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.

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Tags: Important, Safety, Tips

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

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Tags: Slogans, Workplaces, Safety

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

Tags: Electric, Heater, Safety

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

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Tags: Safety, Training, Riders