Tag Archives: chemicals

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Respiratory Safety

RISKS AND REWARDS OF BEING A PLUMBER (GUEST POST)

Work safety has always been a top priority in the plumbing and heating industry. As plumbing is a profession that involves frequent exposure to hazardous situations and chemicals. Plumbing experts needs to be precise with regard to their health and work standards. Plumbing as a craft requires significant technical knowledge and involves much more than simply unclogging a sink or replacing a home shower. 

Typically, a plumber’s work involves working with a wide variety of plumbing tools and equipment in different challenging situations on a daily basis. It is therefore vital that all plumbing engineers are well aware of the risks involved in the occupation and are able to take the appropriate safety measures to minimize them. 

Professional plumbing experts like Plumbers 4U ensure that all their staff are trained and well versed in their own health and safety policies and adhere to safe working practices onsite. These emergency plumbers, working in the North London area and serving Camden, St. Albans, Enfield, Barnet and Brent, work to ensure that all projects are delivered in a professional, responsible and safe manner. 

 There are many well-known risks involved when working as plumber – but taking the correct precautions and safety measures will ensure safety and success in the field. 

  • Plumbers often need to work in close proximity to flammable or combustible substances, and risk exposure to toxic substances like lead, asbestos, adhesives, solvents, solder and sulphur dioxide
    Take proper precautions to avoid inhaling harmful vapours by using properly fitted respirators and ventilation systems, and use eye protection while working with chemicals and in areas where foreign materials may enter your eyes. 
  • There is an increased risk of injury while working with different tools
    Keep your equipment and tools organized and work in a clutter-free area. Inspect the different equipment for safety hazards before each use. All bench and hand grinders should be checked prior to use and should have the proper safety guards in place. 
  • Working in different awkward positions, and lifting heavy or awkward objects could cause back injury
    Work in a clutter-free area and work with your back hunched as little as possible. If lifting heavy objects, bend at the knee and keep a straight back, and do not try to lift something that’s too heavy. 
  • Exposure to extreme temperatures might lead to burns from steam or hot water
    Secure cut off valves prior to working with steam lines or hot water lines. 
  • Plumbers risk electrocution by working with electrical equipment in close proximity to water
    Do not work with electrical equipment while in water or if the equipment is wet, and inspect all electrical cords and plugs for exposed wires or cracks in the insulation before each use. 
  • There is a risk of slipping, tripping or falling on wet surfaces especially while working at heights
    Ensure that you use fall protection and that you take extra care while working at heights.  

Although challenging, there are a lot of benefits to a career in plumbing. You’ll be able to start your own business and set your own work timings, and can therefore set different appointments to fit your work schedule. You’ll never be short of work – plumbing is not an industry that can ever go out of fashion, nor can the need for plumbers ever dwindle. The profession also ensures a fairly good income, as you’ll be able to charge for your skills on an hourly basis. 

Sent to us by Ram Seth, writing for Plumbing specialists Plumbers 4 U ensure that all of their engineers adhere to the industry’s safety standards to avoid or mitigate some of the above risks, and as long as an accident-free plumbing workplace is maintained, which requires a commitment from everyone within a company, the profession of plumbing is a lucrative one.

We appreciate these safety tips, and all understand that plumbers do many jobs that none of us want to do. They know what they are doing, and are worth the charge. pb

Ergonomics, Fall Safety, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Hearing Protection, Respiratory Safety

KEEPING FOOD AND BEVERAGE EMPLOYEES SAFE (GUEST POST)

Workers of food and beverage industry are subjected to a large number of hazards. The primary of them are mentioned below:

  • Workers are often subjected to same level falls arising from slippery conditions. Such falls may cause strains and sprains.
  •  They are exposed to sharp instruments like knives.
  •  Workers may collide with internal transport like containers and forklifts.
  •  The workplace often has poorly designed process flow and inadequate space of work. Workers are exposed to repetitive work and manual lifting. These factors lead to problems caused by poor work posture.
  • Workers are exposed to excessive levels of noise caused by operations like use of beverage bottle fillers, conveyors, bottling and canning.
  •  Workers in this industry are exposed to chemical hazards caused by handling of chemicals used in disinfection and cleaning operations.
  •  They area also exposed to biological hazards caused by ingestion and inhalation of dust. Working in highly humid conditions also exposes the workers to microbiological and biological agents.
  •  This industry involves varying temperature conditions arising from activities like freezing, chilling and heat treatment. Workers are exposed to high temperatures during canning processes and pasteurization. They are exposed to chilling cold conditions while working in refrigerated spaces.

Measures to be taken for minimizing risks and hazards and maximizing workplace health and safety:

  • The working surfaces and walkways should be kept dry and clean to prevent slips and falls. Workers should be provided with footwear having anti-slip features.
  • Workers should use gloves while working with knives and other sharp instruments. This would safeguard them from cuts and similar injuries.
  • Working areas and transport passages should be deferentiated. Handrails should be placed on stairs and platforms.
  •  Spillage of liquids and water on floor should be avoided.
  • Training should be provided to workers on proper lifting techniques. To maximize the workspace of the workers, workstation should be created for each worker.
  • For reduction in the noise levels, it is important to undertake engineering control measures.
  • Emphasis should be made on the personal protection of workers.

Conclusion:

It is important for the safety personnel of food and beverage industry to design effective accident prevention methods and strategies aimed at making the workplace healthy and safe for the employees. A safe and healthy workplace would also lead to increased productivity of workers.

Author’s Bio: Alisa Martin is a guest blogger who writes quality articles on workplace safety. In this article she has written about workplace health and safety in food and beverage industry. Her articles are highly informative and useful to the readers.

General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Head Protection

STEPS TO STAY SAFE IN THE WORKPLACE (GUEST POST)

We all have the right to feel safe and secure in our workplace, whatever line of work you are in. Although all employers are legally obliged to take precautions to minimize health and safety risks in the workplace, we also need to take personal responsibility for our own safety.

The good news is that you don’t need to wrap yourself in bubble wrap and constantly wear a crash helmet to keep yourself safe, it is mainly basic common sense. These are a few tips to help you protect yourself whilst at work-

  • Communication is vital, not just for your safety, but your colleagues and customers as well. If you notice that equipment is getting worn or something looks faulty, notify your supervisor or health and safety representative as soon as possible.
  • Familiarize yourself with your company’s health and safety procedures. Every employer needs to conduct a risk assessment which will include ways to avoid hazards and the correct, safe way of performing tasks to avoid injury. You should also be made aware of the location of emergency exits, evacuation assembly points and first aid boxes as part of your orientation.
  • If you ever out on the road as part of your job or spend time working alone, consider downloading a personal safety application on to your smart phone, such as the personal safety app from Lookout Call. These have features that ensure that you get a speedy response if you are in danger and to locate you if you break down in the middle of nowhere.
  • When you are in a profession where you have to enter stranger’s premise, for example if you are an electrician or plumber, you can sometimes get a bad vibe straight away. Always trust your gut instinct and arrange for somebody to call you so that you have an excuse to leave if you feel unsafe. If this isn’t a viable option, try to get a personal safety app for your phone with features that autodial for you or that will raise an alarm if you don’t respond to a prescheduled call.
  • Don’t use any machinery or perform any tasks that you have not been trained to do. If you have been trained but can’t remember the correct or safest way to do it, don’t be nervous of asking your supervisor or trainer for some refresher training.
  • It may sound very basic, but ask anybody entering your premises, such as delivery or repair persons for ID. If you work in a space by yourself, for example in a petrol station or cleaning in the evening, try not to let anybody in that you are not expecting.
  • When you have to travel for work, make sure that somebody knows where you’re going and what time you are expected to be there so you can arrange ‘check in’ calls.
  • If you work with hazardous chemicals always read the bottle and act on any safety precautions the manufacturer’s advice, such as the use of gloves and ensuring you have ventilation.

It is very easy to keep safe at work as long as you maintain good communication with your employers and colleagues and don’t take unnecessary risks.

BIO: Katie Matthews is a manager within lookout call, a  loneworker applications and safety specialist in the UK.  Katie has worked in the technology industry for a number of years and has reviewed and written about a number of technology niches.

 

 

 

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

THINGS YOU MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT TRAINS, PART I

Have you ever wondered as you drive down the highway about those trains you see rolling along, and what on earth could be in all those cars?  You also see lots of graffiti, done by some local “artists” along the way, and can’t help but question all the places that train has been.  One thing you need to understand, is that many of those cars are carrying hazardous materials, and in the event of a derailment, or spill, you need to drive away from the area as soon as possible. 

Railroad companies are overseen primarily by the Federal Railroad Administration, but also answer to the Department of Transportation, and the National Transportation Safety Board.  No person may transport a hazardous material in commerce unless that material is properly classed, described, packaged, marked, labeled, and placarded and is in condition for transportation according to DOT regulations.  Railroad Company computers are able to track the trains at all times. 

For your information, here are the hazard classes and divisions:

  • 1 – Explosives (1.1 – Explosive with mass explosion hazard; 1.2 – Explosive with projection hazard; 1.3 – Explosive with predominantly fire hazard; 1.4 – Explosive with no significant blast hazard; 1.5 – Very insensitive explosive; blasting agent, and 1.6 – Extremely insensitive detonating substance.)
  • 2. – Gases (2.1 – Flammable gas; 2.2 – Nonflammable, nonpoisonous, (nontoxic), compressed gas; and 2.3 – Poisonous (toxic) gas (by inhalation).
  • 3 – Flammable Liquids
  • 4 – Flammable Solids and Reactive Solids/Liquids (4.1 – Flammable solid; 4.2 – Spontaneously combustible material, and 4.3 – Dangerous when wet marked.)
  • 5 – Oxidizers and Organic Peroxides  (5.1 – Oxidizer; 5.2 Organic peroxide.)
  • 6 – Poisonous (Toxic) Materials/Infectious Substances (6.1 – Poisonous (Toxic) material; 6.2 – Infectious substance.
  • 7 – Radioactive Materials
  • 8 – Corrosive Materials
  • 9 – Miscellaneous Hazardous Materials

Worded Classes

Combustible Liquids (regulated in bulk packaging only)

ORM-D (Other Regulated Materials – D) (regulated in air transportation only; not regulated in rail transportation. 

Shipping hazardous materials are time-sensitive.  Those under a 20-day time limit to arrive are:

  • 1.      Ethylene, refrigerated liquid
  • 2.      Hydrogen, refrigerated liquid
  • 3.      Chloroprene, stabilized
  • 4.      Flammable liquid, N.O.S.
  • 5.      Hydrogen chloride, refrigerated liquid
  • 6.      Vinyl fluoride, stabilized

Those having a 30-day shipping limit are:

  1. Styrene monomer, inhibited
  2. Flammable Liquid, (Recycled styrene) 

When transporting hazardous material shipments in a train, a member of the train crew must also have acceptable emergency response information and a document showing the current position of each hazardous material in the train.  This documentation provides railroad and emergency response personnel with accurate information for every hazardous material being transported. 

Next, In Part II, we will talk about what type of training railroad crews experience to be prepared for a hazardous material spill caused by a railroad derailment or railroad car leak.  Please read on…..

Source: Daniel Burlison, Retired Manager, Train Operations 

 

 

Eye Protection, Fall Safety, General Safety Issues

SAFETY IN THE CHEMISTRY LAB (GUEST POST)

By Maree Kyle

Safety is valued in any workplace, but in areas where dangerous materials and other hazards are present, it’s essential that workers and businesses create a safe environment where accidents are mitigated. Unfortunately, even the best workplace environments boasting well-trained workers are susceptible to the occasional accident, making it crucial that emergency protocols be developed and taught alongside accident prevention measures.

In chemistry laboratories, safety considerations are amplified. Accidents when working with volatile and potentially dangerous materials can be permanently damaging and, in some cases, fatal. Good chemical hygiene is of utmost importance and this encompasses many facets of lab operations. Here are some steps every lab should take to minimize the risk of an accident and to improve emergency response when mishaps do occur.

1. Demand storeroom organization

Maintaining organization and order in a storeroom makes for more efficient lab work, but it also greatly enhances safety in the workspace. Workers need to keep track of a number of chemicals, many with expiration dates, and old chemicals need to be properly disposed of. Additionally, better organization helps ensure property inventory levels of various chemical materials. A good approach to handling the storeroom is to put one worker in charge of the storeroom, managing its contents and handling upkeep as needed.

2. Display safety signs as intended

A little signage can be very helpful for reminding workers of the dangers present in the workplace. Make sure all signage is properly displayed to maximize its efficacy in helping workers avoid accidents.

3. Demand proper attire

It’s not unheard of that some confident chemists will occasionally decline to wear certain safety gear, considering it more a nuisance than a form of protection. But that’s a risky move that’s bound to end up in failure at some point. From the lab’s perspective, a failure to wear safety gear creates extra risks that could be a liability to the facility. Outline proper attire requirements in various situations and strongly enforce the protocol for failing to follow lab rules.

4. Clean, clean, clean

According to the Occupational Safety & Health Administration, the third-leading cause of workplace injuries is slips and falls. The vast majority of these are preventable by making sure hazards and obstacles are kept out of the workspace at all times. Clean floors, countertops and other workspaces frequently to eliminate fluids and other hazards that can lead to accidents. The lab should also be stocked with good materials for quickly and easily cleaning up messes. Other lab-specific safety measures include keeping clutter off of countertops, keeping excess chemicals in proper storage, and handling waste products properly and quickly.

5. Offer proper training on equipment

Greater familiarity with various lab equipment will prevent devices from being misused. Teach lab workers how to identify faulty devices, further preventing accidents resulting from equipment errors.

With so many dangerous materials present, chemistry labs can be particularly prone to serious accidents. Every lab needs to invest time and resources into educating their workers and instituting safety measures. Don’t let safety awareness be a one-time thing: Keep workers mindful of safety concerns with random inspections and continued training workshops to reduce your lab’s risk of a preventable accident.

Thanks, Maree, for this invaluable information regarding safety when working with chemicals.  Texas America Safety Company has a whole range of personal protective equipment to ensure employees’ safety at work. Pat

 

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

FIVE SAFETY HAZARDS TO AVOID AT CONSTRUCTION SITES (GUEST POST)

Another great article sent to us by Saam Banai

Whether you work in construction, have construction going on in your home, or you commute by construction on a regular basis, there are many things that you should be aware of in order to stay safe from injury around construction sites.  Over the years, construction related injuries and deaths have decreased dramatically due to the federal efforts of OSHA towards “collaborative safety,” but we can still do our part to pay attention our own personal safety regardless of regulations outside of our control.

The Dangers of Heights

Perhaps the most dangerous element of construction sites is gravity.  Usually, heights are involved when constructing multi-floor buildings so it’s possible for workers to fall from high up.  This is when the need for fall protection equipment is imperative. It’s important to be aware of ledges and loose guard rails when working near the edge of a high story.  Additionally, it’s important to be aware of objects that are placed near these ledges.  Tools, boards, and metal pieces might fall on unsuspecting workers or bystanders, ones whom hopefully have access to the best injury lawyers.

Electric Hazards

Electricity is always flowing on construction sites.  Be aware of sockets and frayed wires when installing lights or working with power-tools.  If you’re doing work in your own home, do some research and talk to an electrician before digging into your walls.  There’s no sense in being a hero when repairing or installing electric components for yourself or your family.

Machines

Power-tools and large machines are obviously a source of danger on construction sites.  When operating heavy equipment like cranes or bobcats, be sure to understand all of the safety information in either the booklet or told to you by a professional.  Do the same when working with saws, nail guns, jackhammers, and soldering irons.

Chemical Hazards

Dangerous chemicals are perhaps some of the hardest hazards to avoid on construction sites, but only if you fail to have due diligence.  Asbestos, a cause for Mesothelioma, is one of the best examples of things to look out for.  Others include lead paint, varnish, solvents, and materials that are flammable.  Be sure to use masks and gloves when applicable.

Noise

This danger is less life threatening than others, but it can still cause unfavorable injury.  Constant work with jackhammers and other tools can result in loss of hearing.  That’s why it’s important to always wear protective ear guards when working with louder than normal equipment.  Noise can also prevent people from hearing the warning sounds of other dangers, like an approaching vehicle or falling object.

There are many things to avoid when working or walking around construction sites, and these are just a few.  If attention is paid, and regulations are followed, we can continue the trend of decreasing accidents over the years.  Everyone has to play their part though and be diligently aware of much that is going on while on the job.

Saam Banai is a freelance writer and editor.  He contributes this article for The Perecman Firm PLLC, some of the best injury lawyers in New York, specializing in construction accidents, workers’ compensation, wrongful death, and vehicle accidents.  They have helped victims of various accidents in New York City to obtain over $200 million in settlements and verdicts.

As Saam stated in this article, all types of occupational safety products are needed around construction sites.  Keep your employees safe at all times on the job. 

 

General Safety Issues, Home Safety Products

TEN STEPS TO BABY-PROOFING YOUR HOME (Guest Post)

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Before you bring your bundle of joy home from the hospital you’re likely to be under the influence of some fairly strong nesting instincts. After washing tiny onesies and bibs, it’s a good idea to get a jump start on baby-proofing. Though your newborn won’t need many of the new security measures for a few months, you’re also not likely to have much spare time on your hands after she arrives. Rather than realizing a few moments after an injury that your baby’s old enough to require safety precautions around the house, here are a few steps for baby-proofing your home that you might want to consider taking early.
  1. Keep Bedding Safe – While cute, fluffy bedding can be tempting, it can actually pose a suffocation risk for newborns and infants. Make sure that there’s no more than a finger’s width between the edges of a crib mattress and the sides of the crib, that plush toys and pillows are removed from your baby’s crib while she’s in it, and that you do not use crib bumpers. They may tie a nursery together, and supposedly protect an infant’s head from knocking against the side of a crib, but they are also officially outlawed in some areas and emphatically denounced by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
  2. Choose the Right Furniture – The antique nursery furniture that you found or inherited might be beautiful, but it may also be unsafe. Before using it, make sure that slats in the crib are less than 2 3/8 inches apart, that changing tables have side guards of at least 2 inches high to prevent falls, and that the surfaces are not painted to eliminate the risk of lead-contaminated paint.
  3. Install Toilet Locks – Infants that can crawl will soon be able to pull themselves into an upright position by holding on to a stable surface. When that surface is a toilet, curiosity about the water inside and the unsteadiness of a standing child who can’t support their own bodies properly combine to create a risky situation. Installing locks on toilet seats can help to prevent your little one from drowning.
  4. Use a Faucet Cover – To protect your baby’s soft, delicate head during bath time, using a specially designed cover as a buffer between her sensitive skin and the cold metal of the faucet is best. Be warned, however, that these covers can slip off and are not a substitute for careful monitoring.
  5. Change the Temperature Setting on Your Water Heater – Scalds are among the most common types of burns among children seen in emergency rooms; to ensure that your baby doesn’t inadvertently sustain such an injury, turn the temperature setting on your hot water heater down to 120° or less.
  6. Move Cleaning Fluids and Chemicals to Upper Cabinets – In the average child-free home, cleaning solutions and other chemicals are kept in the lower cabinet, directly beneath the sink. Infants begin pulling themselves along and crawling sooner than some parents expect, which can lead to poisoning scares if such substances are still in reach. Moving your cleaning fluids to an upper cabinet early helps you become accustomed to the placement and reduces the likelihood of you forgetting to do so later.
  7. Be Mindful of Blind Cords and Curtain Tie-Backs – Cords used to open and close blinds, and tie-backs used for drawing back curtains are among the most common culprits in infant and toddler strangulation. There are winding and securing products on the market to help prevent these tragedies, and they should be used in all rooms of the house.
  8. Cushion Edges of Furniture – Padding sharp corners of coffee tables and other low-slung furniture, along with the sharp, hard edges of brick hearths, can protect your baby’s head and face from injury as she learns to grasp these surfaces to gain rudimentary balance skills.
  9. Install Cabinet Locks – In addition to moving dangerous chemicals to upper cabinets well out of a baby’s reach, parents are also encouraged to install cabinet locks to block access. Because inventive or determined babies can sometimes outsmart them, you should still make an effort not to leave your child unattended in kitchens or bathrooms.
  10. Check Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Detectors – In the hustle and bustle of preparing for Baby’s arrival, it’s easy to forget to check the batteries and functionality of your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms. Be sure to test them to ensure that your growing family is protected from poisoning or fire.

Sent to us by Barbara Williams, findababysitter.org

General Safety Issues, Respiratory Safety

DOES YOUR WORKPLACE LEAVE YOU BREATHLESS?

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Millions of people experience allergies caused by everyday exposures to agents such as dust mites, cat dander, and pollens.  Workers who encounter agents can also develop allergic reactions such as asthma, nasal and sinus allergies, hives, and even severe anaphylactic reactions.  Work-related asthma, which is caused by exposure to an agent in the workplace, is the most common occupational respiratory disorder in developed countries.  An estimated 15% of asthmatic cases reported in the United States are occupation-related.  In Canada, asthma affects over three million citizens.  Many are not aware that certain agents at their work place could lead to hyper-responsiveness of airway or aggravating pre-existing asthmatic symptoms.  Because of that, it is likely that the cases of occupational related asthma are under reported. 

Asthma is a common lung disease that creates narrowing of the air passages, making it difficult to breathe.  It can affect your ability to work, and your overall quality of life.  When asthma is not managed, it can even threaten your life.  If you are exposed to certain workplace chemicals or agents, you may be at risk for developing occupational asthma.  Many people with work-related asthma don’t realize that their symptoms are related to their work because they are the same as those for regular asthma: attacks of difficult breathing, tightness of the chest, coughing, and wheezing.  In work–related asthma, the symptoms are worse on workdays and improve when the person is away from the workplace, such as on the weekend, days off, and vacation.  Also, symptoms may be more severe at the end of the week, as compared to the beginning of the week. 

Risk factors for occupational asthma include frequent exposure to the agents involved, allergies, family history of allergies, or asthma, and smoking.  A good clinical history will help in identifying the possibility of work-related asthma.  An occupational physician could carry out a walk-through survey in the workplace to identify the possible agents that cause asthmatic attack.  Also, a look at the list of chemicals in Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) would give a clue to that. 

There are many agents that can cause occupational asthma.   Here are some examples:

  • Certain chemicals;
  • Metals and metal-working fluids;
  • Dyes, drugs, and enzymes;
  • Grains, flours, plants, and gums;
  • Natural rubber latex;
  • Animal and shellfish proteins;
  • Fungi;
  • Wood dusts, including red cedar.

Factors that can trigger work-aggravated asthma:

  • Vapors, gases, dusts, mists, sprays or fumes from industrial materials and cleaning products;
  • Dust mites or mold/fungal spores;
  • Indoor air pollution resulting from poor ventilation;
  • Outdoor air pollution and smog (for outdoor workers). 

Both employers and employees can help control or prevent work-related asthma.  Employers should:

  • Eliminate the asthma-causing agent from the workplace.
  • If elimination is not possible, substitute a less hazardous agent.
  • Apply administrative controls such as policies, procedures, safe work practices, and job rotation to minimize exposure time of workers.
  • Control the exposure.
  • Install ventilation systems to contain emissions, such as gases or vapors at the source.
  • Provide Personal Protect Equipment, such as breathing respirator masks.  PPE should not be used as the only method of exposure control when exposures are ongoing.
  • Train employees on the proper use, storage and maintenance of PPE, proper handling procedures, avoidance of spills, and safe working and good housekeeping procedures.
  • Monitor the exposure level of hazardous agents in the workplace. 

Employees should:

  • Learn about the hazards in your workplace by speaking to the employer, health and safety or union representative, or an occupational health professional.
  • Be aware of the symptoms of work-related asthma.
  • Use PPE that is provided.
  • Report any problems with equipment, PPE, or ventilation systems to the supervisor.
  • Attend training courses on work-related asthma and occupational health and safety, and participate in all health and safety programs in the workplace. 

If not recognized and treated early enough, work-related asthma is a serious illness that can result in disability and job loss. Fortunately, when potential hazards are recognized, work-related allergies and asthma can often be prevented, or their effects minimized. Employers and employees must work together to prevent work-related asthma, so all can breathe easy at work.

Source: Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety

General Safety Issues, Health Issues

COMMON HOUSEHOLD POISONS – A MEDICAL DANGER GUIDE

Guest Blog

Note: We received the following published article that was submitted by one of our readers, hoping to help spread the word about harmful products that exist in our homes.  This should help us think about ways we can protect our children and grandchildren: “Medical Danger Guide: Common Household Poisons.”   

There are harmful chemical substances in every home today. Hence, it is important for parents to be careful with the way they keep household items. Poisons from household chemicals can become a threat to life when consumed or inhaled. Sometimes, this can lead to death, brain disorder and other serious issues. Most homes have more than fifty products that contain poisonous substances. It is therefore the responsibility of parents to know these products and keep them away from the kids. This can be done more effectively by packaging the products with materials that are very difficult for children to destroy.

If you know someone who has just inhaled or consumed poison, please call the US department of health and human services on this hotline: 1-800-222-1222.

Some of the common household poisons are listed below:

  • Iron Supplement– A lot of people think it is harmless to take iron supplements. Unfortunately, this can cause death among children if they take up to five pills at once.
  • Batteries– Old batteries possess harmful chemicals such as lead, acid, cadmium and mercury. These chemicals can cause death when taken through the mouth.
  • Art and Crafts Supplies– There are several art and crafts items that are dangerous to children. These items include: paints, glue, and ink. This means that parents should endeavor to purchase only those that are considered to be safe for children.
  • Baby Oils– A mouthful of baby oil can cause lung inflammation. Lung inflammation can also be caused by consuming bath oils, makeup removers and massage oils.
  • Toothpaste– Toothpastes are dangerous because they contain a harmful chemical substance known as fluoride. Consumption of fluoride can lead to poisoning and death. Therefore, children should be supervised while brushing their teeth and also educated on the need to avoid swallowing the toothpaste.
  • Thermometers and Compact Fluorescent Lightbulbs– Thermometers and compact fluorescent lightbulbs are made of mercury. They should be kept out of the reach of children because they can release mercury if broken. Mercury can cause health problems such as kidney damage and disorders of the nervous and digestive systems.
  • Bleach– High concentration of bleach is harmful to the skin and eyes. Inhaling bleach can also cause respiratory diseases.
  • Paints and Solvents– There are numerous paints and solvents that are made of perchloroethylene. Perchloroethylene can cause liver problems, kidney damage, loss of memory, headache, dizziness and fatigue.
  • Pesticides– Pesticides are made of dangerous chemicals such as organophosphates. When exposed to high concentrations, pesticides can lead to death of children and pets.
  • Perfumes and Colognes– Alcohol is used in the production of several perfumes and colognes available on the market. Alcohol is a dangerous chemical that is responsible for several health problems today.

Children are more prone to these household chemicals because they cannot read labels and determine what is safe (or unsafe) for them. As a result, parents are advised to hide these items by employing the following tips:

  • Understand the information on the label to know how to use the product.
  • Products with harmful chemicals should be locked up in a cabinet to prevent children from having them.
  • Parents should attend to household poisons before attending to other important issues.
  • Household products should be kept safely after using them.
  • Children should not be allowed to come around when harmful products are being used.
  • Since mixing different chemical products can also produce harmful substances, it is advisable to do so only when it is recommended by the manufacturer.
  • Medicines and health supplements should not be placed in reach of children.
  • Even if there is a need to take medicine, it is advisable to do so when the children are not watching. This is because they may want to take the medicines when they are alone.
  • Explain what medications actually mean to children.
  • Purchase products that are packaged with child-resistant materials.

We always thank our readers for sharing information that helps keep our youngsters safe. 

General Safety Issues, Protective Clothing, Respiratory Safety

OIL SPILL CLEAN UP CONTINUES

At this moment, we are hopeful that the cap that was placed on the BP oil well that has been creating havoc on our Gulf of Mexico since April 20th will hold.  It is moment by moment, as the company is continuing to test the pressure and is hopeful that the flow of oil and gas will be contained.

In the meantime, efforts to clean up the shorelines and the Gulf continue.  The agencies that are responsible for oil clean up are the United States Coast Guard and Environmental Protection Agency.  It seems that every way possible to clean up this mess has been tried.  From booms placed in the water to contain the oil, to boats that skim or suck the oil from the water into containment tanks, the continual flow of oil has been extremely challenging.  The oil has been set on fire –“ in situ burning”, or controlled burning that is done by the Coast Guard under certain conditions, when the sea is in a low state.  Because it is mostly oil, it can cause toxic smoke, but it is a trade-off between leaving the oil to remain in the gulf water or air pollution from the burn, which is of shorter duration.  NIOSH has been monitoring the air quality aboard response vessels, and recommended that Dust Masks and Respirators be available to all burn crews.

Dispersants were sprayed on the water by planes, to break up the oil, but some scientists feel that these chemicals are absorbed into the water, resulting in danger to marine life and corral reefs.

Another method of clean-up in the water is being done by two skimmer rigs, the Discoverer Enterprise, a ship that can collect, process, and store oil.  The Q4000 can’t process or store crude oil, but can burn the oil and gas through an “Evergreen” burner, creating a clean burn by eliminating visible smoke emissions. 

In Northwest Florida,  efforts to clean up some of their beaches resulted in removing too much sand.  The weight of tractors and trailers destabilized the shoreline, making it vulnerable to natural erosion.  Also, the weight of heavy machines forced oil deeper into the sand, creating a safety hazard. 

So it seems, these folks on the southern coastline areas can’t win for losing.  This has been a terrible puzzle to try to piece together to get the mess contained.  It may be months or even years before things will be back to normal.  Those who make their living, such as fishermen, and the entire tourist industry have suffered greatly.  Hopes are that they will be reimbursed quickly in order to fulfill their regular day-to-day obligations.

Thankfully,  the workers are wearing protective gear, such as sunglasses, gloves, vests, and hats.  Some are required to wear Tyvek clothing that protects them from hazardous materials.  The exact health risks are yet not fully determined for those who must do this work. 

We hope that our friends that have been affected by this terrible accident can soon see the light at the end of the tunnel, and someday see their beautiful blue water and wildlife back to normal.