Category Archives: First Aid Safety

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues

HOW SAFE ARE “LONE WORKERS?”

How many of you know of someone who works alone?  How many jobs can you name that apply?  We may be unaware that there are several types of occupations that fall into this range, and each one has certain hazards or risks.  Some persons enjoy working alone, and for that reason, choose solitary jobs.  If you are working alone, be ready to work as safely as possible when fulfilling your duties.

Those who work alone are grouped into five broad categories:

  1. Workers who handle cash, such as convenience store clerks, retail food outlet workers, taxi drivers, liquor store employees, jewelry store clerks, and some law enforcement officers.
  2. Workers who are at risk of violent attack because their workplace is isolated from public view. This includes security guards and custodians.
  3. Workers who travel away from base office to meet clients:  sales workers, home care workers, social services workers and law enforcement officers.
  4. Workers who do hazardous work but have no routine interaction with customers or the public. This includes workers in the logging and oil and gas industries.
  5. Workers who travel alone but have no routine interaction with customers or the public. This includes truck drivers and business people in transit: deliverymen and mail carriers.

Each of these situations has different hazards and means of controlling them:

OSHA requires that employers must account for every employee having been checked on at regular intervals.  They should be notified at the end of the job assignment or end of work shift.  This should be done by sight or verbal communication.

Here are some ways to stay safe when working alone:

  • Employers must assess the hazards of the workplace.
  • Talk to workers about their work. Get their input about the work they do and possible solutions. Talk to your boss about how to minimize the hazards of the job.
  • Investigate incidents at the workplace, and those from similar workplaces.
  • Eligible employees could be given a personal locator beacon with GPS.
  • Avoid having a lone worker whenever possible, especially for jobs with a known risk.
  • Take corrective action to prevent or minimize the potential risks of working alone.
  • Provide appropriate training and education.
  • Report all situations, incidents or “near misses” where working alone increased the severity of the situation. Analyze this information and make changes to company policy where necessary. Ask for the “buddy system”, where you can take a coworker into high risk situations.  Ensure that this system is available to employees.
  • Establish a check-in procedure. Make sure regular contact is kept with all workers.
  • Establish ways to account for people (visually or verbally) while they are working.
  • For most lone workers, the telephone will be the main source of contact. If work is at a desk or station, have a telephone close by. If work is away from a main office or work station, keep your cell phone charged.  If a cellular phone is unreliable in the area, be sure to have alternative methods of communication available (such as use of public telephones, site visits or satellite technology.
  • Schedule high risk tasks during normal business hours, or when another worker is capable of helping if an emergency situation arises.
  • Position workers, where possible, in locations of highest visibility; don’t allow store windows to be covered up with signs, in order to keep employees visible to the public.
  •  Use a security system such as video surveillance cameras, mirrors, observation windows, etc., however, ensure that informed consent is obtained from employees prior to use. 

Other points for employers to consider:

Length of time the worker will be working alone:

What time of the day will the worker be alone?

  • Is it legal for the worker to be alone while doing certain activities? (For example:   In many jurisdictions, working alone in confined space or during lock-out/tag-out operations is restricted.).
  • What is a reasonable length of time for the worker to be alone?

Communication: Is voice communication adequate, or is it necessary to “see” the work?

  • What forms of communication are available?
  • If the communication systems are located in a vehicle, do you need alternate arrangements to cover the worker when away from the vehicle?

 Location of the work: Is the work in a remote or isolated location? (Remember, a remote location does not have to be far away. Storage rooms that are rarely used can be considered remote or isolated.) Transportation necessary to get there; if so, what type of transportation?

  • What are the consequences if the vehicle breaks down?
  • Is the vehicle equipped with emergency supplies such as – food, drinking water and a first aid kit?
  • Will the worker have to leave the vehicle for long periods of time?

Type or nature of work:

  • Is there adequate training and education provided for the worker to be able to work alone safely?
  • Does the work include working with money or other valuables?
  • If personal protective equipment is required, is it available, is it in good working order, and has the worker been trained in its use, care and storage?
  • What machinery, tools or equipment will be used?
  • Is there a high risk activity involved?
  • Are there extremes of temperature?
  • Is fatigue likely to be a factor?
  • If the worker is working inside a locked building, how will emergency services be able to get in? (For example: a night cleaner in a secure office building.)
  • Does the work involve seizing property or goods (such as repossession, recovering stolen property)?
  • Is there risk of an animal attack, or poisoning/allergic reaction from insect/animal bites?

Characteristics of the individual who is working alone:

  • Does the worker have experience and training? (For example: relevant administrative procedures, first aid, communication systems repair, vehicle breakdowns, and/or outdoor survival.)
  • Are there pre-existing medical conditions that might increase the risk? 

Most of us don’t think of being alone in an office a kind of danger.  However, if this is the type of work that you do, check to see how many exits there are in your room?  There should be at least two ways of escape if you feel threatened.  Also, have a communication system with your home base or an employee working somewhere else in the building.  We hear of “workplace violence”, and many times it happens in an office setting.

Sources:

OSHA; Safety.BLR (Free Toolbox Safety Talks; Alberta Department of Human Resources

 

 

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

MORE SAFETY SUGGESTIONS FOR SUMMER WORK

During the summer months, the right type of training and adequate protection can go a long way toward keeping workers safe outside, where workers are exposed to heat stress and UV radiation, pest-borne diseases, and poisonous plants .

Timing can be everything. While you can’t always choose your hours or work locations, you may be able to plan your workload to avoid overheating. Schedule your heaviest work for the coolest parts of the day. In the summer, sunlight exposure is greatest between 10 am and 4 pm.   Many workers start their day very early in the morning, and quit before the hottest time of the day starts, or return to work in the evening hours.  If you are working between 10 am and 4 pm, take several breaks during those hours, in a shady place.  

Stay hydrated.  When it’s hot, you must remember to drink enough fluids. Drink before you get thirsty, because once you become thirsty, you are already beginning to dehydrate. Skip drinks with caffeine, alcohol, and large amounts of sugar. Water is still the best choice, but if you are sweating a lot, drink a sports beverage to help replenish your electrolytes and prevent heat cramps.

 Summer fashion advice:  Wide-brimmed hats, sun glasses with side panels, and pants tucked into socks may not make much of an impression, but they can prevent any number of burns, stings, and bites. Full-length pants and long-sleeved shirts reduce bites from mosquitoes and ticks and minimize skin contact with poisonous plants. Hats and safety sunglasses protect your skin and eyes from the sun’s UV radiation. If you have a history of skin cancer, you may choose dark clothing with a tight weave, which blocks UV rays more effectively than light-colored, loosely woven clothing. However, if pests are more of a concern, wear light colors and tuck your pant legs into your socks to avoid unpleasant up-the-leg visitors. To stay cooler in the heat, wear light-colored clothing that is loose-fitting and made from a breathable material such as cotton.

Know your plants. Poison oak, ivy, and sumac are found throughout the United States. The sap oil from these plants can cause painful allergic reactions. Investigate the types that are poisonous, and avoid them. Wear long sleeves, long pants, boots, and gloves to shield your skin from contact. Also, you may consider using a barrier skin cream.  Burning plants that may be poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac can cause life-threatening allergic reactions from the smoke. 

Find out if any workers have existing allergies.  In addition to knowing first aid and having first aid kits handy,  supervisors should be aware if a worker  is allergic to certain insect bites or stings, plants, etc., and be prepared to treat them as soon as possible.  The worker should carry benadryl, or some type of allergy medicine to avoid going into anaphylactic shock.

Watch out for the critters!  Tall grass, leaf litter, rocks, wood piles, and bushes are favorite hiding places for spiders, ticks, scorpions, and snakes. If possible, stay away from these areas. Wear gloves when handling brush or debris. Wear boots, pants, and long sleeves when working in tall grass or underbrush. Cut grass and remove dried leaves from around the worksite to reduce tick populations. Be cautious near piles of undisturbed materials where snakes or spiders may be. Store unused apparel and equipment in tightly closed plastic bags. An additional spider caution: they are often found living in outdoor toilets where flies are plentiful.  If you are working around standing water, or where mosquitoes breed and live, be aware that some of these little pests carry West Nile Virus.  This is a very serious and debilitating disease, so be sure you have insect repellent sprayed all over your clothes and open skin.

Monitor your coworkers. In addition to your own physical condition,  also keep an eye on your coworkers. Learn the symptoms of heat-related illness, and watch for them in yourself and others. Understand that protective clothing or personal protective equipment may increase the risk of heat stress. Also, brush up on your first aid so you can help a coworker who may need immediate help if suffering from heat stroke or other heat-related reactions.  Observe certain workers, such as older ones, that could be prone to heat stroke.  Those with heart disease or other health problems may not be able to stand continuous heat very long.  You and your coworkers can also help each other by inspecting for hard-to-spot creatures. Ticks, in particular, can be difficult to see, especially on your own body. Help each other inspect skin, hair, and clothes for unwanted passengers.

Use plenty of  sunscreen.  Last, but certainly not least,  follow this advice: wear plenty of  good sunscreen to block UVA and UVB radiation. Wear sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 15. SPF refers to the amount of time you will be protected from a burn. An SPF of 15 will allow a person to stay out in the sun 15 times longer than they normally would be able to stay without burning. The SPF rating applies to skin reddening and protection against UVB exposure. It does not indicate any level of protection against UVA. A good broad spectrum sunscreen will contain additional ingredients to block UVA.  Ask your dermatologist what he/she recommends.  Sunscreen performance is affected by wind, humidity, perspiration, and proper application. It should be reapplied at least every two hours. Some sunscreens lose their efficiency when used with insect repellent.  Throw away sunscreen bottles that are more than 2 years old, as it is no longer effective.

Source: CDC

 

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

SAFETY TIPS WHEN WORKING WITH ISOCYANATES

OSHA has announced a new National Emphasis Program for occupational exposure to chemical hazards.  One such chemical compound is isocyanates, which can cause occupational asthma, irritation of the skin, eyes, nose and throat, and possibly cancer.  

What are isocyanates? These chemicals are used in materials including paints, varnishes, auto body repair, and building insulation.  Spray-on polyurethane products containing isocyanates have been created for a wide range of retail, commercial, and industrial uses to protect cement, wood, fiberglass, steel and aluminum, including protective coatings for truck beds, trailers, boats, foundations, and decks.  Other jobs that have exposure to these chemicals are the manufacture of mattresses and car seats. 

Polyurethanes were a creation of America’s post World War II science and technology – the time when hundreds of so-called wonder chemicals were invented.  Polyurethanes or plasticizers are produced in three forms:

  1. As rigid foams primarily for building insulation, support elements, and decoration, and:
  2. As flexible or soft foams used for cushioning, and:
  3. As elasto-plastics used for automobile body panels, coatings, adhesives, sealants, and as a substitute for rubber.  Because of easy application and versatility, manufacturers and employers consider polyurethanes to be invaluable.

Polyurethanes are formed by combining a variety of chemicals: the most important ingredient is the family of isocyanates, which is made up of a number of chemicals: Toluene Diisocyanate (TDI), Methylene Bisphenyl Diisocyanate (MDI), Hexamethylene Diisocyanate (HDI), Naphthalene Diisocyanate (NDI), and Diisocyanate Dicyclohexyl Urethane.  

Telecommunications and automotive manufacturing members work with and are exposed to isocyanate products.  This work involves the use of polyurethane products used as foam plugs to weatherproof and seal telephone cable splices in the telecommunication business.  In the automotive manufacturing industry, polyurethane products are used in the plastics and related materials. 

Hazardous Exposures: 

Health effects of isocyanates include irritation of skin and mucous membranes, chest tightness, and difficulty breathing.  These chemicals include compounds known as potential human carcinogens, known to cause cancer in animals.  TDI exposure causes serious upper respiratory health problems that involve the throat, nose, esophagus and lungs.  It can also cause acute irritation, (such as a burn inside the nose, throat or lungs.)  This exposure can be so damaging that the body loses its ability to fight infections.  Before or as soon as possible after working with TDI, affected workers should have a complete work up and medical history, including, chest x-ray, lung function test, and blood tests.  This is very important for those workers who have a history of upper respiratory/lung allergies, previously weakened lungs, or lung/throat problems at the time of exposure. 

Controlling Hazards: 

The best way, of course, to control the hazard is to remove it from the workplace.  Some less toxic and more acceptable substitutes should be used.  Isocyanate products can be effectively controlled with the use of engineering controls, such as enclosed systems or methods, as well as local exhaust ventilation.  It is up the employer to ensure that their workers are not exposed to harmful levels of these chemicals.  If affected workers can smell the TDI substance (smells like fruit), they should leave the area immediately and notify the supervisor.  If, after implementing engineering and administrative controls, the workers are still exposed to harmful levels, employees must be given the appropriate personal protective equipment.  In addition to gloves, goggles, and protective clothing, the workers must also be given the correct type of respirator. 

Good hygiene by the workers is also a must.  They should not smoke or eat in TDI work areas.  Also, they should never wear contaminated work clothing home.  The employer should collect such clothing and arrange for it to be cleaned.  If TDI gets in the eyes, they need to be flushed with water for at least 15 minutes.  Affected workers should contact his/her physician.

If the chemical is inhaled, get the worker to fresh air, and call a physician immediately.  Trained personnel should give oxygen treatment to the patient.  If breathing stops, artificial respiration should immediately be given.

 

Sources: OSHA/NIOSH

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues

COMMON MISTAKES IN FIRST AID (GUEST POST)

Many of us go through life having had the odd bump or fall along the way. The majority will have been able to attend to these minor injuries themselves with a little antiseptic and the odd bandage or plaster. Unlucky others may embark on a visit to A&E after a more serious incident deemed professional medical attention. When these things happen, do you really know what you’re doing when it comes to administering First Aid?

There are several common First Aid mistakes that happen through lack of training or simple human error. Here are a few, just so you know how to avoid them in the future:

When feeling faint, it’s commonly thought that putting your head between your legs will make you feel better. This isn’t a legitimate cure for such an ailment. Instead, it’s advised that laying flat and elevating the legs is the best way to bring someone round. Some good old fresh air wouldn’t harm either and ensuring any tight clothing is loosened will definitely help.

A dislocated joint causes a lot of pain for the injured party, so putting it back into place is often attempted. Without medical supervision this can cause even more pain and discomfort and could even lead to a more severe injury. It is advised that applying cold to the joint, using an ice pack and resting it with a sling for support would be much more beneficial.

Almost everybody will have experienced the strange feeling that a nose bleed will give. Trying to stop the bleeding is often attempted by titling the head back, although this is not the correct treatment. Instead it’s recommended to sit upright and pinch the bottom half of the nose with the thumb and index finger, whilst the casualty breathes through their mouth.

If a particularly hard fall knocks a tooth out, it’s worth finding the tooth and keeping hold of it for the emergency staff to attempt to reimplant it. No matter how dirty it is, refrain from scrubbing the tooth and gently rinse under a tap or with cold milk, if unavailable, suck the dirt off the tooth. The best thing to do is try and keep the tooth either in its socket or between the tongue gum and cheek.

If your bad luck goes so far as accidently severing a finger or thumb in a DIY disaster, the worst thing to do is trying to preserve the loose part by directly placing it on ice, contrary to popular belief. You should wrap the severed part in a damp gauze, then place in a watertight bag and then place the bag on ice so when at A&E staff can attempt to reattach it. The remaining injury on the hand or foot should be covered with a clean, dry cloth and have ice held against it to reduce swelling.

These simple tips will help you do the right thing in a medical emergency, however, to deal with such incidents it’s a good idea to get basic first aid training, keep a first aid products handy, keep your cool and be totally sure that what you’re doing is right. It’s always advisable to seek medical help if the casualty has an injury that causes them to bleed heavily or reach unconsciousness.

Our thanks to Emma S. for bringing some thought-provoking ideas to this important subject. pb

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Health Issues

PROTECTING HEALTH AND SAFETY WITH AED’S AND MEDICAL ALERT SYSTEMS (GUEST POST)

After a bad night working second shift, Joe feels too keyed up to go straight to bed – but a workout at his 24/7 gym sounds like a great idea! 
He swipes his member card, changes into gym clothes, and jumps on the treadmill.  It’s great to be there alone – until the chest pains start.  Joe staggers towards the locker room where his phone is safely tucked into his pants pocket – but he doesn’t make it.  By the time the early morning crew arrives, it’s too late to call for help.

This isn’t just a personal and family tragedy: it can be a legal liability issue for any business that fails to take adequate safety measures to protect employees and customers.

Prepare For Medical Emergencies
If there’s a medical emergency at your business, do your employees know what to do?  What if no employees are present – or someone working alone suffers a fall or other emergency?  It’s not enough to just point out the first-aid kit during employee orientation because the most serious (and common) medical situations require more than a band-aid solution.

Heart attacks, for instance, are quite common.  According to OSHA, almost 900 people per day die from coronary heart disease in locations other than hospitals.  The federal safety agency estimates that up to 60% of the 6628 workplace deaths during 2001-2002 could have been prevented if the proper equipment had been on-site to help the injured person.  That’s why many federal, state, & even local laws require that public buildings and some private businesses maintain automated external defibrillators (AED) on site and train employees to use them.

Health clubs and similar facilities are most often the targets of state and local AED regulations for the simple fact that people go there primarily to exert themselves – sometimes they over-exert and become ill.  For instance:

•        In 2011, Kara Kennedy, sister of the late Senator Edward Kennedy, died of a heart attack after a workout at her health club.
•        In 2007, Massachusetts required all health clubs to have AEDs.  Even before the law took effect, Planet Fitness in Weymouth purchased one – and soon used it to revive a 36-year-old member who collapsed during a workout.
•        In 2011, a personal trainer in Illinois revived two people in two years using an AED.

And yet, some health clubs resist regulations that they feel are too restrictive.  When the Kingston, MA Board of Health required all health clubs to have an employee trained in the use of AEDs on hand during all business hours, the owner of a local 24/7 facility protested.  His facility was open to members, but unstaffed overnight. The owner explained that customers knew they were exercising at their own risk because they “sign contracts saying they take personal responsibility for use of the gym after staffed hours.”

Those contracts may not be enough. Even in the absence of government regulations, health clubs would be wise to take precautions to protect employees and patrons.  A 2004 article in Trial magazine explained that federal regulations “make it difficult for health clubs to argue that AEDs are not yet recognized as necessary safety devices or that there are legal obstacles to having or using them.”  The article provides tips to help other attorneys litigate these types of lawsuits.

Solo Employees & Customers Are At Greatest Risk In A Medical Emergency
Still, the club owner in Kingston did point out a flaw in the over-reliance on AEDs for safety: you can’t use one on yourself.  That puts both employees and customers at risk if only one person is present.  Think of convenience stores and gas stations that have just one person on duty or a health club where someone exercises alone late at night. That’s why many businesses are installing personal medical alert systems.

Health clubs typically place the medical alert console somewhere in the center of the facility and provide alert buttons for the patrons to carry with them during their workout. Typically, the medical alert devices attach to a belt, wristband, or are worn as a necklace.  They don’t impede mobility but do allow the person to push a button and call for help.  Bay Alarm Medical has worked with many companies to install these systems.

Unlike AEDs, there are no regulations requiring medical alert systems, but they can provide an important element of safety and security for employees and customers.  Workplace safety requires a combination of training, infrastructure, and equipment.  Many companies now find that maintaining a safe and secure workplace also means keeping up with the latest technology.

Written by Danielle Garza

Eye Protection, First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues

JUNE AND JULY ARE FIREWORKS SAFETY MONTH

 


Spend the Fourth of July with Friends and Family This Year, Not in the Emergency Room

Prevent Blindness America Urges the Public to Celebrate Safely, Leave Fireworks to the Professionals

June/July are Fireworks Safety Months 

Nearly 6,000 Americans spent part of their Fourth of July holiday in the emergency room in 2009 due to fireworks injuries, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) in a report issued in 2011.  Of those, fireworks caused an estimated 1,600 eye injuries. The injuries 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. Children ages 15 and younger make up a significant number of fireworks injuries, accounting for 39 percent. 

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. 

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.

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.  Seek medical help immediately.

“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.”

Suggestions for fun options rather than doing fireworks include everything from face-painting, to making patriotic desserts, to creating glow-in-the-dark t-shirts and hats with special paints and markers.  If it’s noise they want, let them create their own instruments with pots and pans.  Have a first aid kit handy.

For more information on fireworks safety, call (800) 331-2020 or log on to preventblindness.org.

Eye Protection, Fall Safety, First Aid Safety, Hand Protection, Head Protection

STAYING SAFE ON THE CONSTRUCTION SITE (GUEST POST)

On-site injuries have long been a problem for nearly every construction company, and for good reason. 

Each year, construction companies face hundreds of thousands of accidents related to situations that could be avoidable with the right precautions in place. In 2011 alone, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, there were 4,069 workers killed on a construction site, most of which were avoidable. Though some of these problems truly are unavoidable, many of them can be minimized by following simple procedure. Every company is unique, but there are some practices that should be universal for any construction company, whether they are building a high-rise building or a small house.

Here are some of the most common issues that lead to injuries on the construction site: 

Lack of Training 

Every worker, regardless of what he or she is doing, should have a thorough understanding of not only what they will be doing, but also how to operate the heavy machinery they will be using. This might sound redundant, but thousands of injuries every year are caused by careless behavior on the part of the construction manager through lack of oversight. All operators of heavy machinery should have verifiable training on the machine or equipment they will operate. Many construction dealers will offer free tutorials for their machinery, such as videos, user manuals and quizzes. Some even offer a verifiable certificate to each person that passes the course. 

Overhead/ Buried Obstructions 

Before building anything, be sure to thoroughly inspect the construction site for buried or overhead obstructions. One phone call to your local utilities service will ensure that there are no buried pipes or wires, and can potentially prevent thousands of dollars in damages, along with any worksite injury that could occur. If you have exposed cables, be sure to use a cable ramp to ensure that machinery does not interact with them. 

Loading and Unloading Equipment 

Problems arise at every turn of a construction site, even on level ground. When loading and unloading equipment, it is crucial to make sure that no one is in the direct path of any heavy equipment, and that heavy equipment has enough room to comfortably maneuver around the construction site. This often requires a spotter to be nearby at all times. It is also important to make sure that the machine you are working with can clear the ramps that it uses, and that there is no crowding within that machine’s path. Use proper tie-down procedure, and use safety-ties to avoid pieces coming out of place. 

Though construction companies will most likely never be truly inevitable, we have come a long way in terms of construction safety in the past several decades. Since 1970, fatalities related to construction have been reduced by over 60 percent, and with a little bit of luck, this trend should continue.  

Patrick Rafferty is the marketing assistant for Brahman Systems, a Louisiana based construction company with a patented all-steel enclosed hose and cable protection. 

Note: All companies must provide personal protective equipment items.  From hardhats, vests, gloves, safety glasses, to first aid kits, they must be prepared properly.  Pat

 

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Protective Clothing, Respiratory Safety

FIRE SAFETY IN THE WORKPLACE (GUEST POST)

The Law 

According to The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, if you’re an employer, owner, landlord or occupier of a business in England and Wales, you are legally responsible for fire safety within that building. This means you have an obligation to protect the building, and everyone within it, from the threat of fire as far as possible and, under the Fire Safety Order, this makes you the ‘responsible person’. 

As the ‘responsible person’ there are a host of tasks you must undertake and steps you must implement to: reduce the likelihood of fire, put an efficient evacuation process in place and ensure all of your employees are aware and informed of fire safety and your building’s procedures. 

Fire Risk Assessments 

Conducting a Fire Risk Assessment is one of the first, and most important, things businesses must do in order to comply with fire safety laws. If your business has five or more employees, your Risk Assessment must be kept as a written record and this should then be regularly reviewed and subsequently updated. 

The aim of a Fire Risk Assessment is to identify the fire hazards within your environment and the people at risk and then implement changes to eradicate or reduce these risks. There are five steps to a Risk Assessment and, due to the meticulous nature of each one, most companies choose to hire a professional fire safety company to conduct theirs. 

Planning for an Emergency 

Once the risks and hazards within your property have been identified, it is vital to plan exactly what would happen in the event of an actual emergency. This means carefully and comprehensively planning evacuation routes and ensuring they are as safe and efficient as possible. 

This should include making sure there are enough clear and unblocked exits for everyone to escape from – experts recommend at least two alternatives from each room in case the fire is blocking one – and that there are designated meeting points. You should also consider anyone who may be more vulnerable during an evacuation, such as children, people with disabilities and the elderly. 

Equipment, such as fire safety signs and emergency lighting, should also be installed where appropriate to make the evacuation routes immediately obvious, easy to understand and safe to navigate through. 

Installing Fire Equipment 

One of the best ways to remove or reduce the fire risks within your environment is to install high quality fire equipment. All business environments must contain a fire detection and warning system which, for most commercial premises, means installing a fire alarm system. Reputable fire alarm suppliers will tailor a system to the requirements of your environment. 

Most businesses also require fire fighting equipment and this includes fire extinguishers, fire blankets and sprinkler systems, conditional to the environment you work in. For example, there are a  variety of fire extinguishers available, depending on the application and type of fire being tackled. Again, fire equipment suppliers can advise you on the types of fire extinguisher required for your business. 

Provide Information, Instruction and Training

All new staff members should be trained on fire safety, including evacuation procedures, fire alarm system instructions and the location and use of fire extinguishers. Fire safety signage is also a great way to conform to regulations regarding information as they offer a permanent, tangible method of instruction. 

Fire drills should also be conducted to make sure everyone is thoroughly aware of evacuation procedures. These should be done regularly – at least once a year – and also provide an ideal opportunity to make sure your evacuation routes are suitable. Any findings from the fire drill should be recorded and any remedial action necessary should be taken. Additionally, any new risks identified within your environment should be communicated to all employees. 

Professional fire safety training programmes are also recommended for larger businesses, as it involves nominating Fire Safety Wardens who then also become responsible for overseeing fire safety and will learn valuable skills, including how to use a fire extinguisher. 

This post was written on behalf of City Fire Protection & Maintenance Services LLP by George Musson.

Eye Protection, Fall Safety, First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Head Protection, Hearing Protection, Respiratory Safety

HOME DEMO SAFETY TIPS FROM AN INDUSTRIAL DEMOLITION CONTRACTOR (GUEST POST)

Safety is the first priority of any industrial demolition contractor. When a project is safe, employees are happier and the work finishes on time. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets safety regulations for demolition contractors for a reason – the work is risky. With this in mind, homeowners should also keep safety in mind when embarking on a demolition, remodeling or building project.  

Look for environmental hazards. Some construction materials contain toxins such as mold, formaldehyde, lead or asbestos. If you’re not sure what went into the building materials you’re demolishing, hire a professional to figure this out. If there are toxins in the environment, let the pros handle it. 

Analyze the materials. A sledge hammer isn’t the go-to tool for every type of building material. Before starting a project, analyze the materials so you can pinpoint the right demolition tools. 

Make a plan. If there aren’t any hazardous materials in your home, plan to work from the top down. In your plan, include a safety checklist with items like sealing off the area, shutting off the utilities, where to place chutes and so on.   

Prevent fall hazards. If you are ever going to be four feet or more off the ground, implement these fall protection measures: 

  • Install stair rails, handrails and guardrails.
  • Cover holes will floor boards or toe-boards.
  • Keep the floors dry.
  • Use a harness and lines whenever you’re four feet or more off the ground.
  • Learn how to use a ladder safely. (A ladder is one of the most deadly items on a demolition site.) 

Demolition Tools  

Pry bars: Use a pry bar to pull out nails, remove tiles and loosen flooring. If you need something stronger to loosen flooring, give a San Angelo bar a try. 

Hammers: A standard claw hammer is great for removing nails and making small holes in drywall. Use a mini-sledgehammer for tougher tasks, like removing interior framing and wood support beams. Reserve the full-size sledge hammer for materials like bricks or concrete. As you work with nails, take the time to knock them flat so they don’t end up lodged in a foot – or better yet, keep the area clean so you don’t step on piles of debris. 

Excavators: Excavators can increase the efficiency of your project when an experienced operator is in the driver’s seat.

Demolition Safety Equipment & Best Practices 

Spend a little money and save a lot – including your life – with PPE personal protective equipment and other safety materials. You should also consider implementing the demolition best practices below. Recommended safety equipment includes: 

  • Safety glasses
  • Hard hat
  • Work gloves
  • Ear protection
  • Respirators or dust masks
  • Shatterproof goggles
  • Steel-toed boots or boots with shanks in the soles
  • Harness for work on the roof or around open holes
  • Electrical tester (to make sure power lines are dead)
  • Fire hose
  • First aid kit
  • Safety buddy 

Put safety first. Always use safety gear, and inspect it prior to starting work. 

Obtain permits. Before your project, verify whether you need a demolition permit. 

Handle hazardous materials wisely. The EPA has standards for handling environmental hazards. Work with a licensed company to remove them from your site. 

Be a good neighbor. As you work, be mindful of noise levels, dust levels and the debris produced. 

Consider a green demolition. Divert what you can from the landfill by salvaging usable building materials and reusing or donating them. Recycle what you can, and sell scrap metal to recoup some of your costs 

Demolition is all about forethought and logic. Never hesitate to talk to a demolition contractor if you have any questions or safety concerns about your project. 

Elder Demolition, a fully licensed demolition contractor located in Portland, Oregon, has provided safe, top-notch demolition services throughout the western United States since 1997. Elder Demolition

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Weather Protection

NOAA PREDICTS HEAVY HURRICANE SEASON – 2013

 

Era of high activity for Atlantic hurricanes continues

In its 2013 Atlantic hurricane season outlook issued today, NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center is forecasting an active or extremely active season this year.

For the six-month hurricane season, which begins June 1, NOAA’s Atlantic Hurricane Season Outlook says there is a 70 percent likelihood of 13 to 20 named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher), of which 7 to 11 could become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher), including 3 to 6 major hurricanes (Category 3, 4 or 5; winds of 111 mph or higher).

These ranges are well above the seasonal average of 12 named storms, 6 hurricanes and 3 major hurricanes.
 
“With the devastation of Sandy fresh in our minds, and another active season predicted, everyone at NOAA is committed to providing life-saving forecasts in the face of these storms and ensuring that Americans are prepared and ready ahead of time.” said Kathryn Sullivan, Ph.D., NOAA acting administrator. “As we saw first-hand with Sandy, it’s important to remember that tropical storm and hurricane impacts are not limited to the coastline. Strong winds, torrential rain, flooding, and tornadoes often threaten inland areas far from where the storm first makes landfall.”

Three climate factors that strongly control Atlantic hurricane activity are expected to come together to produce an active or extremely active 2013 hurricane season. These are:

  • A continuation of the atmospheric climate pattern, which includes a strong west African monsoon, that is responsible for the ongoing era of high activity for Atlantic hurricanes that began in 1995;
  • Warmer-than-average water temperatures in the tropical Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea; and
  • El Niño is not expected to develop and suppress hurricane formation.

“This year, oceanic and atmospheric conditions in the Atlantic basin are expected to produce more and stronger hurricanes,” said Gerry Bell, Ph.D., lead seasonal hurricane forecaster with NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center. “These conditions include weaker wind shear, warmer Atlantic waters and conducive winds patterns coming from Africa.”

NOAA’s seasonal hurricane outlook is not a hurricane landfall forecast; it does not predict how many storms will hit land or where a storm will strike. Forecasts for individual storms and their impacts will be provided throughout the season by NOAA’s National Hurricane Center.

New for this hurricane season are improvements to forecast models, data gathering, and the National Hurricane Center communication procedure for post-tropical cyclones. In July, NOAA plans to bring online a new supercomputer that will run an upgraded Hurricane Weather Research and Forecasting (HWRF) model that provides significantly enhanced depiction of storm structure and improved storm intensity forecast guidance.

Also this year, Doppler radar data will be transmitted in real time from NOAA’s Hurricane Hunter aircraft. This will help forecasters better analyze rapidly evolving storm conditions, and these data could further improve the HWRF model forecasts by 10 to 15 percent.

The National Weather Service has also made changes to allow for hurricane warnings to remain in effect, or to be newly issued, for storms like Sandy that have become post-tropical. This flexibility allows forecasters to provide a continuous flow of forecast and warning information for evolving or continuing threats.

“The start of hurricane season is a reminder that our families, businesses and communities need to be ready for the next big storm,” said Joe Nimmich, FEMA associate administrator for Response and Recovery. “Preparedness today can make a big difference down the line, so update your family emergency plan and make sure your emergency kit is stocked. Learn more about how you can prepare for hurricane season at www.ready.gov/hurricanes.”  

This past week,  May 26 – June 1, was National Hurricane Preparedness Week. To help those living in hurricane-prone areas prepare, NOAA offered hurricane preparedness tips, along with video and audio public service announcements in both English and Spanish, featuring NOAA hurricane experts and the FEMA administrator at www.nhc.noaa.gov/prepare/.

NOAA’s outlook for the Eastern Pacific basin is for a below-normal hurricane season and the Central Pacific basin is also expected to have a below-normal season. NOAA will issue an updated outlook for the Atlantic hurricane season in early August, just prior to the historical peak of the season.

NOAA’s mission is to understand and predict changes in the Earth’s environment, from the depths of the ocean to the surface of the sun, and to conserve and manage our coastal and marine resources. Please pay attention to warnings and stay safe.  This season has already brought killer tornadoes; now we must watch for hurricanes on the coast.

Here are some tips for hurricane/storm preparation from an earlier Blog4Safety post:

  •        Secure your home;
  •        Have a plan that includes your family, elderly, and pets;
  •        Be sure your insurance papers are in order;
  •        You need to have a 3-day supply of non-perishable food and water for each individual;
  •        Have a emergency safety kits and flashlight;
  •        Be sure you have all medicines;
  •        Notify next of kin or friends that you may be needing to stay with them until the all-clear;

 Source: NOAA