A healthy, safe, and engaging work environment is one of the most critical requirements for employers and their employees. The ability for personnel to compose themselves as part of your company’s workforce is essential in promoting the efficiency and effectiveness of you company.
However, of all the current issues under constant discussion, drug testing is one procedure that is often overlooked. More often than not, drug testing could be the line between a positive workforce and discouraged and wasteful employees. Drug testing ensures that such costs are accounted including the health and well-being of its employees.
The service industry continues to be the most vulnerable business sector in case of drug dependent employees. Impairment due to drug abuse puts critical service providers in direct contact as seen with teachers, caregivers, and nurses. The constant human interaction required for service personnel along with the critically skilled procedures that only these jobs can do makes drug testing in the workplace a relevant policy for companies. These jobs are classified as safety-sensitive positions or human-intensive services. Employees in the public sector with the prime responsibility to ensure public safety such as law enforcers, firemen, and other public servant should also be included in the loop of workplace drug testing.
The Service Industry
The service industry especially in the health sector continues to be one of the most sensitive jobs today. With the rising demand for health workers and nurses due to an again baby-boom population, workforce in the health industry is increasing while showing no signs of slowdown. Therefore, stringent measures are required to make sure that every health worker is not only highly capable and well educated. In addition, standard drug tests are appropriate to ensure a healthy and clean labor service sector with high integrity.
Drug dependent employees in highly sensitive service industries could mean life and death for their charges. A missed dose by a sickly elder or incapability of physicians or doctors in diagnosis and in the operating table provides a basis for stringent drug testing policies.
Drug problems in organizations can be manifested in various forms. These include absenteeism, liability and insurance, product or service issues, worker’s compensation claim, accidents, rising health care costs, cost for replacing damaged equipment and inventory, and cost of work spoilage. The occurrence of these events can affect all segments of the workforce.
The core of all of these is that the importance of workplace drug testing in the service industry is emphasized because each member of the workforce is responsible for someone person’s life. The weight of such responsibilities shows that any danger or harm posed to drug dependent employees could also mean the safety of their patients. Drug testing as a tool to increase control and productivity within the health services is more urgent and necessary compared to other sectors.
Fire Safety and Risk Assessment
Fire safety are precautions taken to prevent and reduce the occurrence of a fire, to alert others in the same building, enable those in danger by the fire to survive and reduce damage caused by a fire event.
A good fire safety and risk assessment plan consists of identifying fire hazards. Fire hazards are situations that can increase the occurrence of a fire or obstruct the escape in case of a fire.
Here is a list of common fire hazards normally found in a building:
- Blocked cooling vent
- Overloaded electrical system
- Fuel store areas with high oxygen concentration or insufficient protection
- Materials that produce toxic fumes when heated
- Objects that block fire exits
- Clothes resting under a gas dryer
Fire safety is one the most, if not the most important part of a building's safety plan. All buildings should be built in accordance with the local building code in effect at the time of building permit application.
In the UK the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 that came into effect in October 2006 states that you must carry out a fire risk assessment and maintain a fire management plan, if you are any of the following:
- responsible for business premises
- an employer or self-employed with business premises
- responsible for a part of a dwelling where that part is solely used for business purpose
- a charity or voluntary organisation
- a contractor with a degree of control over any premises
You will need to carry out a fire risk assessment and have a fire management plan.
For more information about Fire Safety training and Risk Assessment Training visit Assessco
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Felipe_Bazon
BS OHSAS 18001 - 2007 - Occupational Health & Safety Management
There has been a considerable increase in the number of inquiries that I have received for the BS OHSAS 18001 Occupational Health & Safety Management certification. It seems that businesses are becoming increasingly aware of the need not only to meet current legislation but to keep their employees safe and morale high by demonstrating the 'OH' part (Occupational Health) as well as the safety element.
I have been offering Quality, Environmental and Information Security consultancy for many years but it became clear that I would need to also include Health & Safety Management Consultancy as part of the service that I offer to my clients.
Therefore, I enrolled in the BSI Certificate on Occupational Health & Safety Course, which is a distance learning system. There are eight modules provided on 3 CDs. Each module is concluded by an assignment, which on completion is marked by A BSI Tutor. Once marked,the next module is then commenced. The course material, both on the CD and in paper format was very good and gave me all the information I needed to pass the assignments. My Tutor was very complimentary about my assignments and there was only one instance where I needed to resubmit information.
Last Friday I received my BSI Certificate on Occupational Health & Safety and I am delighted that by taking this course my knowledge has been greatly improved. I can see that the Standard is not just about Safety but also encompasses Health and wellbeing.
All in all I am very pleased with the result.
Chris Eden FIBC, MISSA, ACQI is a director of Quality Matters Limited an established independent management consultancy based in Essex, UK which specialises in BS OHSAS 18001:2007 - Health & Safety Management consultancy.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=C_Eden
Confined Space Regulations and Safety in the Landfill Industry
In our travels in the waste management industry and in particular in our visits to landfills we have found that despite the fact that in the United Kingdom there are Health and Safety Regulations which require (under criminal law) that for all instances of confined space access the responsible persons shall have completed a risk assessment and shall only work to carefully judged and established safe working methods. All this will normally be done in accordance within the employer's, or site operator's own safety policy and standing method statements/ or procedures.
Nevertheless, safety in confined spaces can be easily be compromised by over familiarity with the site, and most commonly of all, personnel fail to define a confined space broadly enough.
A confined space is any space in which there is any restraint to access or egress, or any significant confinement at all. Therefore, a confined space could be quite a shallow tank, an small inspection chamber etc. A confined space could be a kiosk or even a shed, if circumstances introduced special risks into that area.
In Wikipedia a confined space is defined as follows:
"Confined space is a term from safety regulations that refers to an area whose enclosed conditions and limited access make it dangerous."
So, the definition is extremely broad. Please Note - In each country readers must refer to their own local regulations.
In confined spaces, the correct approach to access and egress is crucial, but awareness of some of the basic apparatus involved is often lacking. It is clear from our experience that people are regularly going in and out of confined spaces without using the proper combination of equipment.
In recent times, workers have even been known to lower others into shafts using nothing more than a rope. But, more frequently, errors arise even when proper equipment is available.
Many confined spaces in the waste and landfill industry are accessed via a vertical shaft, perhaps the simplest example of which is a manhole. These can be especially dangerous at a landfill where landfill gas might be present - and if it may be then the ATEX and DSEA Regulations (DSEAR) apply in the UK and national equivalents to the DSEAR apply throughout Europe.
(In all the references which follow we refer to UK regulations. As previously stated - all readers prompted by this article are to refer to their own local regulations.)
Naturally, entry by a manhole like this means that the Work at Height Regulations 2005 would need to be considered.
A suitable approach would probably include a full-body harness, with front-and-rear D attachment points, a fall arrest block, and an anchorage point such as a tripod.
In order to fully comply with Regulation 5 of the Confined Spaces Regulations 1997, there must be "suitable and sufficient arrangements for the rescue of persons in the event of an emergency". The fall-arrest block should incorporate a recovery mechanism, to enable an incapacitated person to be retrieved.
But this system needs a secondary backup to safeguard against a catastrophic failure of the primary system - that is, the winch.
Clearly in the first mode of entry - the steps or ladder provide the primary means of access, egress and escape in the event of an emergency.
In both modes of entry, a full body harness is essential equipment.
Full-body harnesses, used for fall arrest, must meet the EN 361 standard and, as a minimum, be fitted with a rear D attachment point.
A front D attachment point may also be used for fall-arrest purposes, if fitted. The attachment point can only be used for access/egress, rescue and retrieval purposes. Some higher-specification harnesses also include a waist belt.
Please do take heed of this reminder - your life or that of others may depend upon it.
Steve Evans is a landfill engineer with confined spaces knowledge a waste management professional and an expert on the ATEX Directive. Visit the leading landfill ATEX safety compliance web site for more information to solve any compliance worries.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steve_Evans
Why Risk Public Safety With Dangerous Imports of Safety Barriers?
Dangerous Imports
Low cost imports are a matter of fact in today's economy and our industry is no less affected than any other. The past few years have seen an increasing number of products both branded and unbranded entering the market from low costs regions, typically the Far East. As a manufacturer that has always traded on the quality of our designs, materials, and service we have chosen not to take this route however we recognize that some resellers and even traditional US manufactures have chosen to take a "low specification/low cost" approach and it is up to the customer to decide whether these products represent value for money.
However we are very concerned over the number of products entering the market that are potentially dangerous and would like to bring your attention to the critical safety factors you should be aware of. All retracting belt barriers should have a braking system and an anti-tamper locking belt end. The anti-tamper locking belt end stops the belt being released accidentally, particularly important in environments frequented by children. The other is a braking system, for without it when the belt is released the force from the coiled spring will cause the belt to 'whip' back behind the post, potentially causing injury to bystanders. Imagine a child whose eye line is about post height - the risk of an eye injury to a child is unthinkable.
The Lawrence Tensabarrier product has the most advanced braking system available and an anti-tamper locking belt ends as standard. Other American manufacturers also have brakes on their products but surprisingly locking tape ends are not always standard. Some imports also have brakes of varying degrees of efficiency but many do not. Having products on the market without these critical safety features does a disservice to the whole industry. Eventually the importers/distributors of these dangerous stanchions will be subject to personal injury claims and will probably desist but in the meantime the reputation of retracting belt stanchions as a safe, effective means of pedestrian guidance is likely to be undermined.
We strongly urge buyers of stanchions to ensure the products they are buying have effective brakes and anti-tamper locking belt ends, to the importers and distributors of dangerous stanchions we say, you can source low cost Far Eastern products with brakes - why risk public safety?
submitted by Tonya Harmati Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tonya_Harmati |
Fire Equipment - What You Ought to Know About Firefighting Gear
Firemen and other fire fighting professionals all agree that the most effective means to extinguish a fire is by using the appropriate fire equipment. In the case of fire extinguishers for example, one has to find the right extinguisher to fight a particular type of fire. Just as we go out of our way trying to equip our car with various accessories both for safety and luxury purposes. It is equally important to make sure our homes and offices are outfitted with equally necessary fire safety equipments.
It is not enough however just to have these equipments available and installed at home or in the workplace. You need to know the basic operational procedures involve in each of these equipments to be able to properly use them. First and foremost you need to familiarize yourself with the different kinds of fire safety equipment currently in use which include the following.
- Fire extinguishers - There are four types of fire extinguishers specifically made for a particular type of fire. The four types of fire extinguisher include water, foam, carbon dioxide, and powder fire extinguishers. This is the most common type of fire fighting equipment.
- Fire Blankets - Fire blankets are designed to cut off the oxygen supply thereby putting out the fire at its onset. A burning object must be wrapped to smother the flame. This is the simplest and is considered one of the most effective fire safety equipment.
- Fire Alarm Equipment - The alarm bell primarily functions as a fire an smoke detection apparatus. Upon detection of either heat or smoke, alarm bells notifies the occupants as well as the persons living within the immediate vicinity. Most fire alarm systems feature alarm notification appliances, fire safety control devices, and control units. The fire alarm equipment installed in private homes usually include an operational fire extinguisher while those in commercial buildings often include fire safe doors and sprinkler systems.
Aside from familiarizing yourself with the different kinds of fire safety equipment and their function and usage, it is also equally important to know how to maintain these equipments to ensure that they are always in good working condition. Fire safety equipments must be thoroughly maintained and inspected to to prevent any such disaster that could result from failure or malfunction of fire safety installation and apparatus. After acquiring and installing fire safety equipments in your home or in your place of work, you are required to know how to effectively use and maintain and inspect these equipments.
You might need professional help in conducting thorough inspection of your fire safety equipments because this involves technical expertise and knowledge in order to perform necessary tests on the equipments. Professionals and experts in safety equipments can identify risks and suggest appropriate measures to be taken to address any system failure. Insisting on making repairs without the assistance of a technician may do more harm than god to fire safety equipments. Consulting technicians experts will definitely prove to be helpful, they can give you an update on the latest technologies being used in fire safety aside form giving your equipments a thorough check up.
Having specialized in the fire equipments trade for over 20 years, Brian now works tirelessly to promote affordable fire safety for home and for business.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brian_Ayling
Fireplace Safety Considerations - Thoughts Before Consulting
Installing a fireplace in a home can be a mind bending chore. Looking at all the options available to you, many thoughts go through your head. The work involved. The money it will take. The place it should go. But, the main thought that should be hitting your mind concerns safety.
Comparing your options is a step-by-step methodical approach that you should probably consult with an expert. But, there are some things you can think about on your own. We'll go through them.
There are basically four different types of fireplaces. The traditional fireplace is what most people think of when they think of fireplaces. They burn logs in an attractive hole in the wall for lack of better words. The gas fireplace is much like the traditional in the fact that you still need that hole in the wall. But, the gas fireplace is convenient. It can be turned on with a switch. Then, there is the electric fireplace that also turns on by a switch, but it doesn't need a hole in the wall. Lastly, there is the ventless gel that doesn't need a hole in the wall either, it heats and lights rather easily even though it's not by a flip of a switch. In the nutshell, there's your rundown.
When installing a traditional fireplace, there are so many things for you to consider. You'll need a hearth, which is the floor space in front of the fireplace. It should be made of material that doesn't burn in case sparks fly out of the fire. Any contractor should know that. In fact, if they don't, that's your sign that you need to talk to someone else. You will also need a chimney for proper ventilation. The safety concerns with a traditional fireplace include the fire itself and the ventilation. There are metal screens that can protect your house from sparks that like to jump from logs. But, for the most part, with the proper ventilation, those sparks will normally fly up the chimney. So, proper ventilation is the key to keep from having a fire hazard as well as getting smoked out of your own house. All the precautions can be taken to ensure a safe fireplace experience. And it will normally run you anywhere from $5,000 to $7,500 in most areas.
When you think about the gas fireplace, many of the same concerns go through your head as when you were considering the traditional fireplace. You need proper ventilation, meaning a chimney. So, costs of installation are going to be about the same. Because even though you might not need a hearth, you still need a gas line. Gas lines can be very safe if installed correctly. But, I have seen some major fire damage caused by a simple malfunction. But, that's not your main concern. The special burners that come with a gas fireplace are designed to keep levels of carbon monoxide to a healthy minimum. But, as with all gas products, problems do arise from time to time and a gas fireplace could very well end up causing an extremely dangerous situation. By the way, carbon monoxide is a deadly toxic gas that is a byproduct of natural gas. You can't smell it at all. But, gas companies have put a distinct smell into the gas so that you can detect it. You should be aware of that. Also, a gas fireplace produces a water vapor that escapes throughout the house. This water vapor is a considerable amount. What it does is cause fungus and mold infestation. This can make you sick if you don't inspect your house regularly, in the hard to find areas, and make sure to treat those areas with the proper preventive chemicals.
Electric fireplaces don't require all of the installation considerations as the other two options. But, there are other concerns to be aware of when you are mulling it over. First of all, the electric is a concern because of the same situation as every other electrical appliance. Placement of an electric fireplace is confined to the outlets. Water should never be around an electrical fireplace. Electrical fireplaces don't produce much heat, so you will need an alternative heat source. Besides, if a power outage should occur, you won't be able to use the electric fireplace anyway. It's not my favorite choice, but you can save yourself quite a bit of money on this option.
The ventless gel is actually a striking option. Like the electric fireplace, no installation is required. It is very cost effective, thousands of dollars lower than the traditional and the gas. In fact, you can get a ventless gel fireplace for as low as $300. So, what are the safety precautions? The gel is made of an alcohol chemical that burns like a citronella candle if you've ever seen one of those. The alcohol produces a small amount of water vapor, but not as much as the gas fireplace. In fact, the water vapor hardly has a chance to escape the room since its quantity is so small it completely evaporates before going anywhere significant. So, safety precautions? Virtually none. The same precautions you would take if you had a candle burning on that romantic night.
Consulting an expert is always a good idea once you have weighed all the options yourself. Remember though, when you are discussing your "construction" needs with a contractor, think about what your "expert" is actually saying to you. They are in the business to make money and may give you very convincing reasons for upgrading because they have their own hidden agenda: making money from you. It's the game. Learn how to play it!
Jessica Brylan is a home improvement expert. She loves remodeling homes. She has even built a few. In all her work, she has split off into interior design every once in awhile. But, actual construction is her first love. She knows enough to get by with the big guys.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jessica_Brylan
Comparing your options is a step-by-step methodical approach that you should probably consult with an expert. But, there are some things you can think about on your own. We'll go through them.
There are basically four different types of fireplaces. The traditional fireplace is what most people think of when they think of fireplaces. They burn logs in an attractive hole in the wall for lack of better words. The gas fireplace is much like the traditional in the fact that you still need that hole in the wall. But, the gas fireplace is convenient. It can be turned on with a switch. Then, there is the electric fireplace that also turns on by a switch, but it doesn't need a hole in the wall. Lastly, there is the ventless gel that doesn't need a hole in the wall either, it heats and lights rather easily even though it's not by a flip of a switch. In the nutshell, there's your rundown.
When installing a traditional fireplace, there are so many things for you to consider. You'll need a hearth, which is the floor space in front of the fireplace. It should be made of material that doesn't burn in case sparks fly out of the fire. Any contractor should know that. In fact, if they don't, that's your sign that you need to talk to someone else. You will also need a chimney for proper ventilation. The safety concerns with a traditional fireplace include the fire itself and the ventilation. There are metal screens that can protect your house from sparks that like to jump from logs. But, for the most part, with the proper ventilation, those sparks will normally fly up the chimney. So, proper ventilation is the key to keep from having a fire hazard as well as getting smoked out of your own house. All the precautions can be taken to ensure a safe fireplace experience. And it will normally run you anywhere from $5,000 to $7,500 in most areas.
When you think about the gas fireplace, many of the same concerns go through your head as when you were considering the traditional fireplace. You need proper ventilation, meaning a chimney. So, costs of installation are going to be about the same. Because even though you might not need a hearth, you still need a gas line. Gas lines can be very safe if installed correctly. But, I have seen some major fire damage caused by a simple malfunction. But, that's not your main concern. The special burners that come with a gas fireplace are designed to keep levels of carbon monoxide to a healthy minimum. But, as with all gas products, problems do arise from time to time and a gas fireplace could very well end up causing an extremely dangerous situation. By the way, carbon monoxide is a deadly toxic gas that is a byproduct of natural gas. You can't smell it at all. But, gas companies have put a distinct smell into the gas so that you can detect it. You should be aware of that. Also, a gas fireplace produces a water vapor that escapes throughout the house. This water vapor is a considerable amount. What it does is cause fungus and mold infestation. This can make you sick if you don't inspect your house regularly, in the hard to find areas, and make sure to treat those areas with the proper preventive chemicals.
Electric fireplaces don't require all of the installation considerations as the other two options. But, there are other concerns to be aware of when you are mulling it over. First of all, the electric is a concern because of the same situation as every other electrical appliance. Placement of an electric fireplace is confined to the outlets. Water should never be around an electrical fireplace. Electrical fireplaces don't produce much heat, so you will need an alternative heat source. Besides, if a power outage should occur, you won't be able to use the electric fireplace anyway. It's not my favorite choice, but you can save yourself quite a bit of money on this option.
The ventless gel is actually a striking option. Like the electric fireplace, no installation is required. It is very cost effective, thousands of dollars lower than the traditional and the gas. In fact, you can get a ventless gel fireplace for as low as $300. So, what are the safety precautions? The gel is made of an alcohol chemical that burns like a citronella candle if you've ever seen one of those. The alcohol produces a small amount of water vapor, but not as much as the gas fireplace. In fact, the water vapor hardly has a chance to escape the room since its quantity is so small it completely evaporates before going anywhere significant. So, safety precautions? Virtually none. The same precautions you would take if you had a candle burning on that romantic night.
Consulting an expert is always a good idea once you have weighed all the options yourself. Remember though, when you are discussing your "construction" needs with a contractor, think about what your "expert" is actually saying to you. They are in the business to make money and may give you very convincing reasons for upgrading because they have their own hidden agenda: making money from you. It's the game. Learn how to play it!
Jessica Brylan is a home improvement expert. She loves remodeling homes. She has even built a few. In all her work, she has split off into interior design every once in awhile. But, actual construction is her first love. She knows enough to get by with the big guys.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jessica_Brylan
What Does A Fire Safety Inspector Do?
A fire safety inspector performs thorough inspections of your home or building to ensure all occupants’ are protected from fire hazards that are preventable. They will clearly outline and submit a report to you if you fail any fire safety regulations.
As the name denotes, a fire safety inspector is mainly concerned with making sure your home or residence is in compliance with your state’s fire regulation codes. Most of the time, firefighters undergo an additional training class in order to become a certified fire safety inspector. However, sometimes home inspectors will complete classes to become a fire safety inspector because while they need to learn about fire prevention, things they usually study such as the electrical wiring in a home is part of the training of a fire safety instructor.
The ultimate goal, no matter what training a fire safety inspector undergoes, is to make sure a home or business is safe from the possibility of preventable fires and that the equipment and planning is in place to minimize risk to life and property should a fire occur for any reason.
A fire safety inspector generally performs a thorough inspection of a house or business to make sure that the house has the appropriate number of alarm and extinguisher items depending on how many levels the home has and makes sure that each item is functional. In particular, each state has its own laws that determine how many fire extinguishers a home or other structure should have and they will check to make sure that a house has the required number. By law, if the fire inspector is checking out rental property he or she will make sure that fire extinguishers and alarms are present as many rental residence owners forget that they are required to provide their occupants with these devices.
A fire safety inspector also looks at wiring in a building to make sure there are no exposed wires that can be potentially dangerous and the cause of a future fire. Electrical codes include regulations like distance between wiring and objects, such as cabinets and the ceiling cover. All electrical wires also should be insulated with rubber and in most areas must be properly grounded to ensure your fire safety.
It is the duty of a fire safety inspector to perform a thorough inspection on any structure, because fires are often preventable if the proper precautions are exercised in advance.
Finally, if you have had to use an ABC extinguisher to put out a fire in your home or other structure, a fire safety inspector will look over the area and tell you if the area has been properly cleaned because any powder left over from the ABC extinguisher can be toxic and dangerous for your family to breath in or accidentally consume.
Competent fire safety inspectors help minimize the loss of life and property and thus give us the security of this safety for ourselves and our families.
Lallah Rowe owns and operates http://www.traintobeaninspector.com
Inspection Training
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lallah_Rowe
Fire And Home Safety. Test Your Fire And Home Safety Knowledge
How much do you know about fires and home safety? Where is the safest air in your home during a fire? What is the proper home safety protocol for a fire? Take this short, six-question quiz to find out the answers to these questions and to test your knowledge of fire and home safety issues. After completing the questions scroll down to the bottom of the page to check your answers.
Lets face it how many of us have really thought about fire protection? It may cross our minds as we watch the news or read the paper. Yet we probably haven't taken any steps to ensure fire safety in our own homes. Unfortunately most people think it won't happen to them. It would be nice if that were true, but as statistics show it is not. Every year nearly 4,000 Americans die in fires and more than 25,000 are injured.
Fire and Home Safety
1. True or False: You are in a smoke-filled room. The correct home safety rule is to keep your head as close to the floor as possible as you exit.
a) true
b) false
Answer: b) false—heat and smoke rise, therefore the air closest to the floor is the coolest. Plastics, nylons, and other manmade materials emit deadly gasses when burned, and these gasses are heavier than air. The proper home safety rule is to crawl to the nearest exit with your head approximately 18 inches from the floor; this is where the safest air is located.
2. True or false: Fire spreads methodically from one object to another and from one room to the next.
a) true
b) false
Answer: b) false—during a fire heat rises and temperatures can exceed 500 degrees. As this hot air fills the area closest to the ceiling it begins to descend and flow under doors and through cracks. Upon contact with a flammable object, this hot air can ignite a new fire in a different room than the original fire.
3. According to home safety guidelines, if a fire breaks out while you are on the second floor of your home you should…
a) open the window and jump to safety.
b) run to the door, open it, and exit the room as quickly as possible.
c) feel the door for heat as high up as possible; if it doesn't feel hot, slowly open it and crawl to safety.
d) none of the above.
Answer: c) feel the door for heat, and slowly open it. If you open the door quickly and the air inside your room is cooler than that in the hallway, a back draft explosion could occur.
4. True or False: Children playing with fires is the leading cause of fire deaths in preschoolers.
a) true
b) false
Answer: a) true—home safety starts with teaching children fire safety rules. Two thirds of those killed in fires started by children playing are under the age of six.
5. While asleep, a fire starts in your home. Upon waking you should…
a) bolt upright and exit your room and home as quickly as possible.
b) run to the window and jump to safety.
c) frantically run out of the house yelling at your family to wake up.
d) roll out of bed and crawl to safety.
Answer: d) roll out of bed and crawl to safety. Bolting upright could easily plunge your head directly into the extreme heat and deadly thick smoke. One breath could prove fatal.
6. If your clothes catch fire, the appropriate home safety procedure is to…
a) run to your neighbor's yard and jump in their pool.
b) frantically jump up and down.
c) throw yourself on the ground and roll around to extinguish the fire.
d) run in circles, scream, and yell until help arrives.
Answer: c) throw yourself on the ground and roll around to extinguish the fire. STOP! DROP! and ROLL! is the home safety rule of thumb when your clothes are on fire. Running amok fans the flames, causing the fire to spread.
Lets face it how many of us have really thought about fire protection? It may cross our minds as we watch the news or read the paper. Yet we probably haven't taken any steps to ensure fire safety in our own homes. Unfortunately most people think it won't happen to them. It would be nice if that were true, but as statistics show it is not. Every year nearly 4,000 Americans die in fires and more than 25,000 are injured.
Fire and Home Safety
1. True or False: You are in a smoke-filled room. The correct home safety rule is to keep your head as close to the floor as possible as you exit.
a) true
b) false
Answer: b) false—heat and smoke rise, therefore the air closest to the floor is the coolest. Plastics, nylons, and other manmade materials emit deadly gasses when burned, and these gasses are heavier than air. The proper home safety rule is to crawl to the nearest exit with your head approximately 18 inches from the floor; this is where the safest air is located.
2. True or false: Fire spreads methodically from one object to another and from one room to the next.
a) true
b) false
Answer: b) false—during a fire heat rises and temperatures can exceed 500 degrees. As this hot air fills the area closest to the ceiling it begins to descend and flow under doors and through cracks. Upon contact with a flammable object, this hot air can ignite a new fire in a different room than the original fire.
3. According to home safety guidelines, if a fire breaks out while you are on the second floor of your home you should…
a) open the window and jump to safety.
b) run to the door, open it, and exit the room as quickly as possible.
c) feel the door for heat as high up as possible; if it doesn't feel hot, slowly open it and crawl to safety.
d) none of the above.
Answer: c) feel the door for heat, and slowly open it. If you open the door quickly and the air inside your room is cooler than that in the hallway, a back draft explosion could occur.
4. True or False: Children playing with fires is the leading cause of fire deaths in preschoolers.
a) true
b) false
Answer: a) true—home safety starts with teaching children fire safety rules. Two thirds of those killed in fires started by children playing are under the age of six.
5. While asleep, a fire starts in your home. Upon waking you should…
a) bolt upright and exit your room and home as quickly as possible.
b) run to the window and jump to safety.
c) frantically run out of the house yelling at your family to wake up.
d) roll out of bed and crawl to safety.
Answer: d) roll out of bed and crawl to safety. Bolting upright could easily plunge your head directly into the extreme heat and deadly thick smoke. One breath could prove fatal.
6. If your clothes catch fire, the appropriate home safety procedure is to…
a) run to your neighbor's yard and jump in their pool.
b) frantically jump up and down.
c) throw yourself on the ground and roll around to extinguish the fire.
d) run in circles, scream, and yell until help arrives.
Answer: c) throw yourself on the ground and roll around to extinguish the fire. STOP! DROP! and ROLL! is the home safety rule of thumb when your clothes are on fire. Running amok fans the flames, causing the fire to spread.
Safety Training Videoes
Safety training videos are made so that we don’t panic in a crisis and put our lives in danger. These show us how to handle a fire, an earthquake, an accident or a natural disaster. They also include ordinary things like safety tips on climbing a ladder, driving or housekeeping. Countless websites and video production units make and sell CDs and DVDs of video clips on almost everything under the sun. If you do a Google search on safety training videos, you will come up with a minimum of 7,530,000 hits in less than .2 seconds. To choose a good video from this list is not easy. It is advisable to buy videos after having a short preview of what they contain.
Here are some websites which produce safety training videos for everyday purposes, and the categories of videos they sell to the public.
Safteytrainingnetwork.com has videos on almost all day-to-day situations. They have videos on alcohol and drugs, human resources, electrical and kitchen safety, infection control, healthcare, head protection, solid waste management and even employment law. Their videos are widely varied, covering topics from blood-borne pathogens safety and asbestos safety to ordinary things like recordkeeping and first aid.
Coastal.com specializes in producing instructional videos on safety training in coastal areas.
National Safety Compliance is an organization that looks into safety training from all aspects. Their training programs include videos and instructional material. Their videos include crane and hoist safety, transportation, ergonomics, fire safety, hotel safety and office and school safety. These cost anywhere from $200 to $500, and can be ordered online.
Trainingprofessionals.com focuses more on individual safety training, rather than group situations. These include construction safety, confined spaces, personal protective equipment and defensive driving.
Training Videos provides detailed information on Training Videos, Management Training Videoes, Police Academy Training Videoes, Safety Training Videoes and more. Training Videos is affiliated with Worker Compensation Insurance.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jason_Gluckman
Here are some websites which produce safety training videos for everyday purposes, and the categories of videos they sell to the public.
Safteytrainingnetwork.com has videos on almost all day-to-day situations. They have videos on alcohol and drugs, human resources, electrical and kitchen safety, infection control, healthcare, head protection, solid waste management and even employment law. Their videos are widely varied, covering topics from blood-borne pathogens safety and asbestos safety to ordinary things like recordkeeping and first aid.
Coastal.com specializes in producing instructional videos on safety training in coastal areas.
National Safety Compliance is an organization that looks into safety training from all aspects. Their training programs include videos and instructional material. Their videos include crane and hoist safety, transportation, ergonomics, fire safety, hotel safety and office and school safety. These cost anywhere from $200 to $500, and can be ordered online.
Trainingprofessionals.com focuses more on individual safety training, rather than group situations. These include construction safety, confined spaces, personal protective equipment and defensive driving.
Training Videos provides detailed information on Training Videos, Management Training Videoes, Police Academy Training Videoes, Safety Training Videoes and more. Training Videos is affiliated with Worker Compensation Insurance.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jason_Gluckman
Industrial Painting Contractors: Safety Certification for Painting Contractors
Whether you're an owner of a massive facility that's about to undergo a restoration or you're a small business manager who's contracting out a warehouse refinishing job, you want to know that your industrial painting contractor is properly trained in safe and effective painting practices. Fortunately, the Society for Protective Coatings (SSPC) has developed a sophisticated set of certification programs to help business owners like you make smart, safe decisions about their hires.
SSPC Safety Certifications for Industrial Painting Contractors
- QP1: Industrial Coatings, Steel Surface Prep
- QP2: Hazardous Paint removal
- QP3: Indoor Facilities Surfaces and Coating Apps
The SSPC Safety Certifications break down into three main classes - QP1, QP2, and QP3. A QP1 certified individual is deemed safe to do work relating to industrial coatings and surface prep for steel work. QP2 certified painters are qualified to remove hazardous paint. QP3 certified industrial painting contractors are qualified to prepare surfaces and coating applications for an indoor facility (open or covered).
SSPC Specialty Certifications for Industrial Painting Contractors
- QP6: Thermal Spray Prep/Metallic Alloys
- QP8: Polymer Coating/Cement Surfaces
The SSPC offers additional certifications for specialized industrial painting contractors, as well. The QP6 designation deems an individual safe and capable to perform work relating to prepping thermal sprays and coating surfaces of certain metallic alloys, such as aluminum and zinc. The QP8 certification, on the other hand, relates to an individual's ability to manage polymer coating and cement surface jobs acceptably.
You can also look to other work certification boards, like OSHA (The Occupational Safety and Health Administration) to determine the "safety IQ" of a given industrial painting contractor. Of course, the SSPC and OSHA are only two of many organizations designed to promote and objectively evaluate industrial safety.
If you're hiring an industrial painting contractor, get a full report on their team's safety training. Also, be sure to provide information on special hazards or potentially dangerous materials at your facility. If necessary, get a lawyer to read over your contract and advise you.
Remember - a single accident or careless error could potentially lead to a series of lawsuits that can harm your business. Avoid the headaches by choosing an industrial painting contractor with an outstanding reputation for safety and the certifications to back up that reputation.
Whether you are the owner of a small office building or the facilities manager at a large office complex, you want to know how to forge lasting bonds with your industrial painting contractor. Changes in personnel cost your company time and reduce the efficiency of your painting projects. One way to prevent this from taking its toll on your company is to carefully select industrial painting contractors with a stellar safety record.
Hydrogen Sulfideor H2S Safety Training Video
Life is precious. People work in highly dangerous conditions because of compelling circumstances. No human being enjoys endangering their life for the sake of fun. Those working for you in hazardous situations are the ones that need utmost protection and security for their health. As an employer you need to understand the basic principles of valuing your worker`s lives and giving it the highest priority.
Hydrogen Sulfide is an inflammable and toxic gas that can cripple your workforce that is responsible for high productivity of your organization. Do not let this dangerous chemical take control over your life. You can ensure a healthy and protective work environment for your workers by using the safety training program for those handling hydrogen sulfide.
This safety training program are latest products that are aimed to fulfill the requirements such as academic training for those who work in areas concentrated with hydrogen sulfide and who are exposed to contracting deadly life threatening illnesses. This program helps to explain the new TLV and other precautionary rules pertaining to hydrogen sulfide which is also known as H2S.
Show more compassion and understanding to your workers and make use of this training program to help them live and work in fear free situations. Great efforts have been put to develop a training program meant for you and your employees benefit. Use the opportunity to ensure a hazard free working environment for your workers before it is too late. Life rarely gives you chances and you should utilize this opportunity for better and healthy relations between you and your workers.
If you want to know more about Safety Training Videos then feel free to visit Hydrogen sulfide or H2S safety training video
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jitesh_Arora
Airplane Safety Competes with Airplane Comfort
Everyone wants to have a more comfortable flight but did you ever think about how this desire competes with the airlines ability to provide you with the utmost in safety?
The public desire for larger and faster aircraft sometimes comes head to head with the need for greater airplane safety. This fact was magnified soon after the world had welcomed the arrival of the year of 2000. One of the supersonic jets then carrying passengers across the Atlantic gave the public an eye-opening experience.
A piece of scrap left on the runway caught on one tire of a departing supersonic jet. The resulting crash led to a re-evaluation of the requirements for airplane safety. Eventually, the airlines decided to discontinue the use of those two jets. Now passengers are no longer able to get a super-speedy flight from London or Paris to a U.S airport.
For a time after that accident, airplane safety had the attention of the public. Of course, the public, as always, quickly forgot about the accident that had so recently appeared on the TV and computer screens.
Airplane designers could sense the dying concern for airplane safety, and the increased desire for a way to ease airport congestion.
Airplane designers introduced the idea of a larger jet, one that would carry almost twice as many passengers. They designed a jet with two different levels. An airline based in Southeast Asia expressed a desire to purchase such a jet.
There were a token number of test flights for the newly-designed and larger aircraft. No one seemed to question whether or not a measure of airplane safety could be properly made from just those few token test flights. The public needed a larger plane, a plane that could help to ease the congestion on the runways.
Therefore plans were made to initiate use of the larger jet plane. Once again the public desire for larger and faster aircraft had trumped the need for airplane safety. Once again, only time would reveal the wisdom of relying on this new and larger plane.
Sometimes we put our “want to haves” in front of our “must haves”, it’s only human nature to want the best of the best, but when the public clamors for more comfort the airlines must react by giving it to them. At times this can take priority over giving more safety. So next time you want a more comfortable seat or larger planes you might want to think about how this impacts the safety of air flight and your safety in general.
Lee Dobbins writes for http://www.airfare1st.com where you can learn more about air flight as well as how to get great deals on flights to exotic destinations.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lee_Dobbins
A Career In Health And Safety Management
Responsibilities
It is the responsibility of the Health and Safety Manager to ensure the safety of everyone who enters the company's premises. They are solely responsible for the implementation and ensuring that all the safety regulations are followed. For example, if a plant manufactures a hazardous material, then as a health and safety manager, they are responsible to ensure the safety of the workers by asking them to wear facemasks, goggles and protective clothing. If it is an office, then they are required to maintain safety by assuring that all desk drawers and file cabinets are closed, spills cleaned up and signs posted.
One of the major roles of the Health and Safety Manager is to schedule routine fire drills and also assure that each department designates a person to act as a monitor. They may also have to walk the floor regularly, to check for any violations and also to rectify any problems. The Health and Safety Manager is designated to handle the issues related to illness that may result due to unsafe working conditions. They are basically responsible for the implementation, application and maintenance of value, decision and risk management tools, procedures and techniques.
Qualifications
To undertake the role of a Health and Safety Manager, you have to acquire a college or university degree and gain several years of experience. Education is an ongoing process and must be upgraded, as new safety products enter the market regularly.
A Health and Safety professional's responsibility is to ensure that all the fire extinguishers are in safe and working condition and that everyone knows how to find and use them. In many companies, the manager recruits new employees and also guides them with the instructions on conduct and about existing safety measures.
Job Prospects
You can also work as an Environmental Health and Safety manager in a manufacturing unit, where selection is based on education or internal promotion. The candidate would ideally need to have a degree in Industrial technology or a Business degree. But nowadays, as Environmental Degree programs have increased, candidates can find a job immediately after they complete their college education.
Protecting people, equipment and the environment is the primary motive of an Occupational Health and Safety Specialist. They are called Ergonomists, Occupational Health and Safety Inspectors, Industrial Hygienists and Environmental Protection Officers. They assist the company in creating safer and unpolluted processes. These Health and Safety Specialists scrutinize the data collected by the technicians and then improve them to protect the workers and the equipment.
The primary duty of the Health and Safety professional is to safeguard the workers and the company against the common workplace hazards. Such as:
• Injury caused from biological and chemical agents
• Protection from accidents caused by heavy metals
• Electricity hazards
In the United States, the Occupational and Health Safety Administration has been regulating the operational health and safety since 1971.
Tony Jacowski is a quality analyst for The MBA Journal. Aveta Solutions - Six Sigma Online (http://www.sixsigmaonline.org) offers online six sigma training and certification classes for lean six sigma, black belts, green belts, and yellow belts.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tony_Jacowski
Why is Electrical Safety in the Home So Vital?
Fire is one of the biggest dangers facing domestic properties. Just look at the statistics: in 2006, the main cause of house fires in the UK was misuse of equipment and appliances, with 16,200 fires having been started in this way. As such, the primary source of ignition was cooking appliances, which accounted for 56 per cent.
Practicing electrical safety is, therefore, not only vital for saving your life, but also your home and its contents. And, whilst it is not possible to completely eradicate the possibility of fire, there are certain elementary precautions you can take, to limit as far as possible, the likelihood it will happen.
According to experts, many fires start at night so it's imperative to be aware of what to do before going to bed. This includes switching off and unplugging any appliances not being used, such as mobile phone chargers. Portable heaters or electrical fires should never be left on overnight and the doors to all rooms should be closed.
Ensuring all your electrical appliances comply with the relevant safety standards is another must. This means looking out for the CE mark, the BEAB mark, the BS safety mark or British Standard number when you buy electrical equipment. It also pays to be cautious of second-hand electrical items, since a study into their safety concluded that one in four does not meet the required standards.
When establishing if your home is at risk, there are certain fundamental factors to be aware of. For example, pay attention to issues like hot plugs and sockets, flickering lights, or frequently blown fuses. These can potentially indicate problems like loose wiring.
Furthermore, cords should never be run under carpets or furniture, since they can easily overheat and ignite a fire. Frayed or split power leads are another issue to be conscious of: damaged ones should not be covered over with tape, but replaced immediately.
It is also imperative that you fit smoke alarms around your property. It is a fact that out of the 55,800 domestic fires in 2006, 25,800 failed to have a smoke alarm in the fire area. They should be tested every week to ensure they work and the battery should be replaced annually.
Having adequate home insurance is also crucial. Fire is one of the most destructive elements and if one breaks out in your home, regardless of how big or small it is; this will cause exceptional damage. And, whether your carpet has been melted due to a too-hot heater, or your entire house has burned down, you need the right insurance to financially protect yourself and your family.
There are a range of policies dealing with UK home insurance and it is worthwhile having one in place that will cover you for such eventualities as fire and replacement of damaged electrical items. Therefore, allowing you to protect your home, and yourself.
Andrew Regan writes on behalf of a digital marketing agency. He hopes you enjoyed his article, but urges you to seek further understanding of its topics before making any decisions based on its content.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andrew_Regan
Fire Alarm Training For An Installation Professional
The importance of a properly installed fire alarm system is not to be overlooked. We, as consumers, understand the role of the fire alarm in our homes and subsequently we turn to alarm installation professionals to ensure that our fire alarms are properly installed and up to code. For those performing the installation, a special fire alarm training program is necessary in order to guarantee their expertise in this specialized industry.
Technicians who install fire alarm systems must participate in a fire alarm training program; in most cases a longer, introductory course is taken initially. Following this, a yearly course is offered in which technicians can brush up on their skills and learn about new fire codes that have been adopted. These brush-up courses are offered to those technicians who exclusively install fire alarms as well as those versed in a variety of alarm installations including security alarms.
Most often fire alarm training will include the fundamentals of fire alarm system plans wherein technicians examine the layout of the building and make a drawing that details the best location for fire alarms – as well as supplemental fire safety measures such as sprinkler systems. In addition, fire alarm training also requires technicians to efficiently install fire alarms with the attention given to wiring and fire codes.
A fire alarm technician is expected to install, connect, program, and test a fire alarm so that it passes fire inspection by authorities. Fire alarm training will ensure that the technician is up to the challenge by offering comprehensive classroom instruction with the use of accredited materials, followed by hands-on field instruction.
Fire alarm training is absolutely essential to having fire alarm technicians who can efficiently do their job. The end result will be homes, offices, and other buildings that include the utmost of fire safety measures.
For easy to understand, in depth information about fire alarm training visit our ezGuide 2 Fire Alarms.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michelle_Bery
Halloween Child Safety Tips
People from all over the world often associate Halloween with fun and treats. Parents allow their children to go out and enjoy their trick and treat activities, without thinking about their child’s safety to some degree. The truth is, Halloween is not just about fun and treats. Several reports have revealed that compared to the other usual nights, the Halloween nights are more dangerous to children ages 5 to 11. A large number of children were killed and injured during Halloween nights and this happens primarily because of lack of parent’s supervision.
So what should parents do to prevent their children from getting injured at Halloween? How can they help their children have a safe and fun Halloween?
There are a lot of things that parents can do for their child’s safety at Halloween. To know more about the most advisable Halloween child safety strategies, just read on below some of the worth noting Halloween child safety tips that are perfect for parents, guardians and children as well.
Halloween Child Safety Tips for Children:
* It is a rule of thumb for small children to go only to a well-lit house and remain only on porches rather than entering the house.
* It is important to engage on trick or treat activities with a number of peers with you. If possible, a small child traveling in small groups should be accompanied by an adult.
* For ultimate Halloween child safety, it is best to keep and know phone numbers and carry coins or cell phone for emergency calls.
* Prepare name tags with addresses and attached them to Halloween costumes.
* If you are given treats, don’t eat them immediately. Instead, bring them home before eating so parents can inspect them.
* Use costume swords and knives that are not sharp and rigid. You can consider the flexible ones, instead.
* Walk on the neighborhoods with flashlights.
* Stay on sidewalks and avoid crossing yards.
* If you want to cross the street, cross at the corner, not between parked cars.
* Stay together in a group before crossing.
* If possible, choose and wear clothing that are bright, reflective and flame retardant.
* Don’t wear masks for that will only obstruct your vision. Try to use face paint.
* Don’t wear baggy or oversized costumes to prevent tripping.
Halloween Child Safety Tips for Parents:
* Don’t let your children age below 12 to go out at Halloween nights by themselves. For ultimate Halloween childen safety, it is best to supervise them and their outing.
* Set a curfew for older children.
* Prepare homes for tricks or treaters by cleaning and clearing your porches, sidewalks, and lawns.
* Inspect candies and candy wrappers for safety before letting the children eat them.
* Make sure that the pedestrian area is safe for trick or treaters.
* If you are driving, watch for children crossing the streets. Drive safely and slowly.
Those basically are the Halloween child safety tips. Just follow them and your children will surely have a fun and enjoyable Halloween experience.
Milos Pesic is a successful webmaster and owner of popular and comprehensive Child Safety information site. For more articles and resources on Child Safety related topics, visit his site at:
=>http://child-safety.need-to-know.net/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Milos_Pesic
How to Stop Injury Hiding and Build a Successful Safety Program
"I've inherited a safety incentive program that rewards people for lagging indicators and I'm worried there maybe injury hiding. How can I shift it to become behavior based?"
All too often, safety managers find themselves the unwilling benefactors of an old school safety incentive program based on trailing indicators. These programs reward employees to work a period of time without reporting injuries. While initially sometimes achieving dramatic injury reductions, these programs quickly deteriorate into a "self-perpetuating nightmare" as one safety manager put it.
Some of the most common problems associated with these programs are:
1. Hard to say if the incentive budget is really producing a return on investment.
2. Injury hiding as employees cover things up so as not to interfere with the group winning the award prize.
3. A "band aid" approach to safety as opposed to ripping out the roots of accidents.
4. An "entitlement mentality" where employees feel that they should be paid more or somehow earn a bigger prizes based on the number of years they've been injury free.
5. Safety committees who spend more time picking out the next gift than figuring out the behaviors that should be rewarded and reinforced.
6. A focus on "what we will give as a prize" instead of "what behaviors will we reinforce?"
7. Employees who take safety seriously are rewarded at the same level as those who break safety rules and take chances--sending a message that management really only values the safety scores at the end of the year, not the behaviors that led to them.
So how do you drop lagging indicator rewards in favor of behavior-based recognition?
Many companies just go "cold turkey." With a CEO's backing, the safety manager will simply end the trailing indicator rewards and get rid of the sacred cow.
Some companies choose to have no recognition in it's place (not a good idea), but others work to design a more behavioral type reward program.
In this approach, the new standard becomes "zero unsafe behaviors and conditions" in place of the old target of "zero injuries."
Raising the bar sets a new standard for organizations who have struggled year after year to attain Zero Injuries but often failed. Now, armed with a behavioral tool that helps them chart unsafe actions, near misses, safety improvement suggestions, they can focus on the upstream and in striving relentlessly for Zero Unsafe Behaviors they achieve Zero Injuries as a byproduct.
Sticking with trailing-indicator rewards will kill this upstream approach every time. In short, "what got you here, won't get you there" and it is time to take off the training wheels and move into a behavior-based solution.
So what are the dynamics of an effective behavior based recognition solution?
Training: No more "Spray & Pray"
New research shows that 95% of all training is forgotten within 2 weeks (some safety managers say it happens in less than 2 hours!).
Many companies fool themselves into thinking that having employees sign a log sheet stating they attended the training meeting is sufficient to say that training has occurred. They use a "spray and pray" approach to training where they spray their posters, newsletters and safety videos at employees and pray that people are paying attention...with no way to measure the impact of their training.
So, one of the most important places to link recognition is to employees who pay attention and learn what you want them to. A further, more forward thinking step is to recognize kids and spouses of employees for their buy in to your process.
Recognition, the Right Way.
One company decided to get rid of their old school lagging indicator programs and replace it with an in house behavior based solution. They purchased a supply of gifts,
All too often, safety managers find themselves the unwilling benefactors of an old school safety incentive program based on trailing indicators. These programs reward employees to work a period of time without reporting injuries. While initially sometimes achieving dramatic injury reductions, these programs quickly deteriorate into a "self-perpetuating nightmare" as one safety manager put it.
Some of the most common problems associated with these programs are:
1. Hard to say if the incentive budget is really producing a return on investment.
2. Injury hiding as employees cover things up so as not to interfere with the group winning the award prize.
3. A "band aid" approach to safety as opposed to ripping out the roots of accidents.
4. An "entitlement mentality" where employees feel that they should be paid more or somehow earn a bigger prizes based on the number of years they've been injury free.
5. Safety committees who spend more time picking out the next gift than figuring out the behaviors that should be rewarded and reinforced.
6. A focus on "what we will give as a prize" instead of "what behaviors will we reinforce?"
7. Employees who take safety seriously are rewarded at the same level as those who break safety rules and take chances--sending a message that management really only values the safety scores at the end of the year, not the behaviors that led to them.
So how do you drop lagging indicator rewards in favor of behavior-based recognition?
Many companies just go "cold turkey." With a CEO's backing, the safety manager will simply end the trailing indicator rewards and get rid of the sacred cow.
Some companies choose to have no recognition in it's place (not a good idea), but others work to design a more behavioral type reward program.
In this approach, the new standard becomes "zero unsafe behaviors and conditions" in place of the old target of "zero injuries."
Raising the bar sets a new standard for organizations who have struggled year after year to attain Zero Injuries but often failed. Now, armed with a behavioral tool that helps them chart unsafe actions, near misses, safety improvement suggestions, they can focus on the upstream and in striving relentlessly for Zero Unsafe Behaviors they achieve Zero Injuries as a byproduct.
Sticking with trailing-indicator rewards will kill this upstream approach every time. In short, "what got you here, won't get you there" and it is time to take off the training wheels and move into a behavior-based solution.
So what are the dynamics of an effective behavior based recognition solution?
Training: No more "Spray & Pray"
New research shows that 95% of all training is forgotten within 2 weeks (some safety managers say it happens in less than 2 hours!).
Many companies fool themselves into thinking that having employees sign a log sheet stating they attended the training meeting is sufficient to say that training has occurred. They use a "spray and pray" approach to training where they spray their posters, newsletters and safety videos at employees and pray that people are paying attention...with no way to measure the impact of their training.
So, one of the most important places to link recognition is to employees who pay attention and learn what you want them to. A further, more forward thinking step is to recognize kids and spouses of employees for their buy in to your process.
Recognition, the Right Way.
One company decided to get rid of their old school lagging indicator programs and replace it with an in house behavior based solution. They purchased a supply of gifts,
Limit Your Company's Liability - Start A Vehicle Accident Prevention Program
Motor vehicle crashes cost US employers over $60 billion annually in medical costs, legal expenditure, property damage, and lost productivity. While costs by state and Industry vary, on-the-job crash injuries (fatal and non-fatal) amount to about 6.5 percent of all crash injuries. As a result, the cost of workers' compensation, Social Security benefits, health and disability insurance continues to rise. An investment in a comprehensive motor vehicle accident prevention program can be a winning approach to reducing these expenses and an effective tool for helping limit your company's liability exposure.
Consider the Savings
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's report entitled "The Economic Burden of Traffic Crashes on Employers" (request a free copy of the 35-page report on the author's web site), the average crash costs an employer $16,500. An employee that has an on-the-job crash resulting in an injury, costs their employer $74,000. In the case of a fatality, costs often go beyond $500,000. Additionally, off-the-job crashes not only affect individual employees, they are costly to the company as well. The aforementioned NHTSA report had this to say about potential financial benefits, "Traffic safety programs are an alternative to reduce health care expenses to employers without reducing the benefits offered to employees. Protecting employees from motor vehicle crash injury can be a profitable investment of time and resources".
Companies that utilize a crash avoidance program often realize immediate benefits due to the positive return-on-investment (ROI) from a well-designed safety agenda. Consider the findings of Liberty Mutual Insurance Company's report entitled "Executive Survey of Workplace Safety". In their study, they found approximately 61 percent of questioned business executives think their companies receive an ROI of $3.00 or more for every $1.00 spent on improving worker safety.
Protecting Valuable Assets
Most well informed employers understand their employees are critical to the success of their business. Showing a commitment to protecting the safety and welfare of valuable workers can go a long way to help improve employee work satisfaction and retention. If your company happens to be a professional transportation or delivery business, the benefit can be even greater. With the extreme shortage of qualified truck drivers, focusing on employee wellbeing can aid in the reduction of a major cost and time encumbrance...truck driver turnover.
"The costs associated with hiring and training new drivers is much better spent on furthering the safety and wellness of our employees', noted Mark W. Kadlec, VP of Human Resources & Safety at Distribution Technologies, Inc. (www.disttech.com). Headquartered in Newbury, Ohio this bulk transport company is an example of a professional carrier benefiting from a highly focused vehicle safety regimen. Consistently recognized by the National Tank Truck Carriers (NTTC) for operating one of the country's safest fleets, DistTech has received the prestigious NTTC Outstanding Performance Trophy six times. Kadlec furthers, "Documenting procedures, on-going safety training and the use of advanced technology allowed DistTech to improve its safety record for 15 consecutive years. Investing in state of the art driver fatigue monitors and video camera systems to alert our drivers of a potential collision, are just two examples of how we protect our employees, our assets and our customers."
Establishing an Accident Prevention Program
Depending on the size and scope of your organization, there are several things to think about in order to best accomplish your safety objectives. Obviously, for any program to be a success, it has to be committed to, and supported by company management. Once the commitment is made, consider the following measures as a part of your complete risk reduction plan:
1) Setting Goals, Documenting Procedures
Consider appointing a program manager with the task of overseeing the safety initiatives, including vehicle add-on product evaluation and written company policies specific to vehicle safety. Documenting the goals, as well as the results, should be an integral part of the program. To maximize results, share pertinent information with the employees that drive either a company owned or personal vehicle used for company-related work. You may wish to instigate both an incentive and a disciplinary action program to raise the awareness of everyone involved. Once you begin to realize measurable improvements, consider rewarding individuals for their personal commitment to improving the company's safety.
For those organizations that do not participate in any formal regulatory compliance, consider drafting key documents of your own, such as a written driver agreement, a vehicle inspection and maintenance handbook, along with an accident reporting and investigation procedure. Utilizing this documented information can help minimize further liability; be sure to amend your company policy as necessary to help eliminate reoccurring incidents.
2) Employing Aftermarket Safety Technology
Currently there are several aftermarket products available to aid drivers in the safe operation of their vehicles, many of which are cost-effective and easy to install on most trucks, vans, SUV's and cars. While it is beyond the scope of this article to address the broad array of safety solutions available today, you might consider learning more about the following:
a) Sensor Based Obstacle Detection: Backing-up sensors utilizing Doppler radar technology are extremely reliable and impervious to the affects of whether. While these devices can be more costly than the parking aid sonar-based products, they are far superior in performance for safety applications.
b) Camera Based Video Systems: Today's camera technology is extremely effective in giving visibility to blind spots that are often impossible for the driver to see. A common application is to monitor the rear of the vehicle via a color LCD display, helping to prevent reverse backing accidents.
c) Lane Departure Warning (LDW): Often camera based, these devices are most effective when used on highways and long distance driving. If the driver becomes distracted or fatigued, a warning goes off if they begin to drift into another lane.
3) Safety Education & Training
Launching your program with an initial training is an effective way to get a running start. Take the opportunity to impart your company's safety goals, employee expectations and reasons why everyone can benefit through active participation. Employee drivers should receive ongoing training; also consider offering access to an internet based driver-training course. In addition, think about adding vehicle safety content to your company newsletter, furthering education and continuously reminding employees that safety is not a part time job.
Understanding the financial burden associated with motor vehicle crashes makes for a compelling case to take action to reduce the impact. It is a known fact that many traffic crashes are avoidable; investing in a company wide motor vehicle safety program can help save lives and reduce costs, ultimately providing benefits that are hard to ignore.
Consider the Savings
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's report entitled "The Economic Burden of Traffic Crashes on Employers" (request a free copy of the 35-page report on the author's web site), the average crash costs an employer $16,500. An employee that has an on-the-job crash resulting in an injury, costs their employer $74,000. In the case of a fatality, costs often go beyond $500,000. Additionally, off-the-job crashes not only affect individual employees, they are costly to the company as well. The aforementioned NHTSA report had this to say about potential financial benefits, "Traffic safety programs are an alternative to reduce health care expenses to employers without reducing the benefits offered to employees. Protecting employees from motor vehicle crash injury can be a profitable investment of time and resources".
Companies that utilize a crash avoidance program often realize immediate benefits due to the positive return-on-investment (ROI) from a well-designed safety agenda. Consider the findings of Liberty Mutual Insurance Company's report entitled "Executive Survey of Workplace Safety". In their study, they found approximately 61 percent of questioned business executives think their companies receive an ROI of $3.00 or more for every $1.00 spent on improving worker safety.
Protecting Valuable Assets
Most well informed employers understand their employees are critical to the success of their business. Showing a commitment to protecting the safety and welfare of valuable workers can go a long way to help improve employee work satisfaction and retention. If your company happens to be a professional transportation or delivery business, the benefit can be even greater. With the extreme shortage of qualified truck drivers, focusing on employee wellbeing can aid in the reduction of a major cost and time encumbrance...truck driver turnover.
"The costs associated with hiring and training new drivers is much better spent on furthering the safety and wellness of our employees', noted Mark W. Kadlec, VP of Human Resources & Safety at Distribution Technologies, Inc. (www.disttech.com). Headquartered in Newbury, Ohio this bulk transport company is an example of a professional carrier benefiting from a highly focused vehicle safety regimen. Consistently recognized by the National Tank Truck Carriers (NTTC) for operating one of the country's safest fleets, DistTech has received the prestigious NTTC Outstanding Performance Trophy six times. Kadlec furthers, "Documenting procedures, on-going safety training and the use of advanced technology allowed DistTech to improve its safety record for 15 consecutive years. Investing in state of the art driver fatigue monitors and video camera systems to alert our drivers of a potential collision, are just two examples of how we protect our employees, our assets and our customers."
Establishing an Accident Prevention Program
Depending on the size and scope of your organization, there are several things to think about in order to best accomplish your safety objectives. Obviously, for any program to be a success, it has to be committed to, and supported by company management. Once the commitment is made, consider the following measures as a part of your complete risk reduction plan:
1) Setting Goals, Documenting Procedures
Consider appointing a program manager with the task of overseeing the safety initiatives, including vehicle add-on product evaluation and written company policies specific to vehicle safety. Documenting the goals, as well as the results, should be an integral part of the program. To maximize results, share pertinent information with the employees that drive either a company owned or personal vehicle used for company-related work. You may wish to instigate both an incentive and a disciplinary action program to raise the awareness of everyone involved. Once you begin to realize measurable improvements, consider rewarding individuals for their personal commitment to improving the company's safety.
For those organizations that do not participate in any formal regulatory compliance, consider drafting key documents of your own, such as a written driver agreement, a vehicle inspection and maintenance handbook, along with an accident reporting and investigation procedure. Utilizing this documented information can help minimize further liability; be sure to amend your company policy as necessary to help eliminate reoccurring incidents.
2) Employing Aftermarket Safety Technology
Currently there are several aftermarket products available to aid drivers in the safe operation of their vehicles, many of which are cost-effective and easy to install on most trucks, vans, SUV's and cars. While it is beyond the scope of this article to address the broad array of safety solutions available today, you might consider learning more about the following:
a) Sensor Based Obstacle Detection: Backing-up sensors utilizing Doppler radar technology are extremely reliable and impervious to the affects of whether. While these devices can be more costly than the parking aid sonar-based products, they are far superior in performance for safety applications.
b) Camera Based Video Systems: Today's camera technology is extremely effective in giving visibility to blind spots that are often impossible for the driver to see. A common application is to monitor the rear of the vehicle via a color LCD display, helping to prevent reverse backing accidents.
c) Lane Departure Warning (LDW): Often camera based, these devices are most effective when used on highways and long distance driving. If the driver becomes distracted or fatigued, a warning goes off if they begin to drift into another lane.
3) Safety Education & Training
Launching your program with an initial training is an effective way to get a running start. Take the opportunity to impart your company's safety goals, employee expectations and reasons why everyone can benefit through active participation. Employee drivers should receive ongoing training; also consider offering access to an internet based driver-training course. In addition, think about adding vehicle safety content to your company newsletter, furthering education and continuously reminding employees that safety is not a part time job.
Understanding the financial burden associated with motor vehicle crashes makes for a compelling case to take action to reduce the impact. It is a known fact that many traffic crashes are avoidable; investing in a company wide motor vehicle safety program can help save lives and reduce costs, ultimately providing benefits that are hard to ignore.
Welding Safety And Certification
Welding is one of the most resourceful activities in the world. Defined as a fabrication process that is used to join materials, welding often requires the melting of a material before joining it to another through the use of heat. The welding industry employs a large number of workers and, because it is a dangerous job, it requires specialized training and certification.
In addition to pre-employment training, welding also requires specific safety measures that must be followed by every worker. The proper knowledge combined with today’s technology can reduce the likelihood of injuries related to welding. However, the risks associated with any job can never be completely eliminated. Because welding commonly involves exposure to extreme heat, there is a significant risk of burns. In an effort to prevent this risk, welding professionals must wear protective clothing, including leather gloves and special long sleeve jackets. The additional coverage will help to prevent the likelihood of flames coming into contact with the skin and thereby helps to prevent burns.
Actual contact is not the only risk associated to welding. In fact, the brightness of the welding process is often damaging to the worker’s eye. A condition may develop as a result of the cornea becoming inflamed and/or the retina becoming burned after exposure to ultraviolet light. In order to prevent this occurrence, welding professionals are required to wear a helmet and goggles with a darkened face plate. A number of companies also manufacture helmets with the face plate built-in.
Welding professionals are also often exposed to harmful gases and/or smoke. In an effort to reduce the worker’s exposure to these potentially dangerous pollutants, proper ventilation must be provided. Employers who offer welding positions are responsible for the care and safety of their workers and, as such, are required to uphold certain safety standards in maintaining a proper work environment.
In order to find work as a welding professional, interested candidates are usually required to attend classes for certification. The length of time spent in this type of learning environment will vary depending on the position and required expertise of the welder. In order to enroll in welding certification classes, candidates will likely be required to pay a small fee before signing up. The certification process is not lengthy and classes typically last for several months. After successful completion, the graduate is awarded with a welding certification. At that time, he/she may apply for jobs in the industry that is related to their field of study.
Find more about welding jobs, underwater welding jobs, plastic welding and many other welding and engineering resources on csme.ca
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Aurel_Radulescu
Home Safety & Accessibility Features For Seniors
As we age, getting around in the home we have lived in for many years, can become much more difficult! It can seem like a hassle having to go up the stairs just to use the bathroom, or having to carry laundry up and down basement steps. Sometimes our home no longer seems as 'user-friendly' or as 'safe', when we are a little bit older and move a little bit slower. When seniors have to cope with health-related issues and safety concerns; some may chose to move into a place that is more accessible, but others will remain in the same home, even when it is not always in their best interest.
It is important that seniors make the home environment as safe and as functional as possible. If unsure of the home situation, an Occupational Therapist can be consulted. They can make recommendations on home accessibility and safety and provide useful information for the client and the family. Also, a local DME (durable medical equipment) company, can be a resource for many of the products recommended.
Whether staying put in an older home or moving to a newer home, here are a few things for seniors to consider:
Carpeting in the home should be low profile, such as with Berber carpeting. The padding should be no more than 3/8 inch thick. This makes it easier to navigate with a walker or wheelchair (w/c), and this provides more stability for those with poor balance. Hardwood floors and marble floors can often be slick, especially when wet, so precaution is needed. And throw rugs are not a good idea.
Doors should be wide enough to allow access for a w/c or walker. If the door width is too narrow by only an inch or so, a double-hinge (offset hinge) can be added; which allows the door to open away from the frame and this provides another 1-2 inches of width for access. Ideally, the bathroom door should swing out, not in; which allows easier exiting for someone using a walker or w/c.
If the home has stairs, make sure there is at least one handrail that goes the full length of the stairs. For non-carpeted stairs, use non-skid stair treads. The stairwell should have adequate lighting. A backpack can be used to take items up and down stairs; so the person can hold onto the handrails. If no longer able to navigate stairs, products such as the "Acorn Chair Lift" can be installed in most homes.
As we age a walk-in shower is preferred to a standard tub. Pre-fab shower stalls typically have a built in non-skid surface and some include grab bars. Tile floors in the shower will need a non-skid bath mat for safety. A shower seat and long handle shower extension allow for bathing while seated.
If a standard tub is used, a tub bar clamp can be securely attached to the side of the tub and help with safely transitioning in and out. A tub transfer bench can be used if unable to safely step in and out of the tub. Do not trust the suction cup grab bars attached to walls, use only grab bars that are securely attached to the studs.
Toilets that are a few inches taller are now becoming the standard in newer homes. Various toilet seat risers are one option for low toilets, but these are sometimes less convenient than replacing them with the ADA standard 17-19 inch seat height toilet commonly available.
Newer homes often have large kitchens and taller cabinets, but sometimes the tops shelves are out of reach for seniors. Look for storage space and cabinets that are within easy reach. Some corner shelves have room for a turnstile (Lazy Susan) that provides for more storage with easy access. A suction tip 'reacher' can help retrieve items out of reach.
A side-by-side refrigerator is often a good choice, as many more items can be placed within easy reach and the doors are not as wide. This makes it more convenient for someone who uses a walker or w/c. A walker bag or basket can help transport items, which allows the person to not compromise safety.
Newer homes often include an island for food preparation. It is typically taller than the counters, which allows for better access while standing. Unfortunately, seniors may need to sit for longer periods while in the kitchen area, and tall bar stools that pivot and do not have back support, are not a safe option for many. If a home is being custom built, the island can be made lower and have more depth underneath, which allows better access for a w/c or standard chair.
A front-loading washer and dryer mounted on stands, can make doing laundry less of an effort with less bending and lifting. Use a cart with wheels to move items around in the laundry area. (A cart is often convenient for the kitchen area also.) Do not carry laundry up and down stairs. A backpack (book bag) can be helpful. There are local senior agencies that provide various levels of care for seniors, and they can be enlisted to help with laundry and other household chores.
Electric stoves are safer to use than gas stoves, as people often lose the ability to smell as they age. And there is less risk of clothing catching on fire.
Homes should have both smoke detectors and CO detectors at every level of the home. Newer homes are prewired with detectors (electrically hardwired) and do not need to rely on batteries, which have to be constantly checked and replaced.
Make sure there are plenty of phones in the home, such as in the kitchen and bedrooms. Newer homes will have these extra phone jacks, but older homes typically do not.
GFCI ground fault electrical outlets should be installed in the kitchen, bathrooms, and outdoor areas, to prevent electrical shock from appliances. Newer homes will have these due to the updated electrical code, but some older homes may not comply with this code.
If there are steps going into the home and a walker or w/c is needed; a ramp, either temporary or permanent, can be used. A 1:12 incline is preferred, but 1:10 incline is acceptable in some instances. (Every one inch of height requires 10 or 12 inches of length.) The steeper pitch of 1:10 makes it more difficult to go up quickly and down slowly, and is more effort for the person who has to push the w/c. Temporary or permanent ramps can be installed by a local DME company.
Tim Mancino, OTR/L, is a licensed Occupational Therapist & Consultant, with over 12 years rehabilitation experience working with seniors. For more information regarding Occupational Therapy and geriatric care, please visit: http://www.OT4Life.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tim_Mancino
It is important that seniors make the home environment as safe and as functional as possible. If unsure of the home situation, an Occupational Therapist can be consulted. They can make recommendations on home accessibility and safety and provide useful information for the client and the family. Also, a local DME (durable medical equipment) company, can be a resource for many of the products recommended.
Whether staying put in an older home or moving to a newer home, here are a few things for seniors to consider:
Carpeting in the home should be low profile, such as with Berber carpeting. The padding should be no more than 3/8 inch thick. This makes it easier to navigate with a walker or wheelchair (w/c), and this provides more stability for those with poor balance. Hardwood floors and marble floors can often be slick, especially when wet, so precaution is needed. And throw rugs are not a good idea.
Doors should be wide enough to allow access for a w/c or walker. If the door width is too narrow by only an inch or so, a double-hinge (offset hinge) can be added; which allows the door to open away from the frame and this provides another 1-2 inches of width for access. Ideally, the bathroom door should swing out, not in; which allows easier exiting for someone using a walker or w/c.
If the home has stairs, make sure there is at least one handrail that goes the full length of the stairs. For non-carpeted stairs, use non-skid stair treads. The stairwell should have adequate lighting. A backpack can be used to take items up and down stairs; so the person can hold onto the handrails. If no longer able to navigate stairs, products such as the "Acorn Chair Lift" can be installed in most homes.
As we age a walk-in shower is preferred to a standard tub. Pre-fab shower stalls typically have a built in non-skid surface and some include grab bars. Tile floors in the shower will need a non-skid bath mat for safety. A shower seat and long handle shower extension allow for bathing while seated.
If a standard tub is used, a tub bar clamp can be securely attached to the side of the tub and help with safely transitioning in and out. A tub transfer bench can be used if unable to safely step in and out of the tub. Do not trust the suction cup grab bars attached to walls, use only grab bars that are securely attached to the studs.
Toilets that are a few inches taller are now becoming the standard in newer homes. Various toilet seat risers are one option for low toilets, but these are sometimes less convenient than replacing them with the ADA standard 17-19 inch seat height toilet commonly available.
Newer homes often have large kitchens and taller cabinets, but sometimes the tops shelves are out of reach for seniors. Look for storage space and cabinets that are within easy reach. Some corner shelves have room for a turnstile (Lazy Susan) that provides for more storage with easy access. A suction tip 'reacher' can help retrieve items out of reach.
A side-by-side refrigerator is often a good choice, as many more items can be placed within easy reach and the doors are not as wide. This makes it more convenient for someone who uses a walker or w/c. A walker bag or basket can help transport items, which allows the person to not compromise safety.
Newer homes often include an island for food preparation. It is typically taller than the counters, which allows for better access while standing. Unfortunately, seniors may need to sit for longer periods while in the kitchen area, and tall bar stools that pivot and do not have back support, are not a safe option for many. If a home is being custom built, the island can be made lower and have more depth underneath, which allows better access for a w/c or standard chair.
A front-loading washer and dryer mounted on stands, can make doing laundry less of an effort with less bending and lifting. Use a cart with wheels to move items around in the laundry area. (A cart is often convenient for the kitchen area also.) Do not carry laundry up and down stairs. A backpack (book bag) can be helpful. There are local senior agencies that provide various levels of care for seniors, and they can be enlisted to help with laundry and other household chores.
Electric stoves are safer to use than gas stoves, as people often lose the ability to smell as they age. And there is less risk of clothing catching on fire.
Homes should have both smoke detectors and CO detectors at every level of the home. Newer homes are prewired with detectors (electrically hardwired) and do not need to rely on batteries, which have to be constantly checked and replaced.
Make sure there are plenty of phones in the home, such as in the kitchen and bedrooms. Newer homes will have these extra phone jacks, but older homes typically do not.
GFCI ground fault electrical outlets should be installed in the kitchen, bathrooms, and outdoor areas, to prevent electrical shock from appliances. Newer homes will have these due to the updated electrical code, but some older homes may not comply with this code.
If there are steps going into the home and a walker or w/c is needed; a ramp, either temporary or permanent, can be used. A 1:12 incline is preferred, but 1:10 incline is acceptable in some instances. (Every one inch of height requires 10 or 12 inches of length.) The steeper pitch of 1:10 makes it more difficult to go up quickly and down slowly, and is more effort for the person who has to push the w/c. Temporary or permanent ramps can be installed by a local DME company.
Tim Mancino, OTR/L, is a licensed Occupational Therapist & Consultant, with over 12 years rehabilitation experience working with seniors. For more information regarding Occupational Therapy and geriatric care, please visit: http://www.OT4Life.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tim_Mancino
Proper Lighting For Traffic & Construction Site Safety
For areas of traffic construction, construction sites or even just home improvement, having proper lighting is crucial for safety, most of all, but also for accurate work. There are many types of lights for every job, here is an overview of traffic, construction and home safety work lights.
Traffic Safety Lights
Whether you're project is near the street or if you're doing construction on or near a road, traffic safety lights will be an important part of your project. Common types of safety lights include barricade lights, strobe lights, dome lights or warning lights. It's important to provide a barrier between the street and any sidewalks or paths and your work site. Placing barricade or work lights around the area to mark it is one way to make sure that no one accidentally walks into your work area and hurts themselves. Work lights usually come in amber, red or orange and in the flashing or strobe varieties. Barricade lights are the most effective for warning a person or vehicle of a construction area ahead, as barricade lights can be seen from a good distance away. Some traffic safety lights come in solar varieties, so that no wiring or extra hookup is needed to set them up. Many traffic safety lights use LED lights, which stands for "light emitting diode", LED lights tend to remain brighter, for longer periods of time and thus saves on maintenance costs as well.
Construction and Home Improvement Work Lights
While you may or may not be working on your home improvement projects at night, there's still a myriad of home projects for which you would need lighting. First, when working in an area of poor or no light, such as a basement, attic or a crawl space in your home. In addition, working under sinks, in cabinets or in dark garages. No matter whether you're painting, sanding, repairing, laying floor, staining or whatever the project may be, you will need good lighting. A work light will fit the job. These lights are usually portable and come in wattage anywhere from 150 to 500 watts and up. A rectangular light box is placed in a low profile coated metal stand. Some work lights can be placed on a taller stand and just about all work lights are completely adjustable in terms of angle of light. These work lights are portable and can be easily carried from room to room. One disadvantage of this type of work light is that the light will be very hot after it's been on for a long amount of time, this can cause minor burns if not careful. Though most companies provide some sort of barrier between the light casing and the handle, the light can still be very hot to the touch.
No matter the project, proper lighting is crucial and should be a priority for your own safety and accuracy.
Lydia Quinn writes for Brandon Safety Lights, a leading provider of barricade lights, barricade light accessories and traffic safety supplies. Visit us at: http://www.brandonsafetylights.com/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lydia_Quinn
Traffic Safety Lights
Whether you're project is near the street or if you're doing construction on or near a road, traffic safety lights will be an important part of your project. Common types of safety lights include barricade lights, strobe lights, dome lights or warning lights. It's important to provide a barrier between the street and any sidewalks or paths and your work site. Placing barricade or work lights around the area to mark it is one way to make sure that no one accidentally walks into your work area and hurts themselves. Work lights usually come in amber, red or orange and in the flashing or strobe varieties. Barricade lights are the most effective for warning a person or vehicle of a construction area ahead, as barricade lights can be seen from a good distance away. Some traffic safety lights come in solar varieties, so that no wiring or extra hookup is needed to set them up. Many traffic safety lights use LED lights, which stands for "light emitting diode", LED lights tend to remain brighter, for longer periods of time and thus saves on maintenance costs as well.
Construction and Home Improvement Work Lights
While you may or may not be working on your home improvement projects at night, there's still a myriad of home projects for which you would need lighting. First, when working in an area of poor or no light, such as a basement, attic or a crawl space in your home. In addition, working under sinks, in cabinets or in dark garages. No matter whether you're painting, sanding, repairing, laying floor, staining or whatever the project may be, you will need good lighting. A work light will fit the job. These lights are usually portable and come in wattage anywhere from 150 to 500 watts and up. A rectangular light box is placed in a low profile coated metal stand. Some work lights can be placed on a taller stand and just about all work lights are completely adjustable in terms of angle of light. These work lights are portable and can be easily carried from room to room. One disadvantage of this type of work light is that the light will be very hot after it's been on for a long amount of time, this can cause minor burns if not careful. Though most companies provide some sort of barrier between the light casing and the handle, the light can still be very hot to the touch.
No matter the project, proper lighting is crucial and should be a priority for your own safety and accuracy.
Lydia Quinn writes for Brandon Safety Lights, a leading provider of barricade lights, barricade light accessories and traffic safety supplies. Visit us at: http://www.brandonsafetylights.com/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lydia_Quinn
Alcohol Testing Methodology - Breathalyzer, Blood Testing, Etc
There are several different methods available for alcohol testing. Alcohol can be tested in the blood, breath, urine and saliva.
Blood Alcohol Testing
Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) is considered to be the standard for measuring the degree to which an individual is impaired by alcohol. For years, studies have shown that there is a direct correlation between the blood alcohol concentration and the degree to which reactions and judgments are impaired. The methodology used for blood alcohol testing is Gas Chromatography and is the most accurate forensic quality test in the industry today. However, drawing blood is an invasive and expensive procedure that most companies prefer to avoid.
Breath Alcohol Testing
It is well proven that there is a direct correlation between the blood alcohol concentration of a person and their breath alcohol contents. During respiration, gas is exchanged from the lungs to the blood (primarily oxygen) during inhalation, and visa versa (primarily C02) during exhalation. During this exchange, alcohol in the blood vaporizes and is carried out of the lungs in the exhaled breath. There are several types of breath alcohol testers available today. These range from disposable screening testers to the equipment that provides legally admissible results, including very expensive digital read-out breath alcohol monitors. These types of testers fall into three categories:
Evidential Breath Testing Devices
Non Evidential Portable Hand Held Devices
Disposable Devices (provides non forensic results)
The evidential breath testing devices are generally expensive (costs range from $2000-$5000 per unit), require regular maintenance, repair and calibration, and must be operated by certified personnel. Attachments such as sterile mouth pieces must be used each time a test is performed. These units are large table top units designed to be used in one location. Movement can cause a change in calibration which will require maintenance.
The portable hand held devices provide fairly accurate results and are used for screening purposes. By measuring the alcohol content in the breath, a reliable indication of the blood alcohol level is achieved. Portables devices are less accurate than evidential devices, however by comparing the cost performance ratio, these devices are affordable and sufficient for personal usage. Most potable devices are not evidential and therefore they cannot be used in the court of law.
The disposable devices are noninvasive, less accurate and non scalable methods of screening for alcohol. Can be used to detect the presence of alcohol with a rough estimate to the degree of impairment. Being disposable, the cost per test for preliminary screening is considerably higher than the cost of testing using portable devices.
Here is how they work The ethyl alcohol in the blood escapes through the lung tissue into the exhaled breath. The presence of ethyl alcohol in the breath is detectable by a color change of very sensitive chemically coated crystals contained in the Disposable Breath Analyzer. Immediately prior to use, the ampoule is ruptured by slight finger pressure on the outer flexible clear tube to release crystals within the confines of the tube. When the subject exhales into the tube, crystals interact with breath vapor and change color from yellow to blue if alcohol is present. If all the crystals change color completely, this indicates that the blood alcohol level of the subject is over 0.10%, exceeding the legal limit in most states.
Urine Alcohol Testing
Although urine alcohol testing will indicate the presence of alcohol of a person, it will not indicate the current condition of the individual. Once consumed, alcohol enters the blood through the stomach within 15 minutes, causing immediate impairment. It is then metabolized by the body and, after 1½ to 2 hours, will begin to show up in the urine. Therefore, urine alcohol does not measure a true condition of the person. The results indicate the condition several hours before.
Additionally, urine alcohol concentration does not directly correspond to blood alcohol concentration. Urine alcohol concentration will vary depending on the metabolism of the person and the amount of fluid in his system. For instance, a person who is slightly dehydrated will tend to have a higher alcohol concentration in his urine than someone who has a normal level of fluid in his system.
At least one study has indicated that a false positive for urine alcohol can occur. High levels of sugar and acetone in the body can cause fermentation in the urine, creating a false positive for urine alcohol. All things considered, the urine alcohol test is the least preferred or perhaps accurate test available for alcohol testing. It is worthwhile to read a supporting research paper published in THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PATHOLOGY: ERRORS OF CONVERTING A URINE ALCOHOL VALUE INTO A BLOOD ALCOHOL LEVEL. SIDNEY KAYE, PH.D., AND EDUARDO CARDONA, M. S.
Saliva Alcohol Testing
The second type of disposable tester available today tests the saliva for alcohol presence. Although a correlation between blood alcohol concentration and saliva alcohol concentration is believed to exist, the technology and chemical reaction employed has not been proven to be accurate or reliable.
Saliva testers are treated with an enzyme Alcohol Oxidize, which responds to alcohol in proportion to the concentration of alcohol in a mixed saliva sample placed on it. The user estimates the BAC by comparing the color change on the test strip patch to standard colors calibrated to correspond to different BACs.
Although some saliva testers seem to indicate the presence of alcohol fairly well, the enzyme alcohol oxidize used in these testers is easily effected by hot and cold temperatures. Hot temperatures will tend to indicate falsely high readings, while cold temperatures will tend to indicate falsely low readings. Exposure to temperatures above 80 degrees Fahrenheit or to ambient air will destroy the enzyme alcohol oxidize rendering the tester useless. Most saliva testers give no indication if contamination has occurred, they just will not work. Saliva testers generally have a shelf life of one year or less.
Additionally, most saliva testers do not have test results from independent laboratories.
Advanced Safety Devices is the manufacturer and distributor of Alcohol Breathalyzer devices for the past 15 years. Carrying a wide array of breathalyzer testing equipment, Advanced Safety Devices always maintains the most sophisticated breathalyzers at the most affordable price. Please visit http://www.safety-devices.com for more information.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jarred_Harris
Blood Alcohol Testing
Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) is considered to be the standard for measuring the degree to which an individual is impaired by alcohol. For years, studies have shown that there is a direct correlation between the blood alcohol concentration and the degree to which reactions and judgments are impaired. The methodology used for blood alcohol testing is Gas Chromatography and is the most accurate forensic quality test in the industry today. However, drawing blood is an invasive and expensive procedure that most companies prefer to avoid.
Breath Alcohol Testing
It is well proven that there is a direct correlation between the blood alcohol concentration of a person and their breath alcohol contents. During respiration, gas is exchanged from the lungs to the blood (primarily oxygen) during inhalation, and visa versa (primarily C02) during exhalation. During this exchange, alcohol in the blood vaporizes and is carried out of the lungs in the exhaled breath. There are several types of breath alcohol testers available today. These range from disposable screening testers to the equipment that provides legally admissible results, including very expensive digital read-out breath alcohol monitors. These types of testers fall into three categories:
Evidential Breath Testing Devices
Non Evidential Portable Hand Held Devices
Disposable Devices (provides non forensic results)
The evidential breath testing devices are generally expensive (costs range from $2000-$5000 per unit), require regular maintenance, repair and calibration, and must be operated by certified personnel. Attachments such as sterile mouth pieces must be used each time a test is performed. These units are large table top units designed to be used in one location. Movement can cause a change in calibration which will require maintenance.
The portable hand held devices provide fairly accurate results and are used for screening purposes. By measuring the alcohol content in the breath, a reliable indication of the blood alcohol level is achieved. Portables devices are less accurate than evidential devices, however by comparing the cost performance ratio, these devices are affordable and sufficient for personal usage. Most potable devices are not evidential and therefore they cannot be used in the court of law.
The disposable devices are noninvasive, less accurate and non scalable methods of screening for alcohol. Can be used to detect the presence of alcohol with a rough estimate to the degree of impairment. Being disposable, the cost per test for preliminary screening is considerably higher than the cost of testing using portable devices.
Here is how they work The ethyl alcohol in the blood escapes through the lung tissue into the exhaled breath. The presence of ethyl alcohol in the breath is detectable by a color change of very sensitive chemically coated crystals contained in the Disposable Breath Analyzer. Immediately prior to use, the ampoule is ruptured by slight finger pressure on the outer flexible clear tube to release crystals within the confines of the tube. When the subject exhales into the tube, crystals interact with breath vapor and change color from yellow to blue if alcohol is present. If all the crystals change color completely, this indicates that the blood alcohol level of the subject is over 0.10%, exceeding the legal limit in most states.
Urine Alcohol Testing
Although urine alcohol testing will indicate the presence of alcohol of a person, it will not indicate the current condition of the individual. Once consumed, alcohol enters the blood through the stomach within 15 minutes, causing immediate impairment. It is then metabolized by the body and, after 1½ to 2 hours, will begin to show up in the urine. Therefore, urine alcohol does not measure a true condition of the person. The results indicate the condition several hours before.
Additionally, urine alcohol concentration does not directly correspond to blood alcohol concentration. Urine alcohol concentration will vary depending on the metabolism of the person and the amount of fluid in his system. For instance, a person who is slightly dehydrated will tend to have a higher alcohol concentration in his urine than someone who has a normal level of fluid in his system.
At least one study has indicated that a false positive for urine alcohol can occur. High levels of sugar and acetone in the body can cause fermentation in the urine, creating a false positive for urine alcohol. All things considered, the urine alcohol test is the least preferred or perhaps accurate test available for alcohol testing. It is worthwhile to read a supporting research paper published in THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PATHOLOGY: ERRORS OF CONVERTING A URINE ALCOHOL VALUE INTO A BLOOD ALCOHOL LEVEL. SIDNEY KAYE, PH.D., AND EDUARDO CARDONA, M. S.
Saliva Alcohol Testing
The second type of disposable tester available today tests the saliva for alcohol presence. Although a correlation between blood alcohol concentration and saliva alcohol concentration is believed to exist, the technology and chemical reaction employed has not been proven to be accurate or reliable.
Saliva testers are treated with an enzyme Alcohol Oxidize, which responds to alcohol in proportion to the concentration of alcohol in a mixed saliva sample placed on it. The user estimates the BAC by comparing the color change on the test strip patch to standard colors calibrated to correspond to different BACs.
Although some saliva testers seem to indicate the presence of alcohol fairly well, the enzyme alcohol oxidize used in these testers is easily effected by hot and cold temperatures. Hot temperatures will tend to indicate falsely high readings, while cold temperatures will tend to indicate falsely low readings. Exposure to temperatures above 80 degrees Fahrenheit or to ambient air will destroy the enzyme alcohol oxidize rendering the tester useless. Most saliva testers give no indication if contamination has occurred, they just will not work. Saliva testers generally have a shelf life of one year or less.
Additionally, most saliva testers do not have test results from independent laboratories.
Advanced Safety Devices is the manufacturer and distributor of Alcohol Breathalyzer devices for the past 15 years. Carrying a wide array of breathalyzer testing equipment, Advanced Safety Devices always maintains the most sophisticated breathalyzers at the most affordable price. Please visit http://www.safety-devices.com for more information.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jarred_Harris
Boating Safety and Education
Boating safety may seem like a nuisance or too much extra hassle. After all, boating is supposed to be fun, right? Boating safety is not rocket science, and if you exercise common sense and do some planning ahead of your boating excursion, you should be able to have safe boating experience. The reality is that, generally speaking, most folk that are preparing for a day out on the water forget this and do not tend to focus on the safety issues at all.
Boating safety is tantamount to responsible boating and it shouldn't be taken lightly. Boating safety certification is a state-approved course for boaters. But it is NOT a license, it is a certification, which means that it is valid for a lifetime and can't be taken away from you.
Alcohol or drugs played a role in 22 percent. One in five victims was operating a personal watercraft, and Miami-Dade led in the number of personal watercraft accidents, with 21. Alcohol was either a direct or indirect contributing factor in approximately one-fourth of all boating accidents, while operator errors accounted for 70%. These are devastating statistics and should serve as a wake-up call to anyone on the water, so start boating safety now. Alcohol and water don't mix. In a Red Cross study, two-thirds of boating injury victims had consumed alcohol.
Accidents involving Personal Watercraft have almost doubled in the last few years. Accident risks multiply at busy times such as July 4th weekend, when recreational boating increases on popular lakes and rivers. The chance of being involved in an accident cannot be completely alleviated but can be reduced by using good judgment, courtesy, common sense and knowledge and obedience of boating safety laws. Accident statistics have identified items to be addressed through a combination of education, public awareness and possible manufacturing changes. Some of these items include better understanding of the operator's responsibility by some PWC riders, especially renters and non-owner operators.
Persons accompanied in a vessel by a person exempt. A person is exempt from this requirement if there is a person on board who is not affected by this law or is at least 18 years of age and holds a boater education I.D. Persons between the ages of 12 and 16 are now prohibited from operating a personal watercraft without the direct, on-board supervision of a person over the age of 18. For boating safety, a personal watercraft is defined as a vessel less than 16 feet in length propelled by machinery, and designed to be operated by an individual sitting or kneeling on the vessel rather than sitting or kneeling inside the vessel. Personal watercraft (PWC), such as Jet Skis, must follow all boating laws in addition to specific rules. Make boating safety natural for all family members.
Anyone is eligible to take the class and receive a boating safety education completion certificate. For children under 12 years of age, the certificate does not become valid until the child reaches 12 years of age. Anyone operating a motorboat, including a personal watercraft, in Colorado must be at least 16 years old. Fourteen and 15-year-olds who successfully complete a state approved boating safety course, such as the one offered by Colorado State Parks, can operate a motorboat in Colorado.
Coast Guard contains information about Federal boating laws, equipment requirements and boating safety recommendations for recreational vessels. Loaded with charts, graphics and diagrams, this brochure covers navigational rules, cold water survival and life jacket requirements to name a few. Coast Guard received reports for 4,969 boating incidents; 3,474 boaters were reported injured, and 710 died. Of people who drowned, only one in ten had a life jacket on. Coastal rivers are affected by tides. Paddling against tidal flow makes a trip difficult.
Check your local adult community school for available boating safety courses. Find a course near you by calling 1-800-336-2628.
Martin Johnson - JMW Global Ventures, LLC
Family Weekend Break in the Camping World
"Trying to make camping, fishing, boating and hiking better for families."
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Martin_Johnson
The Fire Alarm Technician Plays an Important Role in Public Safety
There is a long list of career paths that may interest those who wish to help make the world a safer place for us all. Careers in police work, fire fighting, and ambulance service may come to mind. However, there are other careers –important careers- that also play an equally pivotal role, but many of those careers are lesser known than their high profile counterparts. A fire alarm technician is one of those careers.
A fire alarm is a critical element of safety that each of us relies upon for our personal safety at work, home, and play. Fire alarms save lives and protect property each and everyday, and not one of us would ever consider buying a home or working in an office that did not have a functioning fire alarm system. But how often do we consider the fire alarm technician who ensures that those fire alarm systems are working? In many ways, the fire alarm technician is a keystone to the safety of us all, and it may be a career worth considering for those who possess an interest in public safety.
Fire alarm technicians are typically responsible for testing, repair, and installation of fire alarm systems. In addition, a fire alarm technician is responsible for executing testing and inspection programs and filing the proper reports in order to document the results of those tests and inspections. But before a fire alarm technician is ready to perform these important tasks, they must undergo a thorough training and, in many cases, an apprentice program.
A competent fire alarm technician must be well versed in all varieties of fire alarm systems as well as standard practices of the industry. Fire alarm technicians must have a considerable knowledge of the principles of electricity, as well as knowledge of blueprints and electrical diagrams. Fire alarm technicians must also have a thorough knowledge of the electrical and fire codes in the various locales in which they operate. When you add to that the knowledge needed to install and repair fire alarm systems, and the enormous responsibility that the job entails, it becomes evident that fire alarm technician is a valuable and important career.
For easy to understand, in depth information about fire alarm technician visit our ezGuide 2 Fire Alarms.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michelle_Bery
Health and Safety Consultant: What’s With Health and Safety Consultancy
Almost all companies are faced with risks in their jobs. This is not the risk of loosing the job. But risks associated with health and safety. Even a clerk is faced with such risks. Merely sitting down for 8 straight hours can have health consequences. It would mean back pains, strained eyes, or stiff necks. For more sensitive bodies, it could lead to anal hemorrhoids. Then there is the ergonomics and eyes issue in using computers. Not every business can see these details. They would notice this only when the employee got sick already. When this happens, there is high rate of absenteeism. And for the business, this is truly not advantageous.
Before a business could ever experience the consequence of absenteeism of employees due to sickness, it is important that they recognize the causes of such illness. Surely, since employees spend considerable amount of time at work, it must be that the set-up or the business environment has a contributory factor of the employee’s health. It is then important that businesses call health and safety consultant to evaluate the working environment as well as any factors that can possibly be detrimental to the employees’ health. Remember that it is hard to regret. What is important is prevention of illness before illness of employees ever strikes. And preventions mean knowing what would affect the health of the employees in the working environment.
Relevance of Health and Safety Consultancy
Businesses owners and employers who are truly concerned on the welfare of the employees can call upon health and safety consultancy. Those who are concerned are those who see that people are important in the function of the business. If you are one of the business owners or employers who value the works of your employers, then you are most likely concerned with the health and safety of the employees. Otherwise, it would not matter to you if they leave their work because of sickness. You would not also mind if employees have frequent absences. In which case, this means that it’s better that you have no workers at all. What does it leave you then? Would your business continue to operate without people working for you? Do you want to invest in employment only to find out that there are no people who are willing to work for you because they are faced with health risks? If the answers to these questions are a big NO, then you truly need to be concerned about the health of your employees. If you don’t know how to start getting concerned, you need to talk to health and safety consultant.
Function of the Health and Safety Consultant
When you find health and safety consultant like Proactive Health & Safety, they would give you comprehensive health and safety consultancy. The business environment, set up, and any employee concerns will be taken into account. Then matched with the consultant’s expertise on how general health and safety of the working environment, they will give suggestions, rules, and policies that you can employ in your business. The aim is to provide utmost health and safety consultancy so that employers can utilize the employees’ function.
Overall, it is important that businesses go into health and safety consultancy. This is to avoid employee absenteeism due to sickness. This is also to prevent fast turnover of employees who find it risky to work in the hazardous and unsafe working environment. With health and safety consultant like Proactive Health & Safety available, businesses can create a safe and employee-concerned working environment.
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