Do You Need a Fire Safety Plan For Your Business?

Did someone say fire plan...what is a fire safety plan?

Fire Departments and building occupants use a fire safety plan to aid them in evacuating a hazardous building. Fire plans allow the occupant to know where they are and the following key component to deal with an emergency situation.

Location of all exit doors
Location of all fire extinguishers
Location of all fire pull stations

A Fire Safety Plan also includes a written fire safety manual for staff and property owners.

WHO NEEDS A FIRE SAFETY PLAN?

The fire code states, a fire safety plan is required for any:

Building that is equipped with a fire alarm system
Premise that handles or stores flammable or combustible liquids
Premise that handles hazardous material
Premise that is considered a construction site

HOW OFTEN DO I NEED TO UPDATE MY FIRE PLAN?

Unless you have structural changes to your premise, updating a fire plan is not necessary.

What Kind of business are you talking about?

Commercial Building such as
Restaurants
Fast Food places
Bars
Night Clubs
Retail Stores like Futures shop, The Bay, Sears, Shoppers Drug Mart, Best Buy
Malls

Did I mention that you should have a fire plan for your house....here are some tips.

Talk to your family about fire safety. Ask your children what they know, and fill in the blanks as you discuss escape routes and ways to extinguish a fire.

Step 2

Plan an escape route as a family. There should be two exits from every room. Draw a map of the escape plan and post it in every occupied room of the house. Include emergency numbers on the plan.

Step 3

Teach your children how to escape and how to extinguish a fire. Buy window ladders for every occupied second- or third-floor room. Show your children how to climb out the windows. Show them how to crawl under smoke to find an exit. Show them how to cover their mouths and noses with their shirts to assist breathing. Show your children how to stop, drop and roll if fire is on their person.

Step 4

Designate older family members to assist very young or very old family members in the event of a fire.

Step 5

Decide on a meeting spot outside the house. Have all family members meet at the gathering spot after every drill. After two people have reached the meeting spot, one should go for help.

Step 6

Let children hear the fire alarm in your house. Young children become frightened and confused very easily. If an alarm goes off in the house and then the room fills with smoke, you want your child to know what to do - not hide in a closet because of fear.

Step 7

Practice. Set up the fire safety plan and rehearse it at least every six months. Designate a monthly fire marshal in your house, who will set up practice dates and lead the exercise.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Aman_Cheema


The Role of a Fire Extinguisher in Fire Safety Regulation Compliance

On October 1, 2006, new legislation on Fire Safety in the UK was implemented. One of the major changes was that employers are now solely responsible for ensuring their business premises undergo a proper fire safety risk assessment and for the fire safety within their premises. Under the revised rules, there is a legally assigned 'responsible person' who will shoulder complete liability in case of a fire. With such an enormous responsibility placed, the business owner must be able to provide sufficient fire safety and fire fighting equipment for the protection of the employees or people who enter the workplace. One of the best fire-fighting tool is the fire extinguisher.

The fire extinguisher has undergone many improvements in the past few years. With all these new features, there is a type available for practically any kind of business and for any type of fire. In order to determine which type to install in the workplace, it is important to obtain information regarding the classes of fires and the extinguisher which is suitable for stopping the spread of fire. In the UK, six classes of fire exist: Class A: solids (paper, wood, cloth, etc); Class B: liquids (flammable liquids such as petrol and diesel); Class C: flammable gas; Class D: flammable metals Class F: cooking oils, grease; and Electrical Class.

Different areas of a specific business establishment will start different classes of fires. For instance, in a hotel, there is a high possibility an Electrical Class fire will occur in the office instead of in the hotel kitchen, which is likely to have a Class F fire. As the person who is responsible for fire safety in the establishment, you should be aware a wet chemical fire extinguisher is the best type for this section of the hotel. Meanwhile, the hotel office will benefit more from the automatic, powder, and CO2 extinguishers.

In addition to complying with the UK law to have this device accessible in the business area, the business owner must also check that employees are properly educated as to the correct way to operate a fire extinguisher. Remember that with the proper training, the person handling the extinguisher can stop the spread of a potentially destructive fire and buy some time for the professional fire fighters to handle it. Finally, a monthly inspection must be conducted internally and the observations recorded in a 'Fire Log Book'. This allows you to verify that the fire extinguisher will fulfill its purpose should it be necessary to use it.

A fire is one of the most devastating tragedies a business can experience. At the very least, it can disrupt work and lose the business owner money. At its worst, it can lead to lost lives and the possibility that the business will not be able to recover from the misfortune. It has happened before, and it can happen again. Comply with the fire regulations and invest in a fire extinguisher. As a highly effective weapon against the destruction which an uncontrolled fire can wreak, it will guarantee you, your employees, and your clients' greater peace of mind.

Bennett Glover is a professional fire safety expert and consultant for commercial businesses to help promote fire safety and awareness in the UK area. He regularly writes articles to inform the general public about the safest ways of handling fires and how to prevent them in the first place. His knowledge and expertise has earned him many writing and speaking engagements. He enjoys teaching fire safety to students, business owners, and learning institutions to help save lives.

For more tips and information about fire extinguisher and car fire extinguisher, please visit: http://www.fireprotectiononline.co.uk/car-fire-extinguisher/.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bennett_Glover

Short Safety Videos Are a Great Human Resource Tool

If you are a human resource manager in charge of your company's safety programs, you know that it can be a real challenge to come up with new and inventive ways to get the information across to employees effectively, do it in a timely manner, and make it comprehensive enough to remain in compliance with state and federal regulations. Short safety videos, downloaded to a computer from an online safety library, are a great human resource tool: here's more about them.

What Are They?

Safety videos downloaded from an online safety library are professionally-produced, "safety-in-a-nutshell" films that get right to the point without wasting time or boring employees into not watching. Most videos are under 10 minutes long and cover topics such as:

-- Ladder safety
-- Forklift tip over accidents
-- Safety eyewear
-- Fall prevention
-- Hearing conservation
-- Even small business safety, workplace stress management, and more.

How Are They Used?

Because these safety videos are downloaded right to an individual computer or even a network, they can be viewed anytime either by an individual or by a group. They can be used for new employee training or as refreshers for veteran workers. They cover all OSHA, EPA, and DOT regulatory topics, so there is one that is just right for your employees' specific training needs.

The videos are short and sweet, comprehensive, and to the point, so employees' interest will not wane as it would during a long presentation.

Adding safety videos to your ongoing training and education program is a great, cost-effective idea that really works.

Safety Info, Inc. (http://www.safetyinfo.com/) offer an online safety library of risk management resources, workplace safety programs, forms, training material & management software for your company. Ryan Coisson is a freelance writer.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ryan_Coisson

The History of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration

While some people might argue that the government is always trying to interfere with legislation and regulation, no one can argue that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or OSHA, has taken large measures to protect workers' safety and their rights to a hazard-free workplace. OSHA has risen in importance from the time of its conception, and now almost every single business displays special OSHA posters on their walls to inform workers of their rights.

The birthday of OSHA was December 29, 1970. Then-President Richard Nixon signed the Williams-Steiger Occupational Safety and Health Act into law. The purpose of the act was to give the national government the authority to set, monitor, and enforce proper safety techniques around most workplaces. The Secretary of Labor at the time, James Hodgson, set up the Occupational Safety and Health Agency under the Department of Labor on April 28, 1971.

At first, many people complained about the act. The agency required companies to retrofit machinery with protective guards, as well as provide training and documentation that was expensive and time-consuming. Also, the Department of Labor was not very strict about consistently enforcing the act. Because of all of the work cut out for them, OSHA administrators first turned their focus on the especially dangerous companies and industries, as well as the regulation of asbestos.

Even these tasks did not relieve the administration from criticism. There was an uproar over small vs. large business regulation, the need for nitpicky documentation, and other aspects of OSHA's control. However, two tragic workplace accidents in 1973 proved the necessity of having safety regulations in for the business world. The government officials worked hard to bring their rules up to date, both with safety and health topics.

This eventually lead to a crackdown on chemicals used by a number of different businesses. January 14, 1989, marked the date on which OSHA reasserted its authority by declaring exposure limits for 52 chemicals, up from its original 24 limitations created during the lifespan of the agency. Some speculate that this was to help OSHA "practice what it preached."

The 21st century has shown OSHA as a group that has fully matured and is now in control of worker's safety and health rights. There has been legislation passed to reduce ergonomic injuries, as well as large fines given by the agency to companies who cause oil spills and who are found lacking in health standards. Now, OSHA develops similar regulatory programs at the state level and encourages employees to report their concerns about hazards in the workplace. It works to save lives and protect people from work-related illness and injury. As you can see, it has come a long way since its induction, and it now serves as a major guideline for businesses today.

If you feel that your company has not followed OSHA standards, leading to personal injury or death, you may qualify for financial compensation. For more information on personal injury law in your area, check out the Legal City Attorney Search Directory today.

Joseph Devine

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joseph_Devine


A Look at Safety Regulations

These days there are many safety checks on everything we come across. From our workplaces to town centres and any equipment we use, everything is rigorously tested to make sure it is safe for its purpose. Hear we look at some areas where health and safety has an impact.

CAR SAFETY
Car safety has improved dramatically over the last few decades. When the automobile was first used there were no regulations and the industry was still relatively unregulated until half way through the last century. Seat beats have been the most important development in car safety and have been given credit for saving thousands of lives. Car manufacturers started introducing seat belts in the late 1950's with Volvo the first to do so. They were made compulsory in the front of cars in 1983 but not in the back until 1991. More recently air bags have been introduced by manufacturers. These are not compulsory but almost all new cars now have them installed.

Cars have to go through rigorous safety check to qualify as road worthy, which includes crash tests. Safety records are also used as a marketing tool by manufacturers, with those with the best records selling cars off the back of this. Cars are specifically designed to be as safe as possible. As well as checks before they are put on the road, cars also have to go through an MOT (specific to the UK). This is a group of tests carried out three years after a car is first used, and then every year thereafter. These test decide whether a car is deemed safe for use on the road.

PAT TESTING
PAT Testing stands for Portable Appliance Testing and is the regulatory test that must legally be carried out regularly on portable appliances. A PAT test will give and pass or fail result that will tell the users whether or not it is safe for use. PAT Testing is required for any portable appliances that are in public use. This includes any appliances (including fridges and ovens) that are supplied as part of a rented property, any equipment used in schools or the workplace, and anything that is used by or around the general public.

PUBLIC BUILDINGS
All public buildings are now subject to health and safety checks and regulations. They have to abide by certain rules to make sure the public are kept as safe as possible. Fire prevention methods need to be in operation and there must be sufficient fire escapes that are clearly marked. Any potential dangers, such as slippery floors, also need to marked. Other public areas also have regulations they must abide by.

WORKPLACES
Strict health and safety rules apply to all places of work. They are subject to many of the same health and safety regulations as public buildings. Regulations have been put in place to protect staff, and if applicable, customers. Employees need to be trained correctly so they are able to use any dangerous equipment correctly. Accidents also need to be recorded and reviewed to make sure a similar incident does not occur again if avoidable. Rules vary depending on the industry.

RESTAURANT & OTHER EATERIES
There are strict regulations for restaurants and eateries with regard to hygiene. For example, staff have to wash their hand regularly. Depending on the establishment and the job role specific clothing may have to be worn and other clothing may be banned. Employees with long hair who work in the kitchen must wear a hair net or have their hair tied back. Restaurants are subject to regular inspections and there can be on-the-spot inspections by health and safety officers.

HOSPITALS AND MEDICAL CENTRES
Not surprisingly there are many regulations around medical care. It is important that decease is not spread amongst patients so there are many rules to prevent this. Visitors and staff are asked to rub their hands with alcohol to sterilise them. Everything possible needs to be done to keep the risk of spreading infection to a minimum.

Andrew Marshall ©

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andrew_Marshall


Why Are Elevators Safe For the Public to Ride?

Many people often wonder, are elevators safe for the public to ride! To answer the question, of coarse they're safe. For many years elevators have evolved from simple machines that had to have a live elevator operator on it to control basic functions. But today, elevators don't need baby sitters to watch it's every move.

Elevators travel millions of miles without incident, and rarely do you hear of fatalities, but sometimes an occasional door malfunction, not leveling and the worst, a stuck upset passenger. Elevators are the life blood of buildings, thus enabling personnel to operate as one functional unit instead of splinters of confusion. The question has often risen, are elevators safe for the public to ride, especially after a major public incident!

Regardless of what has happen in the past, the local state, and federal government has dramatically improved elevator public safety by mandating frequent inspections, including annual test of major components, also 5 year test on other pertinent equipment to ensure safe, smooth operations for years to come. Also the number of state elevator inspectors has increased because of more frequent inspections for public safety.

The public always assumes that an elevator is not safe or is in disrepair when the unit is being serviced by an elevator technician. And when people spot technicians getting on top of an elevator to inspect hoist cables or just routine maintenance it is automatically believed that something is wrong. I personally thank elevator personnel for the fine job they do to keep us safe from harm by placing their lives on the line each and everyday to keep us safe.

When the question is asked, are elevators safe for the public to ride the answer is always yes, especially if the technicians work for Union elevator companies, who acquire the highest trained mechanics and apprentices in the country, who undergo rigorous and extensive training for years. Just remember you should worry about elevators that never get inspected, instead of ones that are routinely maintained.

All About Drug Testing Kits

Drug tests are technical examinations of blood, hair, oral fluid, and sweat to determine the presence or absence of specific illicit substances. Many companies, schools, and organizations have started to implement drug testing policies to help ensure the safety of employees and students, as well as to determine if employees and students are fit to go to work or school.

Drug testing kits can help much in determining the presence or absence of prohibited drugs in samples gathered from subjects and they can come in different forms. Manufacturers of these test kits need to comply with FDA rules and must adhere to cut off levels prescribed by the SAMSHA.

Drug testing kits are not only used by diagnostic or medical laboratories. There are also test kits that are available for home use. Whichever way, these testing kits are often designed to have simple testing procedures but they can yield very accurate results. They are available in most health supply shops and pharmacies, and there are also websites that allow you to place orders online and have testing kits delivered at your doorstep.

There are different kinds of testing kits for drugs. The most common include urine, saliva, blood, and hair drug test kits. Different kits yield different lengths of drug use history. Saliva drug test or screening kits can reveal drug use in the last 24 hours, while hair drug test kits can reveal drug use within the past 90 days.

Drug test and screening kits are being used in various institutions, organizations, and even at home. For example, employers typically choose drug test kits that have simple screening procedures but can yield accurate results. Schools, colleges, and universities use drug test kits to determine whether or not students have the potential to become drug users or dependents. Rehabilitation centers also use these test kits to so that reports can be made in a quick manner, which in turn can help in making better decisions.

Indeed, drug testing kits are simple yet effective ways of determining the absence or presence of illicit substances in a person's system. They can help reveal the presence of prohibited drugs like amphetamines, cannabis, heroine, and barbiturates. These kits make it convenient for authorities to pinpoint drug users in communities, schools, and offices. In this manner, the safety of the public can be better ensured and drug users can be saved from the harmful effects of illicit substances.

In a world of changing ethics and propelling questions hair follicle drug testing has a variety of uses. Hair drug tests are something the athletic organizations, forensics, insurance companies and large corporations will need to be aware of. Hair drug testing is one of the top methods because it can provide an accurate history of use and is the longest lasting piece of evidence.

Why You Need Child Internet Safety Software

There is a desperate need for parents to take control of their children's internet usage. Child Internet safety software is a smart and easy way to protect your children from the dangers on the Internet. It is a vital part of your families' safety if you have children and the Internet.

Why do you need it?

Your child is exposed to countless dangers on the Internet including pedophiles, sex offenders and cyber bullies. Plus, chatting can be an innocent activity that your child participates in, but many dangers lurk there as well. What kind of information is your child getting online? Even though we'd all like to think we teach our children what is right from what is wrong, they can still be so easily deceived online, so we must protect them. They could be in serious danger already.

So what should you do?

By simply installing child Internet safety software, you can ensure that your children will be guarded against the unforeseen dangers online. There are stealth software systems that allow you to control what happens on your child's PC without them ever knowing it. Should you choose to tell your children that you have installed this software, they will not be able to operate it or delete it without your secret password. Either way your children will be protected and you will have peace of mind as they surf the net.

Please don't let another day go by with your child at risk on the Internet! Take action today and get this safety software in order to protect your innocent children.

I am a mother, and an advocate for children's safety on the internet. Trust me, you need to monitor your children now...before it's too late. For invaluable information on a great child internet safety software visit child internet safety software

Choosing Your Health & Safety Training Provider

Health and Safety in the workplace should be a very high priority in all businesses, large and small. With the United Kingdom's Health and Safety Executive bringing in ever tighter regulations it is incumbent on all employers and workplace managers to keep abreast of them and ensure they are enforced to the letter. Failure to do so could lead to prosecutions, the payment of compensation claims and higher insurance premiums.

In order to keep up with health and safety regulations more and more businesses are now turning to outside agencies to receive assistance. Some are also appointing members of their own staff as specialists to deal with these issues. In short, they require people in the workplace with sound knowledge of health and safety regulations and good practice.

In order to ensure these people have the correct knowledge they are turning to agencies that provide health and safety know how. There are many of the agencies around specialise in that kind of work. So it is up to employers to pick the one that is best for their company when choosing a health and safety training provider.

Obviously you should choose a training provider that provides top quality training and one that is properly accredited. Many training providers teach courses that are developed, approved and accredited by the Institute of Occupational Safety and Health - IOSH.

The IOSH is an independent non-profit organisation that sets the professional standards and gives guidance on health and safety matters. It is a worldwide body, has 35,000 members and over a third of these are chartered health and safety practitioners.

As well as finding a health and safety training provider you also need to decide what kind of training your company needs. This can vary widely from business to business depending on size, and the kind of work that is done. Also your company may need a degree of specialisation in health and safety matters.

Of course, an introductory course is ideal for all businesses, covering the ground work before moving on to to any specialisation. The IOSH provide their Working Safely Certificate which covers areas such as an introduction to working safely, the improvement of safety performance, as well as the responsibility of the individual to safety at work.

When choosing a health and safety provider it is important to choose a properly accredited agency to teach you or your representative both the responsibilities demanded under the law and the best practices for you to meet them.

Springfield Training are accredited IOSH training providers providing a range of Health and Safety training from their base in Hull, east Yorkshire

Food Safety Certification - Who Needs It, Who Doesn't, and Why

Food safety certification is critical for many people who work in the food service industry. It doesn't matter whether you work in fast food or at a 5-star restaurant because everyone could use a little education about food safety. Some restaurants have different requirements than others, and states all have different laws about who needs to be trained in food safety within the workplace. Some states will require anyone working at a facility to have certification, while others might only require it of upper management and certain employees. Food safety training is much more important for a chef, for example, than it might be for a waiter or waitress.

Even if you aren't required to have food safety certification, it might still be something that you want to invest in. Having extra education and certification can allow you to get better paying positions and find more room for growth or promotions within the workplace. Generally, certification is best suited only for those who handle, prepare, and manage the preparation of food. However, anyone can benefit from knowing a little bit more about food safety. Many restaurants will require management positions to have this certification, but won't require it of part-time employees.

Most employees can be trained on the job to do the right thing when it comes to food safety, so certification isn't an issue. Moreover, there are many restaurants who won't train part time or even full time non-management employees simply because the cost and resources are too great, and there is a high turnover rate within this industry. Employers never know how long non-management employees will last, especially in the fast food sector, so many won't bother with certified training for their staff unless it is mandated by state law.

In order to figure out whether food safety certification is required in your state or not, you can contact your state or local health department and figure out what the legalities are. Keep in mind that even if it isn't required, food certification is often still a good idea simply because it can make everyone more efficient and productive on the job, allowing your restaurant or facility to serve food better and more responsibly than they might have otherwise. People tend to enjoy restaurants that pride themselves on being professional and responsible, and if you want your restaurant to succeed this is a critical step. You should consider getting certification if you own, manage, or cook/prepare food at any type of restaurant whether it is required or not.

Learn2Serve.com offers Online Food Safety Training for people who work in food service industry on affordable rates with flexibility and convenience.

Medical Information Software - Methodical Approach to Drug Safety

The health and wellness business is growing by leaps and bounds year after year. There has been a huge population explosion world wide combined with some unprecedented medical challenges posed by an increasing pollution, climate change and spread of world wide pandemics and illness challenges of global dimensions. With the privilege of providing health care comes the humongous responsibility of drug companies to act with care and in the best interests of human safety and security of precious lives the world over.

There can be no compromise in terms of drug safety as any slip up or error could lead to death of millions of innocent patients due to negligence and criminal carelessness. Thus, the medical field is highly regulated with superior standards of compliance and reporting in place to minimize drug recalls and after effects.

This has led to the development of medical information software that provides companies with a streamlined and methodical, systems based approach of communication related to drugs safety and compliance measures. Every drug company deals with approving authorities and government departments, R&D specialists as well as internal laboratories, sales and distribution intermediaries, medical professionals and doctors in addition to the end user, who is the patient or the customer. A medical information software system facilitates effective communication and interfaces between these key stakeholders of the drug company.

So, this system helps to handle doctors' queries, patient complaints, regulatory authority audits and requirements too in an integrated and seamless manner. Some medical information software even come with enhanced tools like staff calendar management, built in quality control, FAQ management, correspondence and document management, and reporting. It goes without saying that such software enables greater integration with regulatory systems.

The application of medical information software has become quite universal with pharmaceutical MNCs as well as single product boutique companies adopting this software with élan.

Things to Avoid When Buying PC Tattletale Internet Safety Software

In case you have heard about PC Tattletale, one of the most popular and award winning parental control tool you could possibly find online, you would know that many parents are already experiencing positive responses from this piece of software. However, as good as it may have claimed, there are still things you need to avoid when buying this software and for this reason, this article is written. In this article, you are going to discover what are some of the things you need to avoid and by the time you have finished reading this article, you will bring home with you something you have never thought of before.

The first thing you need to avoid is to make prompt decisions to buy PC Tattletale. As cheap as fifty dollars, you can download the monitor tool instantly and this is why, the more you need to be careful not to make prompt decisions. In many cases, parents are desperate for a solution just to protect their kids from the harmful online environment and hoping that they can have a glimpse of what their children are doing over the Internet. With the advanced technology and software developed by professional programmers today, you can actually do a lot more than just filtering certain websites from your children. In fact, with PC Tattletale, you can monitor the conversations they had in the chatroom, check out their network of friends at MySpace and monitor what software they have been using for their daily computer usage activities. Having said that, you are advised to buy this software only when you really feel that there is such a need to protect your kids to this extend. Are you spying on your kids? Are you invading their privacy? Are they cool with you monitoring their every single move through their entire computer usage? These are some of the questions you will need to think about when you are buying this parental control tool.

The second thing you need take note is to avoid buying other Internet filtering programs that do nothing else but to block your children from accessing some other websites that are unintended. This is because PC Tattletale actually does more than just filtering some of these websites as mentioned above. If you are considering buying one, then you can just forget about it and get the complete pack so that you can do everything you can to protect your kids from the pedophiles and accessing to pornography websites. Since you are investing anyway, why not considering buying one that gives you more than what you need and yet they are useful to bring your family a healthy living environment? Something for you to think about.

The third thing you need to avoid when it comes to buying PC Tattletale is to buy the CD version of the software. While there are both CD and download versions available, it is still advisable for you to get the download version because you can download and start monitoring your kids' online activities immediately. In addition, you will need to wait for another few days if not one week to have the CD shipped to your door step. For this reason, you are encouraged to get the download version instead of the CD version.

Now that you already know what are the things you need to avoid when you are buying PC Tattletale. The next thing you need to do is to see for yourself whether or not you should invest your hard earned bucks in this parental control program. When you use it properly, you will have positive effect but when you abuse it, it may even damage the relationship between you and your family members. Make sure you put deep thoughts to it before you buy.

Protect your kids from the harmful online environment with the one and only PC Tattletale. For more information, please visit the PC Tattletale review website.

Software Programs For Internet Safety

With so many computers in the home, office, and public places, the number of people accessing the internet has grown at an astounding rate. Unfortunately, this has resulted in more criminal behavior such as an increased risk of Worms, Viruses, Malaware, Trojans, Hackers, and people trying to steal other users' personal and financial information. Fortunately, companies have responded to these security threats by creating software to protect users while they are connected to the internet.

Norton 360 version 3.0 Premier Edition: The "360" in the name of this product indicates the packages all-around protection, with software that contains such technologies as Antivirus, Botnet Protection, Norton Safe Web, Network Protection, Automated Backup & Restore, Norton™ Insight, Antispyware, Norton™ Identity Safe, Firewall Protection, PC Tuneup, Norton™ Browser Protection, and Norton™ Pulse Updates. The tune-up service is great for automatically protecting your system.

McAfee Internet Security 2009: While installation and support may be a bit challenging, this program improves on its predecessor in terms of being lightweight and robust. McAfee contains Antivirus and Antispyware Protection, Web Site Safety Ratings, Antiphishing, Shredder, Identity Protection, Parental Controls, and Data Backup.

Panda Internet Security 2010: Useful features are quickly being added to Panda with improvements year over year. Panda protects users from viruses, spyware, rootkits, hackers, online fraud, identity theft and all other Internet threats. There is also an Antispam engine, Personal firewall, back up data, and parental controls.

Webroot® Internet Security Essentials: Webroot includes Antispyware protection, Antivirus, Antihacker, Antidata Theft, automatic backup, privacy protection, email monitoring, global early response network, and protects up to 3 PCs.

Security Shield 2009: Security Shield includes Antiphishing, Antivirus & Antispyware, Firewall & Rootkit Detection, Parental Control, Spam Protection, Privacy Protection, and Family Network Protection.

Trend Micro Internet Security Pro 2009: Trend includes Antivirus, Antispyware, Antispam, Firewall, Identity Theft Protection, Web Site Authentication, Advanced Wireless Protection, PC Performance and Tune-ups, and 3 for 1 protection.

BitDefender Total Security 2009: BitDefender provides protection against viruses, spyware, hackers, spam and other e-threats. It also protects against new virus outbreaks and blocks attempted identity theft. It also has Instant Messaging encryption.

ZoneAlarm Internet Security: Includes Firewall, Antivirus, Antispyware, Other Security/Features, Firewall, specific tools for preventing identity, and Help/Support.

AVG Internet Security: AVG provides a Firewall, Antivirus, Antispyware, and Email support.

CA Internet Security Suite Plus 2009: CA includes Antivirus, Antispyware, Personal Firewall, Antispam, Antiphishing, Parental Controls, and CA Backup and Migration.

Kaspersky Internet Security: Kaspersky is an all-in-one tool that will help you keep your computer safe while surfing the internet. It provides features such as a virus scanner, firewall, popup blocker, email scanner, the ability to protect your computer registry, and a rootkit scanner.

Your home and office computers contain a huge amount of information about you and your loved ones. This can include tax returns, financial records, bank and credit card account numbers, family photos, and much more. You would not want any this important information to be captured by online criminals or get destroyed if your computer is infected with a virus. Anyone who uses a computer and logs on to the internet is vulnerable to attack. High quality Internet security software is critical for a computer and it is the first application that you should install on a computer. In order to protect your identity and personal and financial information, it is essential to have good security software installed.

Designers will prefer Macromedia and look for cheap Adobe software for their computers. Business professionals likely look for Microsoft software for managing and operating basic business functions.

Construction Site Safety Tips

Construction of any building is a massive task, and within the construction site there are hundreds of laborers at work with huge and heavy machinery and with massive volumes of building materials. The whole process of construction is a daunting and laborious task and there is an immense amount of risk involved in the process. Therefore, certain precautionary measures should be taken at any construction site. Here are few of the precautionary measures that can help to insure your safety and protection within a construction site.

Many laborers in the past have lost their lives mostly due to falling off scaffolds and ladders. So it is very important to get proper training with all equipment and how much they can hold their weight and basic safety tips for each piece of equipment. It is necessary to inspect all the ladders and scaffolds before each shift. Even the laborers should be aware not to walk on any unsecured roofs or shingles. It is always advisable to follow the OSHA rules while installing guard rails or any sturdy protective screens for every construction site. It is advisable to maintain a net underneath any roof opening while the construction is going on.

During the construction, all toxic materials should be properly safeguarded so as not to endanger the lives of the laborers, as well as not to affect the building foundation and the lives of the residents or workers there after. When workers work around bridges, there is a strong chance of exposure to lead. There are also tunnels, bridges, and elevators where you can get exposed to lead. So it is important that every worker's blood lead level should be checked to be allowed to work in those places. Workers are exposed to tunnels while roofing, paving roads, and it can cause various harmful diseases of the lungs, skins, eyes and respiratory systems. Exposure to lead, asbestos and other toxic fumes and dusts can lead to cancer as well. So it is crucial that all the best equipment should be used for reducing the fumes and absolutely essential that all workers wear protective gear. Hard hats are one of the essential accessories of any construction site, but you also need a vest with reflective coating or stripes, gloves, goggles or other eye protection and specific accessories for specific types of construction sites.

Following some of these basic tips can save your health and save your life.

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OSHA Construction Safety Training - New State Requirements

Since 1970, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration has helped to minimize hazardous work environments and promote worker safety. As a result, the total rate of workplace injuries and illnesses significantly declined. What's even better, numerous states have adopted OSHA approved safety and health programs to perpetuate the trend. And now some states are taking it a step further.

In the last year, New York, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Missouri and Nevada all passed a bill that would require OSHA training for public construction contracts. Similar in each state, the bill requires all construction workers to complete an OSHA approved construction training course. This not only is a smart idea for employers and contractors to provide the training (even if not required) but to ensure a safe job site. In addition, an OSHA citation can be a costly one.

Most recent is Nevada's bill, signed on June 5th, 2009, which was said to be driven by the 12 construction deaths that occurred along Las Vegas Boulevard in a period of just 18 months. Created to increase construction safety, this new bill requires all employees and supervisors to complete OSHA training within 15 days of being hired. The law goes into effect January 1st, 2010.

Not surprisingly, OSHA 10-hour construction course enrollments for Missouri, New York and surrounding states have dramatically increased over the last few months. And Nevada is soon to follow.

A new trend? With OSHA training available online, meeting the state requirements is even easier. For workers needing their OSHA 10-hour card, location, class availability and access will not be an issue. Even travel costs and time away from work are eliminated. Students are given up to 6 months to complete the training which provides an OSHA 10-Hour Completion Card upon graduation.

OSHA authorized 10-hour construction safety training is available at http://www.osha10hourcard.com/

Food Safety Certification - Essential Job Skill Number One

Nothing is more important in the food service industry than food safety. Therefore, getting the right food safety certification for your position is essential to the success of your career in the end. It might seem drastic to say that one tiny course and certificate can change the path of your career, but no one can work in the food service industry on a professional level without food safety certification. Even part-time employees and servers are required to go through some food safety training when they are hired so that they understand the best practices for their workplace. Anyone higher up than a standard hourly employee will probably need the extra step of certification to land their dream job.

Food safety certification is not hard to understand. The training programs focus specifically on what you need to know about food safety, and don't offer irrelevant information or lengthy courses that don't help you in your career goals. These courses are short, sweet, and to the point, covering various areas of food safety and working in the food service industry. The main reason for these courses is that health departments and OSHA are watching out to ensure that workplaces are safe and healthy environments for all workers and customers at any given time.

However, food safety certification isn't about meeting standards set by these two agencies. Getting the right food safety training is more about understanding your chosen career and everything that comes with working in the food service industry. If you are going to be a server, cook, or business owner, you need to know the rules of a safe and successful food establishment. These regulations include things like food safety, because it's just good business to have sanitary and safe food handling practices in any establishment that serves the public.

The training that you are required to have may vary based on your specific choice of careers or jobs. For example, there are many general food safety certification courses out there for people who work in various establishments. However, employees of certain companies are often required to complete specific programs as a job requirement. To better understand this, take a look at how McDonald's employees and managers are required to attend McDonald's University, which is a set of training courses offered specifically by the corporation and geared toward their business only. Food safety certification is essential in the food service industry, so make sure that you get yours when you need it.

Online Food Safety Certification and Training Courses by learn2serve.com

Teleseminars For Work Place Safety Compliance Considered

Many companies hire consultants to help them comply with workplace safety and a large corporation with many locations may wish to cut costs and therefore not send a safety compliance consultant to all their locations or business units. Does it therefore makes sense to have tele-seminars from a central location, and have employees watch it at each location?

And if so does it make sense to tape the seminars so that the training can be watched at any time? It is amazing what these technologies can do, and in this case it means you only have to hire the consultant a few times to make take the training program and seminar. By doing this, a company can save a lot of money, even if the consultant doesn't like the idea that they are making less these days, everyone wins.

Let's face it travel costs have gotten very high in recent years, and companies need to find ways to save money, this technology is just one way to do just that. Companies and corporations that use such technologies to increase workplace safety are not only being compliant, staying within the regulations of OSHA, but they will also save millions of dollars by preventing accidents and lawsuits. Perhaps this is one technology that should be used to curtail accidents in the workplace, and simultaneously cuts expenses?

At least this is how the Teleseminar Industry portrays it and companies would be utilizing it, if it didn't work and help their bottom line. Please consider all this.

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Workplace Drug Testing and Its Consequences

Modern society nowadays is getting more vulnerable to drug and alcohol as an alternative for stress buster. This has rapidly increased the consumption of illicit drugs and alcohol among the youth. As per the data revealed by Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) of United States for the year 2007, 11,891 (21 to 25 yrs) and 19,977 (26 to 34 yrs) tested positive for consumption of illicit drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, hashish, etc. (SAMHSA, 2007) United Nations in its effort to combat drug use and abuse has initiated several measures which includes workplace drug testing.

Erstwhile US President Mr. Ronald Reagan stressed on workplace drug testing so as to maintain employee productivity and drug free workplace. (Infantry.army.mil) Many governments across the world have initiated 'attack on drug use' instead of 'attack on drug supply' as the latter was not providing any better results. It has found that many organizations have implemented this measure to enhance the profitability of the workforce, cut down absenteeism, safety of the workers, reduce the costs on healthcare management and maintain drug free environment at the workplace. Most of the employers have the freedom to deny or reduce workers' compensation payments, if illicit substance use is found to be proximate cause of employer's injury.

Justifications

Legitimate or important interests are required to justify the drug testing. The workplace drug testing is aimed at safety of the employee and others, organization efficiency, reputation risk, employee welfare, etc. Various organizations in various countries in order to reduce the demand for illicit drugs, protecting health and promoting safety of workers and co-workers, public safety and efficiency, economy and honesty of the workers towards organization, have taken such measures of employee drug testing. It can also be justified as the measure to minimize damages caused due to accidents at workplace and on roads. (Drug Testing and Privacy, 1990) However, if any employee makes a plea against workplace drug testing, it is more likely to be dismissed. Drug testing can be justified on the basis that it is been done for the safety of an individual, the public and society at large

Workers' Civil Rights

Workplace drug testing is a sensitive issue as it arises due to collision between workers' and employers interests. (ILO, Geneva, 2003) There are several types of testing method, all of which are controversial, but random testing method has always been the centre of argument. Drug testing may raise ethical and legal issues like employees fired from their jobs. Testing would illegal if it is performed without the consent of individual as it is deemed to be violating the integrity and privacy of individual. (IIDTW Report, 2004) As per the Privacy Act, 1983, only those information should be collected which are required to operate the program directly from the individual by taking all necessary steps to guarantee its accuracy. The Civil Rights Act, 1964 of US Constitution provides that it has freedom of speech, equal protection of laws and protection from unlawful discrimination. (hhs.gov, 2008) Some organizations may use drug testing method on pre-employment basis. If the candidate is tested positive, he is denied the employment. This issue raises the question of unlawful discrimination as stated in Civil Rights, 1964. And most of the employers' and employee have entered into a contract underlining the fact that if tested positive for drug, he will be fired or remuneration will be stopped. Such contracts have handcuffed the employees' right to appeal in the court of law. Drug testing at workplace has caused many of the full time employees to get treated for illicit substance use. The DASIS Report, 2006 presents that 58 % fulltime alcoholics compared to 39% unemployed were admitted for illicit substance use treatment. (The Dasis Report, 2008) Some countries and their states have made legal provision so as to encourage drug free workplace by providing compensation to the employers' just affecting the work, income and benefits of the employee. (ncsl.org, 2009)

Who should be tested?

Any organization performing drug testing must sort out the individuals whom to be tested and what are the drugs to be looked for. This may vary from the individuals who are newly appointed or past employee, senior officers, unionized employees, male or female, or those employees who are suspected to be drug addicted. (Drug Testing and Privacy, p.9) Some may classify on the basis of past or present impairment or drug use. When an employer has reasonable cause to suspect an employee of drug use on job or at any time, and due to which he has incurred any impairment or may cause impairment at workplace. (Drug Testing and Privacy, p.9) It would be appropriate to conduct such tests an inclusive basis to avoid discrimination and this will also help in avoid hesitation from the employees.

Most of the organizations in different countries have implemented this method to overcome drug use at workplace, ensure safety of their employees and enhance their economic conditions. This method has provided positive benefits across the world. State of Ohio has been benefited from this method resulting in drop of absenteeism, fewer problems with supervisors and 97% decrease in on-the-job injuries. (Globalchange.com) Such facts and figures have encouraged many more states and countries to take up drug testing at their workplace. It is important to take such stern actions to curb the drug intake, mainly by the youth by attacking its usage.


The Concept of Fire Safety Awareness Training

It has been said that the best time to get worried about fire safety is before a fire starts. Such statement is indeed true. Having to experience fire mishaps or accidents tantamount to greater loss not only in terms of property damage but great loss of lives as well. Results arising from these situations can be avoided by observing proper fire prevention techniques, and there is no other way to do it well than to attend fire safety awareness training.

In every office, household, business or industrial establishments, proper fire safety is to be upheld at all times. This has been imposed by law for the safety of everyone. Also, included with such is the appointment of a person or a group of persons to oversee and handle situations whenever fire calamity strikes.

Although stock knowledge or basic instinct of a person may guide him well in pressing situations, getting well equipped with further knowledge on how to effectively handle a fire accident will be of great help also. Fire safety awareness training can do more than just inform you on the basics of handling these events. Proper and correct usage of tools in fire prevention and practice drills can also enhance your ability to function well in such calling.

Two heads are better than one, therefore the more people getting involved in the prevention and safety from fire will definitely be better compared to just one person doing all the work. Getting your office staff or factory workers attend fire safety trainings can be a good way to secure safety in the workplace.

All employees, workers and staff must understand what individual actions and responsibilities they are to take in the work area when the need arises. Identifying the individuals responsible for various aspects of the plan is essential so that in an emergency, confusion will be minimized and employees will have no doubt as to who has the authority for making crucial decisions.

Also, the method or way of communicating with other employees should also be taken into consideration. In the training, various ways of communication may be selected to further decide on which is the effective and efficient way of passing on information in emergency situations. Such communication is significant in letting employees report emergency cases or in informing them when an evacuation is needed or some other action is required.

Emergency evacuation routes, handling of fire extinguishers and knowing the safe zones are also a few of the basic things to be discussed in the training.

Aside from getting people ready with what to do in case of a fire incident, avoiding the situation in the first place is also very important and is to be taken seriously. The first thing to be done in prevention of fire accidents is to identify individually and also as a group the possible fire hazards that are surrounding or can be found in the office, factory, or business establishment. Having these fire hazards increase the probabilities of having a fire start due to negligence or accidents. After having to know what the fire hazards are, it is advised that such things be reduced to an acceptable level so as to lessen also the risks and dangers that are brought about by a fire mishap.

Our goal is not to be firefighters or firemen for that matter. Instead, the goal of the fire safety awareness training is to equip us with basic, practical and necessary knowledge and skills to put into use in an event of a fire emergency. After all, emergency preparedness and safety is what really matters when we are confronted with such situations.

Jo is a content writer for 'Phoenix Safety Services Ltd' (http://www.phoenixsafety.co.uk), an established consultant in bespoke Health and Safety Trainingthat are given to a diverse range of customers across UK and Europe. If your firm requires you to undergo a Fire Safety Awareness Training or wants to equip you and your fellow employees with the basic helpful information and skills in identifying the fundamental hazards of fire and fire prevention procedures then have a look at Phoenix Safety Services Ltd.

Bike Safety Training Helps You to Lower Monthly Premiums

Finding the right bike insurance with appropriate cover at an affordable price can be a time consuming and frustrating task. The markets are full of insurance companies offering different kinds of policies but finding effective and cheap bike insurance requires patience and effort.

Before buying a motorbike insurance policy, you should ensure that you understand the various factors that can affect the policy premium. Monthly premiums usually depend on factors such as:

  • Riding experience
  • Rider's age
  • Bike's value
  • Bike's engine size
  • Type of bike such as touring, sport or cruiser
  • Driving records
  • Previous claims
  • The area in which you reside
  • Commute
  • And last but not least, training.

Motorcycle safety training is usually taken into consideration when determining the premium of a motorcycle insurance policy. A rider training course not only teaches you the safe and skillful operation of the bike but also allows you to get hold of cheaper bike insurance. In fact a bike necessitates much more coordination and skill while being operated, in comparison to a car. Bike fatalities are also much higher in number hence insurance companies encourage motorcycle safety training by providing special discounts on premium rates to those who have successfully completed special training.

Bike insurance policies usually cover:

  • Liabilities in the accident including damage caused to others
  • Bodily harm and injuries to the passengers of the bike
  • Medical expenses involved after the accident
  • Expenses associated with replacements or repairs in the motorcycle
  • Damages caused by theft, vandalism and fire

Motorcycle insurance policies can also provide protection against drivers that have no or insufficient insurance.

At Westhill insurance, we cater to your all kinds of scooter, moped and bike insurance requirements. You can either get a quote online or you can simply leave your details and one of our experienced advisors will contact you to help you find the right deal for you.

Child Passenger Safety Program

Numerous reports have revealed that in the past few years, prior to the introduction of the child passenger safety programs, a great number of children died and were injured due to motor vehicle crashes. In 1999, for instance, it was reported that about 1,684 child occupants died just in motor vehicle crashes, and 284,000 were injured for the same cause, and note that it happened and will continue to happen regardless of whether the driver is a professional and careful or not. Although car or vehicle accidents can’t be eliminated, they can be prevented or minimized. Child passenger accidents on the road can be minimized by conforming to the rules set by the child passenger safety programs.

The child passenger safety programs are designed and introduced by almost every state in the United States. All of these programs are designed for one purpose – to help parents and guardians protect their children from injuries and deaths caused by car crashes or accidents. The question is how does the child passenger safety programs work and how are they made available to the public.

According to some resources, the child passenger safety programs work by offering education classes, trainings, enforcements, outreaches and legislation activities that are designed to make people aware about the proven ways for reducing accidents on the road. They are introduced through the mass media or by other means that are proven effective in reaching the public. With these programs becoming more common, it’s no wonder that great results have been achieved in recent years in preventing deaths and injuries in child passengers.

The child passenger safety programs generally highlight the importance of using safety car seats and belts. For them, the correct use of child safety seats, booster seats and safety belts is the most effective way in reducing risks. Along with this, the child passenger safety programs have stressed certain things that adults should need to remember when considering the child safety seats and belts. Stay informed about the proper way of using safety belts with child restraints, as well as the proper way of installing these safety belts and seats to ensure that children will be safe from injuries and deaths. Read both the vehicle’s manual and the restraint instruction manual to make sure that what you’re doing is right.

Part of the child passenger safety programs is also to make people aware about the things to avoid when using child safety car seats and belts. Based on most of these child passenger safety programs, it is always important to use the correct child restraint system for ultimate security. Pillows, books, or towels should not be used to boost a child, as doing this can only compromise the safety of your child.

With lots of good rules and guidelines set for child’s safety, the child passenger safety programs are now becoming more and more popular with more and more people turning into it for safety awareness.

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/

Important Boating Safety Tips You Should Know

Safe boating is something that we all believe that we do and think we know how to do, but the reality is probably somewhat less than is desired. Being a lifelong fisherman and boater, I recognize the fact that many of us take boating safety for granted way too often. Neglecting the simplest of marine safety basics cause way to many accidents and tragedies each year on our waterways. All to often we read about or hear about boating mishaps, boats capsizing or a myriad of boat stories that do not end well, all because of lack of pre-planning or the lack of general knowledge of boat safety.

One important tip would be to take a boating safety course. There are many courses available across the country for all types of recreational boaters, and for boaters of all ages. Taking one of these courses could mean the difference between a great day on the water with your friends and family, or a bad experience that you would not wish upon your worst enemy.

You can seek out qualified volunteer organizations, such as the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, the U.S. Power Squadron, and other sponsors that provide many safety courses that are open to the general public. Many state boating agencies also provide boat safety classes.

These courses will cover many aspects of boating safety, proper boat anchoring, safety equipment, boat handling skills, navigation, boating problems and emergencies, trailering, storing and protecting your boat, to reading the weather, and classes geared to courses for kids and younger boaters who want to learn boating and navigation skills. The most popular basic courses generally have from 6 to 13 lessons to provide a foundation of boat operational and safety instruction. Many boating classes will give you the knowledge needed to obtain a boat license or safety certification in many states. Many boat insurance companies will offer discounts on boating insurance to boaters who successfully complete boating safely course.

A safe boater will always have the appropriate nautical charts on board their vessel and will be familiar with their surroundings. The exact meaning of an aid to navigation may not be clear to the boater unless the appropriate marine chart is consulted. Also each boater should file a float plan with a friend or family member that outlines the days activities that are planned. This is helpful to provide the Coast Guard with a general area to search in case you are not back home in a reasonable timeframe.

It is also critical that your vessel have the necessary safety equipment onboard. The necessities include, but are not limited to, personal flotation devices (PFD's) that properly fit each person onboard, visual distress signals, flares for both day-time and night-time use, bell, whistle, fire extinguisher, throw ring, cell phone, VHF radio.

It is also important to have an understanding of navigation, aids to navigation and the rules of the road. These simple, yet often overlooked basics lead to many unfortunate mishaps on the water. Aids to navigation are the road signs on the water and it is what controls how boats navigate and pass one another. Learning to understand them requires experience and practice.

Protect yourself and your family with some of these safe boating tips and be better prepared the next time you go boating.

Greg Smith is the publisher of http://www.boats-i.com Your source for free information on boats, boating and boat manufacturers water sports and marine topics.

40 Free Safety Slogans For the Workplaces

Safety promotion or socialization is an effective way to maintain workers awareness in the plant site against safety. Safety promotion is a form of safety communications.

One of the most common ways is by utilization of safety slogan. People may also call it by safety sayings, safety quotes or safety mottos. Whatever it is called, the main purpose is the same, namely how to use effective words to remind workers about safety in their workplaces.

When choosing safety slogans, we need to consider its relevancy to the workplace hazards, using positive words, to be specific, easy to understand, clear and to the point. We can brainstorm to make safety slogans for the workplace in plant site by just looking around it. See what are the conditions and behavior.

We could also make safety slogans that are suitable to be placed at any workplace around the plant site. For instance, safety slogans likes "safety first". To help us preparing our own safety slogans, the 40 free safety slogans below may give you idea to start with.

  1. Safety is no accident.
  2. Think before you act.
  3. Safety is forever.
  4. Never forget about safety.
  5. Safety means zero accident.
  6. Keep no accident record.
  7. Remember safety! You family is waiting for you at home.
  8. Safety is our first priority.
  9. No safety, no business.
  10. Stop accidents before they stop you.
  11. Come safely, work safely and arrive home safely.
  12. Work safely means success.
  13. Keep safety at the first step.
  14. Make your workplace safe and comport.
  15. Safety is our concern.
  16. With safety, we win.
  17. The safe way is the only way.
  18. Get smart! Use safety from the start.
  19. Be safety minded.
  20. Your work and safety can not be separated.
  21. Safety is the biggest investment.
  22. Learn from others mistakes; don't have others learn from you.
  23. Safety is a must.
  24. Work safely today and everyday.
  25. Always talks about safety before you start working.
  26. Do it safely.
  27. Think safety before you work.
  28. You can't get home unless you're safe.
  29. Ignoring a warning can cause much mourning.
  30. Remember unprepared means unsafe.
  31. Safety is the first gate to success.
  32. Safe workers are smooth workers.
  33. Safety is our main concern.
  34. Always think safety before you work.
  35. Working without safety means failure.
  36. Follow the procedures, keep safety in mind.
  37. Save tomorrow. Act safely today.
  38. Safety is a journey.
  39. Yes! Safety is our business.
  40. Safety is the best way to work.

If you think you can't find appropriate safety slogans for your workplace from the list above, then go to the workplace and look around it. It could give you many ideas. Just write it down on a paper when it comes to your mind. Write as many safety slogans as can. Apply them at the right place in your workplace to make people could see them easily.

Lukman Nulhakiem is a production engineer who works for a hydrogen peroxide plant with more than 10 years experience. He has high attention to the safety matters in chemical plant operation. To learn more about chemical plant safety, visit his blog http://chemicalplantsafety.net

Electric Heater - General Safety Advice

Although the safety statistics concerning electric heaters, especially electric space heaters that plug into the mains, are horrifying, there are simple pieces of safety advice, which will, in the vast majority of cases, prevent the vast majority of accidents from happening.

Most of the problems that arise with electric space heaters are caused by heat or fire; rather than the electricity of electrical wiring. Of course, it is still important to make sure that any electrical wiring is carried out properly and with due care and attention. Make use of modern synthetic polymers which have the same insulating qualities as rubber. If you can, have your home or office wiring upgraded to include modern circuit breakers, which are the most effective form of protection against a fire created by a short circuit or an overloaded system.

The most obvious precautions to take, to prevent accidents caused by heaters, are simply to make sure that there is an adequate distance between the heater and any potential source of combustion. The sources include items of furniture, curtains, anything made of paper or cardboard and of course any flammable liquids. Be especially sure to keep the heater away from any potential contact with water.

One vital and obvious tip is to make sure that the heater you buy bears whichever safety certification is appropriate in your country. Every major country Government has safety standards which items must meet before they can be fitted with a mark or symbol showing that they have been thoroughly tested and meet the often stringent requirements. If there is no such mark present, then the heater probably does not conform to standard - and you have no assurance that the build quality is adequate, or that the features built in for safety meet the necessary standard.

If you are purchasing a heater with one or more electric elements, it is important to make sure that there is an adequate guard around them. Any contact with a heated element by paper or fabric material creates an immediate serious fire risk. If the guard is exceptionally inadequate, there is even the risk of serious injury from fingers accidentally making contact with the heater elements, in the case of a fall, for example.

It is obviously important when you buy a new heater to make sure that you thoroughly read and understand the instructions provided for the safe maintenance and use of the heater. Of course, basic safety precautions need to be observed in all cases. The most important of these is to make sure that water is always kept away from the heater and from any electric circuit. Never touch an electric heater while you are wet and don't use an electric heater as a clothes dryer by putting wet clothing too close to a heater's element.

It is also important never to leave an electric space heater unattended. There is the risk of flying sparks from an expiring element which is a very serious fire risk. These kinds of fires are not supposed to be constantly used for day to day heating, like a central heating system. They are designed to be used as needed. Treat your sleep time in the same way. If anything serious did happen, you may not even wake in time to do anything about it.

Electric heaters are supremely safe provided these basic safety precautions are adhered to. Please ensure that you don't become another statistic.

Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Electric Heater

Michael Russell - EzineArticles Expert Author

ATV Safety Training For New Off Road Riders

Some states require ATV riders to complete off road safety training before they ride. Others do not require any ATV training. Whether or not your state requires it, off road training is a wise move for any ATV rider just starting out in the sport. ATVs handle differently from other vehicles you may be familiar with, such as motorcycles or cars.

If you know how to properly handle your ATV, you will be less likely to get into dangerous situations that can result in injury or death. As your off road riding skills improve, so will your confidence. You will be ready for new challenges that put your off road skills to the test.

Most ATV training courses cover basic riding techniques such as using signals and controls, starting, shifting, braking, and turning. They also cover basic and advanced off road handling for emergency stops and swerving, hill riding, and riding over obstacles and various terrains.

You will learn basic safety rules for ATV use, including pre-ride inspection, protective gear, and courtesy rules for sharing the trail with other ATVers and trail users. Most off road training includes hands-on practice for new riders to apply basic safety and riding techniques on their own ATVs.

Your ATV training may also include information on how to make as little impact as possible on the environment. Respect for the land is a major factor in protecting the right to ride. Sticking to the trail and riding only on land designated for ATV use helps to preserve wilderness areas for off roaders and everyone else to enjoy for years to come.

Enrolling in an ATV safety course in your local area means that your training will include instruction about local laws for ATV use. You'll also get to meet other local ATV riders, learn about the trails in your area and the best spots to ride, and find out about local ATV clubs.

Both adults and younger riders can benefit from off road training. ATV youth safety is a growing concern across the country. The best way to reduce the number of ATV injuries and fatalities in youth and adults is education. Safety awareness in young ATV riders increases their skill and confidence. Learning to ride an ATV allows young riders to develop responsibility and good judgment while having fun and spending time outdoors.

Contact your local ATV club, state highway department or DNR office, or the ATV Safety Institute for information on ATV safety training in your area. If you purchased a brand new ATV recently, your safety training may be included for free. Check with your dealer for more information.

© 2009 Gorilla Winches. You Want In? We'll Get You Out. Get a limited lifetime warranty and free shipping on all Gorilla ATV and recovery winches and accessories at http://www.gorillawinches.com

Learn more about ATV safety and winching techniques at the Gorilla Blog

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Productivity Depends on a Good Safety System

Implementing a performance based safety program requires that you implement a universal set of principles and activities that sustain safe conditions in the work area. The starting point is an uncluttered, well-organized, and understandable workplace. However, it doesn't stop there.

Techniques from effective workplace organization combined with OSHA guidelines have formed a set of "best practices" that can solve virtually every safety problem involved with the workplace environment. Every five seconds a worker is injured. Every ten seconds a worker is disabled. Injured workers lose income and employers in the United States spend more than $60 billion annually due to work-related injury and illness. Safety impacts performance and productivity.

Unsafe conditions exist in all plants. They are inherent to the manufacturing industry itself. It is important to focus on pre-accident conditions-hazardous conditions that exist before an accident has occurred. For example, workers can slip from water or grease on the floor. They can be injured from moving machine parts that are not properly shielded. They can be burned in fires from oil or chemical leaks, and material waste is often hazardous after processing. Even detergents and chemical cleaners can be toxic.

People can bang their knees, they can fall from high places, or things can fall on them from high places. Mobile equipment can cause accidents of all kinds. In fact, the organization of the work environment itself may have evolved in such a way that makes it difficult for people to operate their equipment, get needed materials, or work without bumping into things. And when people are not properly trained in the use of equipment, they will make mistakes.

Serious injuries get our attention. However, for every serious accident there are approximately 29 minor accidents and 300 near misses? The workplace isn't safe just because a serious accident hasn't occurred-it's mostly just luck.

In fact, many situations that we think are trivial are the real causes of accidents. Most of these problems are below ground or are blind spots. The job of an effective safety program is to help you see and control them, rather than allow them to control you. You can think of these situations as being underground. It is the neglected conditions that underlie near misses and accidents that you want to discover and eliminate.

One of the best programs I have witnessed for address these underlying safety issues ia a program called QCDSM from QCD systems Inc. It is a reliable framework built on prevention and total employee involvement. It prevents accidents and near misses by controlling unsafe conditions.

Six basic principles will help you apply create a safer workplace using QCDSM.

The first principle is to be proactive, not reactive, of course, you should determine and correct the causes of problems when they happen, but more importantly, you should anticipate problems and try to stop them before they occur. You can't afford to wait. Proactive activity is encourage when through QCDSM the workplace meets in the green rooms set up by QCDSM where they measure their prevous day's actvities and goals. These measures will indicate problem areas or trends which could become problems. Throught their participation in these meetings, the goal of being proactive is empowered.

The second principle is to identify blind spots. Remember, causes of safety problems are always there, but often they are in our blind spots. QCDSM gives us a way to dig down and ferret out the problems we don't see. The blind spots are catered for in a specific charts which measures what are called near misses. When this concept is properly understood by the workforce, their heightened awareness reveals the blind spots as well.

The third principle is to remove the causes of all accidents and near misses. Remove them or the problem will return. The charts will indicate the problem areas. The worforce are then empowered through the meeting to not only offer ideas and suggestions but are encouraged to assist in elminating the issues.

The fourth principle is to always involve workers in safety. Workers are closest to the facts-and have the most to lose. The QCD system focuses directly on safety as part of the QCDSM process. The 'S' refers to safety measures on a daily basis ensuring that daily the workforce in that meeting are measuring teir safety compliance.

The fifth principle, use a systematic method, trips companies up every time. A shotgun approach won't work. If you're not systematic you will be overwhelmed by the task in front of you, the daily meeting provides this systematic method.

The final principle is to start now. Everyone should begin to make small improvements and continue to do so every day. If this can't happen, question your strategy; it is probably flawed. QCDSM encouages the workforce in the meeting to offer ideas and suggestions based on their results as seen in their charts, their measures.

This is the strategy to encourge all to be safe by suggesting incremental improvements. Worker safety is paramount to achieving high levels of performance and productivity. The only effective way to ensure worker safety is by involving all workers in identifying and removing safety hazards. Sustainable worker involvement only happens when you have a properly functioning system.

QCDSM has proven its worth as just such a system. Often companies forget that while worker safety is paramount, focussing on quality, cost and delivery will depend on how safe the workforce feel. Therefore not to see Q, C, D as an integral part of 'S' is to miss the point. There is a further conumdrum - the 'M' in QCDSM refers to morale. This is measured by the workforce's involvement in the managing of their department. If the feel they are not being listened to [ideas and suggestions] their morale will suffer which will distract them in obsderving safety and of course, Q, C, & D will suffer. The answer: the holistic process of QCDSM will ensure compliance.

Brice Alvord has over thirty years experience as an internal and external performance improvement consultant. He holds a BA in Sociology/Psychology from Central Washington University and an MBA degree from City University of Seattle. He is the author of over two dozen books on continuous improvement and training.

Find out more at http://www.aleragroup.com

WHMIS Testing - What to Do, And What NOT to Do

WHMIS testing is an integral part of obtaining WHMIS certification. It is extremely important to administer tests to determine the knowledge of a person with regards to WHMIS regulations and practices. WHMIS stands for "Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System". All employers must ensure that their employees are knowledgeable with regards to the WHMIS regulations, including WHMIS symbols, Material Safety Data Sheets, workplace labels, and the specific controlled products in their workplace.

When an employee completes a WHMIS test this is helping the employer build a case for providing due diligence that their workers are knowledgeable on the subject of WHMIS, and that they have acquired a level of knowledge on the subject. These training and WHMIS test records must be stored by the employer as proof of education, which shows that they have done, in part, their "due diligence". The employer must also be able to exemplify that they have observed the employee in the workplace, and have shown them how to work with specific chemicals in a safe and effective manner.

The key to successful WHMIS testing is to administer formal tests, store these test results, and re-test to refresh people's memories on an annual basis. A formal WHMIS test will include questions that encompass Basic WHMIS regulation information, the WHMIS symbols, workplace labels, and how to read and understand a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). Training and testing can be done in a variety of ways -- traditional classroom style setting with an outside trainer, or even online. One thing to consider is that classroom training tends to be far more costly than the online option, and more time consuming.

Using standard tests that are not regularly updated to keep pace with the changing legislation will not suffice. Disposing of test records (proof) could also cause potentially severe consequences for a company. These consequences can be as lax as having an improvement order issued, or as extreme as a total organizational shut-down until the issues are resolved. For the amount of time it takes to train and test employees, and store the records -- why risk it?

Be aware that storing the test results is critical, as this is the employer's proof of training. Health & Safety training records should be kept for a 30 year period. When training and testing is administered online, this alleviates the challenge of where to store all of this paper. Many online providers house your records in a web-based application for life. Test records are necessary to show that an individual employee; completed a specific training course, on a specific date. In the event of an incident or accident, these records help build a solid case for the employer in that they did everything they could to help build knowledge for the employee in question.

WHMIS testing can help keep a company in good standing with Workplace Health & Safety. How is your training and records management currently being handled?

Allan Dubyts, is the CEO of SafeAndCertified.com Inc which delivers WHMIS training online using the Training To Do Online Training Engine. For more information about WHMIS Training, testing and certification visit http://www.WHMISCertified.com