Tag Archives: gloves

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

SPRING CLEANING: A FEW DO’S AND DON’T’S (GUEST POST)

It’s springtime! Aside from being the time of blooms, it’s also the time when you suddenly realize your house needs a fresh coat of paint, or your lawn needs mowing, or your furniture needs a little bit more than just dusting.

If you’re planning to haul out the cleaning equipment and clean every nook and cranny of your home, take note that there are certain risks involved. Unless you want to end up injured and in the emergency room, like some 21 million people every year (source: Home Safety Council), here are a few DOs and DON’Ts for safer, happier, and productive spring cleaning.

Do use common sense in climbing and using ladders
When using the ladder to wash windows or reach something high, use extreme caution. Follow weight limits on ladders and if possible, wear non-skid shoes. Don’t lean too far to either side as well. To be sure, have someone at the base to hold the ladder steady.

Do wear a mask or safety gear
Wearing safety goggles to clean the house may feel weird, but it can do you good in so many ways. Aside from glasses, you can also wear appropriate gloves, hearing protections and other products to prevent injuries. If you are allergic to dust, by all means, wear a mask when dusting.

Do be careful when moving large pieces of furniture
Improper pushing and lifting can cause major injuries that can last for several weeks. To stay safe, use proper lifting technique: bend and lift from the legs rather than the back. Seek the help of a partner when moving heavy objects and furniture.

Do keep paths clear
As you move things around, the entire house may turn into an obstacle course. Make sure to leave clear paths for you unless you want to end up slipping or stepping on something that may hurt your foot. One tip is to put them into boxes or bags away from steps and stairs.

Don’t rush because you’re tired
Most people want to get things done at the shortest time possible. However, this mostly leads to breaking things or accidents. If you’re exhausted, stop and take a break. Drink a glass of water and rest instead of being unsafe. Work can resume when you’re re-energized.

Don’t carry too much stuff at once
…especially on stairs. If you are taking things from your bedroom to the living room, make sure you have a free hand to hold onto the railing of the stairs. Also, even without having to go up and down the stairs, you should make sure the load you are carrying is enough so that you won’t trip.

Don’t mix and match cleaning products
When mixed with others, some chemicals can be toxic and flammable. Even virtually mild chemicals have a way of reacting. Since low cost health insurance is difficult to come by nowadays, better read labels and follow instructions properly if you want to stay safe. To be sure, use eco-friendly cleaning solutions instead!

Don’t leave water buckets unattended
Mopping the floor or washing the windows usually require a bucket of water. If you need to take a quick break, make sure to empty the bucket or put it in an inaccessible area, at the very least. Spilled water can increase the risk of slips and falls, as well as drowning for the little ones.

Have a happy and safe spring cleaning everyone!

About the author: Based in California, Melissa Page is a professional writer with over 4 years of professional writing experience. Despite being a safety-conscious health buff, she still believes in the importance of health insurance. She also loves travelling and bowling.

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

SAFE WORKING AT HEIGHT (GUEST POST)

From Jason of riskatmedia.com 

There are particular hazards associated with working at height, some of these hazards accompany almost all types of work activity, such as manual handling and slips and trips.  Others, such as falls from height and contact with moving or falling objects are of particular concern to personnel who work at height.  Falls from height are the leading cause of fatal injuries at work. While contact with moving or falling objects is the third greatest cause of workplace fatality and the second greatest cause of major accidents at work. 

Manual Handling  Manual handling related activities are a major cause of occupational injury.  Low back pain, joint injuries and repetitive strain injuries affect over a million people each year, and many of these injuries are the result of manual handling. Prior to carrying out any unavoidable manual handling activity, you should help to protect yourself from injury by following good manual handling practices.  Consider the task to be carried out and the nature of the load, and be aware of your own capabilities and the environment in which you are working. In particular, tools, equipment and materials can be extremely heavy and you should give consideration to safe manual handling practices before undertaking any job that involves lifting these items while working at height, where manual lifts may be made more difficult by space restrictions and the potential to fall. 

Slip, Trips and Falls  Slips and trips represent a significant cause of work related injury.  Slips and trips can result from contamination, obstacles, inappropriate footwear, reduced visibility, the environment and people’s attitudes. It is extremely important that elevated work platforms and access ladders are kept clear of slip and trip hazards that could result in a possible fall from height.  By removing waste materials to waste skips you can contribute significantly to good housekeeping.  You can also reduce the risk of slips and trips by properly routing any cables that you use, by only taking the tools, equipment and materials necessary to the job aloft, by appropriately storing all such items and keeping walkways clear, by ensuring that you always wear appropriate footwear, and by taking responsibility for your own and your colleagues safety and containing any spills that you might discover. Scaffolders should ensure that no loose scaffolding materials are ever left on a finished scaffold. 

Contact with Moving or Falling Objects  Contact with moving or falling objects is a significant hazard to personnel involved in work at height, as well as to personnel who may be working in the areas beneath operations conducted at height.   Access to the area in which you are working from a ladder should be restricted by barriers when moving vehicles, trailers and hand bogies pose a collision risk.  Suitable barriers and signs should be used to keep the access roads used by Mobile Elevated Work Platforms clear. This will reduce the risk of collision with structures, people and other mobile plant and vehicles.  Care should still be taken to ensure that the platform’s boom or knuckles do not impede the access and working areas used by other plant and vehicles. 

Safe working practices should always be followed to prevent the fall of materials from a height.  All tools, equipment and materials essential to work aloft should be appropriately stowed to ensure that they do not fall.  Any excess materials and all debris should be removed from elevated work platforms, all loose items should be placed in storage boxes, bagged or secured where possible, edge protection should be used to prevent items falling from sloping roofs and all items you need to carry while using a ladder should be held in a belt pouch.  Where there is still a possibility that materials may fall from a height, access to the work area should be restricted by barriers and appropriate warning signs or by posting a banks-man. 

Elevated Working Platforms  Where work at height cannot be avoided, safe working practices should always be followed to reduce the risk of falling any distance which could cause injury.  You should always use an approved and safe means of gaining access to elevated working platforms.  Wherever possible, work at height should be carried out from an appropriate working platform with edge protection, making use of a safety harness and any other available work equipment and fall arrest systems to prevent falls from height.  Where this is not possible, work of a light nature and short duration can be undertaken from a ladder, while other work can be undertaken by suitably trained, experienced and medically fit individuals using a body harness and other fall arrest equipment identified during detailed planning.  You should never use temporary makeshift working platforms.

Work platforms on scaffolding should have full guardrails and toe boards.  A safety harness is required if full guarding is not possible, or if the work involves reaching over. Mesh should be installed if scaffolding is designed specifically to store bulk materials. 

Appropriate fall arrest equipment attached to a suitable anchor point inside the platform should be used whenever you work from a mobile elevated work platform. 

Edges of roofs from which a person could fall should be provided with a barrier that is properly constructed, anchored and fitted with toe boards as appropriate.  Roof openings should be protected by barriers or covers.  Fragile roof areas should be identified and protected by a barrier, or fitted with crawling boards, crawling ladders or duck boards that are properly supported.

Where ladders must be used, they should be securely lashed at the top, tied at the bottom, or held by a second person to ensure that they do not move or slip.  Ladders should be long enough to allow 3 or 4 rungs above the working step, 3 points of contact should be maintained at all times and a harness clipped to a secure anchor point should always be used. 

Structural Integrity  Elevated working platforms should be structurally sound to prevent accidents which could lead to falls from height.  All scaffolding should be erected by trained and competent personnel, they should verify that all materials are fit for purpose and that the load bearing ground and surfaces are fit for purpose.  Never be tempted to make unauthorised alterations to scaffolding. Prior to using any scaffolding on site, you must check that the scaff tag is in date and valid.  Scaffolding should be inspected weekly and following adverse weather conditions by a competent person.  If you are at all unsure that the appropriate inspections have been carried out, do not use the scaffolding and report to your manager. 

All ladders should also conform to the relevant Standard, be free from patent defect, and be inspected once a week by a competent person.  If you have any reason to doubt that a ladder has been appropriately inspected, do not use it and report to your manager.

Lanyards should be inspected before each use and should be subjected to a detailed inspection by a competent person at least once every six months.  If you have reason to think that any fall arrest equipment has not been properly inspected, please do not use it and discuss the matter with your manager. 

Planning  To reduce the risk of personnel falling all work at height should be suitably planned. Where the use of a body harness cannot be avoided for work at height, a competent manager should provide a plan which incorporates safe access and egress, as well as the type of harness and double lanyard that should be used. 

A suitable rescue plan should also be in place where a harness or restraints are used.  The rescue plan should ensure that effective communication links have been established so that assistance can be summoned. 

Training  All personnel need appropriate training and experience to safely carry out operations which involve working at height.  Only suitably trained and authorised personnel are allowed to use mobile elevated work platforms and body harnesses.  Cradles should only be used by personnel who are suitably trained and experienced. 

Human Factors  Human factors play a significant role in safe working at height.  For this reason, personnel should not work at height if you are tired or otherwise unable to give your full attention to the task at hand.  If you feel that your medical history, age, health or fitness might affect your ability to carry work at height, please discuss this with your manager.  Remember that you should never come to work in possession of, or under the influence of, alcohol or drugs.  These substances expose everyone on site to risks that are unnecessary and easily avoided. 

Environments  The risks associated with work at height can be increased by the environment in which you are required to work, Hot and cold environments can result in physical stresses and affect concentration, as they have the potential to raise or lower you body core temperature beyond safe limits.  Confined spaces limit your ability to move around, can be poorly lit and may increase the length of time taken to provide medical assistance in the event of an emergency. It is therefore extremely important that you follow safe working practices when working at height in these environments. 

Hot Works  Particular attention should be given to establishing a safe place of work and to following safe working practices when you carry out hazardous tasks, such as hot works, at height.  The risks associated with fumes, explosions and electric shock can result in falls from height.  Ensure that you use appropriate Personal Protective Equipment, or PPE, that you use and store gas bottles safely and that all items of electrical equipment carry a valid appliance testing label. 

Personal Protective Equipment PPE  PPE is an important means of reducing the risks associated with work at height.  At least standard PPE with safety glasses, construction hard hats and gloves should be worn, with a harness attached to suitable fall arrest equipment while accessing or working on elevated platforms.  Additional PPE, such as dust masks, breathing apparatus and hearing protection may be required for particular tasks, as outlined in the relevant risk assessment.

You should also wear close fitting garments, not wear a tie or jewellery and tie back long hair and long beards to reduce the risk of entanglement.  Only PPE in good working condition will reduce the hazards associated with your work, so it is important to remove, clean and store your PPE correctly. 

Electricity and Overhead Power Lines  Electric shock can result in death and severe burns.  In addition, serious injury can occur if an individual falls from height as a result of an electric shock. All items of electrical equipment should carry a valid test certificate or label to reduce the risk of electric shock.  Testing should be carried out by suitably trained individuals.   If any item of electrical equipment does not carry a valid test label, it should not be used and you should inform your manager.  You should also carry out a visual pre-use inspection of all equipment to ensure that it remains undamaged. 

Because of the risk of electrocution, aluminium ladders should never be used where there is a risk of contact with electricity.

Electric shock can also occur as a result of contact with overhead power lines.  Where mobile elevated work platforms are to be used near overhead power lines, an appointed person should plan and supervise operations.  Power lines should be made dead where at all possible.  Where this is not possible, work under power lines should be of short duration and all appropriate restraints and barriers should be in place to ensure that the platform cannot reach or accidentally come into contact with live power lines. 

Mobile Elevated Work Platforms MEWPs   Other safe working practices are necessary to prevent mobile elevated work platforms from overturning during work at height.  The manufacturer’s safe working load should never be exceeded and the platform should never be operated in high winds.  You should also avoid handling sheet type materials in windy conditions.

Where the use of a platform on uneven ground cannot be avoided, they should be used at reduced speed, they should not be turned on slopes and the use of road plates should be considered. 

Emergency Procedures  In the event of an emergency while working at height, isolate any equipment that you have been using, make your work area safe and use a safe means of egress to evacuate the area according to the site emergency procedures.  If you are involved in an accident, seek immediate assistance. 

Riskatmedia – Safety Training Videos

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection

PROTECTING YOUR MOST IMPORTANT TOOLS – YOUR HANDS (GUEST POST)

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 We all have a favorite tool, maybe it is that new Lithium-Ion powered cordless drill, it might be a new air compressor for powering all of your pneumatic tools, or it might be an old set of wrenches that you’ve had since you were a teenager and bought your first car.  But no matter what your favorite tool is and what tools you use each day to make a living, you have to invest in the right pair of gloves to protect your most important tools- your hands.

Chances are that if you work for a large company, there are regulations and programs put in place by the safety coordinator or safety manager.  Depending on what kind of job you do, you might use many different types of gloves to protect your hands.  If you work for a smaller company or are a DIY’er, you may not have any expertise on the subject or mandated regulations.  It is up to you to protect yourself.

Like any other type of safety gear, hand protection come in all shapes and sizes and are often specific to what type of job is at hand.  Depending on what type of job you are doing will determine the proper glove for the task.  Gloves will be divided into different categories such as cut resistant, chemical resistant, insulated, arc protection, high temperature, general purpose and many specialized gloves.  The most important thing to remember is that you must use the correct glove for the job and you should have a basic understanding of why that glove is the right choice, not just because somebody told you to wear it.

1.        Cut Resistant.  Cut resistant doesn’t mean cut proof.  There are many degrees of protection, depending on what glove you chose.  Most of the cut resistant gloves will be a mix of material, usually coated on the palm with extra protection such as Nitrile or Polyethylene.  They may be cloth mixed with rubber or Kevlar.  These gloves are going to be used for handling parts with sharp or pointed edges such as sheet metal of glass or tile.  They will be puncture resistant and protect your hands from cuts and scrapes. 

2.       Chemical Resistant.  Usually made of rubber, Nitrile or PVC, chemical resisatnat gloves are going to protect the worker form harmful chemicals.  They are often longer cuffed gloves, protecting past the wrist and can even be elbow or shoulder length depending on the required needs.  They are going to protect against oil, grease, acids, alcohol and solvents.  They are used in mining, utilities, manufacturing and the automotive industries.

3.       Insulated.  These gloves are going to protect from electric shock and are very important for the safety of lineman, electrical utilities and electrical workers.  It is very important to verify voltage protection and to inspect for cracks and tears before each use.  These will be very specific to a job and most people will never need this type of glove.

4.       Arc Protection.  Arc protection gloves are going to be made of Kevlar and Nitrile.  They are going to be cut and flame resistant and are used in facility work, machinery work, and heavy equipment service and cable installation.

5.       High Temperature.  High temperature gloves are exactly what they appear to be, they are going to protect the worker from being burned.  These gloves will protect form burns and high temperatures, usually with a cotton or Nitrile blend.  They are used in production of glass and plastics, foundry operations, steel mills and in the automotive industry.

6.       Disposable Gloves.  Latex and Nitrile disposable gloves fit into this category.  They may be used in laboratory, medical and janitorial applications.  They are good for protection, but are thin and allow for greater dexterity.

7.       General Purpose.  This is a broad category; it is going to include any of the gloves that you may use in a job that isn’t inherently dangerous, such as yard work, driving, working around the house.  These are gloves to protect from blisters, splinters and other common problems on the job. 

There is a glove for just about any job that needs to get done.  Workers are injured every day because they are not wearing the proper hand protection and it is often left to the individual using the glove to decide what is appropriate for the job.  Just like you would always put on a pair of safety glasses to protect against eye injury, hand protection should be available at all times and in every tool box.

Bio: Jay Preston is author and Brand Manager for ToolHQ, Australia’s premiere cordless tool source.

Thanks, Jay for this thorough explanation of the types of gloves.  For anyone who wants to protect their hands, depending on the right glove for the job, check Texas America Safety Company for just the right type.

General Safety Issues, Protective Clothing, Respiratory Safety

ASBESTOS AWARENESS TRAINING (GUEST POST)

In the last few days, the Daily Mail in Great Britain has reported on the heart-breaking story of a Cardiff housewife who contracted a type of cancer called mesothelioma from washing both her husband’s and son’s work overalls when they were working at a local power station.  Their overalls were covered in asbestos fibres and a verdict of death by industrial disease was returned at an inquest into her death.  The couple received a small sum in compensation that was donated to charity.  Whilst this case highlights the horrific unforeseen consequences of the use of asbestos in building in the 20th century, and the way the damage lurks unseen for possibly decades, we are much more aware of the dangers today.  However, as an employer or person working with asbestos, it takes more than just awareness that it is a dangerous material to operate with truly safe procedures.  

Awareness of the Problem 

In the UK, they have the highest incidents of mesothelioma in the world and the use of asbestos was only officially banned in 1999; any buildings built or renovated before 2000 have the potential for asbestos contamination.  In America, asbestos use was similarly not banned until the late 90s; the grave repercussions of its potential handing means any company accountable for people working with it needs to be fully aware of their responsibilities.  Adequate training for management and employees should always be a priority.  

Categories of Asbestos handling 

In the UK, they have two types of asbestos handling, classified as non-licensable and licensable (in which a government permit is required).  In the USA, there are four classes of scheduled asbestos handling work relating to how much the material might be disturbed.  It is obviously a complex matter and if you are a building manager/owner or employee you need to know what is expected of you. 

Training and Help

 Training is not just about being aware of the dangers posed by asbestos, but also making sure the exact problems posed by your specific work and environment might pose.  Good training should give you knowledge about every step, and provide you with expert advice.  Whilst it is an important process, it does not have to cost you or your business too much time or money.  There are many experienced companies offering asbestos awareness training online you can consult.  Initially any good firm can assist you with a risk assessment, but any training should also cover (but not restricted to): 

  • Safe work practises and methods and explanation of safety gear
  • Selecting appropriate protective clothing
  • Waste handling and waste disposal
  • Emergency procedures
  • Legal requirements, permits etc.
  • Refresher training where needed 

As an employer, you need to ensure that all relevant employees undergo the necessary training and that all managers and supervisor understand their duties.  Make sure your training provider is competent and reputable and that your staff subsequently follows appropriate and safe work methods. It is a hazard we have all heard of due to tragic deaths like the housewife in Cardiff, however, the correct asbestos awareness training can help you as an employer avoid many more hazards.

Author bio: Inguinn Bjøru sent this very informative article.  Asbestos Awareness Training online  is more easily accessible than regular training courses and can be accessed from anywhere at any time.

 

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

MINING SAFETY AND PROTECTIVE GEAR (GUEST POST)

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Mineworkers that wear full safety clothing can address several dangers. All mines need to stipulate the mining safety and protective clothing required and the kind of activity to be carried out.

Old Hundred Gold Mine Tour

Purpose of the protective gear

Improved visibility: A gear with high visibility is critical in a mine particularly if dealing with high traffic. Retro reflective strips and bright colors always make the workers at the mining site visible.
Abrasion Resistance: Thick and tough leather offers high abrasion resistance in case of a crash though fabrics like cordura are also able to provide significant protection. Fabrics are waterproof, easy to maintain, cheap and quite comfortable during hot weather. Thick leather is uncomfortable during hot weather and could result in the loss of control and heat stress. There are fabric gears designed into a mesh-like pattern which provides cooling plus a more stable surface to attach the padding.
Padding: Quality pants and jackets offer significant extra padding within the joint regions that are more vulnerable. This takes the form of dual-density foam or simple foam padding. The integrated pieces are available inside some jackets.
Weather Protection: Protection against weather elements is very important in mines. At times, extreme weather makes the working conditions rather dangerous or unbearable.

What is the required protective gear for greater safety during mining?

Approaching safety experts is the best answer. Every safety expert is exposed to a number of risks in the mines and is a witness of accidents, nearing accidents, hazards and falls in all the weather conditions. Some of their recommendations on mine worker safety include:

  • Protective gear needs to conform to the anatomy but not the surrounding slide
  • The hands, head, knees, hips, shoulders and elbows are all vulnerable areas
  • A protective gear should be purchased not as some fashion statement but for protective purposes

Examples of specific protective gear items

  • Full-face helmet: This offers the most protection.  It is imperative that hardhats be worn.
  • Gloves: Gloves need to be designed specifically for a given mining activity. It is commonly made using cordura, Kevlar, leather or other given combinations. There are some with carbon fiber knuckle protection and other rigid padding forms. There are gloves that offer wrist protection.
    Jackets: Most jackets are made from ballistic nylon, leather, Kevlar, cordura and other related synthetics. Many jackets feature a special padding on the spine, elbows or shoulders.
    Pants: They include special protection for hips and knees. Cotton denim jeans that have Kevlar are preferred by some people.
    Boots: It’s specifically designed for the undertaken mining activity and includes plastic caps and reinforcement on the ankles or the toe area.
    Helmet Visor or Goggles: Something of utmost importance is eye protection. Metal pieces or pebbles that are kicked up towards your eye have sufficient momentum to render significant damage.
    Ear plugs: These devices offer protection against any hearing damage and reduce fatigue.
    Vests: Made using retro reflective materials with high-visibility color. It is possible to wear them over jackets so as to increase the possibility of remaining visible. This will more critical in adverse weather conditions.

Author bio:
This has been a post by Danny, a blogger from Australia. He is writing about business and human resources on behalf of Australia Mining, a company that provides information to people looking to get a job in mining.

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Health Issues

FIVE TIPS FOR SAFE USE OF SWIMMING POOL CHEMICALS (GUEST POST)

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“Doctor, I store the chemicals in a shed by the pool. He must have gotten into them when I wasn’t looking. How old? He’s four.”

Chlorine is a chemical commonly accepted for use in pools to kill bacteria and control algae, and it does that function well. However, according to EPA.gov, it must be used with some caution, because it is a chemical which can also be used around the house for cleaning and as a disinfectant. So what does that mean for the average pool owner? Here are 5 tips which can allow the safe use of pool chemicals:

1) Don’t drink the water. Though chlorine will keep the walls and bottom of your pool clean, some safety precautions must be taken as part of maintaining a safe swimming pool. It may seem a bit obvious, but everyone who uses the pool must be instructed not to drink the pool water. This is especially important for young children, who as we all know, are prone to playing in the water, sometimes taking a mouthful of pool water to spew it out in the air or on a friend.  In the course of that, the child might accidentally or without thinking drink some of the water. Make it clear – don’t drink the water.

2) Know how to use the chemicals. Because everyone who uses the pool brings their own contaminants, the chlorine used in swimming pools must be stronger than in other uses. While a household cleaner might contain a two percent concentration of chlorine, swimming pool chemicals may contain from twelve to ninety five percent chlorine. The chlorine is not used at that strength, but will be diluted substantially before use in the swimming pool. The proper administration of pool chemicals is therefore best left to adults to assure they are handled correctly, and mixed in the proper proportions. Make sure to read the instructions and learn about how to safely use the products. If necessary, take a class at a local location on the proper use and mixing of chlorine for the pool.

3) Safety pays. As cautioned by HealthyPools.org, a number of chemical-related pool incidents have been reported recently, including many visits to the emergency room, from the improper handling of pool chemicals. If safety precautions are not taken when handling pool chemicals, injuries can occur: inhaling fumes when opening containers, or accidentally splashing chemicals in the eyes when trying to mix the chemicals. Always wear protective gear, such as glasses and gloves, when mixing the pool chlorine.

4) Be prepared in case of emergency. Although many precautions will lessen the likelihood of accidents related to pool chemicals, it is still wise to be prepared in case of an accident. EPA.gov describes a process to ensure minimal damage from this type of accident. First, the person affected should describe what exactly happened, and how they are affected – how and where did they come in contact, and what part of their body did it affect. If it is an accident related to the eyes, the EPA suggests rinsing the eyes for 15 to 20 minutes in the shower or under a faucet, then calling the poison control center or 911. If the chemical was inhaled, get the person to fresh air and then make the appropriate phone calls. Add the phone number of poison control to the list of emergency contact numbers.

5) Store it safely. According to HealthyPools.org, caution is the word for adult administering the pool chemicals – first make sure those chemicals are safely stored. It is imperative to store chemicals properly to prevent them from mixing or getting wet unintentionally. Equally important – store pool chemicals out of the reach of children and animals. No one wants to see a crying child come in the house because of accidental contact with pool chemicals.

Time spent to correctly administer chemicals will not only keep the pool clean, but make sure that no one gets hurt during pool maintenance time. Do it wisely, and it will never lead to that scary trip to the emergency room to treat a toddler exposed to chemicals.

Becky Flanigan is a freelance writer for InTheSwim.com.  She has 3 kids with her wonderful husband – two boys and a girl – and two lovely golden retrievers.  She spends hours at her family swimming pool, watching the kids and dogs splash and play.  She is also a runner, and diligently training for her first half marathon.

General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Respiratory Safety

WORKING WITH ASBESTOS? READ THIS! (GUEST POST)

By Joe McRobert
 
Asbestos is known as the ‘hidden killer’; it is generally not in plain sight, for example, you would find it in walls and ceilings, and it can be very dangerous. It can cause a number of diseases that could potentially be fatal, including Mesothelioma and Asbestosis. These diseases can be caused if the asbestos fibres are inhaled. This is why you need to be fully equipped when you are working with it. It is not always easy to identify either, so this makes it even more dangerous.
 
So if you are already working with asbestos or you are going to be, then you need to have all of the equipment to make sure you are safe. Here is a list of the equipment you need to ensure you are fully protected from the hidden killer.
 
Overalls
You will need overalls to cover the clothing you are wearing otherwise your clothing will be exposed to the asbestos fibres; not only would this be dangerous for you, it can also be dangerous for others near you as they may also inhale the fibres. You need to make sure you are fully covered, so you should avoid tucking your overalls into your boots because dust could get into your boots and you should avoid wearing long-sleeved t-shirts because they are more difficult to cover. You should be supplied with disposable overalls. One thing you should always remember is to not take home the used overalls!
 
Respiratory Protective Equipment
If you are going to be working with asbestos, then this is one of the most important items that should be provided. The respiratory protective equipment will allow you to breathe without the risk of inhaling the asbestos fibres, however you should make sure it is fitted correctly. If it is not fitted correctly, then you could still be at risk of inhaling the deadly fibres; once you have properly fitted your protective mask, you should then put the hood of the overalls up to cover the straps of your mask.
 
Gloves
Another very important item that should be worn every time you are going to be dealing with asbestos is gloves. Disposable gloves are the best for dealing with asbestos because you can dispose of them as soon as you have finished you job.
 
Footwear
Boots are the best type of footwear you can wear when working with asbestos; however, you should avoid wearing laced boots because they are more difficult to clean. The laces on your boots will be exposed to the fibres and you could potentially spread asbestos fibres outside of the workplace. Just make sure your overalls go over the top of the boots to avoid any dust entering your footwear.
 
Protect yourself from the hidden killer and make sure you have everything you need to safely complete the job. Remember that working with asbestos is a dangerous job and you need to be careful. Once you have prepared yourself for the job, you should then make sure anyone you are working with is also prepared. However, if you are ever exposed to asbestos, then be sure to seek medical advice and contact a solicitor, for example Flint Bishop Solicitors, to guide you through your next steps.
 
About the Author: Joe is a business coach that works with small businesses to improve processes for handling health and safety among other things. He is a regular contributor at http://www.businesswinners.net. 
Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Head Protection, Weather Protection

WINTER ITEMS TO HELP THOSE WHO WORK OUTDOORS STAY WARM

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For all those persons who have to work outside – either during winter months or hot summer months, there are many ways to help you stay warm or cooler, depending on the season.  Since it’s winter for sure, let’s talk about the many safety items that offer extra warmth.  (We just happen to know where you can find several types of these, too): 

  1. Winter Liners:   There are different types of winter liners, all made to help keep your ears and neck warm underneath your hardhat or other type of headgear you must wear on the job.  Some have drawstrings so you can tighten them up, and others are stretchy so they can be pulled back over the brim of the hardhat.  These are not only excellent for workers, but for hunters, and others who enjoy the outdoors. 
  2. Warm Gloves: Nothing says “warm” like a toasty pair of gloves.  If our fingers are stiff, we aren’t able to function; frostbite may be just a nip away! 
  3. Hand or Foot Warmers:  These handy little hot packs keep the cold away.  They last for hours, too. (Please scroll down on this page to see the hot packs and some other excellent information.)
  4.  Boots: Everyone knows you must have a good foundation: boots that are comfortable in cold weather, and have good soles to keep you well-balanced all day! (Kind of like the cereal you have for breakfast!)
  5. Polarized Safety Glasses:  These won’t keep you warm, but our eyes risk being damaged by UV rays, winter or summer.  Glare off snow and ice can hurt your eyes.  Keep them protected by wearing some safety sunglasses with UV protection.
  6.  Heavy duty rainsuits and boots:  If you work in areas that are prone to rain, it’s good to keep this kind of personal protective equipment in your work vehicle.  That way it’s handy when you need it to keep you dry.

We hope all you outdoor workers and outdoorsmen and women stay safe, warm and dry this winer.  There is a myriad of occupational products just designed to help you stay that way. Our Parent Company, Texas America Safety Company, and Blog4Safety thank you for the opportunity to make these suggestions for your winter warmth.

 

 

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

HERE’S A NEW SPIN ON SAFETY: WATCH THIS VIDEO (GUEST POST)

In our everyday quest to bring safety to the forefront, we welcome guest authors from all over the world to present their take on safety.  It is amazing how many ways we all think about safety.  We recently heard about this video.  Based on the tune to “I’m Sexy and I Know It,” there’s a new version called “I’m Safety and I Know It”.  We think you will find it amusing, as well as presenting much of the safety equipment that is required to keep everyone SAFE!  Here is Dave Clare’s (General Manager of ATC) response to our request to share this video:

G’day Pat, 

We would be pleased if you would share about our video. As a non-profit organisation, we are hoping to reach out to as many people as we can about working safe. There are different regulations all around the world about safety, but the end game is all the  same, lets help people embrace safety as a part of what they do and how they do work and let everyone come home alive and in one piece. 

Safety is our No.1 core value at ATC and we wanted to find a fun way to make it relevant to a broad range of people. 

Sit back and enjoy this Australian video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=PGxKPf9eEhg

Apprentice & Traineeship Co. Midwest is a not for profit company that works with engaged partners to inspire the development of tomorrows leading workforce…today!

 

 

General Safety Issues

DON’T GET YOURSELF ALL IN A LATHER, BUT IT IS NATIONAL HANDWASHING AWARENESS WEEK!

December 2 through December 8th is National Handwashing Week.  A task we should do numerous times through each day, is observed this week, as a reminder of all the bad things that can happen to us if we and others don’t wash our hands. 

Think of how many places you enter and exit through the day – your car, subway, bus, taxi, or other means of going to work.  Doorknobs are a great place for germs to sit just waiting for you.  Your computer or cell phone probably has germs galore.  If you have to share a phone with someone else, you should have some antiseptic wipes to clean them between uses. 

Hospitals come to mind as one of the single-most places that infections occur (HAI’s or hospital-associated infections.)  It is not unusual that hospital rooms and other areas contain antiseptic stations for nurses, patient families, and doctors to ensure their hands are clean before coming in contact with a patient.  Don’t be embarrassed to ask your nurse if she washed her hands before touching you.  Many times, patients leave the hospital sicker than when they came in, especially if they have surgery.  Hospitals fight infection rates by keeping room temperatures low (chilly); however, keeping everything extremely sterile is of the utmost importance.

 Restaurants are another place where germs lurk.  How many times have you noticed someone preparing food without wearing gloves?  Have you ever witnessed them preparing, say, pizza, and then taking money from someone while you are waiting on your order?  Schools, cafeterias, and most restaurants require wearing hairnets and disposable latex gloves when handling food.  Manufacturing plants have strict rules about keeping food safe by wearing the proper protective equipment.  We are very trusting in our purchases of produce, but first and most important, is washing that produce once it is in our kitchen.  Of course, homemakers aren’t going to wear hairnets and gloves preparing the evening meal, but they should wash hands before and after preparing food. 

Airports are another handy location to pick up germs, both inside the terminal and inside the plane.  There have been reports of planes that have not been properly cleaned between flights, so it would pay to carry some antiseptic wipes in your carry-on bag or purse, to de-germ the things you may be in contact with. 

Teach your children to wash their hands the right way, with plenty of soap and water, in the amount of time it takes to sing “Happy Birthday” twice.  This is a good rule of thumb for grown-ups as well.  Keep some antiseptic wipes or cleaner in your car so you can use it after paying for soft drinks at the drive-in, doing your daily shopping or anytime you have been out of your car.  That way at least YOU know your hands are clean; just hope those you have been in contact with observe the same hand hygiene habits.  Think about these things the next time you shake hands with someone!