Tag Archives: goggles

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues

WORKPLACE EYE WELLNESS MONTH ENDS SOON

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The first line of defense when it comes to work safety is wearing the proper protective gear.  One of the safety observances for the month of March has been workplace eye wellness month.  As it ends, chances are your employer has furnished its workers with information regarding the importance of wearing eye safety protection.

If you spend hours in front of a computer, work outdoors, or use power tools at your day job, it is always important to keep eye health and safety in mind because the gift of vision cannot be replaced. 

With more and more individuals depending on technology to accomplish tasks throughout the day, the risk of eye strain and its effects on vision become greater. This increased use of digital devices exposes workers to eye strain as they tend to spend long, uninterrupted amounts of time focusing on computer screens.  Take frequent breaks away from the screen and focus on other objects.
 
If your job requires the use of heavy machinery, wear either safety glasses or goggles. All it takes is a tiny sliver of metal, a particle of dust or a splash of chemical to cause significant or permanent eye damage. 

OSHA’s eye and face protection standard requires employers to “ensure that each affected employee uses appropriate eye or face protection when exposed to eye or face hazards from flying particles, molten metal, liquid chemicals, acids, or caustic liquids, chemical gases or vapors, or potentially injurious light radiation.”

Share these injury-prevention tips with managers and supervisors:

  • Regularly review and revise your policies, and set a goal of zero eye injuries.
  • Conduct regular vision testing, as uncorrected vision can cause accidents. 
  • Communicate the policy to employees and display a copy of your policy where employees can see it.
  • Make sure managers and executives set an example by wearing protective eyewear wherever it’s worn by other employees.
  • Make eye safety part of your employee training and new hire orientation. 
  • Look carefully at plant operations, work areas, access routes, and equipment. Study injury patterns to see where accidents are occurring.
  • Select protective eyewear based on specific duties or hazards.
  • Establish a mandatory eye protection program in all operation areas.
  • Have eyewear fitted by a professional.
  • Establish first-aid procedures for eye injuries, and make eyewash stations available, especially where chemicals are in use.

It’s also a good time to remind employees of off-the-job eye hazards such as cooking accidents, yard work, chemical splashes from cleaners and fertilizers, do-it-yourself work on cars and homes, and sports injuries.

We hope that during this month of March, you are more encouraged about taking good care of your eyes.  Make every month “Workplace Eye Wellness Month!”  And remember to get an annual eye examination.

Source: HR.BLR.com

 
 
 
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Eye Protection, General Safety Issues

ON THE JOB EYE PROTECTION (GUEST POST)

Imagine having to cope with painful eye injuries, facial scarring, a dangerous pathogen in your bloodstream, or even partial or total blindness simply because you failed to protect your eyes while working. Would your quality of life plummet? Would you find yourself unable to earn a living for an extended period of time?

It sounds melodramatic, but eye injuries can and do happen every day, both in the workplace and among do-it-yourselfers working on home projects. A simple pair of safety glasses or goggles could make all the difference between business as usual and significant pain and suffering. Let’s take a closer look at the world of on-the-job eye protection and how it can benefit you or your workers.

Why Would You Need Eye Protection?

A surprisingly wide range of occupations can pose a threat to the eyes and surrounding facial tissues. Many industrial jobs require workers to apply a drill, cutting blade, welding torch or other tool to a substrate. This action typically causes sparks, wood shavings, bits of metal or other potentially dangerous materials to fly back in the direction of the worker’s face.

Without sturdy, shatter-resistant protective glasses or goggles that cover the eyes by a wide margin, these flying materials can cause significant injury. A worker who forgets to wear eye protection in such circumstances should count himself lucky to receive nothing more serious than a black eye, superficial burns or facial lacerations. If the materials fly into the eye itself, they can scratch the cornea, producing a condition called conjunctivitis that requires immediate medical attention. Worse, a larger piece might actually embed itself in the eye, causing permanent damage and/or blindness.

But industrial workers are not the only individuals who need to use eye protection on the job. People who work with corrosive chemicals — including many substances commonly used in medical, high-tech and scientific fields — must also protect their eyes from the possibility of burns. Workers in the bio-hazard or medical fields also risk having a blood-borne pathogen enter their eyes while working with a patient, a cadaver, laboratory specimens or medical waste.

What Makes Safety Glasses Safe?

To ensure that a pair of safety glasses or goggles provides the level of protection it should, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) has prepared a detailed set of standards to which these items should conform. The most recent version of these standards, known as ANSI Z87.1-2003, applies to all industrial glasses except for certain types of sports, radiation and pathogen protection. ANSI-compliant glasses must meet requirements for either basic or high-impact protection. You can identify these models by the Z87 marking, which only compliant items can display.

Different Safety Glasses for Different Applications

Now that you know you need protective glasses for your work environment or home project, what kind should you get? You may see a dizzying array of products, brands and styles to choose from, but fortunately they fall into a few broad categories:

Safety glasses – If your work only occasionally involves momentary exposure to dust chips or other particulate matter, then you can probably get away with a simple pair of wrap-around glasses such as Olympic Optical’s 30-6 Readers (which also include different levels of magnification).

Look for durable, hard-coated glasses made with polycarbonate or Trivenex; these lenses won’t shatter into your eye, the way normal glasses might, if a small piece of metal or wood hits them. Bear in mind that these glasses will not usually protect you from threats that might infiltrate from underneath the bottoms of the frames, such as chemicals or blood. Some safety glasses, however, actually convert to goggles for this purpose.

Safety glasses wrap around to protect you from the front and the side.

Goggles – Goggles represent the next step up in eye protection. These devices not only cover the broad area of flesh surrounding the eyes, but they also offer a rubberized seal to keep you safe from even the tiniest airborne irritants, such as fine dust or gases.

Goggles tend to fog up if they don’t permit any venting at all, however, so many models have direct or indirect venting to help you see what you’re doing. Some models, such as the Pyramex V2G, even come with tinting or magnification. Goggles may also offer less-than-ideal peripheral vision, so if you need an especially wide viewing angle for your work, consider the safety glasses-goggles hybrid style instead.

Face shields – Face shields worn over safety glasses or goggles give you the best possible protection against flying debris on the job. These items protect the entire face and neck from any danger coming at you from the front or from either side. You can even get tinted or heat-resistant face shields for occupations that demand those features.

For serious welding, however, you need a specially designed welder’s shield. These shields, composed of metal and containing a safety-glass viewing window, protect you from the blinding ultraviolet light of welder’s flash, which can damage or even destroy the cornea. They come in different degrees of shade, from 1.5 to 14, to protect against the light intensities of different types of welding torches.

Welders must protect their eyes against high-intensity UV light.

Full-face respirator masks – Full-face respirator masks combine the eye protection of safety glasses and the complete facial seal of goggles with the full-face protection of a face shield. They play an essential role in protecting the eyes, nose and throat from smoke, dust, and toxic or corrosive fluids. But you may need more than just a respirator mask if you also have concerns about impact protection, because these devices don’t necessarily meet the ANSI specifications for that feature.

Don’t Forget More Casual Eye Protection

 

Don’t Forget More Casual Eye Protection

It is always wise to do a little research about companies that offer eye protection gear. The Internet makes this a simple task; whether you are seeking reputation.com reviews or information about a company that provides eye protection gear, a visit to the Better Business Bureau website can be helpful. Even when you don’t need industrial-class protective eyewear, remember that many simple everyday tasks at work or at home can expose your eyes to flying debris or ultraviolet light. Consider buying street glasses equipped with tough polycarbonate lenses and UV coating so your eyes will continue to enjoy an extra degree of safety — wherever you may go, whatever you may do.

William Reynolds has worked as a freelance copywriter since 1997. William has written countless articles for a variety of businesses and situations.

William Reynolds has worked as a freelance copywriter since 1997. William has written countless articles for a variety of businesses and situations.

Ergonomics, Eye Protection, General Safety Issues

DO-IT-YOURSELF-ERS, PAY ATTENTION TO SAFETY RULES! (GUEST POST)

Redecorating at home can be a fun and fulfilling process. However, the activity may also come with its fair share of mishaps and accidents. Many homeowners, maybe because they don’t know any better or do not anticipate the worst, can get into situations that can be dangerous for their health and well-being. Avoid this route by knowing the possible risks that come with doing a redecorating job by yourself. Here are a few things that you need to watch out for. 

Be careful when lifting and moving pieces of furniture around- Because our background is in the mid century modern furniture industry, we are all too aware as to how much furniture can weigh. This should not be taken lightly, especially if you are working alone. When lifting or transferring pieces of furniture, or heavy items, make sure that you can actually carry the weight. If you can’t, please do not attempt to do so. Instead, call in extra reinforcements, and people who may be able to help you. You certainly do not want to throw your back because of the strain of the weight. 

Be aware of the dangers of paint- We’re big proponents of painting a space to change it up and give it a new look. It is actually one of the easiest and most impactful redecorating tips out there. However, not all paint is created equal. Certain kinds contain harmful chemicals such as VOCs, that can trigger conditions like asthma, and have even been linked to cancer. When painting with these kinds of paint, it is not unusual to feel dizzy or get headaches. Some people even black out! If you’re really dead set on painting, we advise using a water-solvent kind that should have a milder smell, and are also lower in toxins. You may also want to explore varieties of VOC-free paint. Another tip is to always wear a face mask while painting, and of course, to keep kids out of the room. Before fully using the room, give it a few days to air out, so most of the strong odor goes away. 

Invest in the right tools for stripping wallpaper- stripping wallpaper with the wrong tools may lead to cuts and bruises. Make sure you are armed with a proper stripping knife and do not substitute for any similar-looking tools. It is also a good idea to keep the kids out of this project. You don’t want them picking up sharp tools and cutting themselves. 

Never forget to wear your safety goggles- Redecorating may sometimes involve sanding a floor, retiling a surface, or even cutting and sawing some wood to create new pieces of furniture. In all of these activities, it is always a good idea to ensure that your eyes are protected. Little particles of dust, wood and other debris may get into your eyes, possibly causing cuts, infections, irritation, and even potential loss of vision. Goggles are inexpensive and readily available, so there is absolutely no reason why you should work without them.

These are just a few tips that anyone who wants to redecorate should take note of. There is no price for safety and at the end of the day, it is always better to be safe than sorry. 

Check out http://mid-centuryonline.com/blog for more about furniture and home décor info.

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues

FIVE PRACTICAL TIPS TO PREVENT EYE INJURIES WHILE WORKING (GUEST POST)

You never know what kind of hazard will be waiting for you when you go to work. Each day, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) “about 2000 U.S. workers have a job-related eye injury that requires medical treatment”. Injuries require medical treatment and those injured usually end up missing work due to their injury.

Metal slivers, wood chips, dust, and cement chips, nails, staples, or slivers of wood or metal penetrate the eyeball and can result in permanent loss of vision, or blindness. Burns to one or both eyes routinely damage workers’ eyes and the surrounding tissue of the eye.

Infectious diseases can be transmitted through the mucous membranes of the eye as a result of direct exposure, or from touching the eyes with contaminated fingers, or other objects. The infections may result in relatively minor conjunctivitis, or the transmission of the HIV, B virus, or possibly even avian influenza.

What does a worker need to know to protect themselves, and others from an injury. Well,  that is pretty simple really. A leading ophthalmologist in New Jersey recommends these five tips to prevent injury to your eyes when working in hazardous conditions.

1. The right working tools for the job. Take steps to create a safe work environment. Remove and clean up hazardous material before it causes injury. Make sure all tools, and equipment used are in working order, and used properly.

2. No admittance. No one should be in the working area when you are working. If they are they need to use safety equipment to avoid injuries.

3. Eye protection that fits you and the job. Wear the proper face, and Z87 eye protection . Make sure the equipment used for your protection is clean, intact, and fits properly. The eye protection should stay in place, and protect you from fine and large sized debris.

4. Shake the dust off. After working take necessary measures to clean off any debris that has accumulated from on your eye, or face protection BEFORE removing them. Fine, dust likes, particles can land in your eyes if you remove protective eyeware before you have followed this step.

5. No rubbing allowed. Do not rub your eyes with dirty hands or clothing, which can result in cross contamination that can cause infection, and disease.

Remember if you are injured, seek medical attention immediately. Prompt treatment for an injury can treat the current injury, and prevent further injury. Fine particles are dangerous because they are small, and not visible. Unseen potential for injury are a threat because they are not seen, or ignored. Take steps to protect your eyes from injury. Maintain a safe work environment.

As always take the necessary steps to keep your eyes healthy by getting regular yearly eye exams, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. 

Author Bio:  

Diana Neal graduated in 2012 from the University of Colorado with a MS in nursing with a focus in healthcare informatics.  She is currently participating in an internship with an online marketing company. She spends a great deal of time in front of her computer writing, researching, and participating in outreach. If you are interested in an online marketing internship she highly recommends you give it a try. You can connect with her at http://about.me/indiananeal

 

 
 
Eye Protection, General Safety Issues

TILE GROUT CLEANING GUIDE (GUEST POST)

 Be it the bathroom tiles, kitchen tiles or tiles on the workplace floor, a grout between any of them may appear pretty filthy and grimy. No one really enjoys cleaning a grout, especially when the grout contains numerous dirty stains that look impossible to clean. But without proper care and maintenance, tile grouts can become discolored and may even tarnish the surface of your tiles. There could be various factors contributing to grout formation such as mildew or moulds causing grout stains in the bathroom; moulds, food stains, household grimes in the kitchen and similar moulds and dirt on the floor leads forms the tile grout. To clean any grout here‘s a guide on what all you can do to keep your tiles looking new always.

Vinegar and Baking Soda

This is perhaps the most tried and tested method to clean away the tile grouts and is indeed the most effective cleaner. Simply dilute the vinegar with equal volume of water or make a paste of baking soda with small amount of water, to clean away that nasty grout. Spray the vinegar solution or dab the soda paste onto the grout. Take a small scrub brush and scrub away the grout in small circles. Do not move your brush in straight up-down motion as this might remove more debris than required from the grout. Rinse it well with water and pat it dry with paper towel.

Try Oxygenated Cleaners

You can even try the generic household cleaners or the oxygenated cleaners like Oxyclean, Lysol, Mr. Clean or even the powder based chemical cleaners to clean away the tile grout. Mix any of these cleaners as directed and scrub with small scrub brush and wash away with water.

Try Hydrogen Peroxide and Water

Make sure you use this method only on white grouts as it may lead to discoloration of colored grouts and always try this method on a small area first. Mix equal quantities if hydrogen peroxide and water in 1:1 ratio. Apply this paste to grout lines and leave it as such for 15 minutes and then rinse it off with water.

Apply Shaving Cream

This is indeed the easiest and least expensive method of cleaning the grout. Apply the shaving cream on to the grout and leave it for a few minutes. Scrub it with a brush and wash away with water.

General Tips for Cleaning the Grout Away

  • Cleaning the grout at first with water will help remove any loose surface
  • Avoid the use of metal bristles to clean the grout, use any other stiff brush
  • Make use of gloves and protective eye wear while making use of chemical cleaners
  • Always test all your grout cleaners on small areas at first
  • Never mix different cleansers together

Once your grout is clean, you can maintain its neat and fresh look by applying a few coats of grout sealer. There are various types of grout sealers available in the market for various purposes, such as for floor tiles, for bathroom tiles and for the kitchen backsplashes. Always check that you buy the correct grout sealer depending upon the grout you’ll be applying it on to. It is important that you apply the sealer at least once or twice every year.

In a large building, your maintence crew will appreciate these tips – especially the one about the shaving cream.

Author Bio  Myezy Handyman  is a reliable company which is offering you professional Home maintenance and repair services. We have skilled professionals who work with their skills as well as with experience.

 

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

WHEN DO I NEED SAFETY WEAR, AND WHAT DO I NEED? (GUEST POST)

Safety wear is used to protect you in work environments but to the majority, it becomes part of the uniform and we forget its benefits. This article is going to give you a run down of what you need and when you might need it.

Labouring jobs and outdoor jobs are perhaps the most obvious occupations in which workwear is required. When you are working in a building environment for example, there is a risk with carrying heavy goods in case you dropped  something on your toe. When your work outdoors, perhaps doing road works, there is a risk in foggy or dark conditions with your lack of visibility. Hazards exist everywhere you look but jobs, like the ones described, carry a higher risk. This is why you need safety wear. Safety wear decreases the chance of accidents and injuries.

But what is needed and why?

First of all let’s start with what is available.

  • Socks with extra cushioning so you can feel comfortable while wearing safety boots.
  • Safety boots – most contain steel toe caps to protect your toes and you should look for ones with anti-slip surfaces to ensure you remain steady on your feet.
  • Work trousers – containing durable material, knee pads and lots of pockets.
  • Safety gloves – to protect your hands.
  • Safety goggles – your eyes are the most precious part of your body and although goggles might look unattractive, it is worth it to save your vision.
  • High Visibility clothing. Vests and jackets help you stay noticed in unclear conditions.
  • Knee pads – knees are weak parts of the body and the extra padding can be crucial if your spending a lot of time knelt down on the floor during your job. It is all about making you comfortable.
  • Hard hats with cushioning to protect your head and brain are very important.

Who needs what though?

Well,  if you are in a labouring environment, it depends. 
Builders will more than likely require steel toe work boots in case any materials are dropped while doing the job. They also require hard hats and gloves are a must have, particularly if working outdoors in blustering conditions.
Mechanics need work trousers and knee pads. When they are knelt on the ground and under vehicles, comfort is essential and these must-haves are necessary to protect your knees.
Welders require safety goggles. This is a dangerous job and your eyes are the most sensitive part of your body. They are critical safety products.

If you are outdoors, maybe working on the roads as a traffic officer or as an highway operative, you need to ensure you stand out and people can see you. This is not always easy when the weather conditions are poor or even when it is dark; this is why your role requires high visibility clothing. Hi-vis jackets and vests come in fluorescent designs and contain extra reflective strips to ensure you are noticeable and in turn accidents are avoided. Jackets come in a variety of styles so if you are working in the cold, you can opt for a fleece lined parka that will keep you warm but also safe and secure.
Emergency services also wear hi-vis clothing to ensure they are apparent and people recognise them easily; this is particularly important for crucial situations.

Most workers require some sort of safety uniform but for occupations outdoors or in labouring environments, a specialised range of safety wear has been deigned to decrease any unexpected risks. It is very important and statistics suggest you need these items. Take a look at our range of workwear here http://www.sportsdirect.com/pages/workwear and stay safe!

 

 

 

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues

LET’S FOCUS ON PREVENTING EYE INJURIES

The month of October is designated as National Eye Injury Prevention Month.  Protecting our eyes is a full-time job.  Did you know that more than 2,000 eye injuries happen per day?  The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that about 70 per cent of eye injuries studied are the result from falling objects, or sparks striking the eye.

First, it is important to take care of our children’s eyes.  Early detection and treatment of eye conditions and diseases are important to keeping good vision at every stage of life.  Children with a family history of childhood vision problems should be screened for common childhood eye problems before they are 5 years old.  Children’s eyes are as sensitive to excessive sunlight, water reflections, snow, etc. as adults; therefore, it is important that they wear sunglasses to protect them.  Most young adults have healthy vision; however, if problems such as pain, flashes of light, visual changes, seeing spots, excessive tearing or excessive dryness occur, the American Academy of Opthalmology recommends they get to an eye doctor.  Those adults between the ages of 40 to 65 should have an eye checkup every two to four years.  Those over the age of 65 should see an eye doctor at least every one to two years.  The key to preventing eye injuries and health is to take a more proactive approach to maintaining healthy vision.

Out of the 2,000 eye injuries that happen annually, approximately one-half of those injuries happen in American workplaces alone.  Ninety per cent of eye injuries are preventable when wearing protective eyewear.     It is important to wear the right type of eye protection that comes the closest to the demands of the job.  Wrap-around safety glasses and safety sunglasses protect the eyes from objects entering the eye from the side.  Goggles are required for those who work around chemicals, and other hazards such as particles entering the eye.  Welders wear shields that contain the right amount of shade to protect their eyes, in addition to protective eyewear.

It’s no surprise that the BLS reports that about three out of every five workers injured were either not wearing eye protection at the time of the accident or were wearing the wrong kind of eye protection.  Eyewear must fit properly and be designed to protect workers while they work.  As stated above, it is possible to prevent about ninety per cent of eye injuries if workers wear their safety eyewear.  OSHA has standards requiring employers to furnish their workers with appropriate eye protection.

For working in the yard, you must remember to slip on those safety glasses or goggles while mowing , trimming trees, or stirring up any dust and particles.  We only get one pair of eyes, so we must do all we can to keep them safe and healthy.

 Source: U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services; Atlantic Eye Institute

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

FOUR SOLID CONCRETE SAFETY TIPS YOU SHOULD KNOW (GUEST POST)

Concrete is one of the most widely used materials in construction yet many contractors lack knowledge of the potential dangers posed by concrete and the equipment used to pour and finish it.

Thankfully, the deaths caused as a direct result of working with concrete are extremely rare. The injuries incurred from working with the material carelessly, however, are higher. And, like most workplace accidents, a significant proportion of these injuries were probably avoidable.

With that in mind, here are four essential concrete safety tips for anyone regularly working with concrete or related machinery.

Concrete burns; keep covered up and wear protective equipment

Concrete burns are one of the lesser understood risks of working with fresh concrete, principally because the thick, cold consistency of concrete isn’t something you’d expect to have a burning property.

However, fresh concrete has a high alkaline content, which makes it extremely dangerous to human skin. Even worse, alkaline attacks nerve endings meaning that those exposed to concrete might not feel the effects until well after initial contact. The severity of concrete burns can range from minor irritation to dermatitis and burns.

To avoid the risk of concrete burns, ensure that all skin that could potentially be exposed to concrete mix is fully covered; this includes forearms, legs and a face mask and goggles if possible. It goes without saying that you should invest in some hard-wearing protective gloves when handling concrete too.

Protect yourself from concrete dust

Concrete dust from pre-mix concrete is one of the more dangerous elements of working with concrete, as prolonged exposure and inhalation can lead to the development of asthma and other occupation-related respiratory illnesses. In the short term, it can also lead to severe irritation of the eyes.

Fortunately, protecting yourself from the effects of concrete dust is relatively simple. Always wear protective goggles and a face mask when pouring your concrete into a mixer. If any other unprotected workers are in your direct proximity at the time, tell to stand clear until the dust has cleared.

Be prepared for heavy lifting

Depending on the kind of concrete job you’re carrying out, workers might be required to lift heavy concrete blocks. Set concrete is extremely heavy, so ensure that you have the correct amount of workers lifting a block and that each worker follows the accepted ‘safe’ way to lift: a straight back, bent knees and lifting with the legs.

For heavier concrete blocks, you might require the use of machinery such as a crane. Before allowing a crane to lift a block, make sure that the block is properly secured and any risk of the block falling loose is minimal. Clear any workers out of the path of the block’s journey to avoid any fatalities should the block fall.

Stay safe with construction equipment

The finishing of concrete requires a lot of equipment, including some seriously heavy-duty machines such as ride-on power trowels. Safety checks should be carried out on this machinery before use; is everything in working order? Are there any loose parts? Also make sure that you fully train (or are fully trained) in the same use of all equipment you use – if you feel unsure or suspect that a worker might not be in a position to safely operate equipment, get someone else to operate the equipment and organise further training.

When using any construction equipment, other workers should be positioned well clear of the operating area.

Concrete is an extremely useful material and one that is relatively easy to use – so long as you follow basic safety procedures.

Christopher Smith is writing on behalf of Multiquip UK, suppliers of construction equipment

 

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, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Protective Clothing

METALWORK: CUTTING OUT THE DANGERS (GUEST POST)

The market for welding equipment and profile cutters has broadened considerably in recent years as such machinery become more affordable, less cumbersome and thus available to the majority of the population. The hazardous methods used to accurately carve shapes from metal sheets are now adopted equally by unskilled hobbyists working in their own home and heavy industries of mass production. The widespread availability and unregulated use of profile cutting machinery has exposed more people to harm. Looking at plasma cutting in particular, it is easy to see the dangers of this trade and the necessity of certain safety precautions which all users must adhere to. 

The Risks 

From arc-eye to smouldering debris on the skin, the dangers associated with plasma cutting are all extremely hazardous to anybody working in the vicinity. One serious risk is the fire hazard created by the arc of plasma which not only emits intense heat but also gives off sparks, which can land on nearby surfaces, clothing or skin. The arc also produces a bright glare which is damaging to the eyes. Molten metal and shards of freshly cut debris can be airborne and can burn or cut exposed skin. Then there are the fumes released by the metal during the process which can create an immediate choking hazard or more long term health problems. Any coating on the metal (ie. galvanised steel) must be removed beforehand as they produce truly toxic fumes. Finally, the extreme power output of a plasma cutter creates a high risk of electrocution. It certainly sounds like a risky business, but with the following precautions in place, profile cutting can be a safe and efficient way to manufacture cut metal. 

The Solutions 

Before starting any form of profile cutting, it is essential to inform any people in the vicinity that the equipment is being used so that each individual can take the necessary action to avoid harm. In industrial manufacturing, no unauthorised persons should be allowed to use a plasma cutter and it is essential that every operator undergoes appropriate training. Protective clothing and eye-wear is an absolute must for all machine operators. Goggles must provide unrestricted vision and movement while protecting the eyes from glare and debris. This means a suitably shaded, thick and unbreakable lens. Clothing must be full length to cover every inch of skin, fire resistant and without cuffs which could catch smouldering debris. It is essential to ventilate the room with fresh air or wear breathing apparatus where the fumes are likely to be intense. The risk of electrocution can be eliminated by being well grounded by wearing rubber soled boots and gloves as well as the standard welding gloves. There also must be no moisture or water around which could conduct electricity throughout the room. Finally, ensure that the plasma cutting machinery is placed as far from surrounding objects as possible to avoid sparks leaping to any material that could act as a fuel for fire.

In the workplace, the employer must ensure that these regulations are upheld to the highest standards to guarantee staff safety. At home, the individual is responsible for their health and ultimately their life, so such hazardous metalwork should not be undertaken lightly.

 Sent to us by Dan Oztunc

This article was written by Emily Banham on behalf of Kerf Developments Ltd, the leading British supplier of profile cutting, oxy-fuel cutting, high definition plasma cutting and waterjet cutting equitment. More information on plasma cutters can be found on the following link – http://www.kerfdevelopments.com/plasmacutting.html