determining whether employers have complied with OSHA personal protective equipment (PPE) standards.  The directive was effective February 10, 2011.  Replacing Inspection Guidelines for 29 CFR 1910 Subpart I, the revised PPE Standards for General Industry which were issued in June, 1995, the updated standards include clarifying what type of PPE employers must provide at no cost to workers, and when employers are required to pay for PPE.  It also provides guidance that lets employers use PPE that meets current consensus standards and updates PPE enforcement policies based on court and review commission standards. 

These standards require employers to provide – at no cost to workers – protective equipment, such as goggles and face shields that fit properly without restricting vision; earplugs and earmuffs when they will reduce noise to acceptable levels, and are less costly than administrative and engineering controls; and respirators to protect workers from exposure to air contaminants.  The directive lists PPE and other items exempted from the employer payment requirements and includes questions and answers useful in clarifying PPE payments concerns.  The guidance can be downloaded as a pdf by visiting OSHA’s Safety and Health Topics page on PPE.  

Workers are not always compliant.

Many companies have a problem with workers wearing the PPE that is furnished to them.  In a 2010 survey of safety professionals attending the American Society of Safety Engineers annual conference, an exceedingly high 98 per cent of respondents said they had observed workers not wearing safety equipment when they should have been.  Even worse, 30 per cent of these respondents said this had happened on several occasions.  All survey respondents reported that workers’ compliance with PPE protocols was cited as the top workplace safety issue.  These findings reflect the fact that safety decisions relating to PPE use are not just made at the management level.  Individual workers make decisions on a daily basis to whether to follow PPE wearing protocols or not.  

Most of the reasons for PPE noncompliance were different; however, the biggest complaint was that is was uncomfortable, selected by 40 per cent of respondents, in addition to:

  • Not available near the work task;
  • Poor fit;
  • Too hot;
  • Unattractive looking. 

No matter the reason for not complying with the safety policies of wearing PPE, there must be things leaders can do to encourage compliance.  Some of the ideas are: purchasing more comfortable PPE; increased monitoring of employees; incorporating compliance to individual performance evaluations; buying more stylish PPE; and developing incentive programs to encourage greater PPE compliance. 

One of the complaints was that PPE was  not always available near the work task.  There are many products that make it very convenient for the employee – hardhats that have slots to accommodate hearing protection, winter liners, neck protection, and even a pencil holder.  Glove Guards are easily hooked onto the belt loop to keep gloves ready for use.  So this is simply a matter of looking into the detailed features of some ppe products, and seeing exactly what they provide.

Personal protective equipment products have come a long way to ensure comfort and looks.  Polarized safety glasses are as stylish as those one would pay several times more in an optical store.  Gloves are made in all styles for men, and also designed to fit the smaller hands of women –  and are available in pink!  Team and patriotic hardhats ensure compliance for those workers who enjoy showing team support.  Those who make the choices on what’s right for their employees should shop around and see just what all is available for workers to help them feel good about their PPE, as well as knowing it will help keep them safe (when worn). 

Source: Kimberly Clark Professional

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Hearing Protection

WHEN IT COMES TO SAFETY, WHY NOT JUST GO BY THE RULES?

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Not long ago, we talked about keeping protective guards around machinery to keep employees from amputations or other injuries.  In OSHA’s “Quicktakes” for the month of July, it is amazing the amount of money that companies pay for severe violations.  It seems money spent on safety would be more cost-effective, as well as keeping employees safe. 

OSHA fined a stamping products company $426,100, and cited the company for 27 safety and health violations, including one willful violation for failing to report two amputation injuries that occurred at the company’s metal stamping plant in Cleveland.  While operating mechanical power presses in the plant before OSHA’s January inspection, two employees had fingers severed and crushed.  The company was cited for a total of nine willful safety violations, which included failing to train press operators in safe work methods and failing to ensure the flywheel on the mechanical power presses were adequately guarded.  

A willful health violation is one that is committed with intentional knowing or voluntary disregard for the law’s requirements, or with plain indifference to worker safety and health.  The above company received one willful health violation for the lack of proper chemical hazard communication and training, in addition to twelve serious safety violations.  Those include failing to perform a required workplace hazard assessment, ensure employees had appropriate eye protection, train employees in the use of portable fire extinguishers, conduct performance evaluations for employees who operate powered industrial trucks (fork lifts), complete annual crane inspections, ensure proper machine guarding on the shear, spot welding machines, and mechanical press, and establish die-setting procedures.  They also had four serious safety violations including exposing employees to excessive noise, having improperly stored compressed gas cylinders and allowing various electrical safety hazards.  They have been placed in OSHA’s Severe Violator Enforcement Program.  This mandates targeted follow-up evaluations to ensure compliance with the law. 

A second company was fined $214,830 by OSHA, and cited the company with four safety violations, after two workers suffered amputation injuries at the company’s metal stamping facility.  The company willfully disregarded the law’s requirements by failing to lock out/tag out hazardous energy sources prior to performing maintenance operations and to have point-of-operation guarding on two press brakes that caused the worker amputations in two separate incidents.  They were also cited with a serious violation for failing to use safety blocks when dies were being adjusted and repaired.  Before this inspection, the company had been cited by OSHA for 47 violations since 1988.  They have also been placed in OSHA’s Severe Violator Enforcement Program. 

Workers have the right to go to work and expect to return home intact.  When companies show a blatant disregard for the safety of their workers, they are shirking their responsibility to those who come to perform a job without being in danger.  Hopefully, by being placed in this enforcement program with regular inspections, they will wake up and start paying attention to safety, rather than fines.

OSHA “Quicktakes”

 

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Weather Protection

ALTHOUGH IT’S HOT, IT WILL GET HOTTER! BE READY!

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We hope your Fourth of July celebration went off without a hitch!  No traffic tickets, no sunburn, no fireworks injuries, and or other obstacles in the way of slowing you down to get back to work today, hopefully.  This time of the year is the greatest time for us to enjoy our freedom and show our support for our troops.  As you go through the rest of the summer, keep them in mind and let’s hope they are all back to help us celebrate in the near future.  One thing to remember: it’s even hotter where they are than where we are! 

July is UV Safety Month, sponsored by the American Academy of Ophthalmology.  Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is the main cause of skin cancer, and can also damage your eyes.  This is a good time to send the message of safety during sun and fun times.  Those who work in the sun also need to be warned about the damage that UV rays can cause, in order to take precautions to avoid these types of health problems. 

The highest risk for getting skin cancer seems to be for those who have:

  • Blond or red hair;
  • Blue or green eyes;
  • White or light-colored skin with freckles.

Those people especially, but let’s include everyone else to take these steps to prevent skin cancer:

  • Stay out of the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. if possible;
  • Use sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.
  • Use sunscreen that has UVA and UVB protection – “broad spectrum” sunscreen.
  • Cover up with long sleeves and a hat;
  • Check your skin regularly for any changes. 

UV damage can also cause wrinkles and blotchy skin.  Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States.  Tanning indoors is not safe, either.  According to Dr. Carol Cola, who works in the Department of Surgery at Pottstown Memorial Medical Center, around 90 per cent of skin cancers appear on the neck, head, ears, lips, or hands – areas that are most often exposed to the sun.  Sunburn can happen anywhere – driving a car, through a glass window, or reflections off concrete, sand, or snow. 

To do a self-examination for skin cancer, simply watch for any changes in size or color of freckles, moles, or birthmarks.  If you notice anything different, see your physician or dermatologist.  Recent studies by the Skin Cancer Foundation state that studies have recently indicated that only 23 per cent of damage from UV exposure happens to most young people by the age of 18 – not the 80 per cent that was formerly thought to be.  This shows that there is benefit to be gained for persons of any age, to protect themselves from damaging rays.  It still is important that we use sunscreen on our children and sunshades that will protect their eyes. 

UVA and UVB rays can hurt your eyes.  This type of radiation can lead to cataracts, macular degeneration and some cancers.  The use of proper types of sunshades can help prevent this from happening.  It’s always been “cool” to wear sunshades, just be sure you purchase polarized ones that protect from both UVA and UVB rays. 

Everyone at work in should get involved in spreading the message that damage from the sun can be very harmful, even deadly!  Posters need to be placed right by the doors before workers step out into that hot sun.  Companies could ask a health professional to demonstrate how to check skin regularly for skin-cancer warning signs.  A local dermatologist, registered nurse, or public health official would be happy to help educate your employees about the dangers of skin cancer.  Place a memo in their paychecks to remind them to do all they can to protect their skin and eyes from radiation from the sun.  

We hope this will serve as a reminder to all of you to try to stay as cool as possible this summer – it is already a scorcher!   There are many products that can help protect you, so take advantage of them.

Eye Protection, First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Weather Protection

HAPPY BIRTHDAY – U.S.A. – 2011!

By now,  most of us are getting ready to celebrate on Monday,  our nation’s birthday – July 4th – Independence Day!  I want to send greetings to all of you from our home, where the grand old flag will be flying, and wish everyone a safe holiday. (Sorry, the flag looks backwards, but the wind was blowing!)

We have already talked about fireworks, so we’ll give that subject a rest!  Many are packing their bags for trips, so let’s talk about travel first.  The main thing is to be packed and ready to get an early start, because you know your friendly State troopers will be there, watching to be sure you don’t speed, and that you are safe.  If you need assistance, you can count on them, as well, to be of help.  Please don’t carry on conversations on your cell phone while driving, and above all, don’t text or drink and drive!

There are many activities that families can plan right at home, and not have to be involved in the hustle and bustle of travel.  One of my favorite memories is going to our best friends’ home every Fourth of July for grilled hamburgers and home-made ice cream!  Now we live miles away, so we had to stop that tradition; however, we make up for it when we visit each other, which is quite often.  Moms and dads can find easy crafts for the kids with some red, white and blue items that they probably can find in the house.  Local parks will be full of folks of all ages, with volleyball games, croquet, barbecues, picnics, baseball games, and many activities.

If you plan to go boating, be sure to have life jackets in the boat for each passenger.  Obey the rules of boating, and do not drink while driving a boat, as the penalty is the same as for driving a car while drinking.  Watch for other boaters, swimmers, and those on jet skis.  Sometimes everyone thinks they own that particular spot on the water, and it just doesn’t work that way!

Swimmers should be prepared with lots of sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat and cover-up when they get out of the water.  Stay in pairs, just in case someone gets in water that is too deep.  Be sure if you are swimming on a beach or lake to check out the water quality for contamination.  There should be signs posted with some type of useful information.

If you are the outdoors type and want to take a hike, be sure you let someone know your plans and when you will be returning.  If you need to build a campfire, build it with sticks no larger than an adult wrist.  (Of course, first, be sure that you are not in an area where campfires are banned.)  Never leave that fire unattended and keep it small.  A fire that is not “dead out” can be rekindled by wind and start a wildfire.  Keep water handy and a shovel for throwing dirt on the fire in case it gets out of control.  Stir the remains and be sure all materials are cooled down.  Drown it with water, even move rocks to see there’s no fire beneath them. Feel all materials with bare hands to be sure that no wood is burning before leaving the campsite.

If you are cooking outdoors, beware of bacteria that can cause foodborne illnesses.  Be sure all utensils are clean and that you have a good source of water.  Separate raw meat from cooked meat and poultry.  Keep cold food cold and hot food hot.  Don’t let food set out for more than 1 hour in hot weather.  Keep it in an ice chest once the meal is finished.

Have a great Fourth of July, but don’t overdo it when it comes to food, alcohol, sun, or exercise.  Take along the proper clothing, suncreeen, insect repellent, and other remedies that will make you feel better tomorrow!   Remember why some of us get to be off on this day, and why we observe it.  There are young men and women who don’t have the day off, and are in countries where they can’t celebrate the way we do.  When you see our flag, think of what it stands for, and the sacrifices they make every day.  May God Bless Each One of Them, their families, all of us, and the U.S.A.

photo

Eye Protection, First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues

ARE YOU READY FOR A SAFE JULY 4TH?

Both June and July are designated as National Fireworks Safety Month by Prevent Blindness America, who urges Americans to celebrate safely by leaving fireworks to the professionals.  According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, (CPSC), almost 6,000 Americans spent part of their Fourth of July holiday in the emergency room in 2009 due to fireworks injuries.   Of those, fireworks caused an estimated 1,600 eye injuries, which included contusions, lacerations and foreign bodies in the eye.  Some injuries even caused permanent vision loss. 

According to the National Fire Protection Association, “safe and sane” fireworks cause more injuries than illegal fireworks, especially to preschool children.  For children under the age of 5, half of the total injuries were from sparklers.  Do you have any idea how hot a sparkler becomes?  According to the NFPA, the tip of a sparkler burns at a temperature of more than 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit, which is hot enough to cause third-degree burns. ( By comparison, water boils at 212 degrees F; cakes bake at 350 degrees F; wood burns at 575 degrees F; and glass melts at 900 degrees F.) 

Children ages 15 and younger make up around 39 per cent of fireworks injuries.   Prevent Blindness America, the nation’s oldest eye health and safety organization, supports the development and enforcement of bans on the importation, sale and use of all fireworks and sparklers, except for authorized public displays by competent licensed operators. The non-profit group believes it is the only effective means of eliminating the social and economic impact of fireworks-related trauma and damage. 

“We encourage everyone to enjoy the Fourth of July holiday this year without using consumer fireworks,” said Hugh R. Parry, president and CEO of Prevent Blindness America.  “Whether you’re attending community events, family picnics or public displays by fireworks professionals, we wish you and your family a safe Independence Day.”

In case of an eye-related accident, Prevent Blindness America also offers its “First Aid for Eye Emergencies” sticker in both English and Spanish, free to the public, and recommends the following should an eye injury occur:

If the eye or eyelid is cut or punctured,

  • DO NOT wash out the eye with water.
  • DO NOT try to remove an object stuck in the eye.
  • Cover the eye with a rigid shield without pressure.  The bottom half of a paper cup may be used.  See a doctor or go to the emergency room immediately.

If there are specks in the eye,

  • DO NOT rub the eye.
  • Use an eye wash or let tears wash out specks or particles;
  • Lift the upper eyelid outward and down over the lower lid;
  • If the speck doesn’t wash out, keep the eye closed, bandage and see a doctor or go to the emergency room.

It would be wise to have a first aid kit handy, to be prepared for any type of fireworks accidents at home.  This is the beginning of summer fun; don’t spoil it by risking injury to the eyes or any other part of the body.  The best way to ensure that your family doesn’t suffer from fireworks injuries is to leave the displays to trained professionals.  It may seem that they are having all the fun, but it isn’t that easy to put on the fantastic shows that they provide without training and hard work. 

For more information on fireworks safety, or to request a free copy of the Safe Summer Celebrations brochure or the First Aid for Eye Emergencies sticker, call (800) 331-2020 or log on to preventblindness.org.

Tomorrow, we will talk about other risks involving fireworks.  Till then, be thinking of other ways you want to spend your holiday, safely!

Source: NFPA, Prevent Blindness America

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Health Issues, Weather Protection

TOO MUCH SUN, TOO LITTLE SUNSCREEN?

It seems that the U.S. is behind Canada and Europe when it comes to labeling sunscreen products.  In the past, manufacturers were not required to disclose how well their products protect against cancer-causing ultraviolet A, (UVA) rays.  Only the amount of protection against ultraviolet B was required to be on the label.  Both types of UV rays cause skin damage, including premature skin aging and skin cancer.  UVB primarily causes sunburn while UVA light is more damaging because it penetrates the skin farther, causing wrinkles and other problems. 

A beautiful tan is very attractive, but if the one who is working on that tan could only realize the results that might be caused later in life, they might forgo the tan and protect their skin.  A Sun Protection Factor (SPF) doesn’t offer insights into UVA protection.  

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States.  Each year, 3.5 million cases of skin cancer are diagnosed and treated.  According to the American Academy of Dermatology, almost 20% of Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime.  While most skin cancers are curable, squamous cell carcenomas kill 2,500 Americans each year, and melanoma kills 8,700 Americans annually, according to the American Cancer Society. 

It is important that we protect our youngsters now, because these cancers are developing while they are young.  My best friend has had all three types of skin cancers, and she must consistently go for biopsies and treatment.  She is very fair, and has blue eyes;  her dermatologist told her that this all began when she was a child.  

The labeling of sunscreen as sun block implies inaccurate information that makes claims the protection will offer more than 2 hours of protection, or is water-proof or sweat-proof -without indicating the length of time of full protection.  Experts recommend using a sunscreen of at least 50 SPF.  Studies show that some of the sunscreens that are most protective are not necessarily the most expensive ones.  

Until the new labeling is available, it is recommended that you slather on a glob of sunscreen the size of a golf ball and do so very often.  (You’ll go through a tube quickly, but it’s worth it!) Having to deal with skin cancer is not something you want to face, or for your children to have to go through.  If you have to be outside, wear a hat, protective clothing, and even take along an umbrella.  When swimming, apply that protective lotion religiously.

Safety sunglasses are manufactured that offer 99.9% protection from UVA/UVB/UVC rays.  Our eyes must also be protected from the sun at all times; even small children need that protection.  Thankfully, glasses have been designed to take care of the risks of exposure to UV rays.  Maybe next year we will have full disclosure of the protection we can expect from sunscreens. 

Source:ABC News

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Health Issues, Weather Protection

HEAT STRESS SAFETY INFORMATION – PART I

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 Thousands of workers every year become sick from exposure to heat – some even die.  The thing we should understand is that these illnesses and deaths are preventable!  Each year, we strive to bring helpful information about how to survive seasonal weather, and the elements that workers and all of us are exposed to.  This spring has already brought extremely hot conditions to parts of the country, and several persons have  lost their lives. 

Today we are focusing on raising awareness of the risks of working in hot environments to both employers and employees, with the intent of reducing those risks.  Everyone should be able to recognize safety and health hazards of working in extreme heat, things that increase the risk of heat-related illness, signs and symptoms of illness, first aid, and preventive measures that decrease the risk of heat-related illness. 

When workers are exposed to air temperatures that are warm or warmer than our skin, sweating becomes the primary means of maintaining a constant body temperature.  If conditions of high humidity exist, however, the sweat is decreased and it makes it harder for the body temperature to adjust.   If employers will allow  workers a gradual time to adjust to this hot environment progressively, (about 5-7 days), there should be fewer heat-related illnesses.  Those who are not given time to adjust may be more likely to feel the effects of these illnesses.  In reality, most of the time, workers are exposed to the heat from Day One.   One of the most important things to remember when working in hot conditions is to stay hydrated by drinking water often.  Resting in a shady place and working earlier in the day will also improve work conditions.  Remember, drinking water on a regular basis puts less strain on the cardiovascular system. 

Excessive exposure to a hot environment can bring about a variety of heat-related health problems and illnesses, such as heat cramps, fainting, heat rash and heat exhaustion.  An employee that suffers from heat exhaustion may still sweat, but these other signs and symptoms may appear, such as:

  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Weakness
  • Feeling sick to stomach, vomiting
  • Mood changes (confused or irritable)
  • Decreased and dark-colored urine
  • Light-headedness or fainting
  • Pale, clammy skin 

Employers must outline the proper personal protective equipment required for their employees to be able to handle the heat.  Polarized safety glasses are needed to protect the eyes from UV rays, and if hardhats are part of the PPE, there are cloth neck shields and sunshields  that attach to them.  Plenty of sunscreen should be used, an abundance of water should be available.  Some companies choose Gatorade to help their workers stay hydrated, also. 

Tomorrow, we will talk about other ways of preventing heat stress and how to treat a victim of heat exhaustion.  In the meantime, stay cool!

Source: Texas Department of Insurance, OSHA

Eye Protection, First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Hearing Protection

HAVE A SAFE MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND!

The Memorial Day holiday weekend ushers in the beginning of warm weather outings, as most students have finished their school year.  There is always much anticipation in the air about planned trips, summer jobs, or whatever new things are to be enjoyed.  We want to remind you that the highways will be heavily travelled, so leave a little early in order to not be rushed.  Be careful if you are traveling alone about where you take rest stops.  It is wiser to stop at convenience stores, or where there are many people, than some of the public roadside rest stops.  Also, be aware that your friendly state troopers will be out in full force, with the sole purpose of keeping you safe!  Don’t let any distractions get in the way of safety, stay off the cell phone (hands free, only), NO TEXTING WHILE DRIVING, and don’t drink and drive!

One pesky little detail I’d like to mention is that, according to the travel organization, AAA, there should be almost 35 million Americans traveling either by train, plane, or cruises.  For those that are doing so, or staying in hotels, the National Pest Management Association advises people to keep bed bug prevention and detection tips in mind. “The good news is that summer is finally here; the bad news is that bed bugs continue to lurk in places people typically visit during a vacation,” said Missy Henriksen, vice president of public affairs for NPMA. “Although bed bugs are a year-round pest, people have a greater chance of picking up this hitchhiker during the summer as travel increases. Bed bugs are a souvenir no one wants to bring home.”

Here are several NPMA tips to help travelers remain bed bug-free. More information can be found at AllThingsBedBugs.org.

  • Pull back hotel bed sheets, inspect the mattress seams, box spring, around and behind the headboard, sofas and chairs for telltale brownish or reddish spots, shed skins or bugs.
  • Avoid putting luggage on the bed or upholstered furniture.
  • If changing rooms, be sure the new room is not adjacent to the possibly infested room.
  • Use a large plastic bag to store luggage.
  • Upon returning home, inspect and vacuum suitcases thoroughly before bringing them into the house.
  • Wash and dry clothes on hot – whether worn or not or have them dry cleaned.
  • Consumers suspecting an infestation should contact a licensed pest professional.

Many people are wondering if the high price of gasoline will affect travel, beginning this Memorial Day weekend.  The American Auto Club Association’s holiday travel projection that was released nationally, is that about 100,000 more Americans will be traveling this year than last.  According to the group, travelers will find other ways to compensate for the near record fuel costs by cutting down on other areas of their travel budgets.  Many may make the choices of less expensive vacations, such as hiking and other outings rather than more expensive meals and shopping.  And others may simply choose to stay home, maybe throw some ribs on the grill, and enjoy watching the big race, basketball playoffs, and baseball games.  That’s not such a bad idea.  Sometimes waiting to travel when it isn’t a holiday is safer.

It should be a long, hot summer, so stock up on sunscreen, and don’t forget those safety safety sunglasses, and earplugs for any loud events you plan to attend, say, the Indianapolis 500? Don’t overdo it in the sun.  A tan looks great until you get older, and then just adds to the wrinkles!

Most important of all, don’t forget the reason for this holiday.  Memorial Day is always celebrated in the United States on the last Monday of May.  This is a legal holiday that pays tribute to the memory of those who died while serving the United States in wars.  It was first observed in 1866.  We continue to honor those who gave their lives in the process of holding on to the freedoms that we enjoy.  We must also honor those who are now serving in far-away places, away from the celebration of family, and pray for their safe return.

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

CLEANING UP AFTER A FLOOD IS NOT “CLEAN”

The Mississippi River has crested at 48′ at this time, and the main part of the city is safe, thanks to levees and walls that are holding firm.  Many residents in outlying areas, however, have been evacuated from their homes, which are now underwater.

If you have ever seen the remnants of buildings that have been flooded, you know that it is a huge mess!  Some that I have seen looked the same as if they had been ravaged by a tornado.  There are so very many dangers lurking for those rescue, recovery and volunteer personnel that we cannot emphasize enough the importance of precautions that should be taken to stay safe. 

After flooding, the strength of the waters may have moved and/or buried hazardous waste and chemical containers far from their normal storage places.  This is a risk for anyone who comes into contact with them, and should be handled only by the police or fire department.  Flooded areas may also contain electrical or fire hazards connected with downed power lines.  Extreme caution should be exercised with these particular hazards, which hold the potential for fires and explosions. 

Floods can cause sickness in those workers who come in contact with contaminated floodwater.  This can be caused by the disruption of water purification and sewage systems, overflowing of toxic waste sites, and dislodgement of chemicals previously stored above ground.  This being said, workers should be aware that floodwater can contain infectious organisms, which include intestinal bacteria such as Salmonella, Shigella, E.coli, Heptitis A virus, and agents of typhoid, paratyphoid, and tetanus.  It is important that workers’ tetanus shots are current.  Tetanus can be acquired from contaminated soil or water entering broken areas of the skin.  This is an infectious disease that affects the nervous system and causes severe muscle spasms, known as lockjaw. 

Pools of standing or stagnant water also become breeding grounds for mosquitoes, which can cause West Nile virus or other mosquito-borne diseases.  By wearing long-sleeve shirts, long pants, and using insect repellants, the threat of mosquito and other insect bites can be decreased.  Workers should also be alert for animals that have been displaced by the flood –  frightened, and prone to biting someone.  Seek immediate medical care for all animal bites.  (And be sure to watch for cottonmouth snakes, they have been seen often in the flooding Mississippi.)

Cleanup workers may need to wear special chemical resistant clothing and protective goggles.  They should also have on plastic or rubber gloves, boots, and other protective clothing needed to avoid contact with floodwater.  In addition to toxic and chemical wastes, agricultural wastes may be in floodwater.  Children should never be allowed to play in floodwater.  All toys recovered must be disinfected. 

All water should be considered unsafe until local authorities announce that the public water supply is not dangerous.  Keep an adequate supply of safe water available for washing and potable water for drinking.  Do not use contaminated water to wash and prepare food, brush your teeth, wash dishes, or make ice.  If you are unsure about the safety of a food or beverage, throw it out.  

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers provides emergency personnel to assist with restoring power and other tasks in disaster areas.  Their engineering expertise is used for inspecting and assessing damage and clean up in disaster areas.  They recommend that workers wear appropriate life-saving equipment, such as vests, when working around deep water or where the currents are swift.  

This is a very unpleasant job for all persons concerned, especially those who citizens who have watched their homes and property disappear right before their eyes.  We hope that those who have been warned to leave will do so, and seek shelter until it is safe to return, and know that help is on its way.