Tag Archives: mold

General Safety Issues

5 Workplace Safety Issues Too Serious To Be Overlooked

5 Workplace Safety Issues Too Serious To Be Overlooked

One of the tragic mistakes people make is putting productivity first, and safety at the workplace second. Not only is this just a lawsuit waiting to happen, but it’s highly immoral as well. But, you would be surprised how often safety issue springs up not due to malice, but due to negligence. Some people simply forget some very basic safety precautions that are supposed to be practiced in the workplace. That’s why we’ve compiled this list as a reminder, just in case.

Mold

One of the first things people overlook is mold build-up. It can cause a host of issues, from asthma, to allergies. It is absolutely horrible for people’s health, and will destroy productivity. It can even cause skin and eye irritation in more serious cases. Know that if you have an office that is low, on bottom floors or even inside of a basement, that you are at high risk of getting mold. Perform regular check-ups, hire somebody to deal with it if you have to.

Asbestos

Asbestos is an absolute no-go. The health issues caused by asbestos have been documented for a long time. And yet, people still sometimes use it, against any and all regulations. And in some places, it isn’t regulated at all. But no matter where you live, know that this isn’t a joke.

Asbestos can still be found in many old buildings, since it’s an excellent insulator. However, your office building needs to be checked for any trace of asbestos. Its seriously cancerogenic, and you need to get rid of it stat. It should, in fact, be your number one priority.

Rails and Fences

This one really depends on your line of work. Namely, if you work at a place like a construction site, or any other field where there is a chance a person can actually fall and hurt themselves, you need to invest in proper safety precautions. There are always high-quality temporary fence panels for sale somewhere, as well as rails and walkways. Don’t go cheap, try to get the best you can.

You need to keep your people protected, and an unsafe work environment will destroy morale and efficiency. Not to mention how cheap your company will end up looking. If needed, redistribute your budget. Invest in all the safety and warning signs you need as well.

Stress Management

Stress is a mind killer. For decades now, doctors have been warning about just what kind of damage stress causes. That’s why you should do everything you can do regulate it. Depending on your line of work, you need to manage stress accordingly. Did you notice one of your employees has been overworked, putting in overtime every day for a month? Give them a day off, help them relax.

Did your whole team just finish an incredibly stressful and difficult project? Treat them, give them a bonus, or let them leave work early for a couple of days. Furthermore, you can avoid the actual occurrence of stress if you practice due diligence. Have plan A, B, C, and D ready to cover any issue that may show up. Provide adequate stress management training as well. Know that if it snowballs, stress can cause serious burnout and waste of talent.

Emotional issues

Emotional safety at the workplace is all about trust and feeling respect. It can be loosely defined as the employee having enough trust placed in the employer to feel open and vulnerable. An employee should feel that he or she can bring up any issue or problem to the employer and that he or she will be respected and heard.

An employee needs to know that the employer has their best interest at heart. The opposite of this would be any kind of bullying or harassment they may suffer. Being strict but fair is one thing, but a manager venting his frustrations at his workers will absolutely tank productivity and morale.

Remember, the last thing you want is somebody getting hurt due to negligence. And some of these issues, like stress management and employee emotions, may not come to mind at first. But, know that they are just as important as asbestos, mould, and lack of proper railings. You need to keep both your employee’s minds and bodies safe.

General Safety Issues

GET AN INFRARED ROOF INSPECTION TO ENSURE PERFECTION (GUEST POST)

 Whether you have a residential or a commercial property, ensuring that your roof stays healthy and dry is critical to the structural soundness and value of your property. Unfortunately, roofs are not always easy to access, nor are they always safe. With infrared roof inspections, however, you can get accurate answers quickly without doing any probing or causing any damage to your property. 

An infrared roof inspection is a diagnostic technology that can be performed on its own or as part of a comprehensive building envelope survey, which is a thorough visual inspection of the entire exterior of a building. Much like building envelope surveys, infrared roof inspections are ideal for detecting moisture and giving a general idea of the current condition of the roof. 

How Does an Infrared Roof Inspection Work? 

Basically, in an infrared roof inspection, a thermal imaging camera (or infrared camera) is used to detect and record heat differences in the roof with the general goal of identifying any water that may have leaked under the roofing material and made its way into the building.

Because wet materials have a higher mass, they retain the sun’s heat longer. Meanwhile, dry materials have a lower mass, so they cool more quickly. Any abnormal or inconsistent temperatures recorded during the inspection are indicative of a problem, and they signal to you that the area should be inspected in greater detail.  Thermal imaging technology is convenient as it can help you find hidden defects that a traditional roof inspection cannot. 

Benefits of Infrared Roof Inspections 

Infrared inspections are now the industry standard for detecting water and moisture intrusion not just because of their convenience, but also for a number of other reasons. Outlined below are some of the main benefits of infrared roof inspections:

  • Infrared inspections are non-invasive and non-destructive, so you don’t have to cut holes in your walls or probe your roof with special devices. This saves your invaluable time and money.  
  • Infrared roof inspections facilitate early detection of, and early intervention with, potential problems. Getting your roof inspected regularly (e.g. once a year) allows you to identify any existing or potential problems early on, thereby preventing costly damage and extra costs associated with repairs. Infrared roof inspections are a huge part of the preventive maintenance of a building.
  • Thermal imaging inspections are cost effective because they’re much quicker, easier and more accurate than their traditional counterparts. Thus, they save you time and money. They are a small investment that leads to big savings. Think about it this way—would you rather pay a couple hundred dollars for a roof inspection now or a couple thousand dollars in repairs later on?
  • Infrared inspections of your roof can help you prioritize and plan repairs and upgrades.

Last but not least, infrared roof inspections can reveal a number of hidden issues with both your roof and your property as a whole. Here are just a few:

-Moisture intrusion
-Energy efficiency problems (heat loss)
-Poor insulation
-Roof leaks
-Missing or damaged shingles
-Structural issues such as a cracked chimney
-Faulty electrical work
-Leaky plumbing

Roof inspections are especially important for buildings that have a flat or low-sloped roof because water tends to accumulate at the top with no place to drain to. This can lead to moisture intrusion, degradation of foundation, mold growth, and many more headaches. 

It’s important to take care of your roof because it’s a vital part of your building’s structure. Ignoring a problem just because you can’t see it is foolish and will lead to bigger problems down the road. Infrared roof inspections are an affordable and effective way to avoid these kinds of problems, so there’s no reason why you shouldn’t get one for your home or office building. You can always contact the certified thermographers at InfraScan for any questions you have about thermal imaging or infrared roof inspections.

Srdjan is working for InfraScan.ca, specialized company for thermal imaging and infrared inspection.  Currently living in Ottawa, his motto is that good life is a healthy life.

General Safety Issues

HOW TO DO A BASIC SAFETY INSPECTION WHEN LOOKING AT A HOME (GUEST POST)

By Alan Brady.

When looking to buy a house,  you’ll always need to hire a professional inspector in order to obtain a mortgage. When you’re first out looking for a house to buy you’ll want to be aware of a few of the most important safety concerns that a house might have, and how you can find them, so that you don’t waste your time on a house that the inspector will later warn you away from anyway. Here are the most important things to check.

Outside

Before you enter the house, go and take a walk around the outside. Take note of any large trees that are close to the house. Massive root systems can lift up the ground under the foundation of the house and destabilize it. Additionally trees with large branches hanging over the house pose a risk. As the tree ages branches will grow larger and eventually die off, which can result in one falling onto and breaking through your roof. Also examine the exterior walls for any obvious cracks or mold.

Crawlspace

The crawlspace is a good litmus test for the general health of the house. Always ask to see it and bring a flashlight with you. You don’t need to crawl down there necessarily, just poke your head down and shine the light everywhere that you can see. Inhale and smell the air for anything strange. Everything should look dry and relatively unremarkable.

Living Room

If the floor is not carpeted it should be relatively easy to spot any warping or in the floor. Discoloration in on the walls, carpet, or ceiling, or bubbling and peeling paint mean that there is moisture in your walls and floor. This can mean mold, which is extremely hazardous, and even deadly to the young, old, and sickly. What it definitely means is that there is water damage to the home, probably meaning rotted wood, and eventual loss of structural integrity in the home, which is dangerous as well as extremely expensive to fix.

Kitchen and Laundry Rooms

Open all of the cupboards and check them for mold or strange smells. Turn on the water and give it a taste test to see if there is anything obviously wrong with it. Open the cabinet underneath the sink and check to make sure none of the pipes are leaking and that everything looks to be in good order.

Bathroom

Bathrooms are especially prone to molding and water damage. Turn on the water to make sure that everything drains properly. Turn on the fan to ensure that it works and moves a sufficient amount of air. Closely examine the toilet, the sink, the piping underneath the sink, and every nook, cranny, and corner that you can find.

General

An important rule of thumb is to go by your nose. Many of the problems that a house can have are related to decomposition, mold, or pests, all of which smell fairly unpleasant. Another thing to keep in mind is to open and close all of the doors that you come across. If any of them don’t open or close properly a part of the house may have shifted and the ground that it’s sitting on might be slowly moving.

Alan Brady is a real estate and financial enthusiast who loves to blog about personal finance, renting, home ownership and responsible practices for mortgage lawyers for attorneys.com.

 

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

WHEN FLOODS ATTACK (GUEST POST)

Sent to us by Rebecca Wilcox

Flooding can cause enormous issues with your home in more ways than one. Sure, there is the initial damage and inconvenience that can come from heavy flooding. This is the damage that most people tend to associate with flooding, though it is honestly one of the least damaging aspects of a flood. 

The most damage from a flood generally comes from the long-term effects of what standing water can do to a structure. This damage is often not readily apparent when the flooding starts to subside, but instead causes unseen damage over long periods of time. In the end, things like mold, wood rot, and mildew can have a worse impact on your home than the flood itself.

To help protect against long-term damage like this, it’s important to do everything you can to keep water from getting into your basement or any other part of your home. This can be accomplished in a number of different ways, but the steps you’ll need to take will vary depending on whether or not you have a basement. Basements add another layer of difficulty to the mix because they are often very difficult to seal against flooding. If you do have a basement, the best thing you can do is work with a contractor to seal it. This will likely be a fairly expensive job.

The other aspect of keeping your home free of flood damage is to have measures on hand that you can use to get rid of water once the flooding starts. If your preparations fail or are overwhelmed, you may be stuck pumping water out of your home yourself. If this happens, you should have a strong pump on hand to get the water out of your house. Tough, durable pumps like Tsurumi pumps are a great, affordable option for this. You want to make sure that your pump is affordable, but not cheap. After all, what good is a cheap pump that ends up costing you thousands in flood damage after it breaks down at a critical moment.

Floods can be absolutely catastrophic if you aren’t prepared for them. Even when you are prepared, there will always be at least a little damage resulting from a major flooding event. Despite this, it is very possible to mitigate the damage done by flooding when you take the time to prepare and equip yourself with the right kind of gear.

As Rebecca advises, be prepared to protect yourself with the right kind of personal protective gear.  From gloves, goggles, waterproof clothing, to rubber boots, your body must not be in contact with contamination from flood waters, mold and mildew.  Some types of destruction require professionals to assist with the clean-up.  Use caution when working in this type of environment. Pat

 

General Safety Issues, Respiratory Safety

BREATHE EASY (GUEST POST)

Breathe Easy – Unknown Health Problems Identified

By Samuel Ott 

When you’re at home, do you find yourself having constant headaches, swollen and itchy eyes, or low grade fevers? Common diagnoses such as Asthma, Emphysema, or sinus infections may actually be misdiagnosed. Mold exposure can be the cause of this misdiagnosis due to it being an environmental problem. This why you’ll only feel sick while being at home. If you think this is the case for your symptoms, maybe it’s time for some mold removal or at least a home safety inspection to ensure if it is mold-free or not. 

This why you’ll only feel sick while being at home. If you think this is the case for your symptoms, maybe it’s time for some mold removal, or at least a home safety inspection to ensure if it is mold-free or not.  (For more information on the professional mold removal process, visit this website.) 

Mold removal is a process that needs to be taken seriously. If not treated properly or completely, the mold damage can continue to spread leading to worsened or continued health problems. It is important to note that killing the mold is only half of the process. Since dead mold is still allergenic and potentially even toxic, complete mold removal is the only way to get your health and your home back to normal. 

Mold occurs where there is moisture. Bathrooms, for example, are windowless, allowing no circulation, and most of the time small, which means they are at a higher risk for mold in the walls. Leaky pipes or anything else that can cause water damage, but may remain hidden, are what you’ll want to check up on. 

Whether you’re uncertain about mold being in your home, it’s best to be safe. Home is your place for safety and relaxation. Make sure it gives you both, so you can breathe easy.

Thank you for this information about mold, Samuel.  If persons try to tackle removing mold themselves, they should take the necessary precautions to protect their health by using the right safety products.  

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

WHAT YOU CAN DO ABOUT MOLD

It’s a fact that mold has been on this earth for millions of years.  It is also a fact that we must deal with it, and get rid of it in order to have better air quality for everyone, especially those who are very sensitive to it.  Molds are found in damp, warm conditions.  Outdoors, it is in shady, moist areas.  Experts say there are hundreds of types of mold; however, it isn’t necessary to know what type you are concerned with.  Indoors it may be lurking in places where the humidity is high, such as basements or showers.  It is important to know how to safely get rid of mold if it is in your home or workplace.

When you are removing mold, it is imperative that you wear the correct personal protective equipment: There must be good ventilation, with doors and windows open if possible.  Never mix ammonia or other cleaners with bleach, as this could create dangerous fumes.  A mixture of 10% bleach with water will solve small problems.  If you have had a leak around fixtures, repair them as soon as possible.  Sometimes it is necessary to have professional treatment to eradicate the mold problem.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, some areas where there is a high exposure to mold are:

  • Greenhouses
  • Flower Shops
  • Summer Cottages
  • Antique Shops
  • Farms
  • Mills
  • Construction Areas
  • Saunas

The air we breathe contains mold spores, and certain persons are more sensitive to mold, and may have reactions such as upper respiratory tract infections, coughing, wheezing, and even asthma.  Because our immune systems are exposed to harmful mold organisms, excess moisture should be controlled in order to reduce its presence in our homes and workplaces.  Keeping humidity levels between 40% and 60%, using air conditioners or dehumidifiers during humid months, and providing adequate ventilation will help us all breathe a little easier!