Tag Archives: Safety

Eye Protection, Head Protection, Hearing Protection

SAFETY FIRST IN MACHINE SHOPS

It there’s one place I would just as soon not enter, it’s a machine shop- there’s just too much going on!   Those who run any type of machinery, have to be very smart and very careful.  There are too many ways one can get injured around moving equipment, so we are going to mention some rules that apply to staying safe while working in this environment: 

1.      Shops should be kept clean.  Dirty, wet floors, tools left lying around, trash and debris should not be part of the picture.  A clean environment is a safe one.

2.      There should be enough space between machines and materials to maneuver.

3.      Walkways should be marked, to distinguish between work areas and safe walkways.

4.      There should be good ventilation in all machine shops.

5.      Be sure that flammable liquids are stored in closed containers.

6.      The correct type of fire extinguishers should be readily assessable:  Class A – Combination; Class B – Liquid Fuels; Class C- Electrical Fires.

7.      Persons with long hair/beards should tie them up in order not to get caught in a moving machine.  Do not braid long hair, as the entire hair could be pulled into a machine.

8.      Never wear jewelry, loose clothing, or gloves.  If you must wear gloves while preparing sharp materials, be sure to remove them before the machine is turned on.

9.      Open toe shoes (sandals) are forbidden in machine shops; steel toe boots are preferred.

10.  Never interfere with someone running another machine; their concentration may be disturbed, causing an accident.

11.  Understand the machine you are running.  Be completely familiar with it, and never leave it unattended.

12.  As in many other things, the buddy system is the safest.  Don’t be alone while running equipment.

13.  In cleaning your machine, do not use high-pressure air.  It can push chips into moving parts and cause wear on the machine.

14.  Wear the correct personal protective equipment, such as:

  •         Earplugs – protect your hearing based on the noise level of the equipment.
  •         Safety glasses, goggles, or faceshields – you must protect your eyes and face from flying objects, dust, etc. 
  •         In some shops where there are hoists to lift heavy objects, hardhats would also be required for safety.

Exercise caution when running machinery.  Work areas should have non-slip material for walkways, and all equipment should have working guards and covers.  There should be eyewash stations and first aid kits on hand.

   Machine tools can be hazardous- even for experienced machinists.  There are all kinds of opportunities in manufacturing, and it is a great trade to learn.  Just be very careful, as with many other occupations, we don’t have a replay button.

General Safety Issues

SEPTEMBER – CAMPUS FIRE SAFETY MONTH

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The safety of our students is a major concern for universities and colleges across the nation.  One of these  issues is campus fire safety.  Since January, 2,000, 135 persons have died in campus-related fires, with 84 per cent of the fires occurring in off-campus housing.   This year marks the sixth year for Campus Fire Safety Month being observed in September, as students are returning to campus.

A letter written by parents of students who lost their lives in campus-related fires was sent to every state governor and the mayor of Washington, D.C. this past January.  So far, 31 states have issued proclamations supporting the promotion of fire safety between schools and fire professionals.  Both the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives have issued proclamations, as well.

A portion of the proclamation from Governor Rick Perry of Texas, reads : “For many young people, going away to college marks the first time they have been away from home for an extended period of time.  It is important to remember that the freedom of living away from home comes with strings attached.  When out from under their parents’ roofs, students are responsible for themselves and others.  It only takes a moment of forgetfulness or carelessness to start a fire.  Fires on and near campuses still result in the loss of valuable property and historic buildings.  In the worst outcomes, they result in injury and even death.  September is a time when students across the nation will be settling into new residences on and off campus.  Recognizing the importance of fire safety, I urge all Texans to learn more about the steps they can take to prevent fires.  With preparation and planning, you can make a difference.”  s/Rick Perry

Each state that has issued a proclamation may word theirs a little differently; however, as Governor Perry points out, there are simple safety precautions that students can take to minimize the threat of fire.  By working with the State Fire Marshal’s Office, hazards can be identified and corrected.  Most fires are preventable.

Colleges are encouraged to start the semester off by teaching their students about fire safety.  Students living on campus should know what is expected in regard to cooking in their dorm room, use of candles, smoking safety (if permitted), and  determine the location of two exits in case of an emergency.  Off-campus student-residents should also be familiar with emergency escape routes in their apartments, check for working smoke detectors, ask about sprinkler systems in their building, cooking safety, alcohol and fire safety, and decide to “party safely.” 

One of the keys  to making this a successful year is to highlight the importance of fire safety – it must be a priority.  Schools can contact their local Fire Marshall or fire department and work together to educate all students in the importance of knowing how to prevent fires.  This could be one of the most important lessons that they learn; one that will remain with them the rest of their lives.

For additional information, go to ecomeau@campus-firewatch.com.

First Aid Safety, Protective Clothing

HUNTING SEASON IS ALMOST HERE!

As fall approaches, so does hunting season!  Sportsmen and sportswomen who enjoy hunting, camping, hiking or other activities need to be prepared for disease-causing bacteria that may be waiting for them.  According to Guy Moore, a wildlife biologist with Texas Department of State Health Services, “outdoor activities bring a greater risk of exposure to diseases transmitted by fleas, ticks, mosquitoes and other animals.”

Some of these germ carriers are:

  • Wild hogs, which can carry brucellosis, a bacterial disease.
  • Deer, which can transmit anthrax, a bacterium that can cause a severe, life-threatening disease in both animals and humans.
  • Fleas and some animals such as squirrels, cats, rats, prairie dogs, and mice can transmit plague to humans. 
  • Mice can spread hantavirus infection to people.  They shed the virus in droppings, urine and saliva, and upon drying, these excretions can spread in the air on dust particles.
  • Ticks – an infected tick can cause Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever and tularemia.
  • Mosquitoes, of course, are a nuisance and can carry organisms that cause encephalitis and West Nile infection.
  • All warm-blooded animals are susceptible to rabies.  Skunks, bats, coyotes and foxes are known carriers of rabies.

If you are still determined to go out there and enjoy the outdoors, don’t let us discourage you.   Most of these illnesses are rare, with the exception of West Nile.  Just keep these reminders handy:

  • Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer after handling game.
  • Wear latex-type gloves when dressing game.
  • Wear eye protection when dressing game.
  • Use insect repellents containing DEET.
  • Wear protective clothing, and light colored clothes so you can see ticks on your clothes.
  • Stay away from overgrown brush and tall grass if possible.
  • Do not touch antlers, bones, hides or other parts of dead animals.

Now, more safety tips for hunters:

  • Be sure you take your cell phone and tell someone where you plan to hunt and when you plan to return home.
  • Don’t hunt alone.
  • Wear hi-visibility vest  and cap – hunter orange.
  • Keep your equipment in good condition.
  • Be sure of your target before you pull the trigger.
  • Watch for snakes, and keep your distance.
  • Be sure to carry a first-aid kit.
  • Never wave to another hunter; shout loudly and clearly.
  • Be sure treestands are in good condition; use a harness to climb in and out of stand.
  • Unload your rifle when you get back to camp; assume that every gun in the camp is loaded until you can see the action is open and  it is safe to handle.

Remember: Your safety is your responsibility! 

 

Texas DSHS

USDA Forest Service

General Safety Issues, Weather Protection

LABOR DAY, 2010 SAFETY TIPS

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Monday, September 6th,   millions of American workers will celebrate Labor Day. Wrapping up summer fun, and beginning school, this will be the last holiday until Thanksgiving.  Labor Day became a federal holiday in the United States in 1894, and is always observed the first Monday in September. 

Labor Day is also known as the second deadliest holiday of the year, with Thanksgiving coming in at #1.  So, while you are busy making plans for that three-day weekend, please give some thought to keeping yourself and your loved ones safe.  You know that your friendly State Troopers are going to be out in full-force, and their number one priority is seeing that you travel safely.  You may think that they are just out to get you, but as long as you drive at speeds designated by the law, and have your seat belt buckled, they won’t bother you.  One way to guarantee that is to head for your destination in plenty of time, allowing you to arrive on time.  Be sure to have your cell phone handy, but please don’t text and drive.  One of your passengers can answer your phone, or you can retrieve your messages once you have stopped driving. 

AAA expects 34.4 million Americans to travel this holiday weekend, from Thursday September 2nd, through Monday, September 6th.   Most will be going at least 50 miles from home, with the average miles travelled around 635.  If you are one of those travelers, be sure you watch for the other driver (drive defensively), motorcycles and bicycles.  Everyone should show the same respect on the roads that they expect to receive.  Driving and drinking just don’t mix, and those Driving Under the Influence (alcohol, drugs), will be arrested.  The same goes for BUI, pertaining to someone driving a boat under the influence; they will be subject to arrest, too. 

If you are going on an outing, such as fishing, camping, hiking, etc., be sure to take along your sunscreen, first aid kit, sunglasses, insect repellent, and protective gear.  Because the weather is still warm, you’ll want to keep all perishable food items cold, and not leave them out of the ice chest for more than one hour.  Taking along a NOAA weather radio would be a good plan, too, as this time of the year, there may be weather changes that would affect your outdoor activities.

 Wherever the roads take you, obey the law and stay safe.  Everyone traveling expects to return to work next Tuesday.  Do your part to see that they do.  

P.S.  Let’s hope that we have more American workers to honor next year; there are thousands who NEED jobs desperately.  Be thankful for the one you have.

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, High Visibility Safety, Home Safety Products, Uncategorized

WHEN KIDS LEAVE THE NEST, CONSIDER THESE SAFETY TIPS

When raising kids, certain family milestones are times for sadness and gladness.  You are happy because they have completed high school, and excited if they are going to experience college.  You know you will miss them, and regardless of their choices, either to enroll in college, or seek a profession, they are still young, and believe me, you will worry about them.  They are your kids, and you always have concerns, even when they are older; because you love them, you want everything to go well for them. 

There are many safety factors to consider for young people.  You probably have trained them since they were youngsters, but here are some reminders: 

  • They must understand that they are responsible for their own safety.
  • They need to scope out their new surroundings, and be familiar with  the safest routes they will be using.
  •  There’s always safety in numbers; go out in groups, or at least with a “buddy.”
  •   Never walk in dark places alone.
  •   Do not go to an ATM at night.
  •   Trust their instincts.  If they are uncomfortable with what’s   going  on, don’t be afraid to leave.  Most young people are going to try their wings.  But if things get out of hand, they need to move on.
  •  Always carry cab fare.
  •  Consider taking a self-defense class.
  •  Always tell a roommate, friend, or someone else where they plan to be if they are going out at night.  If plans change, they should let that person know, just in case they don’t return when they should.
  •  Have them make copies of important papers, credit cards, health cards, etc. and leave a copy with parents, just in case they are stolen or lost.
  •  Suggest that they have a “health buddy,” someone that will get them to a doctor or emergency room if necessary.  They can do the same for that friend.
  • Warm them of alcohol hazards.  Never mix acetaminophens with alcohol, and encourage them to not overdo drinking, just because it seems to be the popular thing to do.  They need to know that drinking and driving don’t mix. (Texting and driving don’t, either.)

Here are some safety items they should have: 

  • First Aid Kit
  • Auto Safety Kit
  • Smoke, carbon monoxide detectors if the apartment or dormitory doesn’t have them.
  • Fire escape ladder
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Mace or pepper spray
  • Key Chain Alarm
  • Reflective vest for jogging or biking
  • Fully charged cell phone
  • ICE programmed on phone (in case of emergency) on cell phone; authorities know to check for this in order to notify family 

Stay in touch with your kids; have them call you at least once a week, and let you know what’s happening in their lives.  They need to know you are just a phone call (or text) away.  Give them encouragement in the important choices they make.  It’s hard to believe that that little boy or girl you sent off to kindergarten is now going off to college, the military, or a job.  We send them our best for safe, happy, and successful futures.

General Safety Issues

HOME ALONE CHILDREN

With the start of school, parents have to make arrangements for their childrens’ care during after school hours.  For single-parents or families where both parents work, this is an important decision.  Children have been staying home alone after school for many years.  In the early 19th century, children wore house keys on a string around their neck to school, so they could get into their homes, and were known as Latchkey Children.  The term is now self-care children. 

Experts advise not leaving kids under age 12 at home alone.  Many factors are involved in ensuring the safety of the child.  Their maturity plays a large part in deciding if they can handle the responsibility of being home alone, and taking care of themselves and maybe other siblings.  It is very important that parents prepare their child in a reassuring way that they know they can trust them to stay at home alone.  Here are some basic safety rules that parents should instruct them to do and know:

  • Know their full name, address, and phone number.
  •  Know their parents full name, where they work, and phone number.
  •  Don’t go into the house if a window is broken or door is partially open.
  • Don’t play alone on the way home.
  • Call parent or trusted neighbor to check in as soon as they arrive home.
  • What to do in case of fire.
  •  Do not open the door to strangers.  Do not let them know they are     alone.
  • Lock the door, once home.
  • Carry house key in a hidden place; do not put name and address on the key.
  •  Go to that trusted neighbor in case of emergency, or being uneasy.

 The above rules should be taught to children that have other after-school options, in case of times when the babysitter is not available, or other emergency circumstances lead to them having to stay home alone for a day or two.  A good example of this is the past H1N1 pandemic, when working parents did not have access to their day-care facilities, and had to miss work or leave their kids at home alone. 

There are an estimated five million kids between the ages of 5 and 13 that stay home alone.  That’s a frightening figure.  The neighborhoods they live in, or types of kids that hang around may not ensure a secure harbor.  Children that are home alone should be given a schedule to follow that allows them snacks, free time for television or computer, and homework.  Once the parents are home, they need to spend time with their child and let them know they are interested in what they have done while there alone.  Certain safety monitors on computers should be in place.  Too many predators exist in cyberspace. 

Parents should look into other options like after-school programs offered by churches, PTO’s, and public libraries.  They can also consider joining with other parents to pay a stay-at-home mom to keep their children.  

There are several Latchkey phone programs that are sponsored by community organizations such as the police department, sheriff’s offices, or volunteer groups.  They offer automatic phone systems that call the child at home at various times of the day the parent has chosen.  If there is no answer, or answer to repeated calls within a designated time, the system automatically calls the parent and others on the list, as well as sends out an email alert.  Programs such as this are beneficial to children at home alone, and senior citizens, as well. 

Good luck to all students and parents as this new school year begins.  Good planning for your children and staying in touch with them will assure that they have a safe year and learn responsibility.

Back Safety, General Safety Issues, Head Protection, High Visibility Safety

MORE ABOUT BACK TO SCHOOL SAFETY

This year approximately 55 million students will return to classrooms in the United States.  Regardless of how they get to and from school, whether it’s walking, biking, riding in a car, or bus, safety is a concern the minute they leave their home.  This is the time that parents need to plan how they can ensure the safety of their children by being involved in every aspect of their school experience.  Many students are apprehensive about beginning a new school year, and parents must assure them that they will be there for them, listening to their concerns.

 This is a good time to get your student in the habit of getting to bed early.  It’s hard to wind down from summer, getting to stay up later than usual.  Getting a head start on “early to bed, early to rise” might help them get used to their early morning routine. 

A great way for kids to get more exercise is to walk or ride a bicycle to school.  If it is possible for your child to do this, walk the route with them to find the safest way possible.  The best plan is to have a group from the neighborhood go together each day.  There’s always safety in numbers.  If your student rides his/her bike to school, be sure that they wear their helmet every time they get on the bike.  Wearing helmets can reduce the risk of injury by up to 85%.  Also, caution them to walk their bike across the streets, and to obey traffic signals and crosswalk guards.  Wearing bright colors or reflective gear will help your child be seen, whether riding or walking.

“Stranger Danger” is always an important thing you must teach your children.  They should never talk to strangers or get in vehicles with someone they don’t know.  Many predators apper to be very nice and can lure children with candy, or ask them to help look for a lost puppy, etc.  Most youngsters know to tell their teacher or parent if they notice someone suspicious hanging around their school. 

Check out the school playground that your youngster will be using.  More than 200,000 children, ages 14 and younger, are treated in emergency rooms for playground-associated injuries each year, mainly caused by falls from equipment.  It’s also a good idea to scope out the school menu.  On days that healthy options are not available, pack a lunch.  Be sure to start them off with a good breakfast, and send a nutritious meal that they will enjoy.  Food to be sent to school should be kept in the refrigerator until time to leave for school.  Packing a frozen juice box, or water bottle in an insulated lunch bag will help keep lunch products cool. 

Most kids carry their school supplies in backpacks.  Younger children should not carry a backpack that is more than 10% to 15% of their body weight.  Help them arrange their load, by packing the heavier items first, which results in less strain on their backs and shoulders. 

Transportation is one of the most important safety concerns during school years.  Be sure children are buckled up.  Every driver should let their children out of the vehicle in front of their school, and not leave until they see that they have entered the building.  We again stress what we say every year, “slow down.”  Parents should allow plenty of time to get their kids to school and then on to work.  If your child rides a school bus, he should understand how to get on and off the bus safely.  

There are many other things to think about when it comes to school and safety.  Pay close attention to details that you feel are important to your child’s well-being.  Parents sometimes get overwhelmed with responsibilities of raising children, trying to combine work, school, church, and other activities.  The twelve years of school (plus kindergarten) go by faster than one can realize.  Try to slow down and enjoy every minute of your child’s school experience that you can.  You’ll be sending them off to college before you know it!

General Safety Issues, High Visibility Safety

DAWN/DUSK SAFETY IDEAS

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It seems there just aren’t enough hours in the day to allow daylight time for some folks to get their daily exercise.  For some, the only time that they have available to take that walk, jog, or ride is in the early morning hours, or after work.  Exercising outdoors in the dawn or dusk times of day can require more thoughts about safety than full daylight hours. 

Here are some ideas that you may or may not have thought about if you are one of those busy folks that want to fit in your daily exercise regimen: 

  • Stretch before and after exercise.
  • Always run, walk, or ride against traffic. 
  • Be aware of other runners, walkers, cyclists.
  • Leave your I-pod, radio, or MP3 player at home.  You will be more likely to hear oncoming traffic, other exercisers, dogs, etc., if you aren’t listening to music.
  • Be familiar with your route. 
  • Pay attention to your surroundings.
  • Watch for tripping hazards, such as debris, or bumps in the roads or sidewalks.
  • Be visible – wear clothes that are yellow, orange, or white.  Reflective gear will help you be seen.  Clip-On lights for your caps allow you to see and be seen.
  • Carry a cell phone and identification.
  • Take along a walking stick.
  • Be especially careful when you cross streets.
  • Stay in well-lit areas.
  • Use the “buddy system.”  It’s much safer and time passes quickly when you have someone to chat with.
  • If you get a bad feeling about your location, follow your instincts, and go the other direction.
  • Should a dog want to intimidate you, don’t run away, but walk away.  If he follows you, stop, and tell him “no,” or “go home.”(This is where the big stick might come in handy, so you can intimidate him.) (You may want to change your route, or call animal control if he continues to try to bother you.) 

If you’d rather not be in the outdoors, go to a mall to take your walk.  For those who don’t live where there’s a mall, there are fitness centers equipped with all types of equipment such as treadmills and ellipticals that offer great types of exercise (with air conditioning, too!)  Most of these places won’t be open in the early morning hours, but you could cut your lunch short to allow time to work out before they close. 

We hope some of these ideas will be helpful to those of you who must be outdoors during early or late hours.  Staying safe and enjoying your time away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life is very important.  It is also significant to point out that anyone driving during these times of lower visibility watch out for those who are riding bicycles, jogging, or walking.

Eye Protection, Fall Safety, General Safety Issues

THERE’S STILL LOTS OF TIME FOR SWIMMING!

Even though school bells are going to be ringing soon, there’s still plenty of time to take a dip before the swimming pools close.  Persons who live in cities or communities with swimming pools are very fortunate, and may not realize what is involved in keeping them safe.  Swimming pools are regulated by several federal and state agencies.  OSHA has issued standards regarding pool employees’ exposure to chlorine and bloodborne pathogens.  Employees’  training must be documented, and personal protective and safety equipment should be furnished.   Swimming pools must also assure patrons that locker rooms and showers are safe from predators and ensure that the decks around the pool are safe, preventing slips and falls. 

The following tips apply to swimmers at  swimming pools, and also in and around rivers and lakes:

  • Always swim with a buddy; never swim alone.
  • Watch out for the “dangerous too’s” — too tired, too cold, too far from safety, too much sun, too much strenuous activity.
  • Swimming and alcohol do not mix.  Alcohol impairs your judgement, balance, and coordination, affects your swimming and diving skills, and reduces your body’s ability to stay warm.
  • Protect your skin: Sunlight contains two kinds of UV rays — UVA increases the risk of skin cancer, skin aging, and other skin diseases. UVB causes sunburn and can lead to skin cancer. Limit the amount of direct sunlight you receive between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.; wear a sunscreen with a sun protection factor of at least 15.
  • Drink plenty of water regularly and often even if you do not feel thirsty. Your body needs water to keep cool. Avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine in them. They can make you feel good briefly but make the heat’s effects on your body worse. This is especially true with beer, which dehydrates the body.
  • Obey all rules and posted signs.
  • Wear eye protection: Sunglasses are like sunscreen for your eyes and protect against damage that can occur from UV rays. Be sure to wear sunglasses with labels that indicate that they absorb at least 90 percent of UV sunlight.
  • Wear foot protection: Keep in mind that your feet can get burned from the sand on a beach, or cut from glass in the sand, or pavement at the pool.
  • Watch the weather: Stay tuned to local weather conditions and prepare for electrical storms. Watch local news programs. Get out of the water as soon as you see or hear a storm.  Stop swimming at the first indication of bad weather.

If your children don’t know how to swim, be sure to see about getting swimming lessons for them.  Many pools offer free lessons. You never know when someone is going to need help around the water, and it’s important for you to be able to rescue them.  Even if you swim, it’s a good idea to take a refresher course.  A panicked swimmer can pull down a seasoned swimmer trying to rescue him.  If you know anyone who can’t swim, encourage him/her to learn.  It might just save a life.

Source: American Red Cross

Fall Safety, General Safety Issues, Respiratory Safety

GOOD HOUSEKEEPING IS A GOOD IDEA

Do you take pride in keeping your home and yard nice and tidy?  How do you feel about keeping your workplace the same?  I have worked with some pretty messy people, ones who would throw their paper coffee cups on the floor, missing the wastebasket, and leaving other trash behind, and I wondered if they did the same at their houses.  Clutter, debris, and spills are a serious hazard, both at home and work.  Good housekeeping in the workplace pays big dividends, by preventing injuries, saving time by not having to look for tools or materials, and keeping  the boss happy. 

A sloppy workplace contributes to accidents such as tripping over objects that may have been left in the aisles or on stairs, getting hit by falling objects, or slipping on wet, dirty, or greasy floors.  Broken fixtures  in buildings that are not properly repaired can also cause accidents.  If the workplace is not kept free from dust and vapors, health problems could be an issue.  A safety officer should  complete a housekeeping checklist weekly.  Each department should be responsible to see that they pass the inspection with flying colors.  Housekeeping safety programs should include inspection, maintenance, upkeep, and repairs.  Aisles, fire equipment, first aid stations and emergency eyewash stations should never be blocked by clutter or debris. 

Employee facilities should be cleaned daily and stocked with soap, towels, and disinfectants. Many companies have individual lockers for workers to be able to change from their work clothes, in order to not contaminate their homes if they work in environments that contain hazardous materials.  

We’ve all heard the saying, “A place for everything, and everything in its place.”  This saying applies to our homes and places of employment.  Being organized is the best way to be efficient.  Dispensers play an important part of being organized in the workplace.  There are dispensers for everything from tape, to earplugs, eyeglasses, goggles, facemasks, medicines, hairnets, shoe covers, beard covers, and just about anything that requires being ready for use. 

Let’s all try a little harder to be good stewards at work. If every one of us keeps our little corner of the world tidy, what a safer world it will be.