Category Archives: Hand Protection

General Safety Issues, Hand Protection

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME (GUEST POST)

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Written by Christine Miller

Navigating the Carpal Tunnel


Carpal tunnel syndrome is an affliction of the wrist where swelling from repetitive motion pinches the median nerve. The area where this nerve enters the hand is called the “carpal tunnel,” and it is quite narrow. Any swelling will affect the nerve, causing tingling, weakness of the hand, and numbness. If ignored, symptoms can become quite painful and even permanent, but there are simple treatments that can be performed at home, and there are ways to avoid the ailment entirely.

Causes and Prevention

Any prolonged, repetitive motion of the hand can cause carpal tunnel, and the most common is typing on a computer. Other activities include writing,working with hand tools or small machines, sports, and even driving. Factory assembly work can also be a contributor.

Certain medical conditions can cause carpal tunnel, such as arthritis, diabetes, hypothyroidism, alcoholism, and kidney issues. Obesity and pregnancy have also been known to trigger carpal tunnel.

During any prolonged task that involves the wrists, change positions when possible, take occasional breaks to stretch and massage the wrists, and use gel wrist rests when typing if the wrists are at an angle. The key with typing at length is to keep the wrist straight, so even some soft splints can help to prevent wrist pain. During any activity, use whatever ergonomic aids are available, and always stop when pain or tingling begin.

Symptoms

The median nerve is associated with the fingers on the thumb-side of the hand, so numbness or tingling in the thumb, index, or middle finger are a strong indicator of carpal tunnel. Other signs might be tingling or numbness in the palm or entire hand, pain that extends from the wrist to the elbow, a loss of dexterity when manipulating small objects, or weakness when carrying items such as suitcases.

Home Remedies

When caught early, carpal tunnel can be halted and often reversed completely. To start, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (or “NSAIDs”) such as ibuprofen can help to relieve wrist pressure.

1) Ice: the very best, completely natural treatment for carpal tunnel is ice and rest. Icing the wrist reduces inflammation, which improves circulation and promotes healing.

2) Vitamin C: this vitamin helps to repair damaged tissues; find it in fruits and vegetables or as a supplement. Another to watch for is “bromelain,” well-known to the medical field for anti-inflammatory properties, and found in pineapple, papaya, and kiwi or in supplements.

3) Epsom salts: prepare a soak of Epsom salts and water that is as hot as can be tolerated and immerse the wrist for three minutes. Next, soak the wrist in cold water for half a minute. Popular with athletes, this “hot cold” method is proven to reduce swelling and pain.

4) Massage: to reduce swelling and stimulate circulation, massage the affected wrist, hand, and forearm. Herbal oils can aid this and come in a variety of types and scents, amping the effects and soothing both body and mind.

Treatment

To prevent permanent damage, contact a physician if symptoms persist, or if there seems to be a loss of muscle in the fingers or hand. If carpal tunnel does not respond to basic treatment, a doctor may prescribe Naproxen, and he may suggest wrist splints while sleeping. For more severe cases, he might refer patients to an occupational therapist or prescribe corticosteroid injections. The worst cases generally require surgery, but the outcome depends on severity and the length of time the nerve has been affected. Carpal tunnel surgery is nearly always successful, but recovery can take several months.

This article has been written by Christine Miller. Christine has written various topics about health, wellness, home and lifestyle.   She wrote this exclusively for Blog4Safety.

 

 

 

 


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

THE POWER OF PINK!

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Because October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, you will probably see a lot more people wearing pink, especially athletes!  You can’t miss the NFL players wearing pink wrist bands, shoes, and other pink attire, promoting the cause.  For the past twenty-eight years, National Breast Cancer Awareness Month has encouraged awareness and education regarding breast cancer, which is the most common cancer in women, with the exception of skin cancers.  Men have breast tissue, and can get breast cancer, even though it is not as common as in women. 

National public service associations such as the American Cancer Society, medical associations, and government agencies have all joined together in promoting breast cancer issues.  Breast Cancer Awareness Month is also observed internationally during October, with many charities raising funds for research.  According to the National Cancer Institute, age is the single most important risk factor.  Other things to consider are:

  •        Family history;
  •        Body weight;
  •        Lack of physical activity;
  •        Alcohol consumption;
  •        Smoking;
  •        Consuming unhealthy foods;
  •        Alteration of certain genes. 

Women over 40 are urged to get an annual mammogram, and follow up each year.  Physicians or mammography centers can show women how to do self-exams, as well.  Surprisingly, one-half of breast cancer cases show up in women over age 65; therefore, they should continue getting mammograms through their 70’s. 

In promoting the pink theme, Texas America Safety Company has several pink types of safety wear made especially for working women:  hardhats, safety glasses, work gloves, and earmuffs for hearing protection.  Why not check these out and start supporting awareness of breast cancer and other cancers, as well as sporting your feminine side?  Spread the word at work or play, just as those big strong football players are doing! 

You will see all types of benefits and activities in October, bringing attention to this very important issue that affects thousands.  If you see a man wearing pink, tell him “thanks”.  Chances are he has a mom, grandmother, wife, or daughter that he hopes won’t have to face breast cancer, or that he knows someone who is fighting the battle.  There are over 2.5 million breast cancer survivors in our country, thanks to the hard work that cancer research and medical technology have provided.  Survivors of breast cancer or any other type of cancer are to be commended for the battles they have waged. 

Do your part by wearing pink this month!

 

 

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Respiratory Safety

THE DANGERS OF PLUMBING AND HOW TO STAY SAFE (GUEST POST)

Sent by Jake

If you are planning to do your own plumbing work, there are a few things that you should keep in mind. There are many dangers associated with plumbing. Although this does not mean that you should not attempt your own plumbing repairs, it does mean that you should understand how to protect yourself when you are working on your plumbing project. Here are a few do’s and don’ts that you should follow when plumbing: 

1.       Always wear protective eyewear when doing anything that could cause damage to your eyes. Using certain power tools like saws and drills can be potentially dangerous so protect your eyes at all times. You should also wear protection for your eyes when using certain glues and other adhesives that contain harsh chemicals.

2.       Wear gloves to protect your hands, particularly if you are working with certain chemicals. Many chemicals can cause a harsh reaction when they touch the skin. If you are unsure of whether or not you are working with dangerous chemicals, wear gloves to be on the safe side.

3.       Read labels on all products that you use to ensure that they are safe for use. You should also follow the recommended usage directions to ensure safety.

4.       Wear a face mask if you are going to be breathing in any unsafe fumes from chemicals or other products. When using certain power tools like drills, saws or sanders you should also protect your lungs by wearing a face mask. 

These are the things that you should always ensure that you do. It is also important to ensure that you are avoiding certain actions when plumbing: 

1.       Never, ever use tools or other plumbing equipment improperly. You should always ensure that you are following directions when working with any chemicals or power tools.

2.       Never ignore a gas smell. Gas leaks can be very dangerous so if you feel that you are smelling gas, it is best to stop what you are doing and notify the proper utility company. If you are certain that it is safe to turn off the gas, do so before you call the gas company. If you are not sure whether it is safe or not, simply contact the gas company and let them handle the potential leak.

3.       Never ignore safety codes and regulations. Plumbing codes are meant to provide a degree of safety and ignoring them could be very dangerous. If you are not sure of what these codes are, check before you begin your project.

4.       Never carry your tools in your pants or shirt pocket. Sharp tools can cause damage to you if you move suddenly or forget that you have them in your pocket. Tool belts can be purchased at virtually any hardware shop and are very inexpensive. 

This article was written by The Plumb Store. Visit us at www.theplumbstore.com to view our vast selection of high quality plumbing products.

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection

THE DANGERS OF WIRING AND HOW TO STAY SAFE (GUEST POST)

Sent to us by Jake @ CustardMedia.co.uk

Working with electrical wiring can be very dangerous. This is particularly true for those who have never worked with wiring before. If you are planning to complete a do-it-yourself wiring job, you need to understand the dangers of working with wiring and how you can avoid these dangers. Safety should always be your primary concern. Even though it may be a bit less expensive to do your own repair jobs and home maintenance, it is always a much better idea to call in a professional if you are not completely certain of what you are doing. Electrical shock can be fatal and is one of the most common incidents that occur when homeowners work on their own wiring. Aside from electrical shock, you also risk a fire hazard if your wiring is not done properly. That being said, here are a few tips that will help you to ensure your safety when working with electricity. 

1.       Know when you are in over your head. Again, if you are not a professional electricity expert, you should know when to call one. If at any time you realize that you are completely unsure of what you are doing, stop and call in an electrician. It is much better to pay a few extra dollars and get the job done properly than to risk electrical shock or fire.

2.       Make sure that all power is turned off before you begin working on any electrical wiring. You should turn off the power at the main and check to see that it is indeed turned off. You can turn off each individual circuit as needed as long as you check to ensure that the proper circuit is turned off before you begin. If you are not certain as to which circuit runs the electricity you need to turn off, turn off the entire main just to be on the safe side.

3.       Wear gloves when possible to protect your hands. When working with electrical wiring, there may be sharp points or edges that can cause you to cut yourself. Protect yourself from injury by wearing work gloves whenever you can.

4.       Rubber boots can help to protect you when working with electricity as well. Remember that water and electricity do not mix well so if you are working with electricity and there is any chance that water or dampness may be evident, wearing rubber boots can help you to avoid electrical shock. Rubber boots will stop an electrical current from reaching your body. Make sure that you check your rubber boots to ensure that there are no holes that could allow water to touch your feet.

5.       Safety glasses are very important when working with electricity. These will help you to protect your eyes from dust and debris as well as electrical sparks. If you are working with electrical wiring and you need to cut holes or otherwise drill into a wall or ceiling, safety glasses will ensure that you do not get debris in your eyes that could cause infection or in very extreme cases, blindness. 

This article was written by Electric Point, electrical wholesalers in the UK.

Back Safety, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Respiratory Safety

CARPET FITTING SAFETY TIPS (GUEST POST)

After doing an apprenticeship in carpet fitting when I left college, I realised that there were so many things to be careful of when fitting a variety of flooring. I worked on domestic properties but, mainly worked on commercial contracts and building sites, so these safety tips are designed to cover all angles. I understand that you aren’t always in a position to have all safety gear and it can be so much quicker getting on with the job but, if you can use these tips, it will certainly give you a better standard of living. 

Knee Pads

Ask any carpet fitter what he/she thinks needs the most protection when fitting carpets or vinyl and they’ll point straight to their knees and say “knee pads”. As a young lad I didn’t really feel the comfort of them on the carpet but older, wiser colleagues wore them all the time as they had seen the effects on their fathers and other workers. Investing in a comfortable and durable pair of knee pads will really make your day easier and later life more bearable. I eventually bought a pair and couldn’t live without them especially when working on hard floors and vinyl. Some safety trousers include them so get these if you can so you don’t ever forget your kneepads. 

Good Ventilation

Most flooring in industrial settings require the use of sprays and glues that help stick the material to the floor. These can have many harmful chemicals in them and give off some pretty wacky fumes so when possible, always open windows or doors to get the best ventilation. In situations where you can’t get great ventilation, try using a mask to prevent as much harmful fumes as possible. 

Dust Masks

Mainly needed for building sites, dust masks are a God send when you’re working in dusty settings. I lost count of the times I’d have to sweep, scrape, sweep then scrape again on my hands and knees covering my mouth and nose with my sleeve. It’s not professional, efficient or clever not to wear a mask and it’ll give your health a boost if you use one regularly. Some sprays and glues can be pretty nasty too which a mask will help reduce the levels that you inhale. 

Hygiene Gel and Gloves

I remember pulling old vinyl from some of the dirtiest toilets in old houses, offices and schools. This is probably the most disgusting aspect of carpet fitting however, having some gloves and/or hygiene gel will help kill the spread of germs and stop you getting any infections. 

Tough Footwear

Steel toe caps are a must for any carpet fitter and it’s not just heavy items that can crush your toes. On a building site there are many hazardous things you can step on or catch as well as sharp cutting knives and blades that could fall and cut through a standard pair of trainers. 

Most Importantly

Watch your back. So many aspects of fitting carpet require heavy lifting. Try to get help when you need it and be careful not to over-do it. A carpet fitter with a bad back is no use to anyone! 

Author BIO- 

This article was written by Alan Gregory.

Thank you, Alan for this good advice.  Many of the safety articles you mentioned can be found at http://www.tasco-safety.com. pb

General Safety Issues, Hand Protection

SAFE MACHINE GUARDING PRACTICES AND GUIDELINES (GUEST POST)

That one of a kind, hand-crafted bed that you’ve admired was not made without risks. The folks at The Joinery (a Portland, Oregon woodworking shop) make beautifully detailed furniture – beds, dressers, armoires, even old-fashioned kids’ toys. They are as passionate about their work as they are about woodworking safety. But here’s the catch: a machine designed to reform solid wood has no problem reforming parts of the human body. 

And that’s where machine guarding comes in. When a machine or any piece of equipment has a hazard that cannot be eliminated, the appropriate course of action is to install appropriate guarding or other safety devices.  The Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) § 1910.211, defines machine guarding as “a barrier that prevents entry of the operator’s hands or fingers into the point of operation.” 

Rotating motion machines can be particularly dangerous. Even slow-moving smooth rotating shafts can grab clothing or skin and entangle a worker in a machine leading to death or serious injury. Rotating shafts such as power take off units have caused many injuries, many of which could be avoided with a proper guard. 

Included in rotating motion are in-running nip points that can grab a small piece of a worker or the worker’s clothing and pull the worker into the machine until a part of the machine breaks or the motors stall out. 

“All saws, jointers and milling machines need machine guards,” explained Gary Michael, The Joinery. “We post shop safety policies on the machine guards, using brightly colored signs and labels.” 

Fortunately for the employees at The Joinery, Mr. Michael recognizes the need to not circumvent equipment guarding that is usually installed by the equipment manufacturer.  Mr. Michael’s use of visible signs and labels help remind his employees of the importance of machine guarding. 

Appropriate signage and labeling by an employer or manufacturer can help reduce the likelihood of guards being removed or circumvented. Providing such visible reminders for employees can be a life-saving addition to any safety program. 

There are some important principles that apply when making labels to be used on guards. For example, there is a tendency to just make a label that says, “WARNING: Do Not Remove Guard.” There are some people who may ignore this warning. They could very well think, “I can get away with it just this one time and not get hurt.” That is why one of the principles of written warnings is to inform the reader of the consequences of not complying with the warning. An example of a warning statement that communicates consequences is:

WARNING – Do Not Remove Machine Guard. Loss Of Fingers May Result.

Another principle of written warnings is that the warning communicates the actions needed to avoid a hazard such as:
WARNING – Lock Out Breaker 45 Before Removing Machine Guard

 A comprehensive discussion of proper warning design is beyond the scope of this article. Employers and equipment manufacturers would do well to familiarize themselves with good warning practices and to work with a label manufacturer that is familiar with good practices and applicable warnings standards.

Responsible machine guarding manufacturers are taking the responsibility for safe machine guarding practices and techniques seriously. “We just installed a guard on the end of conveyor. The conveyor travels away from you, so there is no danger of you getting caught as the belt travels into the guard. The bottom of the conveyor is totally guarded,” explained Jet LaBarge, Vice President, Machine Guard & Cover. 

An understanding of basic machine guarding principles can help equipment manufacturers and employers reduce the likelihood of injury with machinery. 

What constitutes an acceptable guard design? This is one question that needs to be asked when trying to guard a machine that contains hazards.  An acceptable guard follows these minimum general requirements similar to the minimum requirements laid out by OSHA 3067: 

1)      Prevent contact.  A sufficient guard should prevent a person from coming into contact with a hazard.  This includes arms, legs and fingers. Openings within the guards or space between the guard and the machine should be small enough that a person cannot come into contact with any hazard within the machine. 

2)      It should not be easy to remove or defeat a safeguard. If the safeguard is easily defeated it is really no safeguard at all. For this reason any fixed guard attached to the machine should require the use of tools to be removed. If a guard or a gate can be opened by hand, that guard or gate needs to be interlocked to the machine to prevent hazardous motion from occurring while the guard or gate is open. 

3)      Protection from falling objects. An object that falls into a running machine could be struck by moving parts and become a dangerous projectile. 

4)      The guard must not create its own hazard. Installing a guard should not create additional pinch points or cutting hazards. 

5)      Create no interference. A guard that a worker considers a severe hindrance to his job has a higher likelihood of being overridden by the operator. 

6)      Allow safe maintenance and adjustment. If a guard has to be removed regularly for frequent maintenance or adjustment then it has an increased likelihood of being removed and not replaced. Try to design guards so that such things as lubrication can be performed safely without removing the guard. 

Hazards generally occur in one of three locations: 

1)      Point of operation — the location where the machine actually works on material, such as cutting, bending, pressing. 

2)      Power transmission devices that mechanically transmit power from one location to another such as shafts, belts and pulleys, chains and sprockets. 

3)      Other moving parts such as feed mechanisms, part removal systems and auxiliary parts of the machine or system. 

Each of the three locations will have a bearing on what type of guard can be utilized. For example, a power transmission device may require a fixed guard that is bolted in place and rarely has need of removal except for infrequent repair work. A point of operation guard may need to be opened each time a part is made and would be better served by an interlocked guard that stops mechanical motion rather than a fixed guard that needs to be removed with tools. 

Poor machine guarding practices are a major hazard confronted by people every day. About 8 out of 10 workplace fatalities and 1 in 4 workplace injuries involve mechanical equipment. Many workplace machinery injuries are preventable, according to SafeWork SA, Government of South Australia. 

To put a human face on machine guarding, consider Kina Repp. 

As a young woman, ready for some adventure, she was literally lured to Alaska where she talked her way into a cleanup crew job at a fishing cannery. There, her boss ordered her to clean underneath a conveyor belt roller. 

“My arm was immediately caught when the machine was turned on,” she explained. “My arm was pulled one way while my head and neck were twisted the opposite way. My arm broke just below my shoulder. The machine kept pulling. The conveyor pulled until my arm was torn from my body.” 

Not one to let adversity stop her, Repp has since earned a second degree black belt and has run in 13 marathons. 

Had a proper machine guarding policy been in place that accident might never have happened. 

When you’re unsure about a work situation, think twice before putting yourself in danger. It’s better to be cautious. A machine or a process can always be changed to ensure safety, but a human life is irreplaceable.

Those who work around machinery would be wise to pay attention to this excellent article, sent to us by:

By Jack Rubinger, www.DuraLabel.com and John Hamilton, www.jhengineer.com. pb

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

A GUIDE TO SAFETY EQUIPMENT FOR RENOVATION AND CONSTRUCTION (Guest Post)

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) under the United States Department of Labor, there were 4,690 workplace fatalities in 2010 alone out of which 774 were in construction. These deaths were mostly related to safety hazards that could have been potentially avoided. The number one cause of death was falling, followed by electrocution, then being struck by an object, and lastly getting caught in or between things. These four major causes were addressed by OSHA and guidelines were provided to ensure safety among construction and renovation workers.

The proper use of safety equipment can also prevent injuries and fatalities at construction sites. Although required by law in many states, a large number of workers tend to ignore the importance of safety equipment. The following steps are guide to using safety equipment for renovation and construction work.

Avoiding Falls With Proper Fall Protection Equipment

Personal fall protection equipment is a necessity at any construction site. Whether the renovation or construction requires climbing high buildings or remodelling a small home, safety equipment is absolutely essential. Falling is the number one cause of death at construction sites, making protection against it highly important. Some of the main reasons for falling include floor openings, unprotected walls and side holes, wrong scaffold construction, protruding steel and iron bars, and portable ladder misuse.

OSHA requires that any openings six feet or more should be protected with a guardrail or safety net system. Moreover, all construction sites should be inspected prior to work for any hidden openings or holes that can pose a danger to workers. These “fall prevention systems” are known to be a better option than “fall protection systems.” Fall protection systems consist of safety equipment like safety belts, full body harnesses, lanyards, lifelines, rope grabs, shock absorbers, carabiners, and anchors. All fall protection systems must be checked for size, manufacturer’s identification, usage, date of manufacture, and model number.

Safety Equipment to Avoid Electrocutions

Electrocution is the second main cause of deaths among construction workers. Some of the serious forms of danger that workers are exposed to when working around electrical materials include thermal burns, arc flashes, electric shocks, and blasts. There are two protection systems that need to be in place when working with electricity: Insulating Protective Equipment (IPE) and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

1. Insulating Protective Equipment (IPE)
According to OSHA the following insulation protection should be included when dealing with electricity: 

  • Insulation should be provided for “(rubber) line hose, blankets, and hoods”
  • Insulation for “barriers made of fiberglass or phenolic resin”
  • “Live-line tools, such as hotsticks, switchsticks, and shotgun sticks”
  • “Plastic or fiberglass hardcover items that can be installed with live-line tools”

2. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Workers are required to use Personal Protective Equipment and workwear to protect against electrical hazards. The US Department of Labor suggests that all workers should be provided with training on how to properly use PPE. Security and hazard assessment should also be performed prior to any electrical work to judge the amount and level of PPE needed. Here are some of the PPE frequently used when working with electrical equipment:

  • Eye and face protection, such as safety glasses and face shields
  • Rubber gloves with insulation and leather protection
  • Industrial Hard hats
  • Safety shoes
  • Insulating sleeves
  • Chemical protection gloves
  • Flare resistant clothing

 Similarly, “struck-by” and other construction related fatalities can be avoided if proper measures and safety plans are put in place. OSHA requires that these measures are also taken care of when using construction vehicles. All vehicles must be fully inspected to guarantee functioning lights, brakes, mirrors, and other areas operating safely. To prevent hazards from falling objects, always make sure to wear a hard hat, goggles, and other protective gear. Load-carrying vehicles should be checked for safety prior to usage and all tools should be secured in place to avoid falling on people.

Almost all injuries and deaths can be avoided if workers are provided with proper guidelines on how to operate under different conditions with the necessary safety equipment. While some workers often tend to neglect these safety measures assuming that they are mere hindrances to their workflow, these measures are put in place for a reason — the safety and security of themselves and those around them. 

Below are listed some useful resources for those people that want to find out and read more about this topic:

Resources
http://www.osha.gov/oshstats/commonstats.html
http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/construction/index.html
http://www.worksafebc.com/publications/health_and_safety/by_topic/assets/pdf/fall_protection.pdf

 

Our thanks to Lucy James for this very helpful article! pb

Eye Protection, First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Home Safety Products, Weather Protection

TEN SMART TRICKS FOR SUMMER (Guest Post)

Ah, the warm summer months are here, which means more time spent outside running around enjoying the outdoors. It also means occasionally battling the bugs, the sun, and the heat.  To ensure that these and other common summer annoyances don’t derail your summertime fun, here are 10 smart tricks that can help make your summer a little sweeter:

1. Keep a dryer sheet in your pocket to keep bugs away.  You can spend tons of money buying bug spray, and you’ll most likely end up feeling sticky, smelling like bug spray, and getting bitten by bugs anyway. An easy solution is to carry a dryer sheet with you, which is something most people have at home already anyway. By carrying it in your pocket you can ward off bugs; something about the smell keeps the bugs away from you.

2. Sprinkle baking soda in sweaty shoes.  Running around in your shoes without socks is a regular occurrence during the summer time because everyone just wants to slip shoes on and go. Unfortunately, this also causes extra unwanted odor in your shoes.  To fix this problem sprinkle the inside of the shoes with baking soda to absorb the odors.  If you’d rather not have the powdery look in your shoes, you can create a sachet by using a rubber band wrapped around a few tablespoons of baking soda in a handkerchief.   Just put a sachet in each shoe and the odors will disappear.

3. Trap fruit flies with apple cider vinegar.  Did you bring home fruit flies from the farmers market?  Fill a glass jar half full of cider vinegar and screw the lid back on.  Punch several holes in the lid and leave the jar where you have seen the fruit flies.  They will be gone in no time.
4. Cool a sunburn with white vinegar.  Unfortunately, with the warm summer months comes the occasional sunburn.  To take the sting out of a sunburn soak clean soft cloths in white vinegar, wring them out and lay them on the sunburned skin.

5. Coat feet with petroleum jelly and cover with socks at bedtime.  This trick will keep your feet soft and sandal ready all summer.  A little petroleum jelly on your elbows and knees will make sure they stay soft and smooth for all of those revealing summer outfits.

6. Mix a can of cola with ketchup for a quick and easy barbeque sauce.  Figure out about how much sauce you want and add the cola to the ketchup to thin it out and add flavor and sweetness.  Brush on chicken or ribs during the last stages of cooking on the grill to avoid burning.
7. Use conditioner to shave your legs in a pinch.  Did you forget to pack your shaving cream for your vacation?  That’s okay; you can use the sample bottle of conditioner that most hotels give you.  This will leave your legs smooth and silky soft.

8. Apply coconut oil to bee stings and bug bites.  Coconut oil has anti-inflammatory properties and will help heal the sting or bite as well as soothe the pain.

9. Straws make great strawberry hullers.  Take a normal straw and push it up through the base of the strawberry and come up under the hull.  Keep pushing and the hull will usually come right out.  Practice makes perfect with this, but it really works well when you get the hang of it and you won’t have all those strawberry seeds under your finger nails.

10. Use cute cupcake papers to cover your drinks this summer.  When the weather turns nice, eating and drinking outside becomes standard, and almost mandatory.  The problem with eating and drinking outside is keeping the bugs away from your food and drinks.  Get yourself some cupcake papers and use them to cover your drinks.  If you’re having a party the cupcake papers can even match the theme.  To make a drink cover you just need to punch a hole in the cupcake paper and stick a straw through.  Just make sure there are no bugs inside the straw before you drink.

Carrie: may I add one last suggestion to help – wear polarized sunshades that block out UVA and UVB rays to protect your eyes, and a good hat for your head.  Anything that will keep us from burning is welcome in the summer!  Thank you for these good ideas, pb
Carrie Dotson, http://www.summernannyjobs.com/blog/10-smart-tricks-for-summer/

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

PROTECT YOURSELF WITH SAFETY EQUIPMENT FOR ASBESTOS REMOVAL (Guest Post)

2 Comments

Posing a serious health hazard, asbestos removal is a necessary process to ensure that the inhabitants of the home are safe from health complications. Asbestos is not just toxic; it is also a silent killer. Asbestos fibres are very light and often too small to be noticed by the naked eye. They can even float in the atmosphere for months and inhaled by unassuming victims. This makes it even more important to let professionals take care of asbestos removal in your home.  Before starting with the removal, there are many safety measures that should be attended to. Here are the essentials of safety equipment that are a must when removing asbestos.      

Respirators 

They are used to purify the air when working around asbestos. Covering mainly the nose and mouth, respirators filter out the asbestos and allow you to work safely around it. It is important that the respirators fit your head perfectly as even small air gaps can cause asbestos poisoning. Ensure that you are clean shaven to allow the mask to seal your head properly. 

At all costs, avoid using paper dust masks as they cannot filter the small asbestos fibres, causing unnecessary harm to your health. Check with your doctor if you can wear respirators. 

PPE (personal protective equipment) 

Ensure that all persons working inside the containment area wear safety equipment. Apart from protecting your lungs, it is also important to cover your face and body from asbestos. Prolonged exposure to asbestos has known to cause innumerable complications in the health of workers. 

PPE includes safety goggles to protect your eyes, disposable coveralls and gloves to protect your body from debris, and rubber boots to shield your feet from sharp objects. For optimum comfort and protection, opt for laceless rubber boots and ensure that they are thoroughly cleaned after each project. 

Large plastic sheets 

It is a good idea to line the containment area with large plastic sheets. For best results, choose 2 or 3 mil sheeting for the walls and 6 mil sheeting for the floor. Purchase at least one and half times the required amount to ensure that you cover surfaces comfortably. Use good duct tape to seal the corners and joints of the sheeting. 

Tank sprayers 

When removing asbestos, it is essential to keep it wet. Dry asbestos can come loose and risk affecting the workers and neighbours. Tank sprayers help asbestos stick to the wall during the removal. 

Large disposal bags 

The disposal of asbestos is as important as proper removal. All materials exposed to asbestos during the removal process should be safely disposed to prevent contaminating the home and the neighbourhood. Choose 6 mil disposal bags specially designed for asbestos and ensure that the bags are about 33″x50″ in size. It is a good idea to purchase about 4-5 bags for each 100 sqft of ceiling material. 

 Penny is an expert associated with Intersafety, a leading distributor of protective gear and safety equipment. If you are looking to protect your hands in the workplace, visit www.intersafety.co.uk and check out their collection of work gloves and more.

General Safety Issues, Hand Protection

SPECIAL HEALTH AND SAFETY MEASURES BEING IMPLEMENTED FOR THE LONDON OLYMPICS? (GUEST POST)

The London 2012 Games are set to be a hugely important historical event for the UK, and if you are lucky enough to have a ticket, you will certainly want to make the most out of it.   To make sure this is feasible, the organisers, with the help of the nation’s health services and security establishments are making sure that the games go ahead as smoothly as possible.   With this in mind, the organisers, alongside the UK health system and police forces, have put in place measures to ensure that the Olympic events run smoothly and safely, allowing visitors from all around the world to fully enjoy the Games. 

Ever since it was announced in 2005 that London would host the 2012 Olympics, the nation has been working overtime to take appropriate precautions.  There is a reason for this. The threat level in the country will be labelled as severe as a precaution, due to the high number of visitors expected. 

By the time the Games start, over nine million tickets will have been sold and on the busiest day it is estimated that 800,000 people will be using public transport to travel. So what exactly are the risks involved and what precautions and advice are being given?

Let’s break it down into health and safety. 

Health 

According to a report by the Health and Safety Executive, there are a number of health-related problems that are more likely to occur at busy events, such as the Olympics.

One of these include airborne and communicable diseases which can be a real threat during mass gatherings, but accident and emergency departments have been informed as to which diseases are not prevalent in the UK that may be an issue. To avoid spreading germs, it is recommended that visitors carry hand sanitizer on them.

Another health concern is regarding heat. British weather is temperamental and it is difficult to predict whether you are more at risk of sun stroke or hypothermia. Visitors are advised to come equipped for all weather conditions. Staff will be on rotation to avoid long exposure to harsh weather for their own safety. 

If you are travelling from outside of the UK, the National Health Service has compiled a list of what you may want to consider packing. These include: A valid European Health Insurance card if relevant, any prescribed medicine you may need, comfortable walking shoes, clothes for all weather,rainwear, sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 15 and details of your travel insurance. 

Safety 

A lack of training and site orientation for volunteers was highlighted as something that could risk the management of crowd safety and emergency procedures. With this in mind, all volunteers will have attended at least three training courses. It will also be likely that many local businesses may allow employees to work from home temporarily to ease the strain on public transport and reduce crowd-related dangers.
To reduce any security risks, all venues will be searched, and many visitors will have their bag searched too. In fact, visitors are advised to pack light and travel as if you were flying: this includes no potential weaponry and a bag that would fit under your seat. No storage will be available for security purposes. 

Up to 12,500 police officers from across the UK are being deployed for the London Games and a number of officers are expected to receive additional search training, as well as the use of specially trained dogs to aid in bag searches.

There has been a real emphasis on training this year to ensure that the focus can remain on the sports themselves and the historical event.  Huge crowds can be difficult to manage without a clear plan of action and this is useless unless all staff and volunteers are made aware of it.