We have removed the post since it does not fit with our theme of home and work safety
Tag Archives: water
DON’T TAKE WATER FOR GRANTED!
Because so many parts of the United States are in a severe drought, water is a precious commodity. Lakes, creeks, and rivers are low or completely dry, and many cities have begun restricting the amount of water citizens may use to keep their lawns alive. It is a very serious situation, and from all reports, relief may still be in the far future.
Take a few minutes to think about how water is used in your home. Whether it’s for drinking, bathing, cooking, or doing laundry, an abundant supply of clean water is an important part of a healthy home. If you know where your water supply comes from and are aware of the most common water supply problems in your area, you will know if the water you are using is safe. Public water supplies are tested for more than 100 different contaminants. Public utilities can give you information about the quality of your drinking water. Some water departments send out annual reports on the quality of water they supply. Groundwater is in the soil and underground rock formations. Private wells and many public water supplies use groundwater as a water source. Other communities use water that is drawn from nearby lakes.
Bacteria and viruses are the most common water supply problems. Pollutants found in private wells are coliform bacteria. Most bacteria won’t make you sick, but it can indicate the possibility of disease-causing bacteria, viruses, or parasites. Chemicals such as gasoline, solvents and pesticides can enter groundwater as a result of their use and disposal. Natural substances such as iron, arsenic, manganese, and radon can affect the quality of your drinking water.
Ways that you can help keep your water supply safe are to follow any water-use advisories issued by your water supplier. Dispose of pesticides, motor oil, and other toxic chemicals properly. Think about reducing your use of lawn and garden pesticides and fertilizers, because these chemicals often find their way into drinking water supplies. Call your water utility office if you notice any changes in your water supply, such as in the taste, odor, or appearance of the water. Install backflow devices on all outdoor faucets. These will prevent water from a garden hose from flowing backwards into your drinking water system. Conserve water. Don’t waste it. Use water-efficient fixtures and fix plumbing leaks promptly.
Americans spend billions of dollars per year on spring, mineral, and other bottled brands of drinking water. Although you think it tastes good or is more convenient, it’s not always better for you. Some bottled water does come from mountain streams or artesian wells; however, most of it is nothing more than treated tap water. Bottling can breed bacteria and other germs, such as a parasite called cryptosporidium, which can cause digestive illnesses. If you have a weakened immune system, look on labels for these protective processes:
- Reverse osmosis
- Distillation (distilled water)
- Filtration with an absolute 1-micron filter
Water filters usually use one of the above terms. Not all bottled water has enough fluoride for optimal oral health, but tap water is treated with fluoride to protect teeth. It pays to know more about the water you are using in your home. Please conserve and protect this precious commodity, and don’t ever take it for granted. When you see water in natural locations all around you disappearing, it makes you appreciate rain, and the lakes, rivers, and streams that make our environment beautiful. So, let’s drink (water, of course) to good health with clean, pure water and plenty of it!
Source: dhs.Wisconsin.gov; CDCP; FDA
IT’S JUNE, AND THAT MEANS IT’S NATIONAL SAFETY MONTH!
It is hard to believe that another month of June has rolled around, meaning it is National Safety Month – time to focus on round-the-clock safety and health. The National Safety Council emphasizes that June is the time to stress the urgent need to reduce unintentional deaths and injuries on the road, in the workplace and at home. Week One’s focus is on “Summertime Safety” (June 1-4). “Preventing Overexertion” is the theme for Week Two (June 5 – 11). A subject that is very important to parents and teens during Week Three – “Teen Driver Safety,” (June 12-18.) Week Four, (June 19 – 25), we will emphasize safety ideas for “Preventing Slips, Trips, and Falls.” Finally, “ON the Road – OFF the Phone,” is the topic of discussion for the end of the month, (June 26 – 30.) These are all subjects that affect most all of us in one way or another.
Accidents happen every day of the year, regardless of whether it is at work, traveling, or at home. It seems that summertime does bring some unusual accidents, and one reason may be because there are so many more outdoor activities going on. Summer is the time for boating, fishing, waterskiing, canoeing, bicycling, skateboarding, swimming, and many other fun actions that may cause injuries if we aren’t careful. (For the past two weekends, we heard of two different boating incidents where young persons drowned. None of them were wearing life jackets.) Playgrounds are inviting to little ones, so there should always be adult supervision when they play on the different types of equipment.
Heat is a threat to workers who must become acclimated to the change in temperatures; many times, it is a drastic change from what they are used to. They must stay hydrated and get some rest breaks in the shade during long work shifts. Teens new to working in the outdoors should be sure to drink plenty of water orpowdered drink mix, and everyone should wear sunscreen and light colored clothing. Student athletes should also stay hydrated while working out for sports.
Those who work in agriculture always face extreme weather conditions – dry, hot, windy, and sunny. Farm children need to be supervised by adults, especially while they are around water, such as ponds or tanks, and animals. There are lots of ATV riders in summer weather, as well as motorcyclists, who should know the safety rules regarding their vehicles, and wear the right gear for protection.
We hope this summer brings everything you are planning for: vacation time, relaxation, fun in the sun (don’t forget the sunscreen and sunglasses), safe trips, and the other things that many families plan for during summer months when they have school-age children. It seems there are always some types of accidents, associated with hot-weather activities, that we can’t encourage everyone enough to be extremely careful when planning vacations, trips, and yes, even work. For most of us, work marches on, so we need to make the necessary accommodations to stay cool and safe during each workday, too.
One way for young people to be safe is to have a “buddy” system. It is always better to have a friend along just in case there is a problem. One extra important reminder about summer: there will be more children playing in their front yards (and possibly the streets). So keep a watch out for them when you are driving in neighborhoods.
Have a fun and safe summer!
PROTECTING CHILDREN’S EYES
To continue promoting National Eyecare Month in January, we need to tell you that it is not only important for adults to have regular eye examinations and do everything possible to prevent eye disease and blindness, but also very important to be aware of the damages that can occur to young eyes. The World Health Organization has stated that 80% of a person’s lifetime exposure to UV rays is received before the age of 18. Children are at risk of UV damage because the lens of their eyes are more transparent, which allows more short wave lengths to reach the retina, according to the American Optometric Association. UV damage is cumulative, building up over time. The damage of UV exposure has been linked to cataracts, macular degeneration, and other eye problems.
I think most young persons wear sunglasses because it makes them look “cool”, and it does! They may not realize that they are protecting their eyes while looking good! In all honesty, when my children were young, I was not aware of the possibility of damage to their eyes, which can be caused by, of course, the sun, and reflections off water, sand, pavement, and even snow. Children should be encouraged to wear UV-blocking eyewear for all daytime outdoor adventures, specifically between the hours between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m, when UV rays are the most intense. We all should wear eye protection even during overcast days. Here are some suggestions from Prevent Blindness America for parents to remember to protect their eyes by doing the following:
- Purchase wraparound sunglasses to protect eyes as well as the delicate skin around the eyes.
- Choose lenses that are not glass, but are made of polycarbonate and are impact resistant, unless otherwise prescribed by a doctor.
- Make sure the lenses are not scratched or damaged.
- Only purchase sunglasses that offer 99% to 100% UV protection.
- Make sure the sunglasses fit the child’s face and shield the eyes from all angles.
Parents can set a good example by wearing protective sunglasses and will find that safety glasses fit the bill. They are not that expensive, therefore, they can be easily replaced. Many persons are required to wear safety glasses at work, and safety glasses are as stylish as the kind sold in department stores. There are types of safety sunglasses made especially to fit women and children. One can also find specialty stores that offer sunglasses to fit infants and toddlers.
We all want to do the right thing by our children, and protecting their eyes is such an important part of ensuring they will grow up to enjoy healthy vision. When they get involved in sports, there are all types of eye protection available to keep them from experiencing eye injuries. We know that you want to keep an eye out for them through every step of their young lives.
WATER KEEPS YOU RUNNING IN THE SUMMER HEAT!
August days are sweltering in Texas, as well as many other parts of the country. There are many athletes – baseball players, football players, and runners that are exposed to the heat during the hottest time of the day, in many cases. There are some keys to staying healthy while exercising, whether as an athlete, or worker who is exposed to the elements every day, becoming dehydrated.
Mild dehydration is the loss of no more than 5% of the body’s fluid. Loss of 5-10% is considered moderate dehydration. Severe dehydration (loss of 10-15% of body fluids) is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical care.
One of the first steps to getting used to the heat is to become acclimatized. As the weather heats up, you must ratchet down your outdoor workout for at least five days to two weeks, in order to build up heat tolerance. If you ride a bike, ride it a little slower until you get used to hotter temperatures. Walk instead of running, if you are a jogger. If you are involved in an intense workout, you are creating more heat for your body.
A sweat rate test will tell you how much fluid you need to replace from your workout: weigh yourself without clothes before and after a workout; add the amount of any fluid you drank from your weight-loss difference, and you’ll have the amount of fluid you lost through sweat. Hydration keeps your body from overheating. The best policy is to know what works best for each individual. The American College of Sports medicine suggests that too much water can cause a sodium imbalance in the body. Listen to your thirst. Some fitness program coaches recommend athletes drink 16 to 20 ounces of water before training, carry 20 ounces of water to sip during the workout, and change to an electrolyte sports drink such as Gatorade after the first hour. Lost sodium can also be replaced with salty snacks.
There is a common belief that caffeinated drinks dehydrate you, but according to cardiologist Benjamin Levine, caffeinated drinks such as coffee and tea will help hydrate your body throughout the day, because they contain water. Dr. John Carlo, Medical Director of Dallas County Health and Human Services recommends that drinking more fluids the day before strenuous exercise will help prevent dehydration. Hydrating at night is also a good idea, says Dr. Carlo.
If you have health problems or are more susceptible to heat, you may want to exercise in an air-conditioned wellness center, or gym. They contain all types of equipment that will enable you to get the amount of conditioning you want.
Even when the weather is just a few degrees higher than normal, it can take its toll on our bodies. Those who work outdoors should always take the proper precautions and be able to take breaks away from the sun as often as possible. Always have fresh water available, and drink it often. We all need to keep our cool anyway we can!
DEADLINE APPROACHING FOR HEXAVALENT CHROMIUM STANDARDS COMPLIANCE
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) published the final Hexavalent Chromium (CrVI) Standard on February 28, 2006, with a deadline for full compliance on May 31, 2010. Three versions of the standard apply each to General Industry, Construction, and Shipyards, with similar provisions.
According to the Centers for Disease Control: Cr(VI) compounds are a group of chemical substances containing the metallic element chromium in its positive- 6 valence (hexavalent) state. Occupational exposures to Cr(VI) occur during the production of stainless steel, chromate chemicals, chromate pigments, chrome plating, and thermal cutting.
NIOSH considers all Cr (VI) compounds to be potential occupational carcinogens. Rarely found in nature, Cr(VI) is a toxic form of the element chromium. Other uses for chromium are making bricks in furnaces, leather tanning, wood preserving, and may be in dyes, paints, and inks. Cr(VI) may be inhaled through dust, fumes or mist. Prolonged exposure can cause irritation or damage to the respiratory tract, eyes and skin if it comes in contact with those organs, and lung cancer.
To prevent this, employers must first determine the air quality and element of risk to their employees. An Industrial Hygienist should perform air monitoring and inform the company of the employees’ time weighted average for an 8-hour workday.
OSHA requires engineering controls put into place to eliminate employees’ exposure to Cr (VI) and enhance their protection by the use of respirators or N95 types of facemasks. Respiratory protection requirements are the same in all three standards. Respirators are required in situations whenever exposure levels exceed the permissible exposure limit and/or emergencies.
The OSHA standards also require that separate change rooms are available to prevent cross-contamination of street clothes. The employer must provide disposable clothing, or clean, repair and replace all protective clothing used by employees when they have been exposed to Cr (VI). Medical surveillance is to be available free for the employee who has been exposed to the substance at or above the action level for 30 or more days per year, or those who are experiencing symptoms of adverse health effects. Employees must wash their hands and face at the end of each shift. No eating or drinking in the work areas is permitted.
Most of us may be more familiar with the name Erin Brokovich than this chemical compound. She was credited with investigating the case of alleged contamination of drinking water with Cr (VI) in the southern California town of Hinkley. At the center of the case was a facility called the Hinkley Compressor Station, part of a natural gas pipeline connecting to the San Francisco Bay Area and constructed in 1952. Between 1952 and 1966, a major natural gas and electricity provider used hexavalent chromium to fight corrosion in the cooling tower. The wastewater dissolved the Cr (VI) from the cooling towers and was discharged to unlined ponds at the site. Some of the wastewater seeped into the groundwater, affecting an area near the plant approximately two miles long and nearly a mile wide.. The case was settled in 1996 for $333 million, paid to 634 Hinkley residents, the largest settlement ever paid in a direct action lawsuit in U.S. history.
DECONTAMINATION SOLUTIONS
Waters after hurricane/flood/tornadoes can be contaminated with sewage, industrial waste, microorganisms, chemicals, and other substances that can cause illness or death. In these environments, it becomes necessary for volunteer and rescue workers to begin the tasks of decontaminating the properties that are still standing. An important step in preventing disease is to disinfect clothing, tools/equipment, and work area surfaces.
Good old household bleach solutions can be used for decontamination purposes when working in these environments. It is important to workers and volunteers that good hand hygiene is established. Hands should be washed with clean soap and water if at all possible. If only contaminated water is available, use ¼ cup of bleach per 1 gallon of water. When cleaning hand tools, immerse them in the solution. Severe surface decontamination needs to be disinfected using a solution of 1½ cups of bleach to 1 gallon of water. Allow this to stand 3 minutes.
It is important to mix bleach solutions fresh daily, just before use. The solution needs to stand for 30 minutes before using. Wipe electric or battery-operated tools with bleach solution. It is also imperative that you wear gloves, and eye protection when cleaning clothes, tools, and surfaces. When mold is present, use respirators (N-95 recommended). Never mix ammonia products with bleach.
Because there is such a threat of disease, all precautionary measures should be taken by workers, volunteers and homeowners. Wearing proper personal protective equipment is of the utmost importance.
DECONTAMINATION SOLUTIONS
Waters after hurricane/flood/tornadoes can be contaminated with sewage, industrial waste, microorganisms, chemicals, and other substances that can cause illness or death. In these environments, it becomes necessary for volunteer and rescue workers to begin the tasks of decontaminating the properties that are still standing. An important step in preventing disease is to disinfect clothing, tools/equipment, and work area surfaces.
Good old household bleach solutions can be used for decontamination purposes when working in these environments. It is important to workers and volunteers that good hand hygiene is established. Hands should be washed with clean soap and water if at all possible. If only contaminated water is available, use ¼ cup of bleach per 1 gallon of water. When cleaning hand tools, immerse them in the solution. Severe surface decontamination needs to be disinfected using a solution of 1½ cups of bleach to 1 gallon of water. Allow this to stand 3 minutes.
It is important to mix bleach solutions fresh daily, just before use. The solution needs to stand for 30 minutes before using. Wipe electric or battery-operated tools with bleach solution. It is also imperative that you wear gloves, and eye protection when cleaning clothes, tools, and surfaces. When mold is present, use respirators (N-95 recommended). Never mix ammonia products with bleach.
Because there is such a threat of disease, all precautionary measures should be taken by workers, volunteers and homeowners. Wearing proper personal protective equipment is of the utmost importance.