Tag Archives: wiring

Back Safety, Ergonomics, Fall Safety, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Head Protection, Protective Clothing, Respiratory Safety

EASY HEALTH AND SAFETY TIPS FOR THE WORKPLACE (GUEST POST)

Regardless of the type of industry you work in, whether it is construction, manufacturing or energy, it is extremely important that you adhere to any health and safety rules in the workplace. If you fail to follow the health and safety guidelines  in operation, you may find that you inadvertently put yourself, and those around you, at risk. To ensure  you are taking  safety seriously, and protecting those around you,  we recommend you follow these five simple tips:

Slips, Trips and Falls

Regardless of the environment you work in, you need to be conscious of any potential slips and trips that can occur. To avoid a fall at work, you should ensure that all employees have had relevant training, explaining how best to avoid any accidents in the workplace. For example, ensuring all equipment is returned after use, can prevent anyone from tripping over it. It is also important that all employees know not to ignore a spillage or hazard.

Heavy Goods and Lifting

If you work in an industry which requires you to constantly move products from one place from another, you should always ensure you are comfortable with the weight you are carrying. Currently there are restrictions in place, as to what a single person should legally be carrying, these regulations aim to protect employees from being expected to carry something that is too heavy for them. If you believe that an item is too heavy to be carried safely, you should use the appropriate lifting gear available, helping to prevent a heavy lifting injury.

Personal Protective Clothing

If you work in a hazardous environment, or you are operating dangerous machinery, you should always ensure that you are wearing the appropriate Personal Protective Clothing (PPE). Even if you are only going to be working for a short period of time, it is essential that you, and your fellow employees, are always protected.

Wiring

Most work places will have a high volume of wires to contend  with. It is extremely important that all wires are maintained, and organized, in a manner that will prevent employees and visitors from tripping over them. If  a little time is regularly dedicated to tidying and maintaining wires, you will find that any issues are quickly resolved. When setting up new equipment, or machinery, you should make certain that all wires are kept to the edge of a room, and that they are firmly fixed in place.  Such measures will ensure they cannot move, avoiding the potential for a hazard to develop.

Fire Hazards

In any workplace fires are extremely dangerous, and can be devastating. With this in mind, you should prioritise  protecting your workplace; making sure all employees are vigilant. It is crucial that you clearly explain and display fire procedures, making sure they are understood, in case of an emergency.  You should also test and service all fire alarms and fire extinguishers on regular basis, so you know they will work correctly if they are ever required. 

Asons Solicitors suggest that if someone would like to learn more about health and safety claims process, such information is available at www.asons.co.uk, or via an expert helpline on 01204 521 133 

About Asons Solicitors:

Asons Solicitors is a Bolton-based law practice that specialises in personal injury and industrial disease claims. Founded by brothers Imran Akram and Kamran Akram, Asons Solicitors has developed to become a young and dynamic law firm that delivers practical solutions to clients in times of difficulty. Their continued focus on their staff has seen them awarded with the Investors in People “Gold Award”; which is reflected in the professional and personable approach they take in working with clients. They strive to grow and to develop, and their supportiveness and attention to detail ensures that their clients use them time and again. 

For further information contact:

Email: info@asons.co.uk; Website: www.asons.co.uk

General Safety Issues

AIR CONDITIONING SAFETY TIPS (GUEST POST)

Air conditioning units are one of the most commonly used appliances across the world. In the UK, thousands of air conditioning units are sold each year for use in businesses and homes, while in America, approximately 90% of homes have an air conditioning units. Air conditioners are incredibly important in the fight against heat-related disease, too – according to the CDC, A/Cs are the number one tool for preventing heat-related disease and death. But these appliances must be used safely in order for them to be useful, so follow the safety tips below before use. 

  • Choose the right size air conditioning unit for your room. Generally, a room that is 10 feet by 12 feet will require an air conditioning unit that puts out 5000 Btu/per hour, while a room that is 20 by 20 feet will require an A/C that puts out 10,000 Btu/per hour.  Smaller units work best in average-sized family homes in terms of both energy usage and energy conservation.
  • Check the wiring within the home to make sure that the electrical circuit is suitable for use with the air conditioning unit. If you’re ever unsure, call in a professional electrician to test the circuit for you. You also need to make sure that the plug fits the socket – don’t alter the plug to fit the socket. If the plug does not fit correctly, don’t try to force it. Instead, get an electrician to replace the socket.
  • Make sure that the plug reaches the plug socket and if it does not reach, consider moving the air conditioning unit to a different place or use an extension cord specifically designed for use with an A/C. Stretching the cord could cause outages while using a non-approved extension cord could well increase the risk of fires within the home. Before you use extension cords, be sure that they are not damaged.
  • Regularly check the unit and filters and clean or replace the filters as needed. Clogged filters mean that the air conditioning unit will not work as efficiently as needed and you’ll use more energy. Clogged filters could also cause the machine to overheat.
  • Get a maintenance check every year from a qualified electrician. Get them to check over all of the ins and outs of the machine – the outer casing, inner casing, wiring, ducts, filters and more. If there are any issues with any parts of the machine, get them replaced and note down the date of the replacement and the name of the contractor so that you can contact them again if there are any issues.
  • Never, ever run a cord or extension cord underneath the carpet. This drastically increases the risk of a fire, as the heat from the cord gets trapped underneath the carpet fibres. Run cords across the top of carpets or hardwood floors and check them for signs of damage before use.

By Richard Rhodes. 

For more information on keeping safe while using your air conditioning unit and to look at a range of A/C units for all uses, take a look at Andrews Air Conditioning Services.

 
Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection

OSHA AND ELECTRICITY: KEEPING THE FACTORY FLOOR SAFE (GUEST POST)

Sent to us by Maire Hunter.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration sets regulations to ensure employees’ safety. These requirements apply to all industries, especially construction and factory work.

In addition to an employer following safety guidelines, employees working on or around electrical equipment should have safety training. OSHA regulations align with the standards set by the National Fire Protection Association in NFPA 70E.

General OSHA regulations for electrical use in any industry

  • Electrical cords may not be modified.
  • Ground prongs can’t be removed from any cord or plug.
  • Extension cords must have three wires, one wire being grounded.
  • Cords, fittings and connections must have a strain relief.
  • Shut-offs or disconnects must be clearly identified on all equipment.
  • All electrical equipment must be inspected before use. Defective equipment must be taken out of service.
  • Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI) must be used in typically wet locations.

Requirements for wiring and safe operation

  • All electrical wire, equipment and conduit must be approved by either Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or Factory Mutual Corporation (FMC).
  • When energized equipment or lines are exposed, effective barriers or temporary fencing must be used.
  • High-voltage equipment (600 volts or more) must be isolated.
  • Temporary wiring, used during construction, remodeling or repairs, must meet National Electrical Code (NEC) requirements.
  • Temporary wiring must be removed immediately after the work is completed.
  • Exposed electrical wires must be protected.

When it comes to protecting electrical wires, a metal or plastic conduit is the best choice. Conduit materials include aluminum, cast zinc, galvanized steel, steel and PVC.

Partial list of conduit requirements

  • Any wiring installed in a conduit must be protected by bushings at the end of the conduit.
  • Liquid tight conduit and weatherproof connections must be used in outdoor locations.
  • The NEC has regulations for the maximum number of wires allowed in any given conduit. The number of wires depends on the diameter, American Wire Gauge and type of wire.
  • Most metal conduits can be used as equipment ground conductors. Plastic conduits must have a separate ground conductor. The ground conductor must also be identified.
  • Spacing between conduits is required for safe access during repair work.

Normally, if an accident occurs, OSHA will become involved and may conduct safety assessments. In addition to OSHA guidelines, the NEC applies to all construction work and all commercial electrical use. Compliance with NEC requirements is normally checked during stages of building inspection. Insurance companies may require further inspection for compliance.

Following the guidelines set by OSHA will help protect the health and safety of employees. A reduction in accidents may reduce insurance rates and will reduce lost time from work. While ignoring regulations may not result in an accident, the potential fines levied by OSHA can be significant.

All workers who work around electricity should be furnished dielectric personal protective equipment, such as dielectric glasses and gloves. pb

 

General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Respiratory Safety

Five Serious Issues To Be Aware Of In Older Homes (Guest Post)

1 Comment
Sent to us courtesy of Cormac Reynolds.
 
Older homes come with a lot of character, especially when compared to the relatively dull designs of the modern day. However, whether you want a Victorian house in Brighton or a classical abode in Devon, there are a number of issues that continuingly rear their heads with old homes.
 
However, don’t let the thought of this put you off your dream – just make sure that the house is checked out before you purchase it. So, what are the issues to watch out for?
 
Piping and Wiring
 
One of the most common problems found with older homes comes in the shape of the pipes and wires used to bring utilities into the home. Lead pipes are very common in older homes that were built before the 1940s, however in some cases lead was used to join copper pipes until the 1980s. A filtration system is the best way to take care of issues caused by these pipes. A full refit will demand parts of the home to be destroyed and also costs significant amounts of money.
 
Old wiring can also be a serious issue in older homes and in many cases it is not grounded. This can be seen if the home has two prongs instead of three. Many parts of these older homes also didn’t come with ground fault interrupters in areas with water. This means that the power would not be cut off completely if it comes in touch with water. Building surveys can help with this sort of cable avoidance.
 
Cesspools and Septic Tanks
 
Many older homes that now run on the mains originally had wells or septic tanks on the property. This can cause all sorts of problems if a contractor unearths one unknowingly. They may need to be removed if you are intending on extending to a new area and it’s always best to have an underground utility detection survey before building onto any area of an old home.
 
Radon Gas
 
Considered to be a leading cause of lung cancer, radon gas enters the home through cracks in the floor. In the USA the Environmental Protection Agency estimates around 5 per cent of homes have Radon gas issues and advise a building survey to be done by contractors or home inspectors before moving in.
 
Asbestos
 
This material has been used since ancient times as an insulator and causes all sorts of problems. The material is often safe depending on the context it is used in. However, it’s always better to be safe than sorry and get it checked out. Asbestos was used for furnaces and boiler insulation and also for water pipes. If it needs to be removed a professional is required to do so.
 
Lead Paint
 
Another common problem from days of yore is the use of lead paint in homes, though is not harmful unless it is ingested. However, if you have small children around the home they tend to nibble on things such as work surfaces and this has been known to cause issues.  Exterior lead paint is also known to flake and end up becoming airborne and landing in vegetable patches, causing issues for plants and food stuffs.
 
If you are looking into purchasing an old home ensuring a good survey is done can help prevent any surprises or issues and ensure you home is perfect to live in.
 
Cormac Reynolds works for Sumo Services a UK company that provides underground survey and services all over the UK.
 
 For those folks who want to do certain repair jobs on their older home, there are all types of home safety PPEthat will be a good investment, such as gloves, goggles, and respirators.  In buildings with asbestos, one can never be too careful.
 
 
Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Head Protection, Protective Clothing

SOME “SHOCKING” FACTS ABOUT OSHA VIOLATIONS

We all understand that working with electricity can be dangerous, and only persons that have been trained in this field should attempt tasks that deal with it.  Engineers, electricians, and other professionals work with electricity directly, including overhead lines, cable harnesses, and circuit assemblies.  Others, such as office workers and sales people, work indirectly with electricity and may also be exposed to electrical hazards.  Therefore, it is surprising that there were so many violations and citations leveled against companies that ignored electrical standards, risking injury or even death to their employees. 

Because electricity has long been recognized as a serious workplace hazard, OSHA’s electrical standards are designed to protect those employees exposed to dangers such as electric shock, electrocution, fires, and explosions.  Two of the Top Ten Most Frequently Cited OSHA Standards violations for 2010 were #7 – Electric, Wiring Methods (CFR 1910.305), and #9 – Electric, General (CFR 1910.303).  On the Top Ten Highest Penalties assessed by OSHA for 2010, was another standard, Electric, General Requirements (CFR 1926.403), which was listed as #2 on that list. 

Electrical wiring in general refers to insulated conductors used to carry electricity, and associated devices.  This is in reference to providing power in buildings and structures.  Wiring safety codes are intended to protect people and buildings from electrical shock and fire hazards.  Regulations may be established by city, county, provincial/state or national legislation, sometimes by adopting in amended form a model code produced by a technical standards-setting organization (OSHA), or by a national standard electrical code. 

Companies should do their utmost to be in compliance with federal safety regulations.  There should be a safety program with defined responsibilities and training for workers.  Equipment should be marked with electrical safety labels.  Workers should realize what happens when there is an arc flash.  This is a short circuit through the air that can happen when conductors can’t support the voltage.  An arc flash can be as hot as 5,000 degrees Farenheit, and creates a brilliant flash of light and loud noise.  As radiant energy explodes out of the electrical equipment, hot gases and melted metal can endanger human life.  This is why there are four separate industry standards or electrical safety requirements in place to protect workers against arc flashes and electrical accidents. 

When working around electricity, the biggest hazard is always electric shock.  Although disconnecting the equipment from power sources and using non-conductive tools is important, there is still one last defense against shock: protective clothing.  Listed below are types of personal protective equipment (PPE),that should be worn:

  • Long, flame-resistant pants;
  • Safety goggles with side shields, or wraparound goggles;
  • Long sleeve, flame resistant shirt (synthetic materials can be flammable or melt into skin), or;
  • Hardhat with flame-resistant liner;
  • Hair fasteners (for those with long hair);
  • Leather work boots;
  • Leather work gloves. 

Everyone should treat electricity with respect, at home or work.  It’s important to follow manufacturers’ instructions (read them thoroughly),  read labels, and never overload circuits.  For those in the workplace, check and double-check safety regulations.