Tag Archives: Safety

General Safety Issues

Top 7 Road Construction Work Zone Safety Tips

Top 7 Road Construction Work Zone Safety Tips

Whether you are traveling or constructing roads or houses – safety if the main focus point. We all agree on the statement that it is very important to have self-protection to be safe from any type of mishap respectively. There should be valid rules for the person who personally belongs to the construction field. It is very important to save them from any type of serious mishap respectively. As we all know very well that the field of construction is really needed to provide the complete safety precautions to their employees in the field so they can efficiently provide the best services in a better way.

There are multiple options available in selecting the asphalt paving company if you need to maintain the best surface of the road. While paving the road there are different types of challenges which a professional company has to face. These challenges are as follows:

  • Providing the best security solutions to the other people which provide them the safest way to pass through the under-construction area
  • Place the signboards on the different sections of the road to notify people regarding the work in process notice
  • Employees should wear the safety helmet and jacket to be easily recognized in the field
  • Employees should spread the safety precautions to the vehicles and the pedestrians to avoid any type of serious injury
  • It is compulsory to provide the alternative road to the people while the respective road is under-construction
  • Work should be completed efficiently within a specified time of period

These things are very important to provide the common people the best safety precautions. Here we will discuss some important but useful tips for the asphalt pavers while completing the project respectively.

  • Make a strong strategy

It is very much important to make a strong strategy while starting the paving process to build a strong road for the people. The suggested plan should be normal traffic control which will not disturb the people to reach their places. You should apply the best strategy to control the traffic in a way that people can easily pass through it. While operating the heavy machinery on the site you should have to maintain the area in such a way that will not disturb the normal traffic on the road.

  • Make a proper plan for traffic control

It is compulsory to have the better plan to control the traffic area of the respective place. You can place the warning signs on the relevant places to update people about the construction process so they can also use the strategy for the respective place.

  • Use cones to mark the area

As we all know very well that road construction areas really need to have care and precautions for the other traffic. This is why the best thing would be the road traffic cones on the respective area of the road which will directly indicate the traffic to use the diversions for the other safe route.

  • Wear safety equipment

It is also very much important to wear the safety equipment on the construction site to identify yourself as a worker of the specific place. It will also notify the traffic to reduce the speed limit due to work in progress. It is very much important to wear the sharp colors equipment to notify people from a far distance.

  • Use Helmet

The helmet is the most important equipment in this whole process to be safe from any type of serious injury. Usually, the helmet saves the person from any type of hard thing to get hit on the head. Head injury is the most crucial injury and could cause the death of the worker on the spot.

  • Start your day with the new goals

When you will start the new day with updated goals you will definitely get the best result out of it. Driveway paving contractors will discuss the fresh updates with their whole crew and they also remind them to complete the task within a specified time period. It will also identify them about the things which they have to complete within a whole day.

  • Make a site safety program

It is very important to provide the best safety to the people around you. You have to make a strategy to keep the other people safe from any type of mishap during the work in process. While making the construction program for the road, it is important to have the best ideas on how to keep other people safe from any type of disturbance. There should be valid spaces for the traffic which can easily be moved without any disturbance.

General Safety Issues, Hand Protection

Gear Up: Safety Tips for Professional Plumbers

Gear Up: Safety Tips for Professional Plumbers

Written by Sofia

For some countries, it can be easy to neglect the importance of health and safety practices due to lack of awareness, training and resources. Although plumbers have the option to choose between self-employment and working for businesses, your personal protective gears along with your compliance with Occupational Safety and Health standards deserve your time and attention.
Safety Issues
Plumbers may be one of the highest paid professionals in the trade industry but are more exposed to potential hazards and accidents. Like other professions such as builders, electricians and concreters, plumbers also battle with workplace risks. Some prominent ones include:
⦁ Exposure to toxins
⦁ Slips, trips and falls
⦁ Electric shocks and burns
⦁ Manual handling injuries
⦁ Eye hazards
Biohazard waste such as sewerage, mold and bacteria can also have a negative impact on your health. Without proper care and clothing, you may endanger not only your life but also your finances and investments.
Whether it involves a simple pipe repair or water supply installation, your safety shouldn’t be compromised. Here are plumbing safety tips to help prevent accidents around your home or at work:
Pick your hand wear. 
Generally, your hands get the majority of plumbing work. Covering them with either rubber or leather gloves can keep them from chemicals and heat exposures. Heat-insulating gloves are recommended when flame or soldering work is involved.
Before accepting any jobs, it’s important to understand the scope of work to help prepare the needed hand wear to use. If the process requires the use of handheld tools such as pipe wrenches and shovels, wearing protective gloves can be an option. However, taking note of this preventative measure can help safeguard your great asset.
Will you be needing power tools like circular saws and propane torches to accomplish the job? Using bare hands may be viable, but for your safety and convenience, it’s good to have your hands fully protected. You’ll thank these hand gloves when you do.
Mind your footwear.
You may have the best hand-eye coordination and balancing techniques, but without appropriate footwear, you’re bound to potential accidents.
Wet environments require a local plumber to wear a pair of boots with non-slip soles. When working at heights and confined areas, it’s also safe to use sturdy and non-skid shoes to avoid falling incidents.
Put on your headgear.
Wearing a pair of gloves and sturdy shoes won’t guarantee complete protection. Hard hats are recommended especially when doing large projects. A durable headpiece can keep you from acquiring head injuries caused by falling objects or solid materials.
Face protection is also good to consider. Make sure to wear respiratory masks when dealing with human waste, rodent droppings and other hazardous materials that could target your health.
Prepare your eyewear.
Eye injuries caused by chemical splashes, flying particles and falling objects can both affect your personal and professional lifestyle. Wearing safety goggles can protect your eyes especially when using high-pressure water jetters to clean drainage pipes. Likewise, if you’re dealing with hot water pipe repairs or maintenance, covering your eyes with proper eye shields can save you from acquiring extreme injuries.
Whether you’re involved with simple cleaning or installation jobs, wearing safety spectacles can keep you from dust and debris as well as material handling failures.
Wear your earpiece.
Just as your eyes need protective coverings, your ears also beg for proper protection. Hearing loss is one of the recorded safety hazards for plumbers. The World Health Organization’s Protection of the Human Environment released a 2004 report stating that 48 percent of plumbers suffer from hearing loss.
Wearing earplugs is essential especially when the job requires the use of extremely buzzing tools and procedures. This is common to a local plumber working in construction and other non-residential areas.
Workplace Safety Tips
⦁ Get proper training to increase your awareness
⦁ Refer to safety data sheets (SDS)
⦁ Keep your personal protective equipment in good condition
⦁ Follow safety orders and rules
⦁ Deodorise tools and equipment on a regular basis
⦁ Dispose gloves and clothing when necessary
⦁ Disinfect protective gears from head to toe
Gear Up, But Don’t Forget the Basics
In Australia, 8 percent of plumbers involved in construction sites acquire serious claims, with carpenters and joiners topping the list. Knowing the possible hazards and the best approach to avoid them helps to guarantee your safety. For instance, a local plumber who works in commercial projects should wear protective clothing such as hard hats and non-skid shoes to reduce accident rates.
Considering the temperature and climate condition also matters. Working in winter may not be ideal as it promotes high potential risks, but taking up assignments in cold temperate areas is still possible.
Responding to your client’s urgent need is important, but your safety must not suffer. It means that only qualified plumbers are expected to deal with any plumbing works to minimize the risks.
Do your part to protect your biggest asset. Take frequent breaks, drink plenty of water and prioritize sufficient rest when necessary. Most importantly, invest in and wear high-quality protective gears to help lessen plumbing-related incidents and give you more time to enjoy the privilege of being a plumber.
When did you last check your protective clothing and equipment?
Fall Safety, General Safety Issues

Frequent construction site accidents and how to avoid them

Frequent construction site accidents and how to avoid them

Working on a construction site can be an extremely dangerous job. In fact, several hundred people have lost their lives while working in or being on a construction site in 2016 alone in the United States.  The ‘Fatal Four’ are the top four leading causes of construction site injuries and deaths in America every year. These are:

  • Falling
  • Being stuck by an object
  • Electrocutions
  • Caught-in/between*

*This means that the worker was caught-in/compressed by objects or equipment. They were then struck, caught, or crushed in a collapsing structure, equipment, or material.  These accidents can lead to:

  • Scarring
  • Disfigurement
  • Back or Neck injuries
  • Spinal chord injury
  • Brain injury
  • Blindness
  • Deafness
  • Amputated limbs
  • Death

One thing is more shocking than the ‘Fatal Four’, and that is how many deaths are caused by them each year. In 2015, 364 workers died from falls, 90 from being struck by an object, 81 from electrocutions, and 67 from caught-in/betweens. Then numbers have only gotten worse just one year later. In 2016, 384 workers died from falls, 93 from being struck by an object, 82 from electrocutions, and 72 from caught-in/betweens.  The total number of ‘Fatal Four’ deaths each calendar year equals more than half of all construction worker deaths. Out of all occupations’ work-related deaths, construction deaths make up over 20 percent. That means one in five workplace deaths are from construction alone, which is also the highest of all the industries.

Causes of the ‘Fatal Four’  Falls: 

  • Misuse of ladders
  • Unguarded, protruding steel bars
  • Improper scaffold construction
  • Unprotected sides, wall openings, and/or floor holes

Being struck by an object: 

  • Masonry walls
  • Falling/flying objects
  • Vehicles

Electrocutions: 

  • Lack of ground-fault
  • Contact with power lines
  • Improper use of equipment and cords
  • Path to ground missing or discontinuous

Caught-in/betweens: 

  • unsafe spoil-pile placement
  • Unsafe access/egress
  • Failure to inspect trench and protective systems
  • No protective systems

How to prevent accidents for all of you construction workers  

Equipment:  ToolsCritic.com recommends that all hand tools and equipment non-machine-operated should be cleaned and properly stored away in a designated area after being used,. Before use, be it hand tool or machine, all equipment should be checked to make sure they are in proper working order. By taking a few extra minutes doing this, you’re eliminating the risk for faulty equipment and accidents that are caused by equipment laying around.

Following safety guides and training:  The safety guides and training all employers are required to give are designed and set in place by OSHA, Occupational Safety and Health Administration. These are specifically for the health of every construction worker.

Staying alert:  With any job, it is necessary to pay attention to your work, but construction workers need to pay extra attention. Others may mess up a task, but construction workers could lose a lot more. By paying attention to your surroundings, watching for anything falling, making special note of any possible hazards, you’ll increase your chance of going home safe and sound.  Extra precautions:

Say what you see. If there are unsafe working conditions, don’t be afraid to tell your employer. It’s part of your job. Doing so can save your life or someone else’s.

Take a break. It’s easy to get exhausted, especially when working in construction. Eating, staying hydrated and allowing the body even a few minutes of rest can keep you and other construction workers to stay focused and more alert to what’s happening.

See and be seen. You won’t be the only one on site, usually. Wearing bright color clothing, as well as a neon vest, can keep you visible to others. This is important because accidents aren’t only a one person event. People can run into each other, be throwing things around the site, or a number of other factors that could trigger an accident. So make sure to make yourself easily seen and to see others.

Put up signs. It’s common to put up signs around the site for high-risk areas. Whether it is because of a high voltage area, an area where debris will fall, or another reason, putting up a sign can alert others and remind yourself to stay clear of the area or to be extra cautious. Remember to look for them as well, since others may have put up a sign.  Remember, if you have an accident or see someone else have one while on site, follow the appropriate steps to seek immediate medical attention for the worker. Accidents can and do happen, but the numbers can become a fraction of what they are now if these measures are taken.

General Safety Issues

4 Reasons for Hiring a K9 Security Team for Events

4 Reasons for Hiring a K9 Security Team for Events

Man’s Best Friend is always looking out for you! Our furry four legged friend has been protecting us for ages, so why not use them for providing security at events? They have been serving us as house pets (or rather a family member), so no wonder (with roper training) they will excel at being excellent security forces. Some may think differently, but no need to, because a task force of dogs works like clockwork, when it comes to protection and discipline!

There are many companies that offer their services, but you should never stray past the reputed ones. Just have a look at testimonials and references and you will be able to find companies like K9 Patrol Ltd, who have the best security dogs and SIA (know more about it from Wiki!) approved contractor status.

  • Why Should You Consider Hiring Security Dogs for Events?

It is not just about events! Dogs can offer top notch security for a variety of places like malls and airports to name some. The risks that a person might not be able to take to, the dogs have better ability to adapt and emerge victorious. Many event organizers have already turned to the four legged security force. Why are you still feeling sceptical about it? The dogs will do a fantastic job at securing the event!

Here are the perks that you will get to enjoy with the security dogs:

  1. Professional Behaviour: It is not a secret that dogs take training far better and faster than a human being! The dog handlers make sure that you have full security and professional behaviour from the dogs. They will never allow anybody to pet the dogs. Each event will be different from the other! One might have loud music, while another event might be peaceful, the dogs have been trained in such a way that nothing can distract or spook them! They ensure that your event will run as smoothly as possible.
  2. Versatile & Quick Response: The dogs have been trained to do a multitude of tasks, from sniffing to tackling perpetrators. Whatever the event and need of the hour, the K9 security members will complete it with a lot of gumption. Do not fall for their cute looks, behind those cute eyes are versatile security individuals!
  3. Enhanced Senses: Everybody knows about this! Dogs have better senses, and as such, are considered the best animals to be used as detection dogs. The best sense that dogs have is, the sense of smell. They have this amazing capability of sensing and differentiating between varieties of smells. This has made them a popular option for various places and events. If you hire reputed security forces, then you need not worry about training, because they will provide the highest standards of security.
  4. Enhanced Sense of Security: The visitors or attendees at the event always feel safe, when they see dogs around them. You might or might not like dogs, but everyone knows how loyal and protective creatures they are. Hence, the attendees of the event will feel more secure; and in the event of any issues, they will remain calm.

Dogs have been extensively used as therapy animals and pets, but even in the realm of security, they have been top performers. They fit into this role like a perfectly fitted glove! Almost tailormade!

Many people have a doubt — can man’s best friend attack a perpetrator (a human)? Well, they surely can, if they have been trained to, and feel others are threatened by that man! It would seem as if they can sieve out the bad from the good (to everyone’s benefit)!

For this reason, you need good handlers and excellent trainers, which a reputed K9 security company will be able to provide. Call upon the dogs, and see your event run without a glitch!

Fall Safety, General Safety Issues

How safe is DIY?

 

If horror movies are to be believed, every encounter with a power tool is just moments away from turning into a terrifying bloodbath.  The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, anyone?

But just how dangerous is DIY, really? Are we likely to lose a limb or end up in hospital after trying to carry out a simple home improvement job?

As it turns out, DIY isn’t likely to be fatal. Around 70 people a year die in DIY-related accidents in the UK. This might sound scary, until you consider that nearly 2000 people a year die in car accidents, and that doesn’t stop you getting in your car. Your chances of ending up in a fatal accident trying to replace your toilet seat are very slim!

That said, your chances of being hospitalized in a DIY accident aren’t quite so tiny. Approximately 200,000 people every year are sent to hospital with DIY injuries, with the most common being the result of falls from ladders, and cuts and lacerations from knifes and other sharp blades.

However, you shouldn’t let this put you off. Most accidents are preventable and if you get clued up on proper DIY safety precautions it should all be plain sailing. DIY is empowering and creative, and definitely worth giving a go!

We’ve created this infographic to give you the full lowdown on DIY safety. We’ve  perused the available data and compiled all the statistics you’ll need to answer your burning questions:

  • How many DIY accidents are there in the UK every year?
  • Which tools and materials cause the highest number of DIY injuries?
  • What are the most common injuries during DIY?

We’ll also share our top tips for DIY safety and preventing injury!

If you’re looking for more guidance on DIY safety, take a look at these top tips (with a focus on hand and power tools):

  • Always wear appropriate protective clothing. Depending on the task, this could mean safety goggles, hard hats, dust masks, gloves, earplugs and even steel-capped boots.
  • Avoid loose-fitting clothing, which can get caught in blades and machinery.
  • Look after your tools and inspect their condition regularly.
  • Never carry power tools by the cord or yank the cord out of the wall.
  • Turn off all power before carrying out any electrical jobs.
  • Store tools safely away when they’re not in use.
  • Always unplug power tools when they’re not in use, or when you want to switch accessories such as blades.
  • Keep tools sharp, clean and well-maintained.
  • Make sure you’re working in a place where you have good footing and won’t trip over. If possible, try to stay on solid ground when using power tools.
  • Keep workspaces clean and tidy to reduce tripping hazards.
  • It sounds obvious, but make sure you read the instructions before you use power tools!
  • Take care with on/off switches when using power tools, particularly making sure you don’t accidentally turn it on when you don’t mean to.
  • Use clamps to secure your work pieces.
Ladder Safety

Be extra cautious when using ladders. Falls from ladders are the single biggest cause of injury when undertaking DIY work, with approximately 30,000 accidents per year that require hospital treatment. Take heed of these safety tips:

  • Use the right type and height of ladder for the task.
  • Place the ladder on a level, secure surface and make sure it’s resting against a solid wall.
  • Always check the condition of a ladder before use. If rungs, feet and stiles are bent , damaged, or missing, do not use the ladder.
  • Never over-reach when using a ladder or lean to one side as you could lose your balance and fall.
  • Use the 4:1 rule. That means for every four feet of ladder height, your ladder should be one foot away from the wall.
  • Don’t leave tools at the top of ladders – they could fall off and injure someone below.
Fall Safety, General Safety Issues

All About Height Safety Systems And Aluminum Roofs Guards

All About Height Safety Systems And Aluminum Roofs Guards 

Industrial accidents are one of the leading causes of fatal injuries and deaths. Falls from ladders and roofs are pretty common. To avoid such dangerous occurrences at your worksite, you may consider the use of height safety systems. Working at heights has its own set of hazards and difficulties. Common causes of falls are roof edges, slippery and damp surfaces, fall prone or fall risk surfaces. Roof has to be safety compliant under any circumstance. If you do not ensure this, you can land in trouble. There are hundreds of companies offering height safety systems to make working at greater heights, a safe and secured task. There is no chance of injury due to fall, if you tighten the safety system at your worksite. Fall protection systems or components may be constituted of aluminum material, due to the range of benefits it offers. Simply providing the employees their monthly salary will not do. As an employer, you must take necessary steps to save them from any type of accident or injury. This is important from the point of workers’ safety and from the point of your business reputation as well. Worker’s law of your state is really strict and if any worker is injured while working, your business place may be shut down or you may have to give hefty amount as compensation. To avoid such circumstances, it is better to choose suitable height safety system. Workplace must be safe for working to ensure the well-being, health and safety of employees.

Height Safety Systems made of Aluminum 

Aluminum is the best material for height safety systems. If you are confused what material to consider for fall devices, you cannot go wrong with aluminum. Items used in the site must be lightweight, rust resistant, durable and must require low maintenance. It is only aluminum which solves the whole purpose. It can bear any kind of weather condition, whatsoever. Even if the condition is wet, the items will not rust or corrode. The material is flexible and may be customized easily. Steel material is extremely strong and is difficult to customize much, unlike aluminum which is lightweight and flexible. Wood, on the other hand, can expand, chip and warp when the conditions are wet. So, Using Fall Protection and Height Safety System of Aluminum can Render the Following Benefits:

  • You can easily customize fall safety system to suit the roof specification and layout
  • You can get the entire range of roof protection system in aluminum material
  • Aluminum material is so flexible that you may create walkways out of them and make several roof safety zones as well
  • You can make changes to the items of aluminum to suit the roof layout

High Grade Height Safety Systems 

Roof safety systems of aluminum material can be used together to enhance the safety level. You may use aluminum walkways, guardrails or the access ladders as well.

Some of the Items that form the part of Height Safety Systems are as the following:

  • Roof walkways provide safe access to the roof. You may make wonderful walkway areas, free of hazards and trips. Aluminum walkway may be used on the roof to protect skylights and roof
  • To reduce the number of falls, use aluminum guardrails on your site. They may be installed around the roofs, fire escape areas, stairways and access hatch
  • to provide access to the roof mounted tools and equipment, one needs to use static lines
  • roof access ladder can be used to access any area situated at a greater height

To access roof edges or the fall risk areas, you must consider the installation of roof anchor points. All the items relating to height safety systems can last for decades if you consider aluminum material. Look for permanent height safety and fall protection solutions. The fall guard system must comply with Australian standards.

General Safety Issues

How Proper Forklift Maintenance Prevents Accidents and Injuries

How Proper Forklift Maintenance Prevents Accidents and Injuries

Forklift accidents are usually associated with a careless act behind the wheel or ignoring certain safety precautions. While those epic forklift fails all over YouTube and other websites grab headlines, it’s the small, detail-oriented aspects of proper forklift use that can also cause serious accidents and injuries.

Take forklift maintenance, for example.  According to the U.S Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), powered industrial truck (the official-sounding term for a forklift) infractions were once again a top-10 violation in 2017. Nearly 2,500 violations involving forklifts were documented last year – and many of those could’ve been prevented with a smart, focused, comprehensive maintenance plan.

You wouldn’t run your car without a thorough maintenance schedule – or at least you shouldn’t, anyway. To get the most miles out of your car – and to keep your automobile running as safely as possible – regular maintenance checks are required.

The same principle applies to forklifts. Common sense maintenance isn’t a luxury – for safe forklift operation, it’s a necessity.

Forklift Maintenance – An Underrated, Overlooked Aspect of a Safe Workplace

According to OSHA guidelines, forklift maintenance is one of the foundations of effective, efficient, safe workplace practices. OSHA’s maintenance requirements include compliance directives, maintenance plans, and general hazard references. Employers are required to perform sensible, sustainable maintenance of all powered industrial trucks.

Of course, it never hurts to have the training, skills, and knowledge to give yourself a comprehensive understanding of safe forklift operation – and that includes powered industrial truck maintenance.

Let’s look at a few ways proper maintenance can prevent workplace accidents.

  • Underinflated tires. When forklift tires are worn or underinflated, accidents are more likely. From load imbalances to skidding across surfaces, it’s important to keep forklift tires properly inflated at all times – and that’s something regular maintenance checks take care of!
  • Fluid levels. All forklift fluids – coolant, oil, hydraulic fluids – require regular attention. For example, low oil levels can cause engine failure, which can create numerous hazards in the warehouse, on a construction site, and many other places. Every forklift maintenance plan should have fluid checks – if it doesn’t, accidents are waiting to happen.
  • Safety equipment checks. Flashing beacons, backup alarms, brake lights, and other safety-related mechanisms increase a forklift operator’s safety – and the safety of everyone around the lift. A routine pre-shift check of your forklift’s safety systems are a great idea.
  • Uneven forks. After time, the lift’s forks may become slanted or uneven. If your forklift’s lifting mechanism isn’t level, there’s a good chance that load stability can be compromised. Make sure you regularly check the forks – when they’re uneven, accidents are more likely.

These are just a few things to check on your forklift. Remember, a thorough maintenance plan is essential for safe operation. If you’re not sure about your company’s maintenance schedule, always consult with your safety supervisor.

About the author

CertifyMe.net was founded in 1999 when Tom Wilkerson recognized a need for OSHA training when his contracting operations were impacted by new OSHA legislation. Rather than pay top dollar for training from a costly 3rd-party provider, Wilkerson created interactive computer learning solutions for his own company. Today, Wilkerson’s online and DVD-based training courses include some of the most popular, widely-used OSHA training courses available anywhere.

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

SAFETY TIPS FOR A DIY HANDYMAN (GUEST POST)

 

Almost all handyman jobs involve risks and this is why it is important to ensure safety on the service site. Read on for some useful safety tips that’ll help you prevent injuries while working.

Since most handyman services involve lots of hazards, working without the right safety equipment and moving around carelessly can lead to serious injuries. When grinding or welding without goggles, for instance, you’ll obviously end up getting metal particles in your eyes. So, why close the eyes to handy, hi-tech safety measures and equipment when they are easily available and invite plenty of risks!

Here are practical safety tips that are basically lessons learned by our handymen from their mistakes in the past:

1.Pressure Washers Can Peel Your Skin

Pressure washers are the most common handyman tools used to clean up areas like the patio and roof of a building. Since handymen get their attention diverted by a variety of stimuli in the open, they often make the mistake of holding the pressure washer and operating the trigger with only one hand. This can cause the spray wand to move across your hand, peeling the skin off.

It is important that as a professional, you understand and respect the power of water, especially when it is pressurized for cleaning the concrete etc. 

2. Bump-Nailing Can Nail Your Feet

The use of a framing nailer for fastening plywood to joints is a common practice for handymen. But when the nailer is set in bump mode, you need to be fully attentive, for forgetting to pushing the nose of the gun properly against the wood can lead to serious injuries. The worst, you may bump the nose of the gun at the wrong spot such as one of your own feet! Make sure you’ve properly bumped the gun-point on the target area before you pull the trigger. 

3. Safety against Electric Shocks is Important

One of the most important safety steps at a repair site is to check electricity wires using a non-contact tester before laying a hand on them. Commonly, handymen take off the fuse in a hurry and start disconnecting the wires from outlets. There maybe two circuits linked to the outlet, of which you have turned off only one. So, when you touch the wires barehanded, you’ll get knocked back by a powerful shove of electricity shooting up your entire body!

When performing such a job, don’t forget to test and double-check the wires with a tester. 

4. Sheet Metal Can Slice Your Body Parts 

Drilling holes in pieces of metals is another common handyman duty involving a great deal of risk. Handymen are often in a rush and don’t take time to compress the metal to a table etc. This can cause the drill to be caught by the sheet and thrown onto you, creating a deep rip on one of your body parts.

Before you start to drill a hole on a metal sheet, clamp it to a table and adjust your hand and the drill well.

 

Author Bio:

Dan Kogan is the owner of Handyman at your service which is a US based company providing Handyman Services to business owners at an affordable price. Handyman at your service specializing in TV installation NYC, Electrical work, Plumbing NYC, IKEA Assembly NYC and many more.

 

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

SAFETY MEASURES FOR PROFESSIONAL RACING DRIVERS (GUEST POST)

Professional racing is a huge industry worldwide and can cover a whole range of differing disciplines, but whether it’s Formula 1 racing in Monaco or the Dakar Rally in a Freelander, safety is always top of the drivers’, officials’ and governing bodies’ agenda. However, whilst Formula 1 drivers hit the top speeds, they do so in an incredibly controlled environment — the track. Rally drivers, who have to drive in a standard road-car body shell, must contend with public roads, rough terrain and hairpin bends, all of which can mean the challenge of maintaining driver and spectator safety is a big one.

In most cases, rally cars must be based on a standard four-seat production model which has been produced for use on public roads and in numbers greater than 25,000. However, there are some races for specific vehicles, such as the Defender Challenge. This is a ‘one-make’ rally for drivers of Land Rover Defender 90 Hard Tops. A similar race is the British Cross Country Freelander Challenge, which features the RACE2RECOVERY team (comprising former British servicemen who have been injured in combat operations).

Image source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Land_Rover_Defender

However, regardless of the race type or the levels of heroism shown by the competitors prior to taking up the sport, the cars you see flying over hills and haring round tight corners are not the same as the standard car sitting on your driveway. They are fitted with specially designed enhancements designed to keep the drivers, co-drivers and spectators safe.

One of the first features you’ll see as you peer through the rally car window is that all unnecessary fittings, including the rear seats, have been removed. This is as much about ensuring the cars are fast as it is about safety. The two seats that remain are fitted with racing harnesses akin to those in an F1 car, with the belt positioning designed to ensure the torso of the driver (or co-driver) is restrained, thus reducing injury. The seats themselves are made of molded carbon-fiber, which is also intended to reduce the effects of any impact.

Perhaps the most crucial safety feature for a car guaranteed to be cornering at high speed is the metal roll-cage. This is made from tubular steel and is welded into the chassis of the car to prevent the roof from collapsing if the car tips over. In addition to this, all rally cars are also fitted with side-impact protection, which aims to dissipate the force of any impact and prevent serious injury to the driver and co-driver. You can check out Dynamic Metals for info on the best materials for automobiles, and also info on them sponsoring the Race2Recovery Freelander Challenge.

Finally, the speeds at which these cars race make braking a priority, and the brake discs on a rally car, which are made of carbon-fiber, are massive. In some cases, these brake discs are bigger than the wheels of a standard car and will heat up so much during braking that they will glow red-hot.

Whether you’re racing in Wales, Africa, or the U.S., on roads or off-road, ensuring your car is safe is vital. Making the right choice in metals for your roll cage and making sure all of your security features are top-notch can be both vital and a basic entry requirement for happy and safe racing.

Author Bio.

Jack writes for Dynamic Metals, a company sourcing and supplying high-grade and exotic metals for all major industries including: Motor Racing, Aerospace, Defense, Advanced Engineering, Medical and Oil & Gas. He covers topics on the safety and effectiveness of specific metals chosen.

Note: for those who love to attend these races, we would suggest you wear earplugs to protect your hearing! pb

 

General Safety Issues, High Visibility Safety

THIS WEEK’S SAFETY FOCUS IS NATIONAL WORK ZONE AWARENESS

April 7 – 11, 2014:  National Work Zone Awareness Week – “Work Zone Speeding: A Costly Mistake”

The 2014 theme highlights the consequences of speeding through a work zone. These costs can take on various forms, including fines, jail time or even a life. By highlighting these impacts, the intent is to inform drivers and encourage them to drive carefully through work zones.  National Kickoff Event is to be held Tuesday, April 8 at the State Route 99 Alaskan Way Viaduct Replacement project in Seattle, Washington.

Worker Safety:  The leading cause of highway construction worker injuries and fatalities is contact with construction vehicles, objects, and equipment. These injuries and deaths are preventable through a number of good practices.
As our highway infrastructure ages, many transportation agencies are focusing on rebuilding and improving existing roadways. This means more roadwork is being performed on roadways that are open to traffic. At the same time, traffic continues to grow and create more congestion, particularly in urban areas. To avoid major queues during peak travel periods, urban areas are seeing more night work. The combination of more work done alongside increasingly heavier traffic and greater use of night work can result in increased safety considerations for highway workers. However, there are regulations and available resources on good practices that can help workers perform their jobs safely.

Worker Visibility:

•MUTCD Part 6 Section 6D.03 – Requires the use of high-visibility safety apparel by workers who are working within the rights-of-way of Federal-aid highways.
•High Visibility Standard – Provides a guide for the design, performance specifications, and use of high-visibility and reflective apparel including vests, jackets, bib/jumpsuit coveralls, trousers and harnesses.

Many drivers become irritated when they see the “Work Zone – Fines Double” signs preceeding the work zone.  It is better to observe the law in order to not receive a fine for speeding while driving through that zone.  Not only are the workers exposed to traffic, they are also staying alert to avoid being backed over or run over by the heavy equipment working around them.  Their line of work is very unsafe.  The flaggers are also very close to traffic whizzing by them.  It is your duty as drivers to observe the signs and keep the safety of our highway workers in mind at all times.  When you pass through one of these work areas, drive as though your son, brother, sister, or a loved one were out there; it might help you slow down.

The United States Department of Transportation/ Federal Highway Administration brings this important message annually  in order for all drivers to know how important the safety of highway workers is.   Drive safely.  As one of their signs says, “Watch for Workers – Give Us A Brake!” 

Source: U.S. Department of Transportation; Federal Highway Administration