Category Archives: First Aid Safety

First Aid Safety, Health Issues

Workplace Hazards for Hospitality & Hotel Workers

Written by Zachary O’Dell

Most duties of housekeepers in the hospitality industry are intense and grueling.   Hotels today are competitive and offer more amenities to their guest and as a result, in an increase of workload and unseen hazards that can lead to an increase of serious workplace injury. Data from The Bureau of Labor Statistics from 2017 shows that hotel and motel workers had a nonfatal injury and illness incidence rate of 4.3 while total recordable cases of all industries including private, state, and local government are 3.1.   Safety agencies are reporting a significant increase in occupational injuries and diseases among hospitality employees, safety advocated are proposing proper training and safety procedures that can teach housekeeping staff how to prevent muscle drain to the body, and provide proper preventative measures and procedures to prevent violence in the workplace.

COMMON HAZARDS AND INJURIES FOR HOSPITALITY WORKERS  

Hotel housekeeping staff is a very physically demanding job that includes many, varied tasks including, vacuuming, dusting, changing linens, and making beds.  Housekeeping staff is subject to turning over mattresses that can sometimes weigh more than 100 pounds.  While daily cleaning and scrubbing of bathrooms can expose health risks with chemicals used in cleaning products.  As a result, housekeeping hotel employment could lead to any of the following injuries and hazards:

  • Slips and falls: Scrubbing floors of bathtubs, showers in bathroom floors create ideal conditions for slip-and-fall accidents.
  • Respiratory: Exposure to chemical cleaning agents that can cause respiratory long-term problems
  • Infectious diseases: Waste disposal can expose hotel housekeeping staff to pathogens, needs, broken glass, and other body waste.
  • Stress: excessive workload and exposure to other hazards can cause occupational stress
  • Muscle Injuries: Repetitive movements of vacuuming, scrubbing, dusting, etc. of hotel rooms requires housekeeping staff to move their body in ways that can strain and even tear muscles and tendons
  • Harassment and violence: An increasing amount of workplace harassments and violence has been reported in hotels across Canada and the United States.  Violence and harassment can be defined as any act in which a person is abused, threatened, intimidated or assaulted in his or her employment.

SUGGESTED PRECAUTIONS FOR HOSPITALITY WORKERS  

  • Safety authorities suggest hotel cleaners take the following precautions for their workers:
  • Muscle Injuries –to prevent unnecessary muscle tension, workers are encouraged to ask for help from co-workers if they need to lift heavy mattress to avoid and injuries while changing linens and making beds or moving heavy furniture.  Staff is encouraged to switch arms to avoid overexertion of muscles and tendons of one arm
  • Take Regular Breaks – Hotel shifts can be long and exhausting; employees are encouraged to stretch and take regular breaks.
  • Preventative technology:Hotel housekeeping workers are considered lone workers, and employers are responsible for the health and safety of workers, including procedures or a system in place to ensure workers are safe when working alone while cleaning rooms.

SAFETY CHECK-INS AND THE PANIC BUTTON MANDATE 

In some states the United States, safety bills have been proposed to help protect hotel housekeeping and room service workers against assaults and harassment.   The state of New Jersey was the first in the country that requires hotel employees to provide a panic button device to all hotel employees who are assigned to work in a guest room without co-workers present according to Senate, No. 2986.  When the panic button device is activated, a staff member, manager, or security officer must response immediately to the workers’ location.  This law is scheduled to go into effect in January 2020, and the law applies to all hotels in the state of New Jersey with more that has more than 100 guest rooms.

Recently in Victoria, BC, a hotel worker was assaulted, tied up, and robbed in the early hours of the morning.  This disturbing event is an example of the risks of working alone during the late and early hours of the morning.  In British Columbia, Canada employers are required to develop a working alone policy and procedure, including a working alone monitoring device to check the well-being of workers at predetermined intervals. An extra feature such a panic button device can trigger an alarm and expedite help when it is needed.

SafetyLine

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues

5 Smart Tips for Employees to Stay Safe in the Workplace

Tips for staying smart and safe in the workplace

According to a report by OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration), in the year 2014, more than 4,000 U.S. workers were killed while on the job. Now, this is not a stat to be taken reluctantly. Death in the workplace is perhaps the most unfortunate and alarming thing to happen.

From construction workers to desk job employees, none of them is safe in their individual workplace if the right kind of precautionary measures and safety tips are not taken into consideration. Not only occupational hazard can take place due to safety issues, but employees can be exposed to other risks for not being smart enough to know their rights and provisions at the workplace.

Thus, in order to fight off the evil and become a smart and safe employee in the workplace, here are a few of the most effective suggestions that can help you stay safe, smart and secured in the office.

  • Get accustomed to the emergency plans and modules of your workplace

This is perhaps the first and foremost point of concern an employee should consider taking note of. Every workplace has an emergency plan and provision for its employees. For example, you are caught amidst a fire at your workplace and you do not have a fair idea regarding the emergency exits, then that might prove to be a traumatic situation for you.

So, the idea is to inquire and figure out all emergency exits in your office beforehand, so that in times of trouble and mishaps, you don’t panic or get injured while trying to escape the situation in the wrong way.

Takeaway: Try not to miss out on attending the fire drills in your workplace. You get to learn a lot of safety measures to be taken in times of emergencies.

  • Get some rest for your eyes – take short breaks in between

If you have a desk job, try not to develop eyestrains by staring at the computer constantly. It goes without mentioning that it’s your job and you cannot afford to take the task lightly.

Have you ever thought if an overly stressed schedule takes a toll on your health? You might end up developing eyestrains, allergic reactions, eye infection and the likes. How would you manage to come to work for the rest of the week?

Thus, it is always a smarter choice to take short breaks in between, keep your eyes off the computer, and get some refreshments for yourself and then sit back to work with a fresh mind.

Takeaway: According to NIOSH (National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health), computer users should have an eye test before they start working on the device. You should also maintain a routine check-up schedule once a year thereafter.

  • Stay well informed of the area where first aid kits are kept

This is yet another crucial suggestion to be kept in mind, as far as being safe in the workplace is concerned. It goes without mentioning that physical hazards, health issues, chronic injuries and the likes can occur at any time. Now, being a responsible and smart employee, it is your utmost concern to stay alert and aware of the area where first aid box and other safety kits are usually kept. According to a study, around 1.3 million workers suffered from health issues related to their job in 2016/2017.

Now that it is pretty visible and evident that the count of workplace illness has reached an alarming stage, keeping track of your health and being accustomed with the first aid kits at your workplace is perhaps one initiative that could help you to save yourself and others from the wrath of a sudden heart attack, chronic injuries, breathing problems, allergic reactions and the likes. Until the time a physician attends the victim, effective and timely first aid supplies could keep the situation under control.

Takeaway: Make sure your office first aid kit contains cold packs, calamine lotion, alcohol wipes, paracetamol tablets, hand sanitizer, allergy medicine, gauze rolls, saline wound wash and pain relievers.

  • Be smart enough to discard the habit of multitasking

Posted in workplacepsychology.net, a Harvard Business Review has suggested that multitasking results in a 40% drop in productivity, a 10% drop in IQ and also increases stress at the end of the day.
Employees, who have developed stress, become less productive in the workplace. Often, he/she suffers from a poor IQ, because of which carrying out all responsibilities and taking care of daily job targets might turn out to be an intricate affair for them.

Instead of making situations complicated by attempting and failing to do multiple tasks, all at once, it would probably be a smarter and much safer choice for an employee to finish one work at a time.

Takeaway: Take a close look at your job sheet, figure out one task which is of utmost importance and needs to be delivered at the earliest. Complete that particular assignment at first; take a deep breath and move on to the next one with a fresh mind.

  • Check and confirm if the chairs and standing desks in your workplace are in good condition

According to a report, CDC (Center for Disease Control) has cited “falling” as the biggest and probably the most common cause of injuries to occur in a workplace. It could occur due to slippery, wet floors, sitting in an unstable chair, using chairs instead of ladders and the likes.

Thus, the idea is to check and confirm if your office chairs and standing desks are stable and in good condition. If you find anything wrong, consider escalating the issue to the Facilities department at the earliest and rope in a set of sturdy furniture which can ensure a safer work environment.

Takeaway: Check the springs, examine the legs of the chairs and see if the furniture offers sufficient lumbar support, along with the availability of synchro-tilt mechanisms.

It is a known fact that we tend to spend most of the productive hours of the day in the office or amidst office chores. This, as a result, certainly calls for a better safety measure, hazard identification and risk management strategies for a smarter and secured work culture.

Author Bio – Alice is a risk management expert associated with a private agency in Australia. Apart from that, Alice is an online assignment help provider, working on behalf of the firm MyAssignmenthelp.com. Alice is also a passionate pianist.

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues

First Aid in the Workplace: Team Bonding and Good Sense

First Aid in the Workplace: Team Bonding and Good Sense

Accidents will happen, and it’s a fact that most accidents happen at home or in the workplace. Even minor mishaps can result in injury – tripping on a loose carpet, for example, can lead to a fall and bruising or perhaps a fracture – and it’s not just accidents that require first aid. Some people suffer from conditions that mean they can fall ill, in a variety of ways, without warning, so it pays to be aware of this. At work, it also helps if you know where your first aid equipment is – we’ll come to this in more detail later – so it can be accessed more quickly and easily.

What can you do, as an employer or an employee, to make sure that there are sufficient personnel with first aid experience and knowledge to provide the assistance needed in the case of accidents at work? That’s what we’re going to look at in this short article, where we will also explain how it can be used to encourage team bonding too.

Basic First Aid

So, where do we start when it comes to first aid in the workplace? To begin with, let’s talk about the equipment you should always have close to hand, in the office, factory, shop or wherever it is that you work.

A basic first aid kit should contain the following: plasters, of various sizes; gauze dressings, also in different sizes; eye dressing patches; a variety of bandages; disposable gloves; scissors and tweezers; antiseptic cream and painkillers, plus a thermometer, tape for the bandages, and an eye bath. This is by no means a comprehensive list, as it is simply the basics. You may have certain requirements that apply specifically to your place of work, in which case your first aid kit will differ from some.

Now, that first aid kit should be neatly packaged in a secure box, and be readily available. There should be signage pointing out where to find the kit, and there needs to be responsible persons who are trained in its use, and who are tasked with the act of first aid where necessary. This brings us neatly to the subject of first aid training.

Who Should be Trained?

Every employer has a legal requirement to ensure that the workplace is a safe place in which to work. The regulations covering health and safety at work can be quite daunting, so it is advisable that you put your chosen employees through courses on this, and also send them on any first aid courses that may be relevant to your workplace environment.

The personnel you choose for this training should be trustworthy, reliable and sensible, and it helps if they have some prior knowledge of health and safety at work, and in first aid, although it is not essential. There are many first aid courses that you can send your team on, and some the take place at your premises. They vary in content, but to begin with, a course in basic first aid is perhaps recommended for anyone who has not been through one before. Many employers make this a condition of employment, and with good reason.

A basic first aid course will teach the attendants the simple facts they need to know, and will generally last half a day or a little longer. The attendants will learn about how to act when dealing with an emergency, dealing with heavy bleeding, what to do if someone is unresponsive or not breathing, and handling seizures. They will also be taught what they need to know in the case of someone breaking a bone, how to deal with head injuries, and more. This may sound daunting but it is all useful not just at work, but in everyday life, too.

It’s also worth remembering that first aid courses can be taken in a groups, and this has the benefit of encouraging team bonding. A workforce that learns essential skills together will get to know each other – very helpful if you have new employees who are still fresh to the environment – and most organizations offering first aid training make sure there is a fun element involved in what is a very serious subject, so your team will enjoy the course as well as learning from it.

Learning ABC

Among the primary teachings of a first aid course will be the focus on ABC; this easy to remember mnemonic is designed to remind those in attendance – primarily amateurs such as your working team – about the most important aspects of treating patients in a range of situations.

ABC stands for Airways, Breathing and Circulation. Put simply, these are the three main points to focus on if you find someone is suffering a trauma, has suffered an injury, or you come across someone who is unresponsive. The course will go into more detail, but in brief it is essential that the patient’s airways are kept clear, that they are able to breathe efficiently, and that they have adequate circulation. Attendees of first aid courses will be taught what to do in different circumstances in order to remedy a situation in which any of the above are compromised, to the best of their ability.

No first aid course can teach your team everything they need to know, but what it will do is give them a basic grounding – and more depending on the type of course you choose – in how to handle first aid in the workplace. It is also essential that you book regular refresher courses as skills that are learned but never used can be forgotten. Furthermore, you may have a new intake of employees who need to learn the basics, or one or more of your main first-aiders may move on to a new position.

Check out the various first aid courses available from a range of service providers now and get your team together for an enjoyable and informative, not to mention potentially life-saving, experience that will also help them get together as a team.

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues

Essential Fire Pit Safety Tips

Essential Fire Pit Safety Tips

 

A fire pit is a beautiful addition to any yard, but it can quickly become a hazard without the proper precautions. You might be familiar with the level of devastation that fire can create, and this includes your fun backyard fire pit.

We don’t want to scare you away from having this feature in your yard, but it is important that you know how to keep you, your family, and your property safe when you’re using a fire pit.

These fire pit safety tips make it simple:

 

Location, Location, Location

 

The placement of your firepit is essential to operating it safely. It doesn’t matter if you are using a portable one or have a permanently installed fire pit – these tips apply in all cases.

  • Fire pit should be AT LEAST 10 feet from any structures and neighboring property. It’s better to go the full 25 feet, but we understand that’s not always possible. More is definitely better in this case.
  • Never place it under low hanging branches, a covered porch, on the grass, or on a wooden deck.
  • Use a surface that’s not flammable such as concrete or cement blocks.
  • Put your pit on a level surface to reduce the risk of fire leaving the pit.
  • Add dirt and/or rocks around your pit that will help contain the fire if it should escape.

Once you have your firepit installed in a safe location in a safe way, you can move onto preparing it for the fire.

A great way to enjoy a firepit and reduce danger is to have landscaping that’s fire resistant. This lets you have a gorgeous yard without the risk of everything going up in flames.

Preparing for the Fire

 

Taking the time to prepare your firepit before a fire every time will help you reduce the chances of accidents. Here are the steps you need to follow:

  1. Clear anything from around the firepit and make sure the pit is level.
  2. Pay attention to the direction of the wind and make sure anything downwind from the pit isn’t flammable. Don’t light it if there’s too much wind.
  3. Avoid using lighter fluid, gasoline, or other flammable liquids to light the fire. The same applies to relighting it. A fire starter stick and kindling on top is the best method.
  4. Be sure that children and pets aren’t left unattended and that guests are a proper distance away. If alcohol is involved, increase the distance. Anyone near the fire should wear clothing that fits well and isn’t flammable.
  5. Never leave the fire pit unattended when there’s a fire burning.

How to Extinguish Your Fire Pit Safely

 

Before you light the fire, make sure you have a bucket of water close by and easy access to your garden hose. Additionally, have a shovel close so you can extinguish any flames that escape.

When you’re finished with your fire pit for the day and want to extinguish the fire, it’s important to do it safely and completely. Pour water on it and stir up the contents with your shovel to make sure all the embers are extinguished.

Remember that ashes can create a fire days after you put the initial fire out. Keep a container to hold the ashes and wait a few days to make sure they are cool enough before you discard them. When you throw them away, don’t put them in anything combustible.

A fire pit can be a very enjoyable part of your yard when used correctly. We hope you’ll be able to enjoy backyard smores, ghost stories, and more with yours all while staying safe.

 

This post was brought to you by TSC Restoration in San Diego, offering water, fire, and mold damage restoration throughout the county.

First Aid Safety, Health Issues, Protective Clothing, Weather Protection

Hot Weather Safety Tips for Aerial Lift Workers

Hot Weather Safety Tips for Aerial Lift Workers

With the warmer weather of spring and summer quickly approaching, it’s time to start thinking about working outdoors in the heat. Heat stress and heat stroke are some of the most common types of illness-related accidents for construction, forestry and utility workers during the summer. Like most workplace accidents, heat stroke and heat stress can be prevented with the proper training and equipment. Here are some tips to make working during the heat of summer, just a little cooler.

Utility crew in a boom bucket working on highlines.

 

Modify Your Work Schedule

For supervisors, this may seem challenging, but on those extremely hot days, it’s safer for you and all of your workers, especially those spending time in aerial lifts, to consider a lighter work schedule. What does this mean?

  • Plan heavy work during the coolest part of the day.
  • Limit the time workers spend exposed to direct sunlight, especially utility workers that are maintaining lines from aerial lifts.
  • If possible, work at night when it’s cooler and when the exposure to the sun is limited.
  • For forestry workers, do tree trimming work in the morning, to protect both you and the trees you’re working on from the heat.

 Take Frequent Breaks

This is really important for protecting workers from heat illness. During the heat of summer, make sure that employees are taking plenty of time to rest and find shade or a place to cool down. For aerial lift workers who don’t have access to shade, it’s important that you frequently come down from your lift and take shelter under a canopy or in the air conditioned cab of your vehicle. Keeping your body cool and near a normal temperature is the first step to avoiding heat illness.

Stay Hydrated

Drinking water and keeping the internal temperature of your body regulated is very important to working safely during the summer. If your aerial lift basket has space, bring your water with you. Otherwise, come down from your lift frequently for water breaks. Don’t guzzle your water, take small drinks frequently, or about 1 cup of water every 20 minutes. You may want to supplement your water with diluted energy drinks like PowerAde or Gatorade to replenish electrolytes. Whatever you do, definitely avoid alcohol, soda and caffeinated beverages, since these can dehydrate you very quickly.

Wear the Right PPE

Construction and utility workers need to have the correct clothing and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for summer work. This includes:

  • Long-sleeve shirts
  • Long pants
  • Brimmed hats
  • Sunglasses
  • Light-colored clothing
  • Sunscreen

Work in Teams

It’s very important that when you’re outdoors working in the summer that you don’t work alone. For aerial lift workers, this is a great way to limit the time exposed to heat. You and your partner can take turns working in the lift and cooling down. It can also be difficult to tell on your own if you are suffering from heat illness, and it’s often easier for a coworker to tell if you are starting to be impacted by the heat.

Get Trained

Construction, forestry and utility workers, especially those that spend time in aerial lifts should be well trained in how to work safely in the summer. This training should include the tips provided here, as well as training in recognizing the signs of heat illness (dizziness, nausea, accelerated heartbeat, confusion) and basic first aid for treating heat illness.

For those working in industries mentioned above, working outside in the summer is a necessary part of the job. However, with the right training, work schedule and plenty of smarts, working outside can be cool and comfortable for everyone.

About the Author

CertifyMeOnline.net is the number one online resource for OSHA-compliant training for employees that operate aerial lifts and scissor lifts. The safety and equipment experts behind CertifyMeOnline.net know how important good, OSHA-compliant training is for business owners, and how challenging it is to schedule onsite training. CertifyMeOnline.net is the easy way to certify and train all of your employees without any downtime.

Sources:

https://www.unitedrentals.com/project-uptime/productivity/warmer-weather

https://www.osha.gov/OshDoc/data_Hurricane_Facts/working_outdoors.pdf

https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/heatstress/prevention.html

 

Fall Safety, First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

Here Is What It Takes for You to Become A Demolition Expert

Here Is What It Takes for You to Become A Demolition Expert

 Did you ever wonder what does a demolition expert do?

Are you interested in pursuing this career, but have no idea what are the formalities involved with this job?

Firstly, you need to know who a demolition expert is, and only then can you know what they do.

Demolition experts or explosive workers are managers of any construction work and are experts in every sort of demolition work.

Now, what do they specialize in?                                            

They just don’t break things, if that is what you are thinking, a lot is involved here. Some of the important activities, an explosive worker undertakes are:

  • Decision Making and Problem Solving

They analyze and assess a problem and evaluates the results, based on which the most suitable solution is chosen to solve the problem.

  • Acquiring Information

They are required to make observations about their project and organize information based on that.

  • Documentation of Information

They are responsible for storing and recording the acquired information in the magnetic or electronic form.

  • Handling and Transporting Objects

A demolition expert is required to physically install, reposition, and move objects and also manipulate them.

  • Operation of Vehicles and Equipment

They are required to drive and navigate vehicles or mechanized automobiles like forklifts, aircraft, and cranes.

These are just to name a few. Seems like a lot of responsibilities, doesn’t it?

Now the next question is what the educational qualifications you would require for this job?

A traditional college degree is not necessary to become a demolition expert. You can, of course, have additional merit if you graduate with a bachelor’s degree in engineering or construction.

This might not seem much, but a person requires a lot of skills to become a demolition expert. Do you think you have what it takes?

Find it out yourself!

 

The necessary skills required to pursue this career are as follows:

  • Keen Observation and Monitoring Skills

You need to monitor and assess your performance and other performances, in order to make necessary improvements or corrections.

  • Ability to Critical Think and Analyze

You need to have sharp thinking skills and make use of your logic to analyze the weaknesses and strengths of various solutions, inferences and approaches to any problem in order to choose the best possible option for them.

  • Good Judgment and Decision-Making Skills

You need to be able to analyze the relative costs and benefits of any project and choose the most suitable one.

  • Complex Problem-Solving Skills

You should be able to identify complex problems and verify any related information in order to evaluate options and implement them.

  • Good Knowledge in Mathematics

You should have keen know-how regarding arithmetic, geometry, calculus and statistics and their applications.

  • Good Mechanical Knowledge

You should know how to operate machines and equipment and also must have knowledge about their designs and the ways to repair them.

You have seen what skills are required to work as a demolition expert, but do you think this job is suitable for you?

Take A Look at The Pros and Cons of Working In This Field:

 Pros

  • It is suitable for those who like practical hands-on work.
  • It is suitable for those who like to work outdoors.
  • It requires a person to work in teams and hence is suitable for those who like to work in supportive groups.

Cons

It is not suitable for those who are not willing to work for long hours as this job takes up to 40 hours per week.

Hopefully, this guide can help you as it almost covers everything that you need to know about pursuing a career as a demolition expert.

 

Ergonomics, First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, High Visibility Safety

Small Tips to Increase Safety at Work Nobody Thinks Of

Small Tips to Increase Safety at Work Nobody Thinks Of

Small business owners often put safety at the back of their minds and concentrate more on the actual work and finances. Some even believe that safety risks at their workplace are equal to nothing and that safety is the point where they could save money. However, it’s not true; any workplace has some safety risks, and even if they are minimal, you still have to eliminate even the smallest chance of injury. After all, your employees are your primary attribute, and without them, the company doesn’t exist.

To help you run your job easier and safer, we wrote a list of suggestions that should help you in your daily work.

Safety Tips for Your Company

 Clean Working Area

Keeping your working area clean is the number one thing you should do to ensure safe working conditions. As trivial as it sounds, keeping the mess away can have a massive influence on safety. A mess can cause injuries such as falls or slips. It would be best if you would keep the working area dry and free of objects that might cause the fall. Your workers will also keep the area clean if you warn them that it’s for their own safety!

Don’t Hire Anyone

If the business is going great, there is a chance you will probably need more workers. This might put you in the position to quickly hire someone. However, this decision might have significant consequences on the overall safety of your workplace. Hiring someone without necessary skills could increase a safety risk, not just for you and your workers, but for others as well. Instead, pick someone with enough experience and don’t have a hiring spree. By hiring a competent person, you will also increase the safety.

Invest in Education

It is very important to give proper instructions to your new workers. Even if they are skilled and have plenty of experience in that field of business, you should ensure that everything is clear, and warn them about the safety tips. Instead of just counting on their experience, it might be a good idea to teach them using proper techniques. Also, consider investing in educating your employees. Continual training won’t just improve their work, but it will also profoundly affect the overall safety of your workplace.

Provide High-Quality Tools and Equipment

It is not realistic to expect your employees to perform their best and practice safety without proper tools or equipment. Providing staff with the right equipment will make their job much easier, and at the same time allow them to work faster. For instance, shoes are essential safety equipment for roofers, since they assure them a bigger range of motion and more stability. Therefore, safety equipment can profoundly affect the efficiency of your employees.

Place Safety Signs

Even if you already explained all the safety tips and caution rules, your staff might simply forget something. This is where the sign system comes in and does wonders. Posting signs which remind of safety precautions can significantly help in making your workplace safer. Signs don’t have to ruin the aesthetics or transparency of your office or job site. These can be just some small signs, and they’ll still have a significant effect.

Ensure Correctly Maintained Tools and Equipment

Last but not least is maintaining your machines, tools, and equipment. This is one of many crucial steps to success. Ensure your working machines are well maintained and properly repaired. Poor devices decrease the productivity of your team, and handling an improper machine could also have fatal consequences for your workers.

 

Ergonomics, Eye Protection, First Aid Safety, Hand Protection, Protective Clothing, Respiratory Issues, Respiratory Safety

Safety in the Lab – Essential Equipment You Need

Safety in the Lab – Essential Equipment You Need

Any laboratory that practises good safety will take care to ensure it has the right equipment on hand at all times.

No matter the industry – pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, industrial engineering or food production – the same safety precautions must be taken to create a safe, productive and enjoyable working environment for all.

Below are some of the main safety clothing and equipment that should be found in most laboratories. Though the needs and requirements of labs will vary, many of these will lend themselves to a variety of processes and uses.

The equipment can be roughly categorised into three groups:

–          General PPE (used daily)

–          General purpose equipment

–          Specialised equipment, if required.

General PPE

  1. Safety shoes/boots        Safety shoes or boots are used for a number of reasons in the lab.

First, they improve grip performance on the lab floor, helping to avoid slips and trips.

Second, they protect the feet against falling heavy or sharp objects, which would otherwise puncture normal shoes.

Safety boots incorporate protective toe caps as well as other protective features such as slip-resistant soles and insulation against extremes. Safety shoes, meanwhile, incorporate protective toe caps like boots but are available metal-free as “composite footwear”. This makes them much more lightweight.

There are many different types of safety shoes on the market, which can make choosing the right ones overwhelming. However, all in all, safety shoes must:

–          Meet the legal requirements

–          Be the correct type for the task or worker

–          Be sued or worn correctly by all staff required.

Safety shoes ideally need to be slip-resistant, avoid static build-up and suit the main contaminants and surfaces in your workplace.

  1.    Safety Glasses/Goggles

Safety glasses and goggles protect against foreign objects that may splash into the eye, as well as cuts and scrapes to the cornea.

Some of the most common workplace injuries happen to the eyes, 90% of which could be easily avoided by the correct safety eyewear being worn.

The most common types of eye injury include splashes from grease and oil; burns from steam; ultraviolet or infrared radiation exposure, and flying wood or metal chips.

Also, some lab staff may be at risk of acquiring infectious diseases from eye exposure.

Types of safety eyewear include:

–          Safety glasses with side shields (worn in areas with flying particles and dust)

–          Goggles (work when working with chemicals)

–          Special-purpose safety glasses, goggles, face shields or helmets (for working near hazardous radiation).

Eyewear should be selected based on the hazards of each activity. Prescription safety glasses are also available for those that usually wear spectacles, with safety glasses having much stronger lenses and frames than regular glasses.

The most common materials for safety glasses are plastic, polycarbonate and Trivex, with polycarbonate offering the most protection.

  1.    Safety Gloves

As with other PPE, safety gloves need to be suited to the hazards workers will be working with. They will usually be made of nitrile or latex, depending on allergies, but different gloves are more suited to different types of chemicals.

Glove selection can be determined by:

–          Chemical type

–          Temperature extremes and cryogenic properties

–          Physical hazards (piercing objects)

–          pH

–          Toxicity

–          Infectious potential of biological hazards.

It’s also necessary to consider whether contact with the chemical will be incidental or extended.

If the contact will be incidental (short-lived), disposable gloves are usually fine. Nitrile gloves are generally preferred over latex due to their chemical resistance and easy visibility when ripped.

If contact will be extended, norfoil gloves are recommended for highly toxic or easily absorbed through skin. These are usually reusable, but must be washed, left to air-dry and checked for punctures and tips after each use.

  1.    Lab Coat

A lab coat should fit properly and chosen according to the type of hazard and chemicals. There are various styles available, including women’s fit and varying sleeve lengths, so it’s always possible to find the fit you need.

Lab coats should be worn in the work area at all times buttoned or snapped, with the sleeves rolled down. They should be removed whenever one exits the work area, for example, when leaving work or going to the restroom.

If contaminated by spills or splashes, the lab coat should be removed immediately and disposed of as hazardous waste. They come in a range of materials – from flame-resistant Nomex and cotton, to traditional materials like polycotton blends and polyester (a good barrier).

General Purpose Equipment

 5. Fume Extraction

Fume extraction can be acquired in the form of either a cabinet or localised fume hood.

When choosing between the two, a hazard analysis will need to be done first of all to see what contaminants need to be removed, as well as air monitoring, which will determine what chemicals workers are exposed to.

The pertinent data obtained will determine what type of fume extraction system you need.

Ducted hood extraction systems are ventilated enclosures, where the ducting connects to the outside so contaminants are pulled out of the building. They are safe and easy to maintain and usually made up of a base, work surface, hood, blower and ducting.

Biosafety cabinets are another form of fume extraction that use HEPA filtration. They are categorised by three classes:

  • Class I – air is drawn away from the lab worker and across the work surface
  • Class II – air is drawn safely around operator, whilst sterile air flows downwards onto the work surface and exhaust air is HEPA filtered before either being recirculated into the lab or released into the atmosphere through ductwork or a canopy.
  • Class III – a gas-tight enclosure, with both intake of air and exhaust air passing through HEPA filtration.

Biosafety cabinets provide a safe environment for the research and examination of infectious microorganisms or other hazardous particulates.

Specialised Equipment

Full Face Respirators

These are highly recommended for all clandestine lab decontamination jobs, as eyes and nostrils can be an entry point for hazardous chemicals.

It is important to choose the right type of respirator. In secondary areas (where contamination has spread but no actual cooking took place), it may be acceptable to wear a half-face respirator with protective glasses.

Consider also the type of filter to be used with the respirator. Some only work in certain situations; for example, clan lab remediation jobs require the use of an ammonia filter.

  1. Tyvek Suits

When it comes to protective suits, Tyvek make an excellent choice. As the trusted leader for a variety of products, Tyvek suits offers high protection along with comfort, being made from versatile materials which are tough yet lightweight.

Tyvek’s creator DuPoint are widely known for their extensive testing against things like inward leakage, penetration and permeation. The suits are an excellent barrier against liquids and aerosols, are anti statically treated, and are “low linting” thanks to the non-woven fabric.

Because Tyvek suits aren’t made from films or laminates that can wear off over time, they are extremely long-lasting and abrasion-resistant.

Tyvek suits can provide protection against chemicals, oils, liquids, dust particles and fibres and airborne elements. They can be used for a variety of scenarios, including chemical safety, pharmaceuticals, biological hazard protection and chemical protection.

Different suits are tailored to different hazards, so as with anything else, always determine the type of hazard and select the correct suit accordingly.

  1. Dust Mask

Processes such as grinding, sieving sediment or plant materials or polishing can generate fine dust particles in the air.

Dust masks protect against these particles, which can be potentially harmful, and cause allergic reactions and asthma, if these processes cannot be carried out in a fume cupboard.

Dust masks can also be worn when handling or transferring powders in bulk.

  1. Chemical Absorbant granules

Chemical spill cleanup is something that must always be planned for in any lab, with the right tools on hand to control and manage spills when they occur.

Different industries require different types of spill cleanup processes, but chemical absorbent granules serve many different purposes and carry many advantages over other spill cleanup substances, with a simplistic and flexible application to small spills.

There are a few different types od chemical absorbent granules on the market. These are:

  • Multi-zorb – an industrial spillage absorbant quality granule clay. Multi-zorb absorbs spillages without granular breakdown, and is clean, dry and safe.
  • New Safety thread – this is non-marking, non-dusting, and suitable for strong chemicals.
  • Light Plus – paper pellet granules.
  • E-Sorb – fire retardant wood fibre granules.
  • ELCEF fibre – biodegradable oil selective fibre.
  1. Saline Eye wash

The first 10-15 seconds after a hazardous chemical coming into contact with the eye can often be the most critical. If immediate flushing is carried out, this greatly minimises the likelihood of any serious damage being done.

Emergency eyewash stations provide on-the-spot decontamination, helping workers flush away hazardous substances that can cause injury to the eye. They are an essential addition to the lab as they provide a necessary backup in the case of exposure to chemicals.

Saline is a very popular “flushing fluid” that is medically approved, and often used as a solution for eye washes.

The worker should use the eye wash station to flush the eyes for a minimum of 15 minutes, or 20 minutes if substance is not known.

The total flushing time may vary for different types of chemicals. For example, non-irritable substances may be flushed for only five minutes, whilst corrosives will need 30 and strong alkalis will need to be flushed for 60 minutes.

Whilst flushing, the user must keep eyes open and rotate numerous times in all directions to thoroughly remove the contamination.

About ReAgent

ReAgent has been producing chemicals for the food and construction industries for the last 40 years. As well as the supply of raw chemicals and materials, they also specialise in the production of chemical solutions, mixing, blending, filling and packing.

ReAgent is particularly proud of its high quality policies and transparent working relationship with its customers.

They are currently ISO accredited in both the 9001 Quality Standard and 14001 Environmental Standard, and are proactively working towards accreditation in ISO 45001 Occupational Health & Safety Standard.

Back Safety, Ergonomics, Eye Protection, First Aid Safety, Hand Protection, Head Protection, Hearing Protection, Respiratory Issues

How to be Safe in The Trade Industry – A Professional Guide

Working in trade is tough and each job comes with its own challenges and tasks that make it unique. From plumbers to builders you have to be skilled, qualified but most importantly, safe. Safety in the workplace has become a huge part of a day to day trade now and each profession is different. Lucky for you, we have teamed up with TradesmenTricks.com to provide a guide on safety for some of the top trades in the industry.

 Plumber

There are many aspects of being a plumber which can cause danger which will need equipment to prevent hazardous materials damaging items of clothing or even skin.

Full overalls or protective clothing is required, with minimal points that can be caught by obstructions as this can cause an issue if caught on nails for example. When working with possible electrical currents, non-conductive clothing should be worn for the safety of the plumber. The eyes should also be protected from sparks, drips, and dust, and leather or latex gloves are a necessity to guard against any injury to the hands or contact with hazardous or unpleasant materials.

Electrician

Electricians are tasked with a whole host of jobs and tasks including fitting, repairing and inspections just to name a few. Often working in confined spaces and will handle dangerous products which can cause electric shocks! So, remaining safe with PPE is vital.

Electricians should be equipped with rubber insulating gloves, with liner gloves used inside to diminish discomfort and leather protective gloves optionally worn over the top to protect against cuts, scratches, and punctures. Gloves should fit well and maintain flexibility to allow for dexterous handling of smaller items.

Plasterer

From walls and ceilings appliance to overseeing larger projects on construction site, plasterers are working with equipment which can cause damage to clothing and risk to the tradesmen’s health and well-being. With risks of developing problems such as rhinitis which can be solved by using a face mask to avoid breathing in harmful air containing dust.

Dust can also cause damage to the eyes so an eye mask or goggles and the perfect protective item to prevent danger, along with a hard hat being used at all times.

Plasterers can also be exposed to chemicals through skin contact, so full-body coverings are recommended, as are thick gloves to prevent injuring or irritating the hands.

Carpenter

Carpenters are in need of major protection as coming in contact with wood is dangerous. Producing sawdust, wood chipping and splinters are just a few minor risks. With working with power tools which can cause harm to the worker which will need protecting against also.

Anyone working extensively with wood needs to protect both their eyes and their ears. On-site carpentry involves lots of cutting and shaping, so safety glasses should be used to prevent sawdust invading the eyes, and proper hearing protectors must guard against the constant noise created by power tools.

Power tools are also a danger but can’t be avoided for the job, we recommend making sure that the surface you work on is clear and no obstructions are around which could lead to dangerous complications.

Post provided by  Oliver at  TradesmenTricks

Eye Protection, First Aid Safety, Hand Protection, Protective Clothing, Respiratory Issues

A Safety-First Approach to Refueling a Forklift

A Safety-First Approach to Refueling a Forklift

Acute inhalation of carbon monoxide (CO) gas is considered to be one of the most frequent causes of occupational fatality in the United States, according to an article published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), US National Library of Medicine (NLM). The fact that CO is a colorless and odorless gas makes it extremely hard to detect and therefore it is also dubbed as “the silent killer.”

According to the NCBI/NLM resource, fuel-powered forklifts are one of the common sources of CO poisoning. It is, therefore, extremely important for an employer to put in adequate safeguards around the use of forklifts, especially during the refueling process.

Even a small thing like using a high-quality safety valve can help prevent accidents during forklift refueling, which involves the use of dangerous gases. For instance, experts at Clark Cooper recommend a specific solenoid valve for hydrogen gas that can withstand its greater pressures, in comparison to other liquids or gases.

Follow OSHA Guidelines to the Letter

Did you know that workplace forklift training is governed by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), under the US Department of Labor? There is already a set of guidelines by OSHA that act as best practices that every industrial unit should follow. These include forklifts with:

ü      Internal Combustion Engines

While forklifts with internal combustion engines are easier to refuel, a great amount of caution needs to be exercised while doing so to avoid spills and leaks. Here are some best practices to consider:

  • As a standard operating procedure, all hydraulics must be checked beforehand, along with the levels of oil and water, even before commencing the refueling operation.
  • It is a good time to check for any leaks that might have occurred in the battery, cylinder or fuel system.
  • Adequate ventilation is important and therefore the refueling must not occur in an area that is poorly ventilated.
  • You must be alert to unusual noises or excessive vibrations.
  • The color of the exhaust can reveal a lot. For instance, black smoke might be a sign of incomplete combustion.

ü      Liquid Petroleum Gas

  • Avoid confined areas, since LPG is heavier than air and can collect in low lying areas, thereby increasing the chances of an explosion, when it is accidentally exposed to heat.
  • LPG trucks must not be parked near heat sources.
  • The service valve must always be turned off when the forklift is parked for a long period of time.
  • LPG containers must always be handled by trained and authorized personnel only.

ü      Diesel and Gasoline

  • Safe locations should be earmarked for the refueling operation, preferably outdoors.
  • Refueling should not be carried out near heat sources, since that could lead to an explosion.
  • The engine must be switched off during the refueling process.
  • Transmission must be put to Neutral and the parking brakes applied.
  • No one should smoke while the refueling is in progress.
  • Keep an eye on the fuel levels. Avoid letting the forklift run out of fuel completely or being too low on fuel, since sediments can be drawn into the fuel system.
  • Do not fill the tank right to the top. Leave some space because fuel tends to expand when heated.

In addition, you must also be aware of the safety instructions as prescribed in the operator’s manual and comply with those guidelines as well. Remember, it is a federal offense for anyone below the age of 18 to operate an industrial forklift or for anyone above 18 years to operate it without proper training and certification.