Tag Archives: hazards

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

SAFETY TIPS WHEN WORKING WITH ISOCYANATES

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hazardous Exposures: 

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

Controlling Hazards: 

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

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

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

 

Sources: OSHA/NIOSH

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

FORKLIFT TRUCK SAFETY (GUEST POST) PART I

The forklift truck has become the workhorse of modern warehousing operations.  They allow us to move substantial loads with speed, ease, and relative safety.  Forklifts, as these trucks are so often called, come in many makes, models, and sizes that can be configured with removable parts that make it possible to move just about anything in any industrial setting.  Their ease of operation makes forklift operation easy to master but an operator must never forget he’s working with heavy industrial machinery that commands respect. 

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 100 workers every year are killed in accidents involving forklifts and 20,000 more are seriously injured.  Training, licensing, and operator certification measures are so vital to forklift truck safety that private industry, the military, and government regulatory agencies at every level have developed programs to keep forklift operation as safe as possible.

 Use a forklift inspection checklist like this one to log daily inspections. 

The safest forklift is the well-maintained forklift.  At the beginning of every shift, a visual inspection of every forklift to be used will improve safety and increase productivity throughout the work day.  A visual inspection at the end of every shift quickly identifies any vehicles that need maintenance or require cleaning before next use. 

Checklist for Visual Inspection 

Forklifts are often employed in rugged conditions that leave them dirty, muddy, or covered with grime from any source.  Clean machines are vital for optimum mechanical performance and safety.  No one likes working in filthy conditions but dirt also hides defects that can lead to danger.  Before using a forklift, consider this checklist for visual inspection: 

  • Work area uncluttered and free of debris that could cause accidents
  •  Any danger zones identified
  •  Overhead space provides plenty of clearance and no risk of falling  objects
  •  Fire extinguisher in reach and ready to use
  •  Engine fluids — fuel, oil, water — at workable levels
  •  Battery at full charge and securely fixed to machine
  •  Electrolyte levels in battery as required for maximum     performance
  •   No exposed battery cable wires
  •   Battery cable connects firmly fixed and in sound operational state
  •   Vent caps clear and free of clogs
  •    All hold-downs or brackets tightly in place
  •    No damaged, loose, or missing nuts, bolts, chains, hoses, or guards
  •    Tires and wheels in sound working condition
  •     Pneumatic tires properly inflated
  •     Forks in safe working condition, no bends or cracks
  •     All positioning latches fully functional
  •     Carriage teeth intact with no breaks, chips, or worn areas
  •     Chain anchor pins in good working order, not bent, loose, or worn
  •      No evidence of leaks or drips underneath the vehicle
  •      All hoses securely in place, not crimped, loose, worn, or rubbing  together dangerously 

Checklist for Operational Pre-Use Inspection

When conditions look good on and around the forklift, conduct an inspection to gauge how well the machine is running before tackling a day’s work.  Make this checklist for operational pre-use inspection a routine part of every shift for every operator of every forklift on the job: 

  •   The horn must be working loud enough to be heard in the workplace, no matter how loud
  •   Other devices that give warning during operations must be fully functional
  •    Braking system — does the pedal hold?  Does the unit stop smoothly every time?
  •    Parking brake holds even against minor acceleration
  •    Deadman seat brake secure as operator sits and rises from the seat
  •    Clutch and gears shift smoothly, with no jumps or jerks
  •     Dash control panel fully operational, with all lights and gauges fully functional
  •     Steering mechanism works smoothly
  •     Lift mechanism works smoothly when empty forks are raised to maximum height and then lowered
  •     Tilt mechanism works smoothly when mast is moved to maximum degree forward and backward
  •    Cylinders and hoses free from leaks or defects
  •    No unusual sounds are produced when machine is in operation 

It is vitally important to make sure every person who operates a forklift is fully trained and legally qualified to do so.  It is equally important to have only fully qualified personnel to service and maintain every forklift. 

Forklift Operation 

 Never use a coworker as counterweight to balance a load that’s too heavy or that must be lifted too high. 

The basic function of a forklift is the same but every work environment comes with a unique set of situations and circumstances.  Mastery of basic forklift operation is important but optimum safety comes when the operator knows how to effectively operate the machine in the environment where it will be put to work. 

It’s human nature to minimize the danger of operating a forklift when it’s been done safely and routinely over time but accidents happen in the blink of an eye.  Vigilance is required every minute of operation. 

Traveling 

The ride’s a little bit different when a forklift is carrying a heavy load or when it’s empty.  Either way, safety always comes first.  The safest forklift operator will make safe driving habits such a routine part of his workday that they become effortless, no matter if traveling with a full load or not.

  •          Keep all body parts inside the truck —  head, hands, feet, arms, everything
  •          Keep other objects inside the truck, too, including lunch boxes, overcoats, and communication devices
  •          Always keep forks as low to the ground as possible
  •          Keep forks tilted back whenever possible
  •          Obey all workplace traffic signs
  •          Turning corners — slow down, honk the horn, and be mindful of the swing of the vehicle, front and back
  •          Avoid quick or sudden stops
  •          Travel slowly in reverse if the load is so large it’s impossible to see over it traveling forward
  •          Look only in the direction the machine is moving
  •          Stay well clear of all people, other vehicles, loose objects, slick or wet spots, holes, and rough surfaces
  •          Respect the truck’s blind spots, when empty and when fully loaded
  •          Any time a pedestrian, another forklift, or any moving vehicle crosses or shares the intended route, always stop the forklift then lower the load as far as possible and wait till the route is clear again before resuming operation 

Traveling on an Incline 

Slopes and uneven work surfaces challenge forklift safety and require special maneuvers.  When traveling on an incline: 

  •          Never attempt a turn on uneven ground; save turns for level surfaces only
  •          No load?  Keep forks pointed down the incline
  •          Loaded?  Keep loaded forks pointed uphill at all times 

Steering 

There’s no power steering here so driver skill is all the more important.  Important steering safety skills include: 

  •          Turning only with the rear wheels so the front wheels need only support the load
  •          Make no sharp turns
  •          The heavier the load, the wider the turns
  •          An overloaded fork is a dangerous fork; don’t overload it
  •          Never add a counterweight to the back of the truck, especially not a human counterweight 

Tomorrow, we will continue with more information about forklift safety and a list of additional things to be aware of to guarantee safety in loading, unloading, handling pallets, safety while loading into railroad cars, and much more.

Author Bio: Joana Kylee is an authorized dealer of superior quality forklift forks, forklift seats and all types forklift spare parts for major brands of lift trucks with same day shipping.

Article submitted by Andrea Bernie.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

YOUNGER WORKERS MUST BE SAFE ON THE JOB!

We want to share this important information with today’s young workers (those under age 25), and tell you how important you are to the future of our countries!  We have gathered information from the U.S. Department of Labor and the Canadian Centre for Occupational Safety and Health.  The DOL’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA’s) main role is to protect workers from workplace hazards that can cause a serious illness or injury, as well as Canada’s OSH.  Employers have the responsibility to follow established safety and health laws and common sense safety practices that prevent tragedy. 

When you begin a new job, talk it over with your parents or someone you trust, especially if you feel you are being asked to do tasks that are unsafe.  Your parents need to know of any hazards associated with your job.  Canadian experts believe, as well as those in the U.S., that many young persons are put into the job without the proper training.  You can’t just walk onto the job and be expected to know exactly what to do without being taught the fundamentals.  You have the right to a safe workplace.  Although new jobs may be intimidating, don’t be afraid to ask questions, and don’t rush just to impress your new boss.  You may be running a piece of equipment that an older worker has run for decades; hopefully, he will be your mentor and teach you the safe way to run it.  Pay close attention while being instructed. 

Job hazards that younger workers may experience are:  lifting objects, working at elevations, working with hot substances and objects, working with knives, operating mobile equipment or motor vehicles, working with food slicers, and /or working near running equipment and machinery.  Whether you are working in a food service industry, construction, warehouse, grocery store, or on a drilling rig, there are going to be hazards that you must be aware of and respect. 

In a letter from Dr. David Michaels, the Assistant Secretary of Labor for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), this sums it up, so please pay attention: 

Your Rights on the Job

Your employer must provide a workplace free of serious hazards.  Your employer must also:

  • Tell you the hazards and dangers of your job;
  • Inform you about the OSHA standards that apply to your workplace (in a language you understand);
  • Provide job safety training regarding workplace hazards and the required safety gear; (personal protective equipment)(PPE).
  • Tell you who to talk to if you have a health or safety question, and
  • Inform you what to do and who to talk to if you get hurt on the job.
  • Exercise your workplace safety rights without retaliation and discrimination; and
  • Ask OSHA to inspect your workplace. 

Ways to Stay Safe on the Job

  • To help protect yourself, you can:
  • Report unsafe conditions to your supervisor, parent, teacher or other adult that can help.
  • Don’t be afraid to ask for help or advice.
  • Wear any personal protective equipment provided to do your job.
  • Follow the safety rules.
  • Never by-pass the safety features of equipment or take short-cuts.
  • Speak Up. Ask questions. (There’s never a dumb question when it comes to safety!) 

Why, then is this message so important to young people?  Because you are the new generation of workers, and we want you work safely.  Some of our workers are as young as 15; others are high school or college students working part-time, while many are already working full-time.  

Source: OSHA; Canadian Centre for Occupational Safety & Health

General Safety Issues

SAFETY FOR TEMPORARY WORKERS

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration has launched an initiative to further protect temporary employees from workplace hazards.  A new OSHA memorandum directs field inspectors to assess whether employers who use part-time workers are complying with their responsibilities under the Occupational Safety and Health Act. Inspectors will use a newly created code in their information system to denote when temporary workers are exposed to safety and health violations. Additionally, they will assess whether temporary workers received required training in a language and vocabulary they could understand.

The memo underscores the duty of employers to protect all workers from hazards.  Also,  OSHA said it has begun working with the American Staffing Association and employers that use staffing agencies, to promote best practices ensuring that temporary workers are protected from job hazards.  However, it is the responsibity of the employer to provide the same training full-time employees are given, as they are legally liable for the safety and health of temporary workers. 

In recent months, OSHA said it has received a series of reports about temporary workers suffering fatal injuries – many during their first days on a job. OSHA has issued citations when the employer failed to provide adequate protections, including safety training.  Many of these, as stated above, did not understand instructions given.  They must be trained in construction industries, as well as manufacturing.  They should attend regular safety meetings and understand about fall protection, chemicals, machine guarding, and other hazards, as well as become familiar with PPE
personal protective equipment they should be given.

Data from the Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries conducted by the Bureau of Labor, reported statistics on workers killed on the job in 2011:  fatal work injuries involving contractors accounted for 542 – or 12 percent – of the 4,693 fatal work injuries reported. Hispanic/Latino contractors accounted for 28 percent of fatal work injuries among contractors, well above their 16 percent share of the overall fatal work injury total for the year. 

A report from the nonprofit Center for Progressive Reform (CPR) details the increasing use of contingent workers to perform dangerous, undesirable jobs in industries like farming, construction, warehousing and hotel services. Noting that the number of contingent workers has doubled in twenty years to more than 2.5 million, the report underscores Bureau of Labor Statistics data that they suffer higher rates of injury and death than other employees. 

The economic and political vulnerability of contingent workers, who are often poor and sometimes undocumented, makes them easy to exploit not only with low wages and long hours, but also with unsafe working conditions. According to the study, because contingent employees rarely have health insurance or even workers’ compensation coverage, employers are able to shift the financial burden of workplace injuries onto the public, and often skimp on safety training of temps.

Most temporary workers are thankful for a paycheck and are willing to do any type of job.  Employers owe it to them to see that they are able to return home at the end of the workday safe and sound.

 

General Safety Issues, Health Issues, Respiratory Safety

THERE’S MORE TO THE BEAUTY BUSINESS THAN MEETS THE EYE!

Beauty salons alone generate more than $60 billion in annual sales in the U.S. and employ about 1.5 million people.  It is reported that nail salons have experienced a nine per cent over-the-year growth rate, with cosmetology and barber schools the fastest growing industry in 2011.  Massage businesses are also popping up all over the country. 

As these industries grow, attention has increased about the risks for those who maintain American’s nail, hair, faces, and bodies.   Compliance Reports focus on the safety and health of massage and salon workers.  Even though their job tasks differ from other types of jobs, the familiar descriptions of other occupations apply: chemical exposure, ergonomics and hazards.  

Hair Straightener:  Headlines were made when it was discovered that some hair smoothing/straightening products may contain formaldehyde.  These products also may release formaldehyde at levels above OSHA’s permissible limits and could be mislabeled.  OSHA states that all three put workers at risk. 

Some of these products are advertised as formaldehyde-free and containing no harsh chemicals, and the Material Data Safety Sheets list no hazardous ingredients.  Stylists, however, reported symptoms similar to those of formaldehyde exposure, including burning nose, eyes, and throat, as well as respiratory problems.  These smoothing/straightening products may release formaldehyde at levels above OSHA’s permissible limits, and could be mislabeled.  All three put workers at risk. 

Here is a brief explanation of health effects of exposure to formaldehyde exposure:

Health Effects

Formaldehyde, a colorless, pungent-smelling gas, can cause watery eyes, burning sensations in the eyes and throat, nausea, and difficulty in breathing in some humans exposed at elevated levels (above 0.1 parts per million). High concentrations may trigger attacks in people with asthma. There is evidence that some people can develop a sensitivity to formaldehyde. It has also been shown to cause cancer in animals and may cause cancer in humans.  Health effects include eye, nose, and throat irritation; wheezing and coughing; fatigue; skin rash; severe allergic reactions. May cause cancer. May also cause other effects listed under “organic gases.” 

This article is not intended to prevent anyone from working in a salon, or being a client.  Its’ purpose is to convey the risks involved for persons who choose this type of work, as in any other industry.

Tomorrow we will look at other occupational hazards in the beauty world: Nails and Massage

OSHA/US Environmental Protection Agency

Eye Protection, First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Head Protection, High Visibility Safety

SIX TOP SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS FOR LAND SURVEYORS (GUEST POST)

In most countries, construction work represents the most dangerous industry in terms of injury and fatality rates per year. Though land surveyors aren’t necessarily classed as construction workers, they do carry out their jobs in similarly hazardous situations – mines, busy highways, mountainous areas and construction zones to name a few. Below are 5 major safety risks associated with land surveying, highlighting the truly diverse range of dangers to be wary of. 

Distracted motorists

Land surveyors will often spend time by roadsides, close to fast moving traffic. After driving for a while looking at nothing but the road in front of them, motorists can often become distracted if they suddenly see a person from the corner of their eye. This can and does often result in traffic collisions and can be dangerous for surveyors standing nearby. There are safety procedures to follow however – workers are advised to place safety signs and cones in the appropriate places. Most countries also have regulations relating to the minimum distance a surveyor should be from the roadside. 

Snakes and insects

It is not uncommon for surveyors working in places like jungles and deserts to come into contact with insects, spiders and snakes. To help prevent against bites and stings, workers should wear snake-proof boots and clothing that covers as much bare skin as possible. Also, carrying a first aid kit as well as a bite kit is a must. 

Unstable surfaces

Mountain ranges represent another varied terrain where surveyors carry out their work. Things to consider include unstable rock faces and frostbite for those who are nearer the peaks. Safety harnesses and cables should be used for the former group and appropriate thermal clothing should be worn for the latter. 

Construction hazards

When land surveyors are called out to construction sites, they should be briefed on that site’s safety procedures. It is the worker’s duty to wear appropriate safety gear such as hard hats, tough work boots, high visibility vests and any additional gear that is required, such as eye and hearing protection. 

Heat exhaustion

Any outdoor work carried out in hot climates represents a number of health hazards, and surveying is no different – sunstroke, dehydration and sunburn to name a few. To protect against the sun’s effects, surveyors should wear hats, heat reflective clothing, apply sunscreen and drink plenty of water. An often overlooked consideration is to take regular break in the shade. Canvas umbrellas can be brought to places where shade is at a premium, such as deserts. 

Remote locations

For surveys to be carried out in barren locations, ensure all equipment is tested before the journey begins. Packing a spare tire, a first aid kit, food and water, GPS system and phones will come in handy in emergency situations. Vehicles should also be thoroughly tested before embarking on the journey. 

This guest post was brought to you by Technics Group,  an expert in land surveys and utility mapping, based in the UK.

 

 

Ergonomics, Fall Safety, First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection

TAMING THE WORKPLACE HAZARDS OF AN OFFICE (GUEST POST)

Sent by Jay Akers, from Safety Services, whose team works diligently writing and preparting safety programs, training, posters, and other safety information.

The average office setting may not seem like a place where accidents ever happen, but the truth is there are few places in which you’ll find as wide a range of ways to sustain an injury. Don’t let a safety hazard catch you off guard by assuming that it won’t happen to you. We’ve put together some ways you can stay safe at work.

Begin by arriving to work safely. It’s not unusual for office hours to begin at very early hours, and the roadways can be dangerous and dense with traffic. Among the thousands of sleepy drivers who just got out of bed, you’ll want to be as alert as possible. Maintain a healthy diet and get plenty of sleep. If you have the option to take public transportation, you can save yourself the trouble altogether.

Some of the most common workplace injuries are the result of slips, trips, and falls. Evaluate the entire work area for possible trips like computer cords, slips like work surfaces that can be slick when wet and falls, especially in the more dimly lit places.

Copy and fax machines, computers, overhead projectors – there are a lot of sources for loose electrical cords in your office. Keep them organized and out of the way. In a situation where there are many cords bundled in the same location, tie them together with a band or twist tie. Try not to position electrical equipment across a walkway from the outlet. If it’s unavoidable, run the cords under a rug. Check your hands to ensure they’re thoroughly dry before handling electrical cords and equipment.

Always use an approved ladder if you need to reach an upper shelving unit. Don’t climb on the shelving or create makeshift ladders (such as stacked boxes or an office chair). Stock the shelves with larger, heavier items on the bottom to address the risk of items falling on you. If you can anchor the shelving to the wall behind it, do so.

Watch out for puddles. Large or small, they’re just a slip and a fall waiting to happen. Keep an eye on the break room and the communal water cooler where spilled coffee or water is more likely. Immediately clean up spills, and make sure to put out a sign to let your coworkers know that the floor is wet, if the spill requires a mop.

Keep your office supplies contained and organized. Don’t leave papers lying around on the floor, and maintain smaller items such as pins, paper clips, and rubber bands in a container on your desk. Move items away from the desk’s edge so that you don’t accidentally knock them off.

Office furniture poses threats of its own. Make sure garbage cans are out of the walkways. Filing cabinet drawers left open are a good way to get a nasty gash. Before you sit down, check that your chair (especially if it has rollers) is in position so you don’t take a nasty spill on your rear. When you’re carrying a load down a walkway, ensure that the way ahead is clear and that you can see over the load.

Make sure everyone knows company procedures in the event of a fire, from attacking the fire to evacuation. Locate fire extinguishers in your building and take the time to learn how to use them. Keep in mind that not all fire extinguishers are designed to eliminate the same kind of fire – read labels, get training, and make it a habit to regularly check that the fire extinguishers inspections are up to date. If there isn’t one already, consider assembling a fire safety team in your office that can monitor the environment for potential fire hazards as well as take point in the organization of emergency evacuations.

Your surrounding environment isn’t the only source of safety hazards in an office. Because an office job often involves long periods of sitting, standing, lifting, and repetitive movements, your body is just a hazard waiting to turn against you.

Know your personal physical capacity before you lift or move a load. Get a buddy if it’s beyond that rather than putting your back at risk. Make sure you’re using proper lifting techniques.

Implement appropriate equipment and controls that address individual work requirements. Use anti-fatigue mats for shifts involving a lot of standing, ergonomically designed chairs and computer equipment for working at your desk, and safety gearsuch as gloves or back braces if your day involves a lot of lifting. Remember to mix it up throughout the day – get up, sit down, stretch, and shake your hands out. Try to rotate through different sorts of asks throughout the day so that musculoskeletal injuries don’t have the chance to build.

Stay safe at work by knowing what to watch for and how to disarm hazards before they surface. Your body and your wallet, free from overwhelming medical bills, will thank you.

 

General Safety Issues, Respiratory Safety

KNOW THE DANGERS OF ASBESTOS (GUEST POST)

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Know the Dangers of Asbestos

Asbestos has been used as a building material since the 1950’s and
though everyone has heard of the deadly material, why exactly is it held
with such fear and what does exposure to the material mean for those
involved?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring material, which has been exploited by
the building trade for over 50 years. The material was particularly
popular due to its excellent insulating qualities as well as it
providing good protection against fire and corrosion. However, unbeknown
to tradesmen working with the material years before and many DIY
enthusiasts of today, the material that seemed to have so many amazing
properties does have its dangers, dangers which were only revealed
decades later.

Where is Asbestos Found?

All buildings constructed before 2000 are at risk of containing
asbestos and scarily this deadly material can be found in a variety of
places both in domestic and commercial environments. Asbestos Containing
Materials (ACMs) can be found in ceiling tiles, pipe insulation,
boilers, sprayed coatings, structural supports and cement roof sheeting
found on industrial roofs and walls.
Asbestos is also found in artex, these textured wall coverings were a
staple feature in 1960’s and 1970’s homes and as times have changed so
too have the interior design trends. More homeowners are putting
themselves at risk of asbestos exposure by removing artex coverings from
their walls and ceilings in favour of a more modern interior but before
completing any home improvement it’s important to know the dangers
behind asbestos so that if encountered, the asbestos can be handled and
disposed of correctly.

Identifying Asbestos

Identifying asbestos is a tricky thing and a job that should be done by
an asbestos specialist licensed by the Health and Safety Executive.
Asbestos was actually mixed with other materials during construction
making it hard to identify even to this day. According to a study by the
British Lung Foundation, around two-thirds of people said they couldn’t
confidently identify asbestos, making it even more important that you
call in a professional if you are concerned that you home may contain
the deadly material.

The Hidden Killer

If inhaled, asbestos can cause a variety of health concerns, and though
it may take anything from a few minutes to a few years for your body to
be exposed to asbestos, symptoms of exposure can take decades to
develop. Once symptoms show however, it is often too late for the person
involved, resulting in serious complications and even death.
Asbestos exposure has caused a number of conditions, the most serious
being Mesothelioma. This is a form of cancer, which affects the lung and
digestive tract lining and in recent years it has been exclusively
linked with asbestos. Asbestosis is also a result of heavy exposure,
this disease scars the lungs causing shortness of breath and other
breathing difficulties.  Asbestos exposure has also been found to cause
thickening and swelling of the lung lining, which also restricts the
lung’s capabilities causing shortness of breath and discomfort.

This article was written by LocalTraders,  the home improvement
specialists with expertise in the identification and removal of sbestos, as well as other home and garden upgrades. Their quick and
easy enquiry system connects homeowners with reliable local tradesmen
 or high quality solutions for their residential or business properties.

Anyone working around asbestos should wear the proper protective equipment, such as protective clothing, and gloves, and not wear their work clothing home with them, but change into every day clothes in order not to bring particles into their homes and family. pb

General Safety Issues

OUTFITTING YOUR BUSINESS TO PROTECT PEOPLE FROM WINTER HAZARDS (GUEST POST)

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Many people look forward to the winter months for the excitement of playing in the snow. Other individuals, however, dread the colder months due to the more difficult commutes and freezing temperatures. Regardless of how a person feels about the winter, if they’re a business owner, they cannot simply ignore it. Winter months create the risks of numerous injuries, and if a business owner doesn’t take proper measures at his office to protect clients and even passersby, he could possibly be held liable for any injuries. This is why it’s so important for business owners to prepare their company for the winter months. Luckily, there are a few simple methods of doing this. 
 
Layer Salt on Walkways
One of the most important things a business owner can do is put salt on any walkway or sidewalk in front of their building. Unfortunately, a business owner can be held accountable for a slip and fall injury on a sidewalk that isn’t even their actual property. Luckily, applying salt is a simple process that will help prevent water and snow from becoming ice. 

Rails

Installing rails is another great way to prevent accidents that result in serious personal injury lawsuits that could ruin a company. Steps, and even some walkways benefit from the installation of a handrail. In fact, some building codes actually require handrails when there are a certain number of steps. Even if they aren’t required, however, installing them can help prevent someone from slipping on slick steps during the winter. These are especially important, as an Atlanta injury attorney might attest, in southern regions where snow and ice seldom form causing people to not be prepared when they actually do.   

Shoveling Snow

Shoveling show from any areas around a business is also vital during the winter months. Unfortunately, snow presents a constant hazard for people walking through it. A large enough snowfall can conceal dangers on sidewalks. This becomes a particular problem when snow plows push snow off of the streets and up onto sidewalks. A business owner or their employees should wear appropriate boots when doing this and also shovel snow as it accumulates rather than waiting for it to pile up. 

Fix any Issues Immediately

There are obviously going to be unforeseen circumstances that can cause an injury to employees or passersby. Many of these incidents don’t, in themselves, create negligence on the part of the business owner. If that business owner knew, or should’ve known, that a particular hazard existed, it’s very likely that they’ll be held liable if an injury occurs.

If someone walks into a business owner’s offices covered in snow, for instance, it’s likely that their office floor will become wet when this snow melts. It’s hard to say that a person who walks in five seconds after the initial individual and slips on this moisture was injured due to the owner’s negligence. If this wet floor is allowed to remain, however, and the business owner should’ve known about it, then it’s likely that he’ll be held accountable. Wet floor signs should definitely be used. 

The simple fact of the matter is that business owners can be held responsible for people that are injured on their property; this is true even if the injured party isn’t a client. Sadly, these types of accidents have forced some business owners to close the doors at their company after facing severe civil damages. Fortunately, it only takes a bit of proactive thinking to reduce common risk.


Saam Banai is a freelance writer and editor and supporter of safe small business efforts. At Stokes & Kopitsky, you can find an Atlanta injury attorney in the event that you suffer from personal injury on the premise of a negligent business. Their experienced attorneys will provide immediate help to the victims of work and premise injuries, automobiles and bicycle accidents, and wrongful death.
 
When preparing your business for the safety of winter visitors and employees, be sure to see that your workers wear the appropriate cold weather personal protective equipment to stay as warm as possible. pb
 
Fall Safety, General Safety Issues

BE SMART WHEN IT COMES TO THE DANGERS OF THE HIGH LIFE (GUEST POST)

Reducing the dangers of the high life 

The risks of working at heights are obvious with potential for accidents whilst climbing to and dismounting from the raised point and while carrying out the work once there. In legal terms the word ‘height’ is applied to any surface above the ground from which a fall could result in injury. This could equally be the middle rung of a ladder or a raised operations platform. When it comes to this type of hazardous work, there are certain legal requirements which must be met by the employer. Here we will look at some of the key rules set out in the Working at Height Regulations 2005 pertaining to access and platform safety and safeguard mechanisms for arresting falls (Schedules 1, 3 and 4 of the government legislation) 

While most employers will search for alternative ways to complete work at raised points, such as using mechanical long arms for window and gutter cleaning, it is more often necessary for a hands-on approach to ensure the task is done correctly. The most important areas where safety must be assured are the access points and the working platforms, both of which will be upholding an operator who will be in varying degrees of motion, depending on the task. Therefore, the principal regulations for both sections are the same. The access route and platform must be suitably stable, strong and rigid for the purpose and large enough to hold the person safely upon it. There must be substantial fall-prevention mechanisms in place and no gaps through which any person may fall or become trapped. They must also both be constructed with a non-slippery surface. 

In the event of a fall, certain safeguards can be in place to prevent injury. However, the safeguard must enable the work to be carried out freely without adding to the risk, for example with excess ropes dangling or creating a trip-hazard. If it is indeed ropes which are in use, then training is obligatory for all operators, such as the IRATA (Industrial Rope Access Trade Association) qualification for abseiling. Rope-based safeguarding techniques must also take into account the elasticity of the rope on impact, meaning a much shorter rope than the actual drop distance. If it is an airbag or landing mat being used then this must be secure and stable upon the ground. The safeguard must also be such that it does not injure any person when put to use. 

These regulations are just a few of those which apply to all work carried out at height. Jobs which must abide by these rules include telecommunications rigging, window cleaning, film crews, building, scaffolding and cladding construction. It is legally the employer’s responsibility to ensure their workforce’s safety at all times, but designers and planners must also consider the risks when a new project is being developed. Risk assessments are then used to decide the type of precautions to be put in place so that with sufficient planning and preparation, work carried out at heights can be both safe and productive. 

This article was written by Emily Banham on behalf of Groves Window Cleaning, established in 1985, has over 25 year’s experience of commercial window cleaning. More information on Working At Heights can be found on the following link – http://www.groveswindowcleaning.co.uk/working-at-heights.html.