Quality Health Safety Environment

Tips Memilih Safety Shoes

2011-07-14T21:35:00.000-07:00

Cedera kaki bukan hanya mengancam mereka yang bekerja di lokasi konstruksi, pabrik dan lapangan, tetapi dapat mengancam hampir setiap orang yang tidak memperhatikan risiko-risiko yang ada. Penggunaan sepatu keselamatan merupakan salah satu tindakan pencegahan terbaik untuk menghindari kecelakaan kerja, terutama bagi mereka yang terlibat dalam pekerjaan berbahaya. Ketika membeli sepatu keselamatan (safety shoes), pastikan Anda memilih yang sesuai dengan kebutuhan dan standar seperti :

1. Bagian dalam sepatu keselamatan ( safety shoes) harus pas dari tumit hingga ke ujung jari kaki
2. Pastikan grip sepatu dan sol-nya sangat kuat.
3. Semua bagian dari sepatu keselamatan harus memungkinkan jari-jari kaki bebas bergerak i: Sepatu yang terlalu sempit akan menghambat sirkulasi darah dan bisa menyebabkan masalah baru pada seluruh kaki.
4. Pastikan ada pengikat di atas sepatu untuk mencegah tergelincir saat beraktivitas:
5. Belilah sepatu dengan hak rendah rendah dan lebar: sepatu bot datar sangat dianjurkan. Hindari sepatu hak tinggi untuk keamanan yang lebih baik sepatu . Sepatu bersol datar dapat memastikan keseimbangan yang sempurna dan mengurangi rasa sakit .

Tips Mengendarai Motor Secara Aman

2011-07-14T19:29:00.000-07:00

Setiap tahun, ribuan pengendara sepeda motor terluka atau terbunuh saat keluar mengendarai sepeda motor mereka.Meskipun tidak semua insiden ini berada di luar kendali mereka, ada beberapa langkah penting yang dapat Anda ambil untuk secara signifikan meningkatkan keselamatan Anda saat mengendarai sepeda motor Anda. Berikut adalah beberapa saran yang penting keselamatan sepeda motor.

Pertama, jika Anda belum melakukannya, pertimbangkanlah untuk mengambil kursus pelatihan keselamatan sepeda motor.Ada program pelatihan profesional sepeda motor diarahkan semua tingkat pengendara, baik pemula atau lanjutan. Program-program ini akan mengajarkan Anda segala macam manuver menghindar dan defensif penting yang dapat Anda ambil untuk menghindari tabrakan dan menjadi pengendara yang lebih aman.

Selanjutnya, ingat untuk selalu i memakai helm Anda ketika Anda berada di luar mengendarai sepeda motor Anda. Helm dapat mencegah cedera otak pada saat terjadi kecelakaan, ini mungkin langkah yang paling penting yang dapat Anda ambil untuk menyelamatkan hidup Anda. Ketika membeli helm, Anda harus memilih helm yang memiliki stiker DOT yang menandakan bahwa helm tersebut telah memenuhi semua persyaratan keselamatan.

Anda juga harus mempertimbangkan membeli peralatan keselamatan tambahan dan pakaian juga. Termasuk jaket motor khusus, sarung tangan, celana dan bahkan sepatu bot yang menawarkan perlindungan tubuh. Pakaian visibilitas tinggi khusus juga penting. Sebagai contoh, sebuah rompi dikenakan di atas jaket reflektif Anda akan sangat meningkatkan visibilitas Anda untuk pengendara di jalan.

Jika helm Anda tidak dilengkapi dengan pelindung, Anda tentu harus mempertimbangkan membeli kacamata pengaman beberapa yang tahan pecah. Kacamata akan melindungi mata Anda dari kaca, batu atau bentuk lain dari puing-puing di pinggir jalan yang mungkin terbang ketika anda mengendarai motor, dan pelindung juga dapat memberikan perlindungan untuk mata Anda pada saat terjadi tabrakan.

Pelindung telinga juga penting. Pelindung telinga dan perangkat yang sama dapat membantu meminimalkan potensi kerusakan pada pendengaran Anda saat mengendarai motor. Tetapi Anda harus masih bisa mendengar klakson mobil atau sinyal peringatan lainnya.

Akhirnya, Anda dilarang mengendarai motor ketika mabuk dan Anda harus selalu mengikuti peraturan lalu lintas saat mengendarai sepeda motor Anda. Jadi pastikan untuk mengikuti pengendara lain pada jarak yang aman, patuhi sinyal lalu lintas dan menjaga batas kecepatan saat mengendarai sepeda motor.

Permit to work systems

2009-09-29T20:57:00.000-07:00

WHAT ARE PERMITS-TO-WORK?

A permit-to-work system is a formal written system used to control certain types of work that are potentially hazardous. A permit-to-work is a document which specifies the work to be done and the precautions to be taken. Permits-to-work form an essential part of safe systems of work for many maintenance activities.. They allow work to start only after safe procedures have been defined and they provide a clear record that all foreseeable hazards have been considered.

A permit is needed when maintenance work can only be carried out if normal safeguards are dropped or when new hazards are introduced by the work. Examples are, entry into vessels, hot work and pipeline breaking.

WHAT IS THE PROBLEM?

An HSE survey showed that a third of all accidents in the chemical industry were maintenance-related, the largest single cause being a lack of, or deficiency in, permit-to-work systems.

In a study of small and medium-sized chemical factories:

two-thirds of companies were not checking systems adequately;
two-thirds of permits did not adequately identify potential hazards;
nearly half dealt poorly with isolation of plant, electrical equipment, etc;
a third of permits were unclear on what personal protective clothing was needed;
a quarter of permits did not deal adequately with formal hand-back of plant once maintenance work had finished;
in many cases little thought had been given to permit form design.

While aimed primarily at the chemical industry the guidance provided may have application in other industries.

WHAT DO I NEED TO DO?

Don't assume that your system is a good one just because you have not yet had a serious accident. You should critically review your system and ask yourself the following questions.

Information

Is the permit-to-work system fully documented, laying down:
how the system works;
the jobs it is to be used for;
the responsibilities and training of those involved; and
how to check its operation?
Is there clear identification of who may authorise particular jobs (and any limits to their authority)?
Is there clear identification of who is responsible for specifying the necessary precautions (eg isolation, emergency arrangements, etc)?
Is the permit form clearly laid out?
Does it avoid statements or questions which could be ambiguous or misleading?
Is it designed to allow for use in unusual circumstances?
Does it cover contractors?

Selection and training

Are those who issue permits sufficiently knowledgeable concerning the hazards and precautions associated with the plant and proposed work? Do they have the imagination and experience to ask enough 'what if' questions to enable them to identify all potential hazards?
Do staff and contractors fully understand the importance of the permit-to-work system and are they trained in its use?

Description of the work

Does the permit clearly identify the work to be done and the associated hazards?
Can plans and diagrams be used to assist in the description of the work to be done, its location and limitations?
Is the plant adequately identified, eg by discrete number or tag to assist issuers and users in correctly taking out and following permits?
Is a detailed work method statement given for more complicated tasks?

Hazards and precautions

Does the system require the removal of hazards and, where this is not reasonably practicable, effective control? Are the requirements of The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 1994 (COSHH) and other relevant legislation known and followed by those who issue the permits?
Does the permit state the precautions that have been taken and those that are needed while work is in progress? For instance, are isolations specified and is it clear what personal protective equipment should be used?
Do the precautions cover residual hazards and those that might be introduced by the work, eg welding fume and vapour from cleaning solvents?
Do the Confined Spaces Regulations 1997 apply? If so, has a full risk assessment identified the significant risks and identified alternative methods of working or necessary precautions?

Procedures

Does the permit contain clear rules about how the job should be controlled or abandoned in the case of an emergency?
Does the permit have a hand-back procedure incorporating statements that the maintenance work has finished and that the plant has been returned to production staff in a safe state?
Are time limitations included and is shift changeover dealt with?
Are there clear procedures to be followed if work has to be suspended for any reason?
Is there a system of cross-referencing when two or more jobs subject to permits may affect each other?
Is the permit displayed at the job?
Are jobs checked regularly to make sure that the relevant permit-to-work system is still relevant and working properly?

ESSENTIALS OF THE PERMIT-TO-WORK FORM

The permit-to-work form must help communication between everyone involved. It should be designed by the company issuing the permit, taking into account individual site conditions and requirements. Separate permit forms may be required for different tasks, such as hot work and entry into confined spaces, so that sufficient emphasis can be given to the particular hazards present and precautions required.

The essential elements of a permit-to-work form are listed in the diagram. If your permit does not cover these it is unlikely to be fully achieving its purpose.

Safety Officer duties and resposibilities

2009-09-29T20:52:00.000-07:00

1. To develop, implement and monitor Board Occupational Health and Safety Policy, Programs, and
Procedures;
2. To assist the Board in complying with current health and safety legislation and/or regulations with the
objective of ensuring that all reasonable and proper measures are taken to protect the safety and
health of learners, staff and visitors;
3. To establish budget proposals for the operation of the Occupational Health and Safety office and
specific training programs;
4. To increase health and safety awareness at all levels within the organization;
5. To investigate and report on all serious/critical personal injury accidents occurring to students, staff
and/or visitors to the appropriate senior official, and to assist in the investigation of all
accidents/incidents that result in substantial damage to Board vehicles and property;
6. To investigate and report on complaints of hazardous working conditions to the Associate Director
and/or other appropriate senior staff;
7. To respond to employees’ safety concerns;
8. To conduct, as necessary, the safety inspection of any Board facility;
9. To assist the Board’s Joint Occupational Health & Safety Committees;
10. To respond to fires and other emergencies on or about the Board property;
11. To coordinate registration and removal of hazardous waste;
12. To receive reports from and respond to orders issued by Department of Labor inspectors;
13. To arrange for Occupational Health and Safety testing and/or evaluations of the workplace by
external agencies/consultants as may be necessary;
14. To act as liaison with all related governmental bodies and regulating agencies;
15. To coordinate the training of personnel in areas of safety, including first aid, CPR, accident
prevention and investigation, work place inspections and other matters related to implementing safety
procedures in Board facilities;
16. To coordinate the Board’s emergency procedures and act as the Board’s emergency on-site
coordinator;
17. To assist executive staff, senior administrators, principals and supervisors in emergency preparedness;
18. To develop, review, and update appropriate sections of the Board’s Emergency Procedures Manual;
19. To liaise with municipal and State Emergency planners, update plans, organize exercises and evaluate
procedures;
20. To liaise with the fire department regarding emergency procedures, communications and fire safety
education programs;
21. To coordinate the selection and distribution of emergency communications equipment to schools and
administrative/support departments;
22. To assume other duties as may be assigned.

CELL PHONE HEALTH HAZARDS

2009-09-29T20:45:00.000-07:00

What is a cell phone? How does it work?
A cell phone is a portable phone that uses a network of “base stations” or fixed antennas, that allow users to call from almost any location. The phones send and receive radio frequency signals to and from the base station. Base station antennas often are mounted on towers, but can also sit on rooftops, water towers, power poles, and other tall structures. All cell phones are tested according to government standards and cannot be marketed or sold unless they have passed these standards.
What is RF?
Electromagnetic radiation consists of waves of electric and magnetic energy moving together (radiating) through space. Radio waves and microwaves released by transmitting antennas are one form of electromagnetic energy. They are called “radio frequency” or “RF” energy or radiation. Often the term “electromagnetic field” or “radio frequency field” is used to indicate the presence of electromagnetic or RF energy.
RF radiation should not be confused with ionizing radiation, such as x-rays or gamma rays. RF fields have lower energy and therefore cannot cause ionization (potentially resulting in chemical changes) in the body. RF fields are non ionizing radiation.
What is non ionizing radiation?
Non ionizing radiation has lower energy and longer wavelength than ionizing radiation. It is not strong enough to change the structure of atoms it contacts but may be strong enough to heat tissue. Examples include radio waves, microwaves, visible light, and infrared.
What is ELF?
Another type of non ionizing electromagnetic radiation is emitted by electric current (such as overhead power lines or anything else with electricity flowing through it). This type of electromagnetic radiation is extremely low frequency (ELF). RF radiation is much higher frequency than ELF radiation, even though they are both non ionizing.
Does using a cell phone cause health problems? Can using one cause cancer?
The possible health effects of RF radiation have been studied for many decades, mostly in laboratory research with animals or cell samples. Most of these studies did not consider the types of exposure people experience when using cell phones because that technology did not exist. In the last 10 years, hundreds of new research studies have been done to more directly study possible effects of cell phone use. Although some studies have raised concerns, the scientific research, when taken together, does not indicate a significant association between cell phone use and health effects.
Since the public continues to be concerned; there are ongoing studies being conducted by many researchers including the World Health Organization, WHO. In addition to investigating the association of cell phone use and cancer, other health effects are being studied, including effects on the eyes, sleep and memory problems, and headaches.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has reported one additional potential health effect. Studies have shown that when some cellular phones are placed very close to implanted cardiac pacemakers, interference with the pacemaker's normal delivery of pulses can occur. For most digital phones, and for most pacemakers now in use, this does not have an effect if the phone is more than about six inches from the implanted pacemaker. Thus the operation of these pacemakers would not be disturbed with the phone used in the normal talking position.

Do cordless telephones emit radiation?
Cordless telephones work the same as cell phones. The only difference is that the cordless phone is limited to being close to the single base unit to which it belongs, while a cell phone can be carried around all across the country because it can connect to the many base stations that the cell phone system has.

Forklifts: 7 Tips for Keeping Workers Safe

2009-08-05T02:12:00.000-07:00

Most workplaces couldn't do without forklifts. But they certainly could do without forklift accidents and the resulting injuries. These tips can help keep both forklift operators and pedestrians safe.
(These tips are provided courtesy of our sister publication, the Cal/OSHA Compliance Advisor)
A truck driver from Iowa delivered new light poles to the football field at Frontier High School in Bakersfield, CA. He was watching another worker unload the poles with a forklift when the load shifted. A pole fell and hit him in the stomach, fatally injuring him.
A farm worker from Kettleman City, CA, walked around behind his forklift only to be crushed against it by another forklift driver who was backing up.
A forklift driver in Arvin, CA, was killed when he walked in front of his forklift and his raised load of carrots fell on him.
These three accounts all tell essentially the same story: If you have forklifts in your workplace, you have a hazard.
The following safety tips can help you address some of the most dangerous circumstances and keep your forklift operators and other workers safe:
Tip 1: No unauthorized operators. Forklift operators must have special training that is specific to both the workplace and the type of forklift they will be operating. Unauthorized workers operating forklifts—such as an employee who jumps on the forklift to move an item "just to help out"—are extremely dangerous to themselves and others. Make sure that all of your workers know that only trained operators can operate forklifts. Also, be sure workers under age 18 know that it is illegal for minors to operate forklifts.

Tip 2: Handle with care. The forklift itself is a hazard, but the load can be, too. Train operators and other workers to stack and secure the load so that it will not shift during transport. When the forklift is in motion, the load should be carried as close to the ground as possible.
Tip 3: Keep clear of the load. A raised load on a forklift is just like any other raised load—a hazard to anyone close enough to be struck by it if it falls. Emphasize to forklift operators and other workers that they have to stay clear of raised loads—not just out from under them but out from in front of them and a clear distance to the side, too. That distance may need to be larger as the load is raised higher.
Tip 4: Use the right forklift. The forklift has to be made for the conditions it will be used in—indoor, outdoor, or both; rough terrain or smooth concrete; or potentially flammable atmospheres. Even the load must be considered when choosing a forklift, such as how much the load weighs and how the load will need to be maneuvered.
Tip 5: Know the territory. Terrain affects forklift balance and handling; for example, even a pothole can be a tip-over hazard under unfortunate circumstances. Forklift operators need to know how to safely navigate up and down slopes and around corners, both with and without a load. If they work outdoors they also need to know how to deal with weather conditions. Workers who will be loading and unloading trucks or railcars need to know how to secure dock plates and bridge plates.

Tip 6: Maintain visibility. The hazard that kills a forklift operator or other worker could be the one he or she never sees coming. Provide clearly visible markings at edges of loading docks and other areas where forklifts could roll off, along with other precautions such as guardrails and chains. Warn drivers that going from bright light to dim light can blind them just long enough for them to strike another object or person, so they need to take special care under these conditions. Don't stack materials at corners in a way that obstructs an operator's visibility, and use mirrors to show both operators and pedestrians what's coming around the corner.
Tip 7: Separate the men from the machines. The combination of forklifts and workers on foot is a deadly one—usually for the worker on foot. As much as possible, create separate aisles for workers on foot and mechanical equipment. Instruct operators to look in the direction of travel at all times and keep a clear view of where they're going.

Is there a maximum weight a person can lift during their work?

2009-08-05T02:05:00.000-07:00

The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 (as amended) set no specific requirements such as weight limits.
The ergonomic approach shows clearly that such requirements are based on too simple a view of the problem and may lead to incorrect conclusions. Instead, an ergonomic assessment based on a range of relevant factors is used to determine the risk of injury and point the way to remedial action.
The Regulations establish the following clear hierarchy of control measures:
1.Avoid hazardous manual handling operations so far as is reasonably practicable, for example by redesigning the task to avoid moving the load or by automating or mechanising the process.
2.Make a suitable and sufficient assessment of any hazardous manual handling operations that cannot be avoided.
3.Reduce the risk of injury from those operations so far as is reasonably practicable. Where possible, you should provide mechanical assistance, for example a sack trolley or hoist. Where this is not reasonably practicable, look at ways of changing the task, the load and working environment.
Modern medical and scientific opinion accepts the scale of the problem and stresses the importance of an ergonomic approach to remove or reduce the risk of manual handling injury.. Ergonomics is sometimes described as 'fitting the job to the person, rather than the person to the job'. The ergonomic approach looks at manual handling as a whole. It takes into account a range of relevant factors, including the nature of the task, the load, the working environment and individual capability and requires worker participation.
When a more detailed assessment is necessary it should follow the broad structure set out in Schedule 1 to the Regulations. The Schedule lists a number of questions in five categories:
1.the task;
2.the load;
3.the working environment;
4.individual capability (this category is discussed in more detail under regulation 4(3) and its guidance); and
5.other factors, for example use of protective clothing.
Each of these categories may influence the others and none of them can be considered on their own. However, to carry out an assessment in a structured way it is often helpful to begin by breaking the operations down into separate, more manageable items.

Guide to Hard Hat Requirements

2009-08-05T01:54:00.000-07:00

Protective helmets should be worn in any work environment that presents a significant risk of head injury. There are various types of hard hats that may reduce the impact from falling objects or protect against electrical shock. Check out PE Facts to find out more about hard hat performance and safety!
The OSHA refers to the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) guidelines for their standard of performance criteria, referenced in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Title 29 is OSHA's guidelines for Occupational Head Protection (1910.135). This document will discuss the ANSI guidelines along with the OSHA standard for occupational head protection.
Occupational Head Protection
The standard states in 29 CFR 1910.135(a)(1) that, "Each affected employee shall wear protective helmets when working in areas where there is a potential for injury to the head from falling objects." The standard also addresses situations in which electrical hazards are present. 1910.135(a)(2) states, "Protective helmets designed to reduce electrical shock hazard shall be worn by each such affected employee when near exposed electrical conductors which could contact the head."
The OSHA standard does not specify the occupations or applications where head protection is mandatory, but it does address this topic under a non-mandatory appendix (Appendix B to Subpart I—Non-Mandatory Compliance Guidelines for Hazard Assessment and Personal Protective Equipment Selection). Part (9) of the appendix states, "Some examples of occupations for which head protection should be routinely considered are: carpenters, electricians, lineman, mechanics and repairers, plumbers and pipe fitters, assemblers, packers, wrappers, sawyers, welders, laborers, freight handlers, timber cutting and logging, stock handlers, and warehouse laborers." The appendix also describes various applications where head protection should generally be worn.

1910.135 defines what constitutes a "protective helmet" by distinguishing between hard hats purchased before July 5, 1994, and hard hats purchased after this date. Protective helmets purchased before this date only had to meet the 1969 version of the ANSI standard (ANSI Z89.1-1969). Protective helmets purchased after this date now have to meet the performance criteria of the ANSI Z89.1-1986, American National Standard for Personal Protection—Protective Headwear for Industrial Workers Requirements.
Requirements of ANSI Z89.1-1986
Before we go any further, it is important to understand the difference between hard hats and bump caps. Bump caps do not abide by the ANSI guidelines and are not suitable for occupations or applications where an ANSI-compliant hard hat is required by the OSHA.
The ANSI standard differentiates protective headwear into specific types and classes. It groups helmets into two categories, Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 helmets have a full brim around the entire hat while Type 2 helmets have a short brim only in the front. Type 2 hats are the dominant style in the field today. You will seldom find specific hard hat types in the compliance guidelines for these products. However, understand that there is a choice available and which type of helmet you select should depend on your specific application or work conditions.
ANSI recognizes three classes of electrical performance:
Class A Helmets are designed to decrease the impact of falling objects and to lessen the risk of being exposed to low-voltage electrical conductors. Helmets are tested at 2200 volts of electrical charge in order to be certified.
Class B Helmets are also intended to decrease the impact of falling objects, but these helmets reduce the risk of coming into contact with high-voltages electrical conductors. They are tested at 20,000 volts of electrical charge in order to receive certification.

Class C Helmets also reduce the force of impact of falling objects, but do not protect against electrical contact.
Note : The voltages stated in Classes A and B are not indications of the voltage at which the helmets protect the wearer.
Protective headwear is also tested for resistance to impact and penetration from hits on the top of the head, water absorption and flammability resistance. The standard describes the meticulous testing requirements in detail.
Any protective helmet that complies with the ANSI requirements must be marked with certification. The following information must be stated inside the hat:
The manufacturer's name
The legend, "ANSI Z89.1-1986"
The class designation (A, B or C)
ANSI revised its Z89.1 protective head wear standard in 1997. Although the revision has not yet been incorporated into 29 CFR 1910.135, it contains some noteworthy changes. The revised standard removed the Type 1 and Type 2 brim design differentiation. Now Type I refers to hard hats that only provide protection from hits on top of the head and Type II describes hard hats that protect from blows to the top as well as the side of the head.
This revised standard also changed the classifications of electrical performance. Z89.1(1997) recognizes the following classes:
Class G (General) Helmets --This is equivalent to the old Class A. Class G hard hats are tested at 2200 volts.
Class E (Electrical) Helmets --This is equivalent to the old Class B. Class E protective helmets are tested at 20,000 volts.
Class C (Conductive) Helmets -- Class C did not change from the old standard. This class provides no electrical insulation.
The 1997 standard also requires helmets to hold user information . Compliant hard hats must include the date of manufacture along with the manufacturer's name. The hard hat must also contain sizing instructions, guidelines for care and service, as well as the ANSI legend and class description.
Contrary to popular belief, hard hats do not have a pre-determined service life. In both the 1986 and 1997 versions of the ANSI standard, service life is discussed under the care and maintenance of the helmet. Those standards recommend checking protective helmets for dents, cracks, or any other damage daily. If a hard hat fails this simple visual inspection, it should be withdrawn from use until repaired.
In addition to damage from impact or rough treatment, ultraviolet (UV) radiation can be troublesome to plastic hard hats. The helmet looking chalky rather than having a nice glossy finish is an indication of UV damage. The flaking of the shell reveals even further damage. As soon as these signs of UV radiation degradation are seen, the hard hat should be replaced. In 2003, ANSI once again revised the Z89.1-1997 standard. The changes were made according to national standards for head protection that test and evaluate the performance of such equipment. Many requirements were removed that involved hard hat components that did not increase user value, that limited design or limited performance.
Commonly Asked Questions
Q. Can decals be put on hard hats?A. In most cases, yes. There is an extremely low risk for a chemical reaction between the hard hat shell and the pressure-sensitive sticker/decal adhesive. Under normal conditions, stickers and decals won’t negatively affect the performance of the hard hat.
Generally, these two rules of thumb should be followed:
The decals should be placed at least three-fourths of an inch away from the edge of the hard hat. This eliminates the risk of the decal acting as a conductor between the inside and outside of the helmet.

In order to easily inspect the hard hat for damages, the areas of the hard hat covered by stickers/decals should be kept to a minimum.
Q. Is it safe to paint a hard hat?A. ANSI Z89.1-2003 Appendix A4 states, when painting hard hat shells, caution should be used because some paints and thinners may damage or degrade the shell decreasing the level of protection. Before painting, consult the hard hat manufacturer.
Q. Can hard hats be worn backward?A. Generally, no. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) released a standard interpretation and compliance letter dated July 22, 1992 that states:
"Because ANSI only tests and certifies hard hats to be worn with the bill foreword, hard hats worn with the bill to the rear would not be considered reliable protection and would not meet the requirement of 29 CFR 1926.100 (a) and (b) unless the hard hat manufacturer certifies that this practice meets the ANSI requirements." Before wearing your hard hat backward, you should obtain written verification and directions from the manufacturer on whether or not your hard hat model has been tested and found to be compliant with safety standards when worn back

Water Conservation: 10 Things You Can Do at Home

2009-07-08T21:37:00.000-07:00

Water conservation is an important topic for all of us. Even if you don't live in an area subject to freshwater shortages, billions of other people around the world do. Freshwater is one of our most precious and also our most wasted resources. Approximately 1.2 billion people worldwide do not have access to clean drinking water. Can you imagine if you came home at the end of the day and had no water to prepare dinner, take a shower, brush your teeth, or prepare a bottle for the baby? This is what much of the developing world deals with on a daily basis. And the problem grows worse as the world's population increases.So how do the rest of us help? The best way to make a difference is stop taking water for granted and start conserving the freshwater that we use every day. It's easier than you might think, and just a few little steps multiply as time goes by, adding up to thousands of gallons saved each year. Here are some ideas to get you and your family started conserving water.

1. Turn off the water while brushing your teeth and washing your face at the sink. Water saved: 3 gallons per day.

2. Turn off the water in the shower when you're lathering up or shampooing your hair. Water saved: 5 gallons per minute.

3. Install a water-saving showerhead. Water saved: 1 to 2 gallons per minute.

4. Don't rinse your dishes before loading the dishwasher. Believe it or not, most dishwashers are designed to handle un-rinsed dishes, and in fact, they may perform better if dishes are not pre-rinsed. Water saved: 20 gallons per dishwasher load.

5. If you have a dishwasher, use it. Studies have shown that new, efficient dishwashers use far less water than washing dishes by hand, so when in doubt, put that pan in the dishwasher! Not only will this save you water, it will save you time, too.

6. Routinely check toilets for leaks. Standard, water flush toilets are very leaky, that's all there is to it. Most toilets will need their inner parts replaced at least once every year or two to prevent unnecessary leaks. Water saved: Up to 200 gallons per day.

7. If you have old toilets, consider replacing them with new, high efficiency toilets that use less water per flush. Or, better yet, consider installing a composting toilet that uses no water. Water saved: 5 to 7 gallons per flush.

8. If you water your lawn, be sure to put your sprinklers on timers. A sprinkler that's accidentally left on all night can waste over a thousand gallons of water.

9. If you don't have aerators on your kitchen and bathroom sink faucets, get some. They are incredibly cheap, you probably won't notice a difference in the amount of water flowing from your faucet, and they'll save 1 to 2 gallons of water per minute.

10. Use a rain barrel at the bottom of your gutter downspouts to collect rainwater for watering plants and filling birdbaths. Rain barrels can be purchased online or through specialty stores, or it may be possible to build one yourself.Remember, water usage habits are learned at home. If you teach your children how to conserve water while they are growing up, they will carry those habits with them for a lifetime. Think what a difference we could make in 20 or 30 years if an entire generation were raised with water conservation in mind. So start today, and start at home. Water conservation is important for everyone, regardless of who you are or where you live. Freshwater is our most precious natural resource, and we want to be sure there is enough of it to go around.

By: Ellen Bell

Why learn CPR?

2009-07-08T21:18:00.000-07:00

It’s agreed that we cannot all be doctors or paramedics, and in an emergency situation we give preference to medical personnel who are trained and are equipped to handle such incidents. However, the very definition of an emergency implies an urgency in which time is of the highest priority, and every second without medical assistance is perilous to the patient. In these circumstances, it becomes imperative that all efforts be taken to save the persons life. The most valuable service that each of us as lay persons, as community members, and as responsible human beings can provide is the study and practice of CPR and Basic Life Support. CPR or Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation is the application of trained maneuvers designed specifically to aid the vital functions of our body. The basic forces that support life in each of us are the normal involuntary functioning of our heart and lungs. We aren't continually aware of them until it's apparent that there is a problem. When our ability to respire, or take in oxygen and expel carbon dioxide suffers, our body goes in to an alarm or shock stage. Our lungs may cease to inflate, our heart may stop its regular beating, and we come to be in a state known as distress. This distress occurs at three separate levels, namely Airway, Breathing, and Circulation, or the ABC's of Life Support. If the airway is obstructed, the lungs are without oxygen, and the heart starts to skip or stop its normal rhythmic beating. Uncorrected, death is imminent. Practice of CPR specifically targets these vital components and attempts to rejuvenate our lungs and heart from a distress state to a safe or non-distress condition, while we wait for emergency personnel to arrive at the scene. CPR and Basic Life Support is certainly not the highest level of care afforded to a person in physical distress. However, it is the support that we can afford to provide each other in the event of a life-threatening emergency. The knowledge that you or your neighbor or a room full of crowded strangers is trained in CPR and Basic Life Support serves as the trusted guardian that can mean the literal difference between life and death. As intelligent beings we embody the characteristics of self-awareness and self-preservation. The latter is our way of ensuring we stay alive. Intelligence must tell us then, that to be individually trained in CPR is to save a life, but to train as a community is to save our own.

By: vitalethics

How To Keep Yourself from Being Infected With Swine Flu

2009-07-08T21:08:00.000-07:00

Swine flu is an illness which derives its name from a virus that infects pigs. While the virus cannot affect people, they are likely to get an infection from time to time. The virus is communicable and can be transmitted from one person to another. The symptoms of swine flu are like those manifested in a regular flu and may include cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, fever, chills and fatigue. The H1N1 virus continues to become widespread in the United States. The Center for Disease Control believes that the number of cases, hospitalizations, and deaths will continue within the coming days and weeks. The Center for Disease Control is aggressively responding to the growing outbreak. The objective of the agency is to curb the spread and severity of the illness as well as to inform health care providers, public health officials, and the general public to fend off the challenge by the medical crisis. Likewise, the CDC is giving interim guidance on a daily basis as a response to the rapidly growing crisis. For treating swine flu, there are antiviral medicines that can be administered. So far, oseltamivir, amantadine, rimantadine, and zanamivir are the approved drugs for swine influenza treatment in the United States. However, amantadine and rimantadine will not work against swine flu as the H1N1 virus was found to be resistant against these medicines. Laboratory procedures, on the other hand, have proven that H1N1 is susceptible to oseltavimir and zanavimir. Using antiviral drugs in the treatment of swine influenza works by making your illness milder and making you feel relieved earlier than expected. Aside from that, antiviral medicines prevent the onset of serious complications. Antiviral medicines are most effective when administered after the onset of the illness usually within a couple of days. However, it should be considered two days after the onset of symptoms, especially for hospitalized patients or those at greater risk for influenza-related complications. Administration of anti viral drugs is also useful in preventing influenza when given to an individual who is not sick but has exposed to a person with swine influenza. It can reduce the possibility of infection by 70% to 90%. The duration of intake will be determined by the condition of the patient. Currently, there are no accessible vaccines for protecting against H1N1.In order to keep yourself from getting infected by the virus, here are some of the things that can be done:

- Keep yourself informed about H1N1. You can visit the official website of the World Health Organization or check brochures from local hospitals or medical facilities.

- Since the influenza virus can be transmitted from one person to another through coughing or sneezing, you can keep yourself busy by doing the following:

- When coughing or sneezing, cover your nose and mouth with a tissue. After using the tissue, dispose of it and throw it in the trash.

- Wash your hands with soap and water after coughing and sneezing. Use alcohol-based hand sanitizers whenever necessary.

- To prevent germs from spreading, refrain from touching your eyes, mouth, or nose.

- If you become ill, the CDC recommends that you avoid contact with other people at work or school so as not to infect them.

- Comply with public health advice concerning school closures, crowd avoidance, and social distancing efforts. As far as swine flu is concerned, health authorities are doing everything they can to prevent the outbreak of another deadly virus.

By: Sutiyo Na

Brakes And Driver Safety

2009-06-30T00:34:00.000-07:00

Almost all drivers today have grown up in a car culture. A huge number of adults have their own car or truck that they use on a regular basis. No matter whether you choose an SUV, smaller vehicle or muscle car, driving safely is an area that needs to be given priority.When taking the initial driving test, most know the facts and figures surrounding braking, thinking and overall stopping distances. But out on the highway, after the test has been passed, it is scary how many drivers seem to forget or disregard potentially lifesaving knowledge. Over recent years, car manufacturers have made vast improvements to the quality of brakes, and specialist kinds that further increase performance are widely available to purchase separately. Despite cars being built and modified to improve safety, it is essential that there is an understanding that the overall responsibility for the safety of you, your passengers and other road users, depends on you.
The stopping distances taught to learner drivers are not solely for the inexperienced. They are scientifically proven measurements taught to keep everyone safer on the roads. Your car may have the best brakes money can buy, and this is a great investment – but if you are not concentrating, or are following a vehicle too closely, then they will not enable you to defy the laws of physics. Helping to protect you and your car can be as simple as taking weather conditions, road surfaces and stopping distances into account. When working out braking distances, both the time it takes you to react to a situation and apply your brakes, and how long it will take the car to stop need to be considered. People are often surprised to learn that when driving speed doubles, the braking distance does not – it is a staggering four times as far. For example, if you increase speed from 30mph to 60mph, the braking distance changes from 45 feet to 180 feet. Many older drivers will be familiar with the saying “only a fool breaks the two second rule”. It is generally accepted that under normal driving conditions, the two second gap between your vehicle and the one in front is safe, though some prefer to use a three second gap to be certain. In different weather, different rules apply. In the rain, and when the pavement is wet, this safe distance doubles to four seconds. In snow and ice, and where certain spillages have occurred, it is wise to keep a ten second gap. Many people find it difficult to judge how far behind a vehicle they are in seconds, feet or car lengths – if in doubt; it is better to be cautious and hang further back rather than get too close. Don’t leave it all to your brakes.One situation when a dangerous road surface can take drivers by surprise is the first rain after a dry spell as the pavement is often really slippery. Any water on the road can reduce friction, and in severe cases cause hydroplaning. The best advice is to know yourself – before starting out consider if you are tired, emotional or feeling ill. Know your vehicle – your brakes, tyres and how it handles. And know your stopping distances in all weathers. Drive safe!
By: Andy Freeman

Three Aspects Of Safety Management Which Every Business Should Introduce

2009-06-30T00:26:00.000-07:00

Equipment safety in the workplace is absolutely critical, and never before have equipment management and safety management been given as much attention as today. In part this is due to the increasingly litigation oriented way in which society looks to attribute blame. But viewing this positively, it is clear to see that the end result is that the workplace today is safer, and the hazards either eliminated entirely or managed effectively and safely.But one of the issues still arising within industry and business is that the equipment management system used is fragmented, with very few overall policies or procedures to ensure that tasks, equipment, operations or procedures are checked and monitored for safety and security from beginning to end. The result of this fragmented workplace safety system is that too much faith is placed in the operation as a whole, and it only takes a small, easily overlooked aspect to cause a major accident or injury.
For this reason it is worthwhile re-evaluating the safety systems employed in your business or industry, asking critical questions regarding the effectiveness and thoroughness of the safety management system which is used. If this relies upon handwritten lists, scrappy notes, posters which have been up for so long they have become faded and covered with memos, or even simply verbal instructions and confirmations, then it is almost certainly time to introduce a new safety management system, to ensure the safety of employees first and foremost, but of secondary consideration is the fact that insurance premiums are often reduced for businesses which do employ a recognised, thorough and consistent workplace safety system.There are three aspects of effective safety systems, and these include:- The use of lists or checklists to ensure that procedures are adhered to and do not omit key aspects of any safety checks or procedures which should be applied- The application of high visibility safety tags or labels to make clear whether equipment is safe and ready for use, or whether it has failed safety checks and should be avoided.- Methods to ensure that safety notices, warning labels, security tags and other security signs are fixed firmly, cannot be removed easily and are virtually tamper proof to prevent accidental or deliberate removal.But perhaps one thing stands out from all of these, or rather, should encompass them all, and that is consistency. This is the key to a successful safety management system; if the systems are not consistent, then there is confusion as to which system should be applied to which equipment, when checks should be carried out and whether equipment is safe to use. Any inconsistency will, inevitably, lead to a failure of equipment, a failure to erect or setup the equipment correctly, and ultimately, injury or worse.There are several recommended equipment management systems available, with the 'Good to Go' system one of the more popular available. This incorporates flexibility, durability, and consistency as well as offering both high visibility and the ability to make sure that notices, labels and warnings are tamper proof. One of the huge benefits with such a system is its ease of use, and this is another issue relating to any safety management system you choose to use which should be given consideration.If a safety system is too difficult to use, or to implement, too hard to understand or too confusing in the messages or procedures required, then it will be ignored, or used incorrectly. A problem or hazard which is ignored is just as dangerous as a misunderstood message or procedure, and so when reviewing possible equipment safety systems, make sure that whichever one you choose offers ease of use and flexibility, as well as the other aspects listed above.Once you have identified a suitable safety management system, make sure that all employees and personnel are fully aware of its requirements and any relevant procedures, and offer training where necessary. Hopefully, if you have used a simple and straightforward equipment safety system this shouldn't be a problem, but making sure that it is implemented consistently will be the next challenge in the battle for industrial safety and safety in the workplace.
By: Leonard Peacham

Safety Information: Things You Have To Know When Handling Nitric Acid

2009-06-24T21:36:00.000-07:00

Possibly the most common use of nitric acid is in the production of nitrogen-based fertilizers. The US production per year reaches an approximate total of 11 million tons coming from about 65 manufacturing plants around the country. Meanwhile, in the UK, more than one million ton is produced annually.Nitric acid is a colorless liquid which can become yellowish or reddish over time in storage due to the build up of nitrogen oxides. It is a highly corrosive liquid, a strong oxidizer, a poison and has the capacity to dissolve most metals.

Aside from being a main component in fertilizer production, nitric acid is also a very important component chemical in the manufacture of explosives, dyes, plastics, metallurgy and as a cleaning agent in food, dairy and brewing industries.Nitric acid is such a very important chemical in many industries that although it is considered to be more dangerous than most chemicals in 6 out of 9 in the ranking systems, it is still produced in large volume and many of the people working in trades using nitric acid in its applications are put in occupational hazard. It is therefore important that safety information, proper handling training and other safety procedures are given to these workers.Inhalation of nitric acid vapors may cause difficulty in breathing and, in fatal cases, may lead to pulmonary edema and pneumonia. Irritation of the nose, throat and respiratory tract, coughing and choking can be observed when someone accidentally inhales nitric acid vapors. Ingestion can also be very dangerous because of the corrosive property of nitric acid. It will cause instant burns and pains of the mouth, throat, esophagus and the rest of the gastrointestinal tract.Nitric acid is an irritant and direct eye contact causes severe burns and may even result to permanent eye damage. Direct skin contact, on the other hand, causes pain, redness, and serious skin burns. Concentrated nitric acid solutions turn the skin yellow as a result of a reaction with keratin as well as ugly blisters.Constant and long term exposure to vapors may result to erosion of the teeth and damage to the lungs. However, it is a seldom case that a long term exposure to nitric acid occurs because of the strong corrosive and high reactivity of the chemical. Patients with preexisting health conditions of the skin, eyes and cardiopulmonary system are more susceptible to the effects of the acid as well as exacerbate their conditions.Apart from these health effects, the chemical properties of nitric acid also require special and secure handling to prevent reactions with others chemicals which can result to increase in flammability of combustible materials, fires and explosions. Leakage and spilling can also cause corrosion and other accidents.Knowledge of the possible effects of nitric acid and the awareness of the safety precautions and proper handling should be an integral part of a company’s standard operating procedure and good manufacturing practices.Workers should always wear protective clothing including chemical safety glasses and gloves. Gloves made from polyethylene, neoprene and butyl rubber are appropriate for handling up to 70% concentration of nitric acid solutions. Working area should also have good ventilation, more so when using concentrated form of the acid. Eye wash fountains and quick drench facilities must be within the direct vicinity of the work area.It is the company’s responsibility to provide their workers with the proper protective outfit as well as the technical know-how of handling nitric acid. However, it then becomes the worker’s duty to always follow safety procedures and exercise extreme measures when dealing with hazardous chemicals such as nitric acid.
By: joalesto

Survey: Majority of Drivers Who Own Cell Phones Use Them despite Risks

2009-06-24T21:10:00.000-07:00

Most drivers who own cell phones use them while driving even though almost all of them believe it is dangerous to do so. A quarter of drivers with cell phones sends or receives text messages while driving. Most drivers with cell phones use hand-held rather than hands-free phones although they believe that hands-free phones are safer. Even in states where it is illegal for drivers to use hand-held phones, half of cell phone users do so. This Harris Poll also shows that most drivers who use cell phones believe that using hands-free phones is safer than using hand-held phones, contrary to the evidence of available research that suggests that it is the minds, not the hands, of drivers that are adversely affected by talking on the phone.
These are some of the findings of The Harris Poll®, a new nationwide survey of 2,681 U.S. adults surveyed online between May 11 and 18, 2009 by Harris Interactive®.
A 2003 study by the Harvard Center of Risk Analysis estimated that cell phone use while driving contributed to six percent of crashes, which equated to 636,000 crashes, 330,000 injuries, 12,000 serious injuries and 2,600 deaths each year. The study also put the annual financial toll of cell phone-related crashes at $43 billion.
Key findings in this Harris Poll include:
· 72 percent of those who drive and own cell phones say they use them to talk while they are driving;
· Most of these people (66 percent) say they usually use hand-held rather than hands-free telephones to talk;
· Even in states that have banned the use of hand-held cell phones while driving, half (49 percent) of cell phone users use hand-held, rather than hands-free, phones;
· Only 2 percent of those who use cell phones while driving believe this is not dangerous at all. Most believe it is very dangerous (26 percent), dangerous (24 percent) or somewhat dangerous (33 percent);
· Seventy-one percent of those who use cell phones while driving believes that hands-free cell phones are safer than hand-held phones;
·Younger drivers are more likely than older drivers to talk on the phone while driving. Most (58 percent) “Matures” (people older than Baby Boomers, currently aged 64 or over) who drive and own cell phones say they do not use their cell phones while driving; and,
·A quarter of drivers with cell phones report using them to send or receive text messages while driving.

This is for your information only
Regards

Katari MURTHY

Ensure The Safety Of Your Staff With Health And Safety Policies

2009-06-18T01:56:00.000-07:00

A well structured health and safety procedures plan should cover all premises and activities to ensure the safety and well being of the staff in accordance to their Health and Safety Policies.Health and safety policies and procedures should be produced following a thorough process of premises inspection, assessment of procedures, document audit and the identification of training requirements.

All health and safety policies should include:

* The Health and Safety Policy Statement

* The Management organisation and structure for Health and Safety

* The Health and Safety responsibilities of individuals

* The Health and Safety Rules - the working practices procedures and accompanying guidance expected to be kept by staff, visitors and contractors

* Risk assessment procedures and a set of generic risk assessments

* Accident reporting and disease reporting procedures,

* Occupational Health and First Aid requirements;

* Stress management policy* Additional procedures, for example Fire Risk Assessments, CDM compliance system, Method Statements or Dangerous Goods management system:

* Health and safety documentation will be updated in line with legislation and any changes in your workplace. All policies are backed up with our legal alert service which provides clients with information on complex and rapid changes to legislation, and our 24-hour advice hotline for an immediate response in a crisis situation.The job of a health and safety consultant consists of producing a tailored health and safety policies and health and safety procedures to allow workers get on with their jobs in the safest environment possible.To ensure the above, all working sites need a health and safety site evaluation, the process is not just a policing exercise, but also a great opportunity to increase worker's knowledge towards health and safety.Health and safety consultants should analyze the current health and safety situation by providing an on-the-spot report and be able to identify future issues that might arise.In 1974 the Health and Safety at Work Act (HASAWA) was introduced, since then Employers are legally required to provide written health and safety documentation, this documentation should include:

* Health and Safety Policies and Procedures

* Management Structures and Defined Responsibilities

* Risk, COSHH, Noise, Manual Handling, Fire and Display Screen Assessments

* Recording and reporting procedures as required

* Health and safety documents to reflect changes in your organisation and legislation.All the documentation should be tailored to your companies' needs and satisfy the most stringent legal requirements.health and safety consultants, health and safety policies, health and safety procedures, health and safety
By: SEO Bedford

Office Safety

2009-06-11T20:32:00.000-07:00

Introduction
Usually, when you think about dangerous jobs and job-related accidents and injuries, you think of industrial setting and factories. That's where you see workers wearing hard hats and steel-toed work boots.
But today we're here to talk about a different kind of environment - the office. You may not think of office areas as danger zones, but there are a surprising number of hazards even in this type of setting. In fact, a lot of the safety principles that a pply on the factory floor carry over into the office area.
Identifying Hazards
As with any type of accident prevention program, office safety first requires that we all recognize the hazards that exist.
Electrical hazards, for example, are often easy to spot if you're alert. Extension cords can be a major problem because they can lead to overloaded outlets. If you must use an extension cord, be sure that it's powerful enough to handle the equipment you're plugging in. Also, be sure that it's in good shape and that you don't create another kind of hazard by running the cord under a rug or through a high-traffic area. Some general electrical safety reminders include:
Avoid overloading outlets.
Always match plugs and outlets, making sure to never force a three-prong plug into a two-prong outlet.
Check for worn or frayed cords and have them replaced immediately.
Never place cords near heat or water.
Never use electrical equipment when your hands or the equipment are wet.
Report any potential electrical problems.

Let's move on to slips, trips and falls. The classic tripping hazard in an office is the open bottom file drawer. It sounds so simple, but please keep drawers closed.
Also pay attention to slippery surfaces. This can be a problem in the entrance areas, especially in bad weather when people have tracked in rain or snow. But also be on the lookout for spills and for areas that may have just been mopped or waxed. Another common tripping hazard is loose or torn carpet.
Chairs can be dangerous as well. Be especially careful if you use a chair on wheels. Sitting too far forward can be just as dangerous as leaning too far back.
Back injuries can be a result of a slip or fall, but they also come from improper lifting. Always bend at the knees, not the back. Lift with your legs and don't try to lift more than you can safely handle.
One final area of concern is hazardous chemicals. While this is certainly not a big problem in an office environment, it is still important. We don't have many hazardous chemicals, but you may come in contact with some. (Discuss specific chemical you may have in your work area)
Again, pay attention and read the labels so your are aware of any possible danger.
Conclusion
Keep in mind that good housekeeping can do a lot to keep the office safe. This means, if you drop it, pick it up. If you use it, put it back. Good housekeeping prevents aisles, stairwells, and hallways from getting cluttered. The result? Less chance of a fire and fewer falls, cuts, and bruises.
Finally, let's just use common sense and continue to communicate. If you see a problem, please correct it or report it immediately to someone who can. I know the office is not the most hazardous work environment in the world, but accidents can happen. I just don't want them to happen to you.

WD-40 Well, Who Knew...?

2009-06-11T20:10:00.000-07:00

I had a neighbor who had bought a new pickup. I got up very early one Sunday morning and saw that someone had spray painted red all around the sides of this beige truck (for some unknown reason). I went over, woke him up, and told him the bad news. He was very upset and was trying to figure out what to do probably nothing until Monday morning, since nothing was open. Another neighbor came out and told him to get his WD-40 and clean it off. It removed the unwanted paint beautifully and did not harm his paint job that was on the truck. I'm impressed! WD-40 who knew Water Displacement #40. The product began from a search for a rust preventative solvent and degreaser to protect missile parts.
WD-40 was created in 1953 by three technicians at the San Diego Rocket Chemical Company. Its name comes from the project that was to find a "water displacement" compound. They were successful with the fortieth formulation, thus WD-40. The Corvair Company bought it in bulk to protect their atlas missile parts. Ken East (one of the original founders) says there is nothing in WD-40 that would hurt you. When you read the "shower door" part, try it. It's the first thing that has ever cleaned that spotty shower door. If yours is plastic, it works just as well as glass. It's a miracle! Then try it on your stovetop. Voila! It's now shinier than it's ever been. You'll be amazed. Here are some of the uses:

1) Protects silver from tarnishing.

2) Removes road tar and grime from cars.

3) Cleans and lubricates guitar strings.

4) Gives floors that 'just-waxed' sheen without making it slippery.

5) Keeps flies off cows.

6) Restores and cleans chalkboards.

7) Removes lipstick stains.

8) Loosens stubborn zippers.

9) Untangles jewelry chains.

10) Removes stains from stainless steel sinks.

11) Removes dirt and grime from the barbecue grill.

12) Keeps ceramic/terra cotta garden pots from oxidizing.

13) Removes tomato stains from clothing.

14) Keeps glass shower doors free of water spots.

15) Camouflages scratches in ceramic and marble floors.

16) Keeps scissors working smoothly.

17) Lubricates noisy door hinges on vehicles and doors in homes

18) It removes black scuff marks from the kitchen floor! Use WD-40 for those nasty tar and scuff marks on flooring. It doesn't seem to harm the finish and you won't have to scrub nearly as hard to get them off. Just remember to open some windows if you have a lot of marks

19) Bug guts will eat away the finish on your car if not removed quickly! Use WD-40!

20) Gives a children's play gym slide a shine for a super fast slide.

21) Lubricates gear shift and mower deck lever for ease of handling on riding mowers.

22) Rids kids rocking chairs and swings of squeaky noises.

23) Lubricates tracks in sticking home windows and makes them easier toopen.

24) Spraying an umbrella stem makes it easier to open and close.

25) Restores and cleans padded leather dashboards in vehicles, as well as vinyl bumpers.

26) Restores and cleans roof racks on vehicles.

27) Lubricates and stops squeaks in electric fans.

28) Lubricates wheel sprockets on tricycles, wagons, and bicycles for easy handling.

29) Lubricates fan belts on washers and dryers and keeps them running smoothly.

30) Keeps rust from forming on saws and saw blades, and other tools.31) Removes splattered grease on stove.

32) Keeps bathroom mirror from fogging.

33) Lubricates prosthetic limbs.

34) Keeps pigeons off the balcony (they hate the smell).

35) Removes all traces of duct tape.

36) Folks even spray it on their arms, hands, and knees to relieve arthritis pain.

37) Florida's favorite use is: "cleans and removes love bugs from grills and bumpers."

38) The favorite use in the state of New York WD-40 protects the Statue of Liberty from the elements.

39) WD-40 attracts fish. Spray a LITTLE on live bait or lures and you will be catching the big one in no time. Also, it's a lot cheaper than the chemical attractants that are made for just that purpose. Keep in mind though, using some chemical laced baits or lures for fishing are not allowed in some states.

40) Use it for fire ant bites. It takes the sting away immediately and stops the itch.

41) WD-40 is great for removing crayon from walls. Spray on the mark and wipe with a clean rag.

42) Also, if you've discovered that your teenage daughter has washed and dried a tube of lipstick with a load of laundry, saturate the lipstick spots with WD-40 and re-wash. Presto! Lipstick is gone!

43) If you sprayed WD-40 on the distributor cap, it would displace the moisture and allow the car to start.

P. S. The basic ingredient is FISH OIL .

7 Reasons Why Your Behavior-Based Safety Process is Flopping

2009-06-11T19:50:00.000-07:00

In the last 15 years thousands of Behavior-Based Safety (BBS) processes have been implemented worldwide. BBS is the most commonly used process to obtain order of magnitude improvements in injury reduction. It is participative, preventive, and positive; it is the Six Sigma – the TQM for safety. Its core components are so powerful that it is hard to imagine how you can implement it and not get great results.
Amazingly, most people who have a failed system don’t have a clue why it isn’t working. Often, they will bring in another BBS provider (consulting company), in hopes that a new approach with new language will “work.” The employees get cynical, because the new process requires changes that don’t seem to make a difference. The average front line employee sees similar systems with different buzzwords; and they are right.
What went wrong? Why are there so many dissatisfied BBS clients, abandoned systems, bastardized hybrids, and home grown catastrophes? I can think of a few reasons, but I’m not going to pull out the worn-out “maybe you were not ready,” cliché. Most companies have decent safety management systems, and most companies are ready for “the right BBS process.”
Failures and lukewarm BBS systems all have a few common roots:
1. You Did Not Do Your Homework – there are several legitimate BBS providers, but there are also a lot of pseudo-BBS providers. Just because a company is large and has a big market presence does not mean they can implement a good BBS process. They just know how to sell and they let their brand do the talking for them.
Similarly, just because some guy went through several site implementations at the company where he used to work does not make him a good consultant, or someone who is qualified to advise other companies. When I say do your homework, I mean learn something about the core principles of BBS and compare that to the potential provider’s process.
Does the provider actually know anything about behavioral science – the research-based principles of human behavior? Are their consultants knowledgeable about the science of behavior-change, or are they safety professionals that have seen a lot of BBS? You might think that doesn’t matter, but when you discover that your employees are still taking risks and your supervisors are still favoring productivity and their paperwork over safety it’s good to have someone to ask…why?
2. You Got an Off-the-Shelf BBS System Instead of a Customized Process – the large BBS providers have standardized processes. Most of the time their consultants have been thoroughly trained in using a specific methodology accompanied by specific tools and printed material. The company usually has a book written by an authority that establishes their credibility.
When you have lots of pre-printed material, copyrights, trademarks, and patents, you have inflexibility. They can’t change their process to accommodate the nuances of your company, culture, or operation. They tend to force-fit the exigencies of your safety management system intopre-packaged assumptions and solutions. They can not do something differently – even if they know it works better – if it contradicts something that has been published in their sacred text…the book that established their credibility in the first place.
3. No Pickles, No Lettuce – Special Orders Do Upset Us – You bought the big name and now they own you. Everybody in your industry knows that you use “X” company as your BBS provider. You have added a new appendage to your safety management system; “X’s” BBS process. It has so much notoriety, that your own safety process has lost its identity. It’s like marrying a movie star; you lose your identity – you’ve become Mr. or Mrs. Celebrity.
What you really needed was a customized process; you needed a knowledgeable, experienced BBS consultant to help you integrate the key BBS components into your existing safety management system. You should have a personalized system – adapted to your nation, region, industry, site, and work group functions. You needed input; an opportunity to learn the basics and make some of the decisions about how, when, and what.
But, the big provider used their clout to shout you down. They’ve done this dozens (even hundreds) of times before and you have to do it they way they want. There is only one way; their way. It is only later…many dollars later that you become aware that you could have screwed up for a lot less money if you had done it yourself.
But now it’s too late; they have you encircled by their lawyers. You can’t do this or that without their approval; if you do, you may be stealing their proprietary material or pirating their intellectual capital. If you want to use another provider in another plant, the big players may have to give you their permission.
4. You Bought Complexity Instead of Basic Tools – yeah, but all that detail looked so inviting. All that stuff. It was impressive; there were so many training meetings, team meetings, tools, books, continuing education classes, annual conferences, software upgrades – it was overwhelmingly. You think, it must be good, because it takes so much time.
Nobody told you (even though your intuition should have) that complex and expensive does not equal effective. Everybody thinks, “It’s just me; I think this is all too complex because I’m not smart enough to grasp it all.” You thought you were allergic to something when your eyes began to water while they were explaining the data software.
No, your intuition was on the money. Just because you don’t understand it doesn’t mean you are simple. It may have too many pieces because it favors the providers selling process or their sales price. A BBS process can be implemented for 1/4th of the cost that some of the bigger providers charge.
5. Your Leaders Are Not Involved – I don’t mean they just wrote a check. I mean they are out doing observations, talking to frontline employees about BBS, attending Safety Committee meetings, and asking questions about progress and participation.
Leadership involvement needs to be tracked, measured; it needs to be public and they need to be accountability. The best BBS implementations have obsessed leadership; they talk the talk and walk the walk. They won’t let it fail because it is number one on their values list.
Leadership involvement communicates that the company cares about the well-being of their employees. It lets the public know that the organization has a heart. Customers like companies with a heart – with compassion, caring and respect for their employees.
Each leader needs to have a self-developed, self-managed checklist of specific support behaviors that they use to track themselves against – with goals and public transparency. Leaders need to meet and talk about their individual scores…and hold themselves accountable for doing the things that will make safety and your BBS process the key value in the company.
6. You Did Not Know When to Ask for Help – your gut tells you that the BBS process is not working. Employees are not enthusiastic – not even involved. Meetings are not being held – observation sheets are being pencil whipped. You don’t trust the data. Your process is dying; atrophy is obvious but you keep looking for a quick fix.
What you need to do is find an experienced free-lance or small group of credentialed BBS implementers and pay one of them to come in for a day and take a look around; talk to them and let them talk to the employees. There is no substitute for third party objectivity. There are plenty of experienced BBS consultants who have implemented dozens of BBS processes who are willing to spend a few days with you to give you some guidance.
Allowing your employees to meet with a BBS consultant and do some course correction and problem solving can energize them. It allows them to make changes their experience has identified – to make improvements that will customize the process to the work, the company, and the culture.
7. You Don’t Know How to Deliver Effective Feedback, Recognition, and Celebrate - SuccessWhat leadership attends to, what they talk about positively, and what they reward becomes the key values in an organization. Most supervisors don’t know how to interact with employees in a way that energizes critical behaviors – that helps performers identify value added behavior and change behavior that is not working.
Providing positive feedback during observations is critical to behavior change. Recognizing the people who are doing observations, and celebrating the up and down stream data improvements is important to creating energy and enthusiasm. Employees need to know that their behavior makes a difference. In some companies BBS involvement is a condition of employment.
Human behavior is determined by consequences; what pays off for you or what does not determines what you are going to do on the job. If your BBS system has not incorporated the basic principles of behavioral technology – of behavior change, then you are unlikely to be successful at evolving and maintaining your BBS process over the long haul. Celebrating and rewarding safe behavior is essential.

Earthquake Emergencies - 21 Tips To Keep In Mind

2009-06-11T02:09:00.000-07:00

Earthquakes are one of the most devastating among all natural disasters. A rather disturbing yet unavoidable fact for the mankind is that none of the equipments, science or measurement scales is able to predict the precise way & time of the earthquake.
The only and hence the most effective means to minimize the severe effects of earthquakes amidst the human lives is making adequate preparations for the earthquake emergencies.
In the situation of an earthquake, one feels that the ground is shaking or rolling. In case the earthquake is a very sever one, that is the movements of earth's crust are really violent, one might also hear the ground roaring or rumbling.
These characteristics of an earthquake cause sheer panic among the people. Eventually this jeopardizes one's chance of the survival. Luckily strong & devastating earthquakes do not happen that usually. Even in the locations where there is a minimal chance of earthquakes that is the places & nations that are located near the ring of fire of the earth, it is imperative to have some emergency plans to keep yourself and your family safe.
Here are some tips that might help you getting prepared for the emergencies:
1. Prepare the emergency kits
a. It is very hard to know as to what remains after the earthquakes, so in case you live in an area really prone to the earthquakes, you must keep the emergency kits ready.
b. There must be one kit for everyone in the house.
c. Each emergency kit is your lifeline ensuring your survival after the earthquake.
d. It should contain: i. One gallon water ii. Food supply for at least 3 days iii. Select only non-perishable food iv. The first aid kit
e. Make sure that you regularly change the contents of the kit like food & water. f. Make sure that the food & water in the kit are of good edible quality else they would be of little use only.
2. Know All the Mains of All Your Utilities
a. Earthquakes often lead to fire due to gas leaks & electricity. b. You must know the main switches of all your utilities, so that you may turn them off as & when needed.
3. Inspect the House for Cracks & Fissures
a. Make sure to check your house's condition regularly in order to ensure that it can withstand even all the strong earthquakes. b. Make sure that there are no cracks on the walls & chimney. c. The door frames must be fixed. d. In case you live in some apartment, instantly report the cracks & fissures to the landlord.
4. Have the Evacuation Plan
a. Make sure that you & your family or the office mates have an emergency plan to face the disasters, like fire, earthquakes & floods. b. Every member must be aware of their duties and safety measures in such situations. c. Early preparation would ensure rather more safety of the family. d. Panic & confusion often lead to accidents & injuries.
Tips to face the Earthquake Emergency while it is Overhead
1. Make sure to stay away from the objects that may fall off.
2. Make sure to stay away from the book cases, hanging objects, cabinets, like chandeliers, ceiling fans, etc.
3. It is always advisable to stay laying down under some sturdy tables and / or door frames.
4. Just don't run around.
5. Do not make an attempt to leave the house.
6. Outside the house there are rather dangerous things waiting to injure you, like lamp posts and cars.
7. The emergency kit must be very accessible and ready all the time.
8. If possible, place the emergency kit in some place where everyone in the house or the office would run in to during a quake.
9. Make sure to stay away from your kitchen. This can be the most dangerous spot of the house in case of earthquakes, with the various pots & pans hanging around & drawers full of cutlery & knives.
10. Furthermore, gas leakage in the kitchen can be quite dangerous owing to the fire involved.
After the earthquake
1. Make sure not to light a match and / or the candle immediately after the earth quake. In case the gas there is leaking, it might catch the flame.
2. Switch off the main gas valve before lighting the match or candle.
3. In case you are suspecting gas leakage, open all the windows & evacuate the house immediately.
4. Now, call your gas company, after you have moved away from the spot of gas leakage.
5. Make the call, only when you are out of that spot as the mobile phone usage in the gas can also lead to a flame.
6. Often earthquakes are followed by some aftershocks. Do not put your guards down even though you, your house and the family are all safe.
7. Check the news to get information on the earthquake & other important updates.

By Abhishek Agarwal

Effective Oil Spill Clean Up Procedure

2009-06-11T02:00:00.000-07:00

Let's face it; preventing oil spills is the best strategy for avoiding potential damage to human health and the environment. However, once an oil spill occurs, the best approach for containing and controlling the spill is to respond quickly and in a well organized manner. A response will be quick and organized if response measures have been planned ahead of time. The following elements can be used in contingency planning for clients and company response operations.
When a spill occurs, An Oil Spill Response Team (OSRT) made up of highly trained Engineers and technicians are immediately mobilised and sent to site. If the spill is from one of the company's client the OSRT will work closely with the client company's oil spill response officials. The following are procedures for clean up operations within Nigeria. Oil Spill Response Team (OSRT) - Project Manager - Team Leader - HSE/QAQC Supervisor - Field Engineers - Field Technicians - First Aiders - Fire Fighting Officials - Surveyors
1. OSRT shall work with client officials to stop the flow of oil from the ship, truck, or storage facility, if possible, and prevent ignition
2.The OSRT shall contain the spill with Foss Booms
3.The OSRT shall then Mop up or Scoop the contained spill material (Absorbents, Scooping containers, Vacuum pumps e.t.c)
4.The OSRT shall collect the spill in containers (Tanks, waste barges, Vacuum trucks e.t.c)
5. OSRT shall use dispersant if spill is on water body
6. OSRT shall fully monitor the transportation of spill material to third party facility or other disposal measures taken to primarily ensure compliance to regulatory standards.
7. The OSRT shall ensure a thorough clean up operations after which a summary report shall be submitted to clients.
8.Draw up remediation plans if necessary.

By Abah Roland

What You Should Know About Gas Masks

2009-06-11T01:45:00.000-07:00

It is natural that with the threat of biological or chemical terrorism comes a lot of talk about gas masks. Before making the decision to buy and use a gas mask it is important to understand the technology behind the different types of available equipment. It is also important to understand that a gas mask alone will not give adequate protection from biological or chemical contamination. Even the use of a protective suit will only give some protection from airborne contaminants. The only way to be fully protected is to use a suit that entirely covers the user and seals air tight, which means the use of SCBA gear is required. Unfortunately, this type of gear is very expensive and is not practical for civilian use (see discussion below). You should not expect to be able to stay in an affected area for any period of time without this type of gear.
A Look at the Different Types of Gas Masks
The least effective type of gas mask is known as a half-mask air-purifying respirator. These cover the nose and mouth allowing the user to breathe through the filtration system of the mask. However, many chemical and biological agents use the eyes as an entry point, causing contamination.
A more effective type of mask is known as a full-face air-purifying respirator. These Gas Masks provide a clear face mask or clear eye pieces that protect the eyes, as well as the nose and mouth. The issue with these air-purifying respirators is that they may leak from either a poor fit or from a crack or hole on the mask.
Solving the leak problem is the supplied-air respirator. These use the same sort of filter attached to a battery-operated canister with a fan forcing air through it. The advantage is the positive pressure created by the system ensuring that any leak in the mask releases purified air rather than allowing contaminated air from the environment to enter. This is often the only option for infants and children because their small faces make masks difficult to fit reliably. Anyone considering using this type of gas mask should consider that the constant flow of air through the filter means that the filter needs more frequent replacement. Also consider that if the batteries wear out, the system will no longer operate.
The most effective system is known as an SCBA, or Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus. In an SCBA system, the air tank contains high-pressure purified air providing constant positive pressure to the face mask. While providing the best protection, an SCBA system is expensive and impractical for civilian use. The tanks are heavy and bulky and only contain, at best, 60 minutes of air. They may make sense for diving or firefighting, but for civilians or soldiers on the battlefield, an SCBA system is nearly impossible to manage.
How the Filtration Works
Because of the problems with SCBA systems, the respirator you are most likely to use will have a filter that purifies the air you breathe. Air filters can use one (or more) of three techniques of removing poisonous chemicals and deadly bacteria from the air.
Particle filtration is the simplest of the three. Holding a cloth or handkerchief over your mouth to keep from breathing dust is an example of an improvised particulate filter. In a gas mask designed to guard against a biological threat, a very fine particulate filter is useful. An anthrax bacteria or spore might have a minimum size of 1 micron. Most biological particulate filters remove particle sizes as small as 0.3 microns.
A chemical threat requires a different approach due to the fact that chemical mists or vapors are largely immune to particulate filtration. The most common approach with any organic chemical is activated charcoal. Activated charcoal is charcoal that has been treated with oxygen to open up pores between the carbon atoms. These so-called active, or activated, charcoals are widely used to absorb odorous or colored substances from gases or liquids. When certain chemicals, such as paint fumes or nerve toxins like Sarin, pass next to the carbon surface, they attach to the surface and are trapped. Activated charcoal is good at trapping these organic chemicals, but many other chemicals are not attracted to carbon at all and pass right through. This means that an activated-charcoal filter will remove certain impurities, while ignoring others. It also means that once all of the activated charcoals bonding sites are filled, the filter stops working and must be replaced.
The third technique involves destruction by chemical reaction. This technique was adopted in some of the earliest protective equipment. In industrial respirators, you can choose from a variety of filters, depending on the chemical that you need to eliminate. The different filters are color coded by NIOSH standards for things like acids and ammonia. It may be difficult to decide which filtration to use, since in an attack, the chemical used is unknown beforehand.

By R. Reboredo

First Aid Is Important For The Workplace

2009-06-11T01:30:00.000-07:00

There are four major components of workplace first-aid, namely; first-aider, first-aid, box, first-aid room, and first-aid equipment. When deciding on the number of first-aiders, first-aid box, first-aid room and first-aid equipment for the workplace, the following factors should be considered: type of industry, number of workers, number of work shifts, and location of workplace in relation to the nearest hospital or aid station.
If there is a shift work schedule, there should be a sufficient number of first-aiders for each shift based. In a work-site where employees of different employers, such as in construction, are working together. The principal employer should provide and maintain safe systems of work which include provisions for adequate and appropriate first-aider, first-aid box, first-aid room (if needed) and first-aid equipment.
However, the relevant employers may make arrangement where one of them agrees to provide adequate and appropriate first-aider, first-aid box, first-aid room (if needed) and first-aid equipment. The agreement should be recorded in writing and a copy of the agreement should be kept by each employer concerned.
An employer should display a notice, in a prominent place in the work-site, of the names and locations of first-aiders. First-aiders should also be provided with a form of identification for easy recognition. An employer shall, from time to time, recruit or select suitable persons to go for first-aid training. The employer should consider persons with the following qualities to be trained in first-aid: physically fit, free from blood borne infectious diseases, and free to leave their work immediately to respond to an emergency
The training will be a course on first-aid conducted by institutions recognized by a governing body. The local telephone book will have many listings on companies given courses. Depending on the number of trainees, they will come to your workplace. Once trained, first-aiders will need to undergo recertification. Check with the course giver on years of validation. Employers should keep a record of the dates on which first-aiders obtained their training and the dates on which they received refresher training.
In the management of an injured worker or ill worker, first-aiders should:
> Give immediate first-aid treatment, keeping in mind that a casualty may have more serious injuries and illness.
> Arrange without delay for the injured worker(s) to be sent to a doctor, hospital or home, according to the seriousness of this condition.
> This first-aider's responsibility ends when the injuried are handed over to the care of health care personnel.
> A record of the injury and treatment given by the first-aider should be made.
> This record shall be kept by the employer for a period of five years.
> The record should include information on:
> The immediate treatment
> Details about the incident/accident including information about the work process involved
> Details about injury or work-related illness
> Any referral arrangements made such as the usage of local ambulance service, referral to local hospital
> Subsequent injury management.
First-aid boxes should be made of sturdy material and be portable so that it can be taken to the site of an incident. The boxes should also be clearly marked and kept current with a written record of contents. Each first-aid box should be placed in a clearly marked area. Where a workplace covers a large area, an adequate number of first-aid boxes should be provided. Employees should be informed of the location of all first aid boxes.
First-aid boxes should contain a sufficient quantity of suitable first-aid materials. They should not contain oral medication of any kind other than those required for first-aid treatment. It is essential that first-aid boxes be checked frequently so as to make sure they are fully equipped and all items are usable. Materials used should be replaced as soon as possible. The size and contents will be determined by the number of employees and type of industry. In the first-aid box, it is a good idea to have a quick reference sheet in first-aid and booklet. A quick reference sheet is handy for quick analysis of an injury.

By Brent A Bowlin

Personal Safety and You - Handle Emergencies That Threaten Your Safety

2009-06-11T01:20:00.000-07:00

Personal safety is of the utmost importance these days. But all the police and firemen and EMS workers in the world can't be there to protect you 24/7. So taking charge of your own personal safety is the first step to keeping yourself out of danger.
Personal Safety on the Street
• Sling your purse across your body and hold it to your chest so it cannot be snatched.
• If you can't do that, be prepared to let go of your purse immediately if someone grabs it, lest you be pulled to the ground and hurt.
• If someone tries to attack you, shout in a very loud voice "NO!" and then give an order to people nearby so they do not misinterpret your situation. Make it clear you are in danger by shouting "CALL 911!"
• Follow your intuition. If someone is making you nervous, do whatever you can to avoid them.
• If someone is following you, go to the nearest store or other populated place.
• If someone is following you, do not go home, or you'll let the criminal know where you live.
• Don't label your keys with your name or address.
• Do not talk loudly about social or vacation plans because someone could overhear you and know when you'll be away from home.
• Always be alert and aware of your surroundings.
• Carry a personal safety alarm.
• Carry mace or pepper spray to defend yourself against attackers.
Personal Safety at Home
• Keep lights on all doorways.
• Use a home safety alarm system to secure your home against intruders.
• Install motion sensor lights outside your home.
• Keep all doors and windows locked even when you are at home.
• Approach your home with your keys out and ready so you get inside quickly.
• Keys can be used for your defense as well.
• Make sure no one follows you into the garage.
• Close the garage door immediately after pulling inside.
• Keep the door from your garage to your home locked at all times. It is just like any other entryway.
• Never answer the door to an unexpected visitor. Call to them through the doorway to ask for identification.
• Get identification from all cable men or plumbers who may come to your door. If they have none, call the company to confirm their identity.
• Never let a stranger in to make a phone call. Offer to make the call for them.
• Never hide a key under a doormat. Criminals know all the hiding places.
Personal Safety in the Car
• Always be aware of everyone around you in the parking lot.
• Approach your door with your keys out and ready.
• Check the backseat and under the car before getting inside.
• Do not park next to a van, if possible. You can be easily dragged into the side of a van and kidnapped.
• Start your car as soon as you get inside.
• Keep your windows rolled up and doors locked.
• If you are stopped at a stoplight or sign and feel there is a real threat from someone approaching your car, run the light. It is better to get a ticket than to be the victim of a crime.
• Park in well-lit areas.
• If someone tries to get you to pull over, for any reason, do not do so until you are at a populated, well-lit gas station or police station. • Do not pick up hitchhikers.
Personal Safety and Dogs
• Your first instinct will be to run away. DON'T. The dog's chase instinct will kick in, and you know how dogs love to chase things.
• Remain calm and still.
• Let the dog sniff you.
• Do not look directly in the dogs eyes as that is a form of doggie aggression.
• In a calm but firm voice say "No! Go away!"
• If the dog lunges at you, block yourself with your purse, briefcase, or coat in order to distract the dog to give you a chance to break free and escape.
• Back away slowly.
Personal Safety Aids
Vigilance is key, but a few handy weapons are a big help when it comes to personal safety. We sell:
• Pepper Spray
• Canine Repellent
• Personal Safety Alarms
Personal safety is about being alert and having a plan. If you know what to do and what not to do, you will be able to handle emergencies that threaten your personal safety. If nothing else, just follow your instincts when it comes to personal safety. If your gut is telling you something is wrong, you personal safety could be in danger. Listen to your gut. Be smart and be safe.
Ralph Winn has over 35 years of education and experience in the security industry. Are you one of the many Americans who have begun to look into improving their home security? This is an important matter and the Home Security Store offers the best protection against burglary and vandalism.

By Ralph Winn

Car Fire Extinguisher - A Car Safety Device

2009-06-04T01:00:00.000-07:00

Like domestic fires, car fires are considered as one of the most typical causes of damage in property. In the United Kingdom, though car fires are not prominent, the rising number of arson cases has become a point of concern among property owners. Most of the car fires and related cases in the United Kingdom are said to be deliberate, as the cars involved are mostly stolen. Statistically, it is estimated that out of a thousand vehicles, two of them are damaged due to fires and related incidents.
One of the best ways to lessen if not prevent the damages, would be through the use of a car fire extinguisher. If you happen to own a car or drives one on a regular basis, it is best to have a firefighting device in place. Surprisingly, a motor vehicle is considered a fire-magnet, due to the presence of potential risks and dangerous elements. Prime examples of which would be oil and gasoline. In addition, a motor vehicle also consists of combustibles like car upholstery. The car's electrical wiring can also be a cause of car fires, due to possible short circuits. Another point of concern would be fuel leakages, as brought by faulty and defective fuel lines. The car's batteries can also be considered potential hazards, due to probable release of battery acid. And if you are thinking of electric and hybrid cars as fire-proof vehicles, think again. Hybrid and electric cars are also susceptible to risks because of their battery's components. The batteries which are mainly composed of lead-acid or Li-ion, are also susceptible to explosion and leakages.
On the other hand, many cars have built-in features in them, making it less prone to fires and accidents. Safety features like smoke detectors and temperature sensors have been incorporated within these vehicles to ensure safety. However, fire safety devices like a car fire extinguisher also provide additional protection. These types of extinguishers are also considered practical and handy, given the urgency of fires and related incidents. The device does not only guarantee a person with initial protection, but it also lessens eventual damage to property. More so, several car fire cases show that the use of this device actually gives the passengers enough time to get out of the car and head their way toward safety. Besides, most fires initially occur in the engine compartment, therefore the use of extinguisher somewhat increases the passenger's chance to survive if not her chances to seek necessary help.
In times of emergencies like car fires, it is advisable to consider the following procedures and steps. First, if you are driving and your car accidentally caught fire, it is best to pull over, turn off the engine and get out of the vehicle immediately. It is also best to notify authorities at once and call the emergency services for help. Be mindful of the extent and severity of each fire-related situation. Be careful in extinguishing fires as this may lead to further injury if not done properly. Do not try to extinguish a seemingly uncontrollable fire, since such incidents require the assistance and action of professionals and fire authorities. You may also want to take note of possible toxic fumes and emissions, as these often lead to toxic inhalation. In the end, preparedness will always save us from harm, especially if we are armed with proper equipment. It does not only reduce the risks but likewise gains us an advantage, which is to live and be free from fire-related dangers.
Having specialized in the car fire extinguisher trade for over 20 years, Brian now works tirelessly to promote affordable fire safety for home and for business.

By Brian Ayling

28 Tips For Cycling Safety

2009-06-04T00:40:00.000-07:00

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 784 bicyclists were killed in 2005 while riding their bikes. In 2004, there were 725 deaths, and for the four years previous, annual bicycling deaths ranted from 629 to 732 people each year.
Statistics for bicycling injuries are not readily available, since most do not get reported.
Use the Proper Equipment
1. Be sure your bike fits you properly and is adjusted for your size.
2. Equip your bike with safety equipment: a white headlight (preferably one you can set to a flashing mode for use during the daytime to make yourself more visible), reflectors and/or reflective tape or markings, a flashing red rear light (essential for riding at night), a horn or a bell (to give audible signals to let drivers know where you are-or that you're there at all), and mirrors on your handlebars.
3. Each time, before you ride, check to see that tires are properly inflated, that the brakes work, and that nothing is loose on your bike.
Dress For Cycling
4. Always wear a properly fitted bike helmet to protect you in case of a fall or crash. (Consider putting a mirror on your helmet, too.)
5. Wear bright, neon colors and/or reflective clothing-even during the day.
6. At night, wear a reflective jacket or vest or a safety triangle.
Plan Ahead
7. Know the rules of the road and any specific bicycling rules for your area
8. Plan to travel in slow or residential areas when possible to avoid fast-moving downtown traffic.
9. Avoid narrow roads and opt for wide roads where there is more room for bicycles and cars to maneuver if you can.
10. Always stay alert. Don't ride with headphones or an iPod. And NEVER use your cell phone while biking!
11. Never be in a hurry. When you're in a hurry, you can get careless or take unnecessary chances. It also makes it more likely that you could be darting in and out quickly and automobile drivers might not even see you.
When Bicycling
12. Use your headlight-even during the day-so drivers have a better chance of seeing you.
13. Use your mirrors so you know what is going on around you at all times.
14. Ride on the street with other traffic, not on the sidewalk, traveling in the same direction as motor vehicle traffic, not against it.
15. Know-and use-hand signals. Be sure to give plenty of notice in advance of when you are going to make a turn. Then be sure to look over your shoulder to be sure your path is clear before making the actual turn.
16. Be consistent and predictable so motorists know what you are going to do. Drive in a straight line. Don't swerve, weave in and out of traffic or parked cars, or make any erratic or sudden moves.
17. Obey traffic signs, signals, and road markings and yield to pedestrians - just like any other vehicle on the roadway.
18. Use your horn or bell if you will be crossing in front of another vehicle so you give an audible signal-it's more likely to get the other motorists attention.
19. Make eye contact with motorists if possible, so you know that they see you.
Drive Defensively
20. Watch for hazards such as pot holes, puddles, loose gravel, spare car parts, drain grates, rocks, litter or garbage, parked cars opening their doors, pets running loose, and other vehicles.
21. Ride to the left of the parking lane to avoid hitting a car door that opens unexpectedly in front of you.
22. At a red light, stop behind another car. Do not pull up next to the first car at the light where you will be in the blind spot and risk getting hit if the car makes a right turn and the driver doesn't know you're there.
23. When you follow a vehicle that is moving slow, be patient. It may be getting ready to make a turn. Don't try to rush past it or get up beside it in the driver's blind spot.
24. Always look behind you (over your shoulder) before making a turn-for other vehicles, for other bicycles, and for pedestrians.
25. Always look behind you (over your shoulder) before you change your position in the lane of traffic, as a vehicle could be getting ready to come alongside you or pass you.
26. Never swerve in and out of traffic or in and out of the parking lane. Maintain steady placement in your lane.
27. Double check everything! Even if you have the right of way, a car or other vehicle is much larger than a bicycle and for your own safety, you have to be prepared to yield at all times.
28. Always drive, ride, and act as if other drivers can't see you! Put your safety first.
Everyone always says "I know what I need", but there's a cycling bikes out there for every purpose! When considering your new purchase, you should first consider the type of riding you would do and where most of it will be done.

By Vicki Johnston

Importance of having Breakfast

2009-06-04T00:21:00.000-07:00

Breakfast can help prevent strokes, heart attack and sudden death. Advice on not to skip breakfast!Healthy living. For those who always skip breakfast, you should stop that habit now! You've heard many times that "Breakfast is the most important meal of the day." Now, recent research confirms that one of the worst practices you can develop may be avoiding breakfast. Why?

Because the frequency of heart attack, sudden death, and stroke peaks between 6: 00a.m. and noon, with the highest incidence being between 8: 00a.m. and 10:00a.m.What mechanism within the body could account for this significant jump in sudden death in the early morning hours? We may have an Answer. Platelet, tiny elements in the blood that keep us from bleeding to Death if we get a cut, can clump together inside our arteries due to Cholesterol or plaque buildup in the artery lining. It is in the morning hours that platelets become the most activated and tend to form these internal blood clots at the greatest frequency.
However, eating even a very light breakfast prevents the morning platelet activation that is associated with heart attacks and strokes. Studies performed at Memorial University in St.Johns, Newfoundland found that eating a light, very low-fat breakfast was critical in modifying the morning platelet activation. Subjects in the study consumed either low-fat or fat-free yogurt, orange juice, fruit, and a source of protein coming from yogurt or fat-free milk. So if you skip breakfast, it's important that you change this practice immediately in light of this research. Develop a simple plan to eat cereal, such as oatmeal or Bran Flakes, along with six ounces of grape juice or orange juice, and perhaps a piece of fruit. This simple plan will keep your platelets from sticking together, keep blood clots from forming, and perhaps head off a potential Heart Attack or stroke. So never ever skip breakfast.

HAVE A SAFE AND PROSPEROUS DAY

T.M.KHALEEL BATCHA

DIRECTOR

INSTITUTE SAFETY MANAGEMENT-CHENNAI

(DIVISION OF OSHA INDIA)

Five Frequent Health And Safety Threats In The Work Area

2009-06-03T01:46:00.000-07:00

The workplace has several hazards that need to be addressed. This is where risk assessment comes in. The employer has the responsibility of ensuring the safety of the workers. Assessing the potential risks in the workplace, formulating a sound safety policy, and enhancing you and your employees capacity to deal with these risks are just some of the ways of ensuring protection against and avoidance of any untoward incidents.These are the five most common hazards we encounter while in the workplace and what can be done to prevent accidents and other misfortunes.
1. Confined places - A confined space can be defined as an area or workplace which, because of its construction, location or contents or the work activity therein, a hazardous gas, vapour, dust or fume or an oxygen-deficient atmosphere may occur.In occupations which require a person to enter and exit an open or enclosed tank, vat, sewer, pipe, utility vault, and other similar constructions, extra care is needed. A specially designed training course for employees to be more competent and adapted to a confined working environment will significantly reduce any possibility of accidents by training the employees on entry and working in these confined locations.

2. Explosions and fires - There are workplaces, which as a consequence of the nature of the business, are more prone to explosions and fires than other working environments. Therefore a Fire Safety Protocol is of paramount importance. Employer and employee must have adequate knowledge on fire hazards, fire prevention and procedures.There should be basic practical skills in fire safety. Fire protection equipment, signage, and diagrams must be provided, as well as the carrying out of fire drills in the workplace.

3. Noise management - In factories where large machineries are used in the manufacture, noise is but an ordinary feature of the workplace. However, the noise should not exceed the exposure to noise levels that exceed an eight-hour noise equivalent of 85 dB(A) or peak at more than 140 dB(C).A onetime too much exposure to noise can result to a temporary loss of hearing, change in hearing, or a ringing in your ears (or tinnitus). However, if the exposure to loud noises is continuous and unavoidable, it can lead to permanent ear ringing, or worse, hearing loss. Therefore, as much as possible, eliminate or tone down loud noises in the workplace or if the noise can be controlled, the company must provide protective hearing gears to its workers.

4. Occupational Injuries - Every day, many workers suffer from traumatic injuries they acquired from their workplaces. Although, most of these are nonfatal, but some are serious enough that the injury necessitates job transfer, various work restrictions, and some time away from their job.One of these occupational injuries is musculoskeletal injury (MSI). Musculoskeletal injury is described as the â€œdisorders of the bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles and other soft tissues of the body. MSI usually results because of a prolonged repetitive, awkward, or demanding postures and movements which will take its toll on the body.

5. Electrical hazards in the workplace - Whether you are working with electricity (as an electrician, electrical engineer, line men and other professionals) or just an ordinary employee, the likelihood of electrical hazards is not to be disregarded. The down side is that the ordinary employee is unaware of the potential electrical risk present in the environment, unlike the professionals whose specialty is electricity. These are just the most common workplace risks. Each employee must be well aware of the risks his/her job entails. Moreover, it is the employerâ€™s responsibility to ensure that the workplace is as safe as possible for the workers. A sound safety plan must be in place to address the possibilities of occurrence of these workplace hazards. Together, employer and employee can come up with the necessary policies and procedures.

By: joalesto

10 Ideas You Can Use At Your Workplace To Save Paper And Ink

2009-06-03T01:36:00.000-07:00

Cutting costs and saving money in the workplace can be a huge advantage and may be easier than you think. Remember that even small actions can add up to help you save both paper and ink in the workplace.Reducing Ink Usage
Below are some ideas that can help you conserve ink while you’re working. These can be important ways to lower your expenses:

• Use lowest print quality settings (draft or lower numbers)

• Only print necessary documents – If you can share it with other users via email or the network, do so.

• Edit online before printing

• Make one copy of memos or announcements – place it somewhere workers are likely to see itLowering Paper UsageIf you find that your office is going through a lot of printer paper, there are some ways you can rectify that situation. Below are a few ideas for reducing the amount of paper used by your business:

• Print front and back whenever possible

• Set print ranges so you don’t print pages with no text or with no important text

• Recycle blank pages that come out of the printer accidentally

• Combine small print tasks onto a single page instead of over several pages with lots of excess white spaceOther Good Ideas for Saving on Paper & InkIf you are interested in cutting your costs and that’s why you want to begin conserving your paper and ink cartridges, one of the best ways is to use a refill system for your ink or to purchase compatible ink cartridges. In these cases, you’ll see a dramatic price drop. In most cases, these two options won’t make it any more difficult to use your existing printer.You can save money on both by installing a code system on your printer. That means your employees would need to enter their code before printing so you can keep track of their printing efforts. With that information, you can help heavy printer usage to reduce their dependency on ink and paper.The BenefitsTaking any of the steps above will help reduce your need for ink and paper when using your printer. Additionally, you will also save money. The average inkjet cartridge costs around $30 and toner costs are about three times that so if you can reduce the number you need to buy that looks good for your bottom line. You’ll also be helping save trees and space in the country’s landfills. Surely, these benefits make taking a few of these efforts worth it.

By: John C. Arkin

Hazard Identification

2009-06-03T01:04:00.000-07:00

Hazard Identification is a crucial step in safety management, and is the initial phase of any risk management system an organisation may have. Before an organisation can begin to actively control the risks it faces (in order to reduce the occurrence of accidents) it must first recognise and study the hazards present within its working elements. Proper hazard identification also helps an organisation proactively identify the potential causes of loss, so that the probability of recurrence of unfortunate incidents.
A hazard is any aspect, factor or condition that has the innate potential to cause harm. (to property, processes, people, and the environment). Harm to these entities may include production losses, increased liabilities, payouts, and harmful releases to the environment, chronic and acute ill health, and adverse effects on mental health or property damage.
For ease of identification, hazards are classified based on the severity or magnitude of the potential loss or consequence of an event occurrence. The classification system is simple - They are Class A, Class B, and Class C Hazards .

A Class A (Major) hazard is a condition or practice, which could result in death, permanent disability, loss of a body part, or permanent debilitating occupational illness. In countries with advanced codes of practice on workplace safety, the classified hazard is allocated a financial sum for better identification. E.g. A Class A hazard may be referred to as a practice which may lead to a loss of over £20,000 (In foreign currency as no up-to-date naira equivalents exist).
A Class B hazard is a condition or practice likely to cause serious injury or illness, resulting in temporary disability or property damage that is disruptive not extensive. An example of a Class B hazard is spilled oil on the aisle of a building.
A Class C hazard is a condition or practice likely to cause minor, non-disabling injury or illness, or non-disruptive property damage. An example is the handling of solvents without the use of proper protective gloves or public nuisance caused by offensive odours from substance released.
Hazards are of different types and may fall into any of the following categories found in the workplace:
Chemical Hazards: include acidity, alkalinity, corrosivity, explosivity, flammability, toxicity.
Thermodynamic Hazards: include high pressure, heat, high or low temperature.
Electrical or Electromagnetic Hazards: include high voltage, electric current, and radiation
Mechanical Hazards: include mechanical energy, stresses
Health Hazards: include noise, pollutants, chemicals, temperature extremes, radioactivity,
Hazard Analysis is used by safety-conscious organisations to identify applicable hazards and possible consequences. A hazard analysis involves the identification of adverse occurrences which could lead to the materialisation of a hazard; the analysis of the process which leads to these unwanted events and; the estimation of the extent, magnitude and likelihood of the harmful effects involved.
There are various methods and related tasks employed in the identification of hazards. These methods are very useful to organisations that operate plants or factories that have complex, convoluted processes. They include:
Concept Hazard Analysis (CHA) : This method is used to identify hazards and hazardous conditions. The primary aim is to identify conditions that have been identified as being dangerous from previous incidents. CHA involves a team effort, with team members focusing on the details of a process within the organisation, to stimulate a specific discussion about that process using specially selected keywords that refer to the main hazards presented by the process. CHA is a good method for use in determining the suitability of a plant site, as well as the acceptability of a particular process approach. It has however been found deficient in identify immediate or root causes if incidents.
Preliminary Process Hazard Analysis (PPHA): A hazard identification method for use in technical and specialist industries, it is often used as a follow-up to CHA, to provide additional information on hazards and hazard characteristics of factories and plants. PPHA also helps in the evaluating of emissions, effluents and wastes from plants. The main objective of a PPHA is to duplicate a potential incident scenario, tracing the process down to its immediate cause. The analysis studies the path of a potential incident, evaluating the root cause of each event in the chain leading to the event. The PPHA makes conclusions as to the possible frequency of hazardous incident scenarios and determines the significance to the organisation of each potential incident.
Hazard and Operability Studies (HAZOP): This is a formal examination of a plant or factory, used for identifying hazards, process failures and operability problems. The HAZOP technique assesses the consequence of such failures. HAZOP is also a team activity, where a process parameter is combined with selected guide words (such as NO, LESS OF, MORE OF, PART OF) and is used to suggest deviations of processes and their causes. The team goes on to examine these causes of potential deviation in the given processes. HAZOP is the method of hazard analysis most widely used in the process industry. It is recommended for use by legislators, regulators and engineering organisations.
Once identified, there are a number of ways to control hazards. Some of the fundamental ways include:
Safety training: Safety orientation and function-specific training should be provided for new and existing employees, are well as employees moving from one function to another. This gives them a fundamental foundation in working safely and important information on the hazards present in their workplace.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): The adorning of PPE during workplace operations is often the cheapest method of controlling occupational hazards, though this method has proved to be far from the best. This is because protective equipment only reduces the effect of hazards if they do occur, and this equipment do not in any way affect the root causes of hazards in the first place. PPE include respirators, Gloves, Head Protection, Hearing Protection, and Protective Footwear.
Change of Process: If certain processes for performing work tasks are considered dangerous, and safer alternatives exist, it is often advised to adopt these new safer processes. An example is replacing potentially harmful solvents with detergents, which have a less hazardous effect on the hands.

HAVE A SAFE AND PROSPEROUS DAY

T.M.KHALEEL BATCHA

DIRECTORINSTITUTE SAFETY MANAGEMENT-CHENNAI( DIVISION OF OSHA INDIA)

Arti dan Makna lambang pada bendera Keselamatan dan Kesehatan kerja (K3)

2009-05-28T23:26:00.000-07:00

Bentuk lambang : Palang dilingkari roda bergerigi sebelas berwarna hijau di atas dasar putih.
Arti dan makna lambang :
Palang : bebas dari kecelakan dan sakit akibat kerja.
Roda gigi : bekerja dengan kesegaran jsmani dan rohani
Warna putih : bersih, suci
Warna hijau : selamat, sehat dan sejahtera
Sebelas gerigi roda : 11 Bab dalam Undang-undang No. 1 tahun 1970 tentang Keselamatan Kerja

How supervisors can boost morale in the workplace

2009-05-25T21:34:00.000-07:00

As a supervisor, you want your work atmosphere to stay positive and productive. However, coming up with methods to achieve this isn’t always simple.
But recognize that you set the emotional “tone” of the workplace environment. Those in charge of any group of people have this power. For example, do you remember those childhood car trips when Dad or Mom got cranky? When an adult got frustrated, this mood change could make or break the entire trip!
Your positive approach to things should eventually improve the mood—and therefore the productivity—of everyone in your department. Emotions, like the common cold, are very “catching.”
You can help your employees enjoy their work environment more if you try the following:
- Find ways to honor each individual.

Employees need to feel that they aren’t disappearing into the woodwork. They want to feel that they exist as a person first—an employee second. Ask them to make a list of ways management can help them feel recognized. For example, would they enjoy recognition when they have a special anniversary or birthday?
-Create a career “track” for each employee.

Help every person develop a “vision” of personal success. Create a template for them to use in order to document skills they’ve acquired, skills they want to learn and goals they want to reach.
-Ask for creative input.

In many companies, the “suggestion box” may be the only creative avenue of input some employees will have. Not everyone gets invited to participate in planning sessions.If you ask for suggestions from others, try to incorporate a few ideas—even if you have to fine-tune them a little. Give personal recognition for every person who makes an honest effort to contribute a winning idea.
-Bring their families into the work setting.

Inquire about your employees’ children. Make it a point to ask about a child’s piano recital or ball game. If your department is rather large, you might consider publishing a newsletter to share family-oriented information.
-Give them something to look forward to.

Psychologists say that having something to look forward to relieves stress and creates healthy anticipation of the future. You might, for example, encourage your employees to bring desserts to work the last Friday of each month. Take 30 minutes to eat and chat after 5 p.m. Or, have a lottery drawing for a gourmet dinner once a month..
-Incorporate humor, whenever appropriate.

A work atmosphere that is too straight-laced can dim the creative spirit in employees. Incorporate jokes into your speeches. Throw in a funny story to liven up your daily chats with employees.
-Let your hair down occasionally.

Employees feel more upbeat when they really like their supervisors as people. Well-liked supervisors gain loyalty, too.
As a supervisor, you must create a positive work atmosphere in stages. It’s not a process that unfolds overnight. Implement one or two changes each week and go from there. Employees will feel more upbeat if they sense that management is trying to build a healthy work environment. You’ll know your plan is working when employees start coming to you with their own ideas for healthy change.

HAVE A SAFE AND PROSPEROUS DAY

T.M.KHALEEL BATCHA

DIRECTORINSTITUTE SAFETY MANAGEMENT-CHENNAI( DIVISION OF OSHA INDIA)

Common Workplace Injuries

2009-05-24T21:32:00.000-07:00

Workplace injuries are, unfortunately, a relatively frequent occurrence. They occur, as would be expected, more often in dangerous work environments, like construction areas. They do also happen in non-traditionally dangerous fields, like in an average office. Even in a professional environment like an office building, there are many opportunities for injuries. Many of them are things that we do not expect or think of as particularly dangerous, but they can cause problems nonetheless.
Some of the most common causes of workplace injuries, according to information gathered by the Liberty Mutual Group, include:
· Overexertion. This can happen in a couple of ways, whether it is the performance of a single activity, like lifting an object that is too heavy, or an action repeated multiple times.
· Fall on a flat surface. This simply means a fall that does not include an elevation change, like slipping on a wet floor or a slippery surface.
· Falling from a height. This could include falling off of a ladder, from a roof, or down a staircase.
· Being hit with an object. Objects can fall from a shelf or be dropped by someone else- in either event, they can cause serious injuries.
· Repetitive motion. This does not have to be a particularly dangerous motion, but if it is repeated enough times, it can cause injuries like carpal tunnel or tendonitis. Typing is often associated with these kinds of injuries.
· Automobile accidents. Cars and trucks being used for business purposes have accidents; they are susceptible to all of the regular risks that any other traveler faces.
· Contact with dangerous temperatures. Frostbite, heat exhaustion, and burning are all ways that workers can be injured through changing temperatures.
· Crush injuries. Being caught or pressed by equipment, especially huge machinery, can obviously cause serious injuries. They can be devastating because of how powerful the machines are.
· Running into objects. Hitting desks, tables, chairs, or glass doors actually causes a number of injuries annually.
It is important to be as cautious as can be while at work to promote as much safety as possible, but it is also the responsibility of the employer to provide a safe work atmosphere.
Joseph Devine

Safe Storage of Flammable and Combustible Liquids

2009-05-24T21:18:00.000-07:00

Flammable and combustible liquids are commonly used in day to day operations at industrial and commercial sites throughout the nation. These liquids present a danger of fire and explosion and their safe handling and storage is imperative. Flammable liquids are volatile and they tend to evaporate readily under normal atmospheric conditions. This evaporation rate increases if the liquids are stored in a warmer area or near a heat source. As the flammable liquid evaporates, vapors may arise which can ignite. The heat of a flame causes an increased generation of vapors, further fueling the flame.
Flashpoint is the minimum temperature at which a liquid gives off enough concentrated vapor to form an ignitable mixture with air immediately above the liquid surface.
Flammable Liquid has a flashpoint below 100° F. It is more dangerous than a Combustible Liquid and it can ignite at room temperature. This is a Class I Liquid.
Combustible Liquid has a flashpoint of 100° F or higher and can pose a serious explosion or fire danger if heated. This is a Class II or Class III Liquid.
Class III A Combustible Liquid has a flashpoint of 140° F or higher.
Class III B Combustible Liquid has a flashpoint of 200° F or above.
OSHA has developed standards for the safe handling and storage of flammable and combustible liquids. There are regulations for the use of storage cabinets as well as structural specifications for these cabinets. These cabinets meet a variety of chemical storage needs. There are:
Flammable Storage Cabinets
Acid and Corrosive Safety Cabinets
Polyethylene Acid And Corrosive Safety Cabinets
High Security Safety Cabinets
Storage Requirements For Flammable and Combustible Liquids
-Incompatible chemicals must be stored separately.
-All containers of flammable liquids must be stored in an approved flammable liquids storage cabinet.
-Flammable and combustible chemicals must be stored in fire resistant cabinets, designated storage rooms or buildings which meet OSHA and NFPA 30 requirements.
-The cabinet must be constructed to limit the internal temperature to not more than 325° F when subjected to a standardized 10 minute fire test.
-During a 10 minute fire test, all joints and seams of the cabinet must remain tight and the door must remain securely closed.
-A maximum of 60 gallons of Class I or Class II Liquids can be stored in a single storage cabinet.
-Up to 120 gallons of Class III liquids can be stored in one storage cabinet.
-The number of storage cabinets in one area must comply with OSHA regulations.
-Storage cabinets must be clearly labeled, "Flammable - No Open Flames - No Smoking - Keep Fire Away".
Spill911.com is a wealth of information about safety in the workplace. Visit us to learn more about safety cabinets. For more information about Industrial

By Andy Clark

Life Saving Facts About Emergency Exit Routes For Your Office

2009-05-24T21:12:00.000-07:00

What is an exit route? An exit route is a continuous and unobstructed parth of exit travel from any point within a workplace to a place of safety. An exit route consists of three parts: Exit Access - portion of a route that leads to an exit. Exit - portion of a route that is generally separated from other areas to provide a protected way of travel to the exit discharge.
Exit discharge - part of the route that leads directly outside or to a street, walkway, refuge area, public way, or open space with access to the outside. How many routes must a workplace have? Normally, a workplace must have at least two exit routes to permit prompt evacuation of employees and other building occupants during an emergency. More than two exits are required, however, if the number of employees, size of the building, or arrangement of the workplace will not allow employees to evacuate safely. Exit routes must be located as far away as practical from each other case one is blocked by fire or smoke.
Exception: If the number of employees, the size of the building, its occupancy, or the arrangements of the workplace allows all employees to evacuate safely during an emergency, one exit route is permitted. What are some other design and construction requirements for these routes? Exit routes must be permanent parts of the workplace. They must lead directly outside or to a street, walkway, refuge area, public way, or open space with access to the outside. Areas must be large enough to accommodate the building occupants likely to use the route. Exit stairs that continue beyond the level on which the exit discharge is located must be interrupted at that level by doors, partitions, or other effective means that clearly indicate the direction of travel to the exit discharge. Route doors must be unlocked from the inside.
They must be free of devices or alarms that could restrict use of the route if the device or alarm fails. Side-hinged exit doors must be used to connect rooms to the routes. These doors must swing out in the direction of travel if the room is to be occupied by more than 50 people or if the room is a high-hazard area. These routes must support the maximum permitted occupant load for each floor served, and the capacity of an exit route many not decrease in the direction of exit route travel to the exit discharge. Ceilings of exit routes must be at least 7 feet, 6 inches high. An exit access must be at least 28 inches wide at all points. Where there is only one exit access leading to an exit or exit discharge, the width of the exit and exit discharge must be at least equal to the width of the exit access. Objects that project into the exit must not reduce its width.
Outdoor routes are permitted but must meet the minimum height and width requirements for indoor routes and must -have guardrails to protect unenclosed sides if a fall hazard exits; -be covered if snow or ice is likely to accumulate, unless the employer can demonstrate accumulations will be removed before a slipping hazard exists; -be reasonably straight and have smooth, solid, substantially level walkways ; and -not have a dead-end longer than 20 feet. What are the requirements for exits?
They must be separated by fire resistant materials - that is, one-hour fire-resistance rating if the exit connects three or fewer stories and two-hour fire-resistance rating if the exit connects more than three floors. Exits are permitted to have only those openings necessary to allow access to the exit from occupied areas of the workplace or to the exit discharge. Openings must be protected by a self-closing, approved fire door that remains closed or automatically closes in an emergency. What are the maintenance, safeguarding, and operational features for these routes? OSHA standards require employers to do the following: Keep routes free of explosive or highly flammable furnishings and other decorations.
Arrange routes so employees will not have to travel toward a high-hazard area unless the path of travel is effectively shielded from the high-hazard area. Ensure that these routes are unobstructed such as by materials, equipment, locked doors, or dead-end corridors.
Ensure that safeguards designed to protect employees during an emergency remain in good working order. Provide lighting for the routes adequate for employees with normal vision. Keep doors free of decorations or signs that obscure the visibility of exit route doors. Post signs along the exit access indicating the direction of travel to the nearest exit if that direction is not immediately apparent.
Also, the line-of-sight to an exit sign must be clearly visible at all times. Mark doors or passages along a route hat could be mistaken for an exit "Not an Exit" or with a sign identifying its use (such as "Closet"). Install "EXIT" signs in plainly legible letters. Renew fire-retardant paints or solutions often enough to maintain their fire-retardant properties. Maintain routes during construction, repairs or alternations. Provide an emergency alarm system to alert employees, unless employees can promptly see or smell a fire or other hazard in time to provide adequate warning to them.

Peter Altuch,

President HR Training University

8 Ways to Prevent Injuries When Cleaning

2009-05-24T21:07:00.000-07:00

There are many ways you or your cleaning workers can become injured on the job. By taking a few precautions and spending time on safety training, you can save your cleaning company money by preventing accidents from happening. Here are a few tips for preventing injuries:
Slips and Falls. Make sure you and your workers wear the proper footwear. Athletic shoes are preferred - never allow open-toed shoes or shoes with slippery soles to be worn on the job.
Ergonomic Injuries. Make sure everyone knows how to lift safely. For example, bend at the knees and not at the waist. Vary the employees' activities to avoid repetitive motions that can cause injuries. If possible, use equipment that is ergonomically designed like back pack vacuums. Before using a back pack vacuum, adjust it for the proper fit.
Equipment Accidents. Train employees on how to use all equipment properly in order to avoid accidents and keep the equipment in good working order. Floor machines like buffers and carpet cleaning equipment can be hard to handle so give employees plenty of practice. Allow only trained employees to use this type of equipment.
Climbing Accidents. Make sure employees use sturdy ladders for climbing. Never use furniture, boxes or wobbly ladders. Never stand on the top rung of the ladder and don't over-reach or lean too far to one side when standing on a ladder.
Cuts or Puncture Wounds. Never push down on trash to compact it as there may be sharp objects that can puncture your hands. Never pick up broken glass with your hands - use a broom and dust pan.
Respiratory Injuries. Avoid using aerosols in your cleaning business, as it's easier to breathe in the fumes from this type of container. Instead use pump sprayers and spray a small amount into your cleaning cloth rather than spraying large amounts onto the surface you're cleaning.
Avoid feather dusting, which makes the dust airborne and increases the risk of inhalation. Rather, use damp dusting methods with microfiber cloths. Also avoid sweeping. Instead, vacuum hard floors with a back pack vacuum and then damp mop the floor with a microfiber flat mop to keep dust from becoming airborne.
Eye and Skin Injuries. Use protective eye glasses when using cleaning chemicals to keep the spray from entering the eyes. Use protective gloves when using cleaning chemicals to prevent them from contacting the skin, causing irritation or burning.
As you can see, these simple precautions can keep you and your employees from becoming injured on the job. By spending a little bit of time on training, you'll save lots of money in escalating costs of worker's compensation insurance and lost time on the job.
Jean Hanson is Co-Founder of MyHouseCleaningBiz.com and TheJanitorialStore.com. Both are online communities for owners of commercial and residential cleaning companies who want to build a more profitable and successful cleaning business.

By Jean Hanson

Health Drinks May Not Be So Healthy After All

2009-05-24T20:40:00.000-07:00

Health living is now a popular trend and thus emerged many companies offering health products and services. According to experts, taking vitamins and mineral supplements in liquid form can be quite effective in achieving optimum health. This is because in this liquid form, the body can absorb the nutrients it needs easily. This is the reason why health drinks are so popular today, that many companies come up with health drinks in liquid form such as those in juices while others come up with powder form which can be mixed with water, to be consumed.
However, many so-called "healthy drinks," may not be as good as they claimed to be. Some health drinks, for example, energy drinks are high in sugar content and caffeine. Consuming too much energy drinks can lead to heart palpitations, anxiety, insomnia and irritability. Juice drinks are usually high in sugar content and regular consumption of it will lead to an increase in your waistline as well as the risk of getting diabetes.
So for those who are into healthy drinks, it is time to learn how to determine which are the ones that can help you achieve optimum health and which ones do not. When shopping for health drinks, be sure to check the labels and avoid those which have the following ingredients:
artificial flavors and sweeteners. Artificial flavors are commonly found in colas, sweet juices and candy bars and also in most health drinks that are flavored-based. These artificial flavors and sweeteners can cause pH imbalances in the blood.
high fructose corn syrup. This is the major cause of weight gain as it is a concentrated sugar. Excessive consumption can lead to abnormal blood sugar levels that may eventually cause diabetes.
processed vitamins. These vitamins have been heated, liquefied and isolated and thus they have been broken down and the the body will not benefit from them.
phosphoric acid. This acid is usually found in detergents, fertilizers and other pharmaceuticals products. Consumption of this acid can lead to the irritation of the skin and eyes.
artificial coloring such as the yellow 6, yellow 5 and red 40.
modified food starch.
No doubt that ready-made commercial health drinks are convenient especially for the busy working people, nothing beats making your own health drink. All you need is a juicer, ice, plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables and you can get fresh, natural health drinks everyday.

By Helen Li

Slips, Trips And Falls: The Dangers Of Work

2009-05-24T20:14:00.000-07:00

Each year approximately 400,000 employees are injured due to an accident at work.Recent statistics from the Health and Safety Executive have revealed that hundreds of workers across the UK have either injured or died because of a work related accident between 2007 and 2008.

According to figures from the HSE, there were 74 fatalities within the services sector from 2007-2008 with 72 in construction, 39 in agriculture and 35 in manufacturing.The report stated that “Of the main industrial sectors, agriculture and construction have the highest rates of fatal injury. Together these two sectors account for nearly half of fatal injuries to workers.”According to the HSE, slips and trips within the work place were the cause of major injuries reaching figures of nearly 11,000 reported incidents last year, while fatal accidents were caused by falls from heights.Slips, trips and falls are believed to be the biggest concern within health and safety costing over £800 million, according to 80 per cent of all British employers.According to the report, 229 workers had died of a work related accident while 136,771 injuries had been reported. 2.1 million Brits believed that their illness was made worse by their current or previous work.The report stated that “There is a long-term downward trend in the rate of fatal injuries. However, the year on year improvement has become less marked in recent years, to the extent that there has been very little change over the last six years.”‘Shattered Lives’ CampaignEarlier this year, the HSE introduced a new campaign to reduce the number of workers involved in work accidents.It targets those at higher risks of a slip, trip or fall at work and aims to prevent them from injuring themselves.Head of the Injuries Reduction Programme, Dr Elizabeth Gibby of HSE said: "Each year slips, trips and falls cost the British society nearly £811 million pounds. They can also have a shattering effect on businesses through costs such as employee absence, sick pay and reduced productivity."Each week someone dies from a slip, trip or fall at work. Over 50 per cent of injuries had been reported to the HSE last year in the catering and hospitality industry alone.Dr Gibby continued: “But what these figures don't reflect, is the extent to which these injuries affect individual workers and their families. Slips, trips and falls can be viewed as being minor, funny accidents but the effects are not. It can lead to major injuries, and a lifetime of disability or time off work and in worst cases, fatalities. 'Shattered Lives' will encourage people to change their attitudes: if you spot a hazard, don't assume 'somebody else will sort it out."“Irrespective of the size of the business and the job that you do, it could happen to you,” she added.
By: Manani Arti

Effects of Plastic bags on environment

2009-05-19T21:52:00.000-07:00

Every once in a while the government here passes out an order banning shop keepers from providing plastic bags to customers for carrying their purchases, with little lasting effect. Plastic bags are very popular with both retailers as well as consumers because they are cheap, strong, lightweight, functional, as well as a hygienic means of carrying food as well as other goods. Even though they are one of the modern conveniences that we seem to be unable to do without, they are responsible for causing pollution, killing wildlife, and using up the precious resources of the earth.

About a hundred billion plastic bags are used each year in the US alone. And then, when one considers the huge economies and populations of India, China, Europe, and other parts of the world, the numbers can be staggering. The problem is further exacerbated by the developed countries shipping off their plastic waste to developing countries like India. Here are some of the harmful effects of plastic bags:

Plastic bags litter the landscape:

Once they are used, most plastic bags go into landfill, or rubbish tips. Each year more and more plastic bags are ending up littering the environment. Once they become litter, plastic bags find their way into our waterways, parks, beaches, and streets. And, if they are burned, they infuse the air with toxic fumes.

Plastic bags kill animals:

About 100,000 animals such as dolphins, turtles whales, penguins are killed every year due to plastic bags. Many animals ingest plastic bags, mistaking them for food, and therefore die. And worse, the ingested plastic bag remains intact even after the death and decomposition of the animal. Thus, it lies around in the landscape where another victim may ingest it.

Plastic bags are non-biodegradable:

And one of the worst environmental effects of plastic bags is that they are non-biodegradable. The decomposition of plastic bags takes about 1000 years.

Petroleum is required to produce plastic bags:

As it is, petroleum products are diminishing and getting more expensive by the day, since we have been using this non renewable resource increasingly. Petroleum is vital for our modern way of life. It is necessary for our energy requirements – for our factories, transport, heating, lighting, and so on. Without viable alternative sources of energy yet on the horizon, if the supply of petroleum were to be turned off, it would lead to practically the whole world grinding to a halt. Surely, this precious resource should not be wasted on producing plastic bags.

Dangers to Sea Life:

Plastic bags are now amongst the top 12 items of debris most often found along coastlines ranging from Spitzbergen in the north to the Falklands in the south.Animals and sea creatures are hurt and killed every day by discarded plastic bags, a dead turtle with a plastic bag hanging from its mouth isnt a pleasant sight but mistaking plastic bags for food is commonplace amongst marine animals. Plastic clogs their intestines and leads to slow starvation. Others become entangled in plastic bags and drown.Because plastic bags take hundreds of years to break down, every year our seas become home to more and more bags that find their way there through our sewers and waterways. Every bag thats washed down a drain during rainfall ends up in the sea every bag thats flushed down a toilet, ends up in the sea every bag thats blown into a river will most likely end up in the sea.

Various alternatives to Plastic bags:

1. Use biodegradable bags made from fabrics.

2. Ladies can fold a cotton bag or two in to their purses which can be used to quench their sudden urge for shopping.

3. Nylon bags can be used and reused several times.

4. Donate old news papers and magazines to small scale institutes that cut these old papers in to paper bags and packets.

5. Use a wicker basket. (They can make a fashion statement today.)

6. Educate the local retailers on the ill effects of use of plastics.

7. Insist your local retailers to use plastic bags of thicker variety if at all he has to use.

8. Offices can distribute canvas bags as New Year gifts instead of diaries and other sweet nothings.9. Better still buy a foldable shopping trolley. When you can buy a stroller for your new born this is not impossible you see.

By: devika

Developing a Safety Policy

2009-05-19T21:38:00.000-07:00

The first step a company can take in managing the health and safety of its stakeholders is to openly and visibly commit itself to Safety. This Management Commitment is a fundamental part of any successful safety management system, without which the entire system is doomed to mediocrity, at best. Only after management commitment has been established can a company take a step to developing a concise SAFETY POLICY - a statement openly committing the company to safeguarding all its identified stake-holding elements.
At this point, as previously highlighted, there should be a committed, enlightened top management team, all prepared to move the organisation towards an improved safety (& health) state of employees, property, equipment and processes. How can this be achieved? By taking the first crucial step of formulating a safety policy statement for the organisation. The safety policy statement is a written document that clearly sets out what the organisation intends to achieve in terms of safety, and serves to communicate to employees, a clear impression of management's commitment to achieving pre-set objectives in safety. Basically, the organisation's management is openly dedicating itself to the cause of safe working - stating that it will always strive to ensure all its elements are safe. This is an important point to remember when formulating a safety policy - that its intention is to bind the organisation to a cause that is considered worthy and not merely a means to bestow a certain status or image on an organisation. Importantly also, the safety policy is not to be used as a means to achieve compliance to any registration prerequisites, such as pre-registration to provide supplier services as is required by some industry sectors. Rather it is a powerful tool that can launch an organisation on a journey towards actualisation, employee and customer satisfaction and customer retention.
Usually, the policy statement is in three parts:
Part One - Overall Statement of Intent : This portion outlines the organisation's overall philosophy in terms of safety management and details SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Time-bound) objectives for safety performance, that the organisation will strive to attain.
Part Two - Roles, Responsibilities and Organisation : This part of the statement should outline the 'organisational chart' vis-à-vis safety matters. Lines of responsibilities and accountabilities, beginning from the CEO him/herself should be clearly stated. For instance the identity of the official with overall responsibility for safety should be stated. The identity of Safety representatives in major units such as in production or operations should also be stated. It is also in this part of the safety policy that the function and composition of safety committees is defined. A physical organisational chart, showing these lines of responsibilities should be drawn up and placed in public place to improve the understanding of roles in safety management.
Part Three - Policy Implementation : The third part addresses the organisational arrangements, which have been put in place to ensure the policy is effectively implemented. These include, (but are not limited to), Safety training, safe systems of work, accident reporting and investigation systems, documentation systems, incentive schemes, health management systems, auditing and monitoring systems, emergency response systems, fire security and so on. Each organisation should develop safety management arrangements, which are specific to its own operations.
There are many recommended styles of safety policies. Here are some suggestions for formulating a policy, gleaned from successful models worldwide. Good safety policy statements should reflect:
An organisation's commitment to cascading safety (&health) in all aspects of operations.
An acceptance that safety performance contributes to the organisation's overall business performance
The intention to promote a safety culture within the organisation
A commitment to ensuring that all safety policies, goals, objectives and programmes are disseminated and understood throughout the organisation
The allocation of safety responsibilities to all managers in the organisation
The intention to set safety objectives, which will be communicated to all employees
A commitment to openness and the involvement of employees in decisions on safety related matters
Methods by which the policy will be audited and monitored
The need for employee participation and cooperation
Who should be responsible for developing a safety policy?
The safety policy may be drafted either by the company safety officer (or any individual responsible for managing safety in the organisation) or by an external safety consultant. However, primary responsibility for developing the company safety policy lies with management. Management must be fully involved in the conceptualisation and birth of the company's guiding statement on safety. The obvious reason for this is that the policy statement is the bedrock of safety - it is the company's written (and binding) commitment to improving its safety performance, and should reflect top management philosophy on this crucial issue.
The policy statement document should be signed by the CEO with copies placed at strategic locations throughout the organisation. The policy can either be a stand-alone document or a part of the company's operational manual.
A common occurrence is the drifting away of management and staff from the safety policy statement, especially if it has existed for years and has not been acted upon. Though considerable time may have been spent preparing the document, little attention is paid to it and not much success is recorded in the achievement of stated goals and objectives.. To avoid this, policy statements must be strictly adhered to, and reviewed when changes occur within the organisation. In many Nigerian companies today, the safety policy statement is a symbolic 'passport' to gain admittance into the world of prospective clients. The statement, after formulation, simply sits on the table and is never addressed or implemented.
There is much to be gained from the policy statement. As stated earlier it is a powerful tool, and the foundation of any successful and effective safety management system.

HAVE A SAFE AND PROSPEROUS DAY

T.M.KHALEEL BATCHA

DIRECTORINSTITUTE SAFETY MANAGEMENT-CHENNAI( DIVISION OF OSHA INDIA)

NEBOSH National General Certificate - Exam Hints and Tips

2009-05-19T21:26:00.000-07:00

Now you've committed yourself to taking the NEBOSH Certificate, you've probably wondered what you've got yourself into! Hopefully the following hints & tips will help you to get the maximum marks possible.

Tips for the Written Papers

First Things First!
Start by reading the exam paper all the way through. You should find at least one question that you are confident about answering. The pages in your answer book are numbered according to the question you are answering, so it doesn't matter in which order you do the questions, as long as you put your answer on the corresponding page of the answer book. It's a good idea to start with the question you're happiest about, as this gets your brain working and gives you confidence. Work through a couple of 'easier' questions & then tackle some of the harder ones. Just make sure you attempt them all!

Clock Watch!
You must keep your eye on the time. You are allowed 2 hours for each paper.. There are 11 questions on each paper, and you are expected to answer every one. Question 1 is worth 20 marks, and you should allocate about 25 minutes for your answer. Questions 2-11 are worth 8 marks each, and therefore you have to answer 10 questions in 90 minutes. If you allow 8 minutes for each question, you will have a small cushion at the end to check over your paper, or to finish any last bits.

Please remember: -
It is better to provide an answer to every question than to do 9 or 10 of them well!
Statistically, candidates score the most marks for the information they give at the beginning of their answers. You will get very few extra marks for a long, rambling answer.. It's also worth remembering that for any question you fail to attempt, your score will be ZERO!
So, answer every question, even if you're not over-confident. If you have reached the time limit (25 minutes for Q1 & 8 minutes for each of the others) MOVE ON! You do not want to end up wasting time perfecting one answer if it means you run out of time to attempt all the questions.

Answer the Question!
We all know the sorts of questions we would like to be on the paper - trouble is, they're not always there! You need to:

· READ THE QUESTION
Get an idea of what the question is asking. This is especially important on Q1, which is often a part question. It is very easy to start rushing in to the answer, only to find when you get to part (ii) that you're writing similar things. NEBOSH do not ask you to give the same information twice in one question, so if this is happening, you're going wrong.

· READ IT AGAIN, BEFORE YOU START WRITING!
This will give you an idea of the depth of answer required, denoted by the action verb (e.g. outline, describe, state, list etc). It also focuses your mind on actually answering. It is a good idea to highlight the important words in the question, either by underlining them or by using a highlighter pen. Again, this clarifies what you are being asked and allows you to think about what your answer should be. You can’t take your exam paper away with you, but you can highlight things on it.

· Once you've started your answer, check the question to make sure you're answering what you've been asked.
If I had £1 for every student who'd gone off at a tangent in their answer to a NEBOSH question, I'd be a very rich lady!! You will do this at some point, but it's a good idea to make sure it happens in the classroom rather than in the exam! Simply by checking that you are answering the question, whilst you are doing it can save an awful lot of time & heartache. If you check halfway through, it does give you time to salvage something if you've gone wrong. (I’ve done it!).

Question Spotting!
NEBOSH are well aware that students practice answering past questions, and although they do repeat questions, they may not be straight repeats. You may see part of a question that has appeared before, with a different second part. Just be aware that you must read the question thoroughly and keep checking that you’re answering the right question.

Specific Types of Question
Some types of question come up again & again. On the Management paper you are often asked to "Outline the factors to consider when……..". This type of question requires you to think about the situation you have been given, and take an overview. They do not usually ask you to fix it! i.e. you do not have to outline a series of control measures. This is a very common mistake in approaching this type of question.
E.g. If you were asked to outline the factors to consider before forklift trucks are to be introduced to a new warehouse, you would outline factors such as
· The need for separating FLT movements from pedestrians;
· The need for the introduction of speed limits;
· Whether high visibility clothing would be required;
· The condition of the floors and terrain
· The type of FLT to be introduced e.g. the appropriate fuel supply
· The loads to be carried etc.
You should turn this list into an outline by adding the reason for each consideration you mention e.g. The condition of the floors and terrain would be an important consideration, as floors containing potholes or steep slopes can result in overturning of fork lift trucks.
It is tempting to try to fix the situation by giving answers such as: -
When FLTs are to be introduced into the workplace, it is essential that they do not come in to contact with pedestrians. In order to prevent this, dedicated traffic routes should be introduced, with speed limits. Any pedestrians who enter the area in which the FLTs are moving should wear appropriate PPE, such as high-visibility vests. In a warehouse, you should make sure that if the ventilation is poor, the FLTs are battery-powered. The floors should be free from potholes, as this can cause overturning of the FLT……………

These are in fact control measures to reduce the risks from FLTs operating in a new warehouse - but that's not actually what the question asked you for!! If you start doing this, you will get carried away & start answering a different question from the one you’ve been asked – don’t do it!

If you have trouble interpreting "Outline the factors to consider”, substitute “things” for “factors” & it might make the question easier to understand.

Hazards paper questions are usually a bit more straightforward, requiring either hazard identification or control measures or both.
Make sure that you understand the difference between hazard & risk. Some questions may ask you to identify hazards & others will ask for risks. If you get these mixed up, you may not get the marks. Remember that risks are outcomes.

Your answers
There are some basic rules to follow:-
Answer the question you’ve been set!
Don’t write a list if you’re asked for an outline (unless you’re running out of time) – you will loose marks.
If you include training, instruction or information as an answer, say what sort of training, information or instruction is required.
PPE is not sufficient as an answer, even in a list – give some examples of suitable PPE.
Answer the question you’ve been set!
If you’re asked for a list, single words are unlikely to score you marks. It’s not a shopping list - you need enough details to make the examiner understand what your point is.
Use principles to keep you organised. E.g. if you’re asked for controls, work through the Hierarchy of control giving appropriate examples; if you’re asked how you would manage a situation – apply the principles of HSG65 etc.
Answer the question you’ve been set!

Always remember, although Examiners are intelligent, they don’t know you – you have to get your answer down on paper in a way that tells them exactly what you mean.
When you've finished!
You should have a few minutes spare to check through your answers. Yes, I know it's boring, but you may think of something you couldn’t answer earlier, see part of a question you’ve forgotten to answer or see a glaring error. It's easier to pick up the odd extra mark by filling in gaps in questions which require you to list or identify, so if you've missed any out, now's the time to check what you've written and see if you've missed anything obvious.

FAQs
What if I'm running out of time?
If you find yourself with only minutes to spare to the end of the exam, & you still have a question to do, complete it as a list. This at least gives you the chance to get some marks, rather than leaving it blank and scoring zero. The extra marks you pick up here could make the difference between referral/ pass; pass/credit, or even credit/distinction! If you do have some time spare on an outline, describe or explain question, add a reason or an example – it may get you full marks.

How can I improve my chances of passing?
· Revise as you go - you cannot leave it until the last minute, as there is far too much information to take in. Also you need to ensure that you understand what you've been taught/have read. If you are having problems, you will be able to clarify them with your tutor in plenty of time.

· Practice past questions - You can obtain past question papers and Examiners' Reports from the NEBOSH website http://www.nebosh.org/. You should aim to practise answering questions and then check your answer against the Examiners' comments. There are often repeated questions on exams, so having practised a good selection may help with any repeated questions on your exam.

· Don't panic! - Panic will just make it harder to answer the questions. It can be tempting when you read the exam paper to panic if you think you can't do some of the questions. Just breathe deeply, read the question paper again & start with a question you are reasonably happy with.

Tips for the Practical

The Inspection
Get organised! Think of the areas that you need to look at. Put those headings on individual sheets at the start of the exam. There’s no restriction on the number of sheets you use.

Make sure you fill in each column of the observation sheet – don’t leave the risk level or the action required columns blank, as it will reduce your marks.
Don’t mark everything as high risk which needs action immediately – your suggested corrective action needs to be achievable as well as aimed at reducing the risks.
Aim to give a spread of actions to correct problems where possible. Single actions often don’t prevent the problem from recurring, and may need considerable budget. Suggest some intermediate steps to reduce risk progressively with sensible timescales. Ongoing monitoring also signifies that some solutions need checking to maintain their effectiveness.

The Report to Management
This needs to be concise, convincing and it needs to address URGENT issues. Your time is short, so the report also needs to be short.

Use headings and give it a structure. A summary will aid readability and will persuade (or not!) the manager to read the full report.

Pick no more than 5 urgent issues and make sure that for each one, you say:-

What you found (in general terms)
Why it's a problem (what the possible outcomes are)
What legislation is being breached (e.g. contravenes the COSHH Regulations)
What needs to be done (include any statutory requirements e.g. Requirement of Fire legislation that all premises have an emergency plan)
Who needs to do it (e.g. workshop manager)
Timescale (e.g. should be carried out within the next week). Don't forget to include longer-term action where appropriate.
An indication of cost (low, medium, high)

Remember that in general you are asking management to part with money, so you need to convince them that they should! State the likely benefits of implementing your suggested actions e.g. reduces the risk of serious injury to students and the likelihood of enforcement action and civil claims.

Remember to include both breeches of legislation and costs – these are commonly forgotten and there are a total of 10 marks available for them.

GOOD LUCK!

HAVE A SAFE AND PROSPEROUS DAYT.

M.KHALEEL BATCHA

DIRECTOR INSTITUTE SAFETY MANAGEMENT-CHENNAI( DIVISION OF OSHA INDIA)

HYDROGEN SULFIDE-FACT

2009-05-19T02:15:00.000-07:00

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S)is an extremely hazardous, toxic compound. It is a color less, flammable gas that can be identified in relatively low concentrations, by a characteristic rotten egg odor. The gas occurs naturally in coal pits, sulfur springs, gas wells, and as a product of decaying sulfur-containing organic matter, particularly under low oxygen conditions. It is therefore commonly encountered in places such as sewers, sewage treatment plants (H2S is often called sewer gas), manure stockpiles, mines, hot springs, and the holds of fishing ships. Industrial sources of hydrogen sulfide include petroleum and natural gas extraction and refining, pulp and paper manufacturing, rayon textile production, leather tanning, chemical manufacturing and waste disposal.

Hydrogen sulfide has a very low odor threshold, with its smell being easily perceptible at concentrations well below 1 part per million (ppm) in air. The odor increases as the gas becomes more concentrated, with the strong rotten egg smell recognisable up to 30 ppm. Above this level, the gas is reported to have a sickeningly sweet odor up to around 100 ppm. However, at concentrations above 100 ppm, a person's ability to detect the gas is affected by rapid temporary paralysis of the olfactory nerves in the nose, leading to a loss of the sense of smell. This means that the gas can be present at dangerously high concentrations, with no perceivable odor. Prolonged exposure to lower concentrations can also result in similar effects of olfactory fatigue. This unusual property of hydrogen sulfide makes it extremely dangerous to rely totally on the sense of smell to warn of the presence of the gas.
Health Effects of Hydrogen Sulfide
H2S is classed as a chemical asphyxiant, similar to carbon monoxide and cyanide gases. It inhibits cellular respiration and uptake of oxygen, causing biochemical suffocation. Typical exposure symptoms include:
L O W
0 - 10 ppm
Irritation of the eyes, nose and throat
M O D
10 - 50 ppm
Headache Dizziness Nausea and vomiting Coughing and breathing difficulty
H IGH
50 - 200 ppm
Severe respratory tract irritation Eye irritation / acute conjunctivitis Shock Convulsions Coma Death in severe cases
Prolonged exposures at lower levels can lead to bronchitis, pneumonia, migraine headaches, pulmonary edema, and loss of motor coordination.
Working with Hydrogen Sulfide
Most countries have legal limits in force that govern the maximum allowable levels of exposure to hydrogen sulfide in the working environment. A typical permissible exposure limit in many countries is 10 ppm. While the distinctive odor of H2S is easily detected, its olfactory fatigue effects mean that one cannot rely on the nose as a warning device. The only reliable way to determine exposure levels is to measure the amount in the air. Regular monitoring will help to identify areas and operations likely to exceed permissible exposure limits, and any areas that routinely pose overexposure hazards should be equipped with continuous monitoring systems.

With a vapor density of 1.19, hydrogen sulfide is approximately 20 percent heavier than air, so this invisible gas will collect in depressions in the ground and in confined spaces. The use of direct reading gas detection instrumentation should be required before entering confined spaces such as manholes, tanks, pits, and reaction vessels that could contain an accumulation of H2S gas.
Wherever possible, exposure should be minimised by employing adequate engineering controls and safe working practices. Such methods include ensuring good ventilation and changing work procedures and practices. Where engineering controls cannot adequately control levels of exposure, it may be necessary to supplement them with the use of suitable personal protective equipment (PPE) such as supplied-air respirators. A qualified industrial hygienist or safety professional should be consulted for guidance on the suitability and correct use of respirators.
Should a co-worker ever be overcome by H2S gas, do not attempt a rescue until you are properly protected yourself. The rescuer can very easily get caught out by venturing into a confined space without adequate protection. Remember that at levels above 200 ppm, collapse, coma and death due to respiratory failure can occur within seconds after only a few inhalations so you can be overcome yourself very quickly. Such incidents are sadly all too common and only serve to make the rescue effort twice as difficult.

Khaleel

WHAT IS SAFETY AND HEALTH MANAGEMENT

2009-05-19T02:02:00.000-07:00

Effective safety and health management is about knowing how to identify and control hazards and applying key managerial principles so that employees work safety every day they're on the job.

BASIC SAFETY AND HEALTH MANAGEMENT PRINCIPLES

* Management commitments

* Training

* Accountability

* Employee involvement

* hazard identification and control

* Accident investigation

* Evaluation

MANAGEMENT COMMITMENT

Safety starts with commitment from the top managers must be committed to safety and health and hold supervisors accountable for enforcing safe practices.Examples that stress management commitments.

# A written safety and health policy that clearly states expectations for supervisors and employees.

# Identification and allocation of resources to achieve safety and health expectations.

# job descriptions that define safety and health responsibility,ensure employees understand that fulfilling those responsibilities is a condition of employment.

#Procedures to evalute's employees' safety performance and methods to correct unsafe work practices.

# A designated competent person to supervise employees.Hold supervisors accountable and responsible for enforcing safety and health rules and safe work practices.

TRAININGE

mployees should have orientation training that covers safety and health policies, safety rules and procedures for responding emergencies.Conduct new employee training before they begin works.train all employees before they are assigned to jobs that expose them to new hazards..A designated qualifies person must train employees at a level appropriate for their skills and in a language they can understand.Employees must be able to demonstrate correctly the safe practices associated with their job before they work alone.
ALL EMPLOYEES MUST KNOW

1.How their assigned jobs safety

2.Safety and health hazards associated with their jobs and how to control the hazard.

3.Specific work procedure and safety requirements at the site.

4.How to use and maintain tools,equipment and machines requirements at site.

5.Safety and health rules that apply their jobs. Keep written records to each employees training that includes the employees name,the training date,the training received and the trainer..

ACCOUNTABILITY

All employees,including supervisors must have a clear understanding of the consequences for failing the perform their safety and health responsibilities.Strengthen accountability by doing the following.

* Develop and enforce a written disciplinary policy that has clear work place safety expectations for all employees.

* Hold supervisors responsible for developing proper attitudes for work place safety and health for enforcing safety and health rules, and for the safety record of those they supervise.

* Include employees safety and health responsibilities in their job descriptions and performance revolutions.Ensure that they understand fulfilling those responsibilities is a condition of employment. EMPLOYEE INVOLVEMENT

Safety cannot be managed effectively unless employees are involved in the day-to-day effort to keep the site safe.One of the best ways to get them involved is by having then attend safety meetings.their suggestion can help determine the resources necessary to achieve safety goals,develop training topics,identify hazards ans assist in programe development such as lockout-tagout procedures.

HAZARD IDENTIFICATION CONTROLCONDUCT A BASELINE SURVEY;

A baseline survey is a through evolution to the site-jobs, work practices,equipment and facilities-that identifies safety and health hazards.A complete survey tells you where the hazards are,what they are and how severe they could be.

PERFORM REGULAR SAFETY INSPECTORS
Baseline surveys are snapshots that tell you where hazards were when you surveyed.Regular inspections tell you whether you've controlled the hazards and help you identify new hazards.develop a procedure to ensure regular inspections.Designate competent persons to conduct the inspections.

WATCH FOR HAZARDS

Watching for hazards is something that every one must do.Examples of what to watch for include;Unsafe work practices,missing equipment guards and poorly maintained or defective equipment.Require employees to report hazards immediatly to some one who has authority to act.

LOOK FOR NEW HAZARD WHENEVER YOU CHANGE EQUIPMENT,MATERIALS,OR WORK PROCESSES.

Asseses hazard that could result from the changes and determine how to control them.If your employees work at multiple sites you may need to do a hazard assesment at each site.Use material safety data sheets to identify chemical hazards.If employees handle hazards chemicals,develop a written hazard-communication plan that identifies the chemicals and describes how employees are informed about chemical hazards.employees must know how to use material safety data sheets(MSDS).A MSDS has detailed information about a hazardous chemical's health effects,physical and chemical characteristics,and safe practices for handling.Prepare a current hazardous chemical inventory list and have current MSDS for each hazardous chemical used.

KNOW WHEN AND HOW TO USR PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

Personal protective equipment is another way to control a hazard, but its only a barrier between the hazard and the user.If PPE fails, the user risks exposure.Before you purchase PPE,know the specific hazards it protects and against and be sure that it fits the user.Have an experienced safety professional help you when you're unsure especially when you're selecting chemical-protective clothing or respirators.Always train employes how to wear,use and maintain their equipment before they use it for the first time.

PRACTICE GOOD HOUSE KEEPING
Keep passage ways,store rooms and work areas clean.Keep electical cords away from areas where people could trip ovr them.Keep floors clean and dry,use drains,false floors,platforms or mats in wet areas.

PREPARE EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN

Any place of employment could have an emergency.work related,medical,or environmental.Have well stocked firstaid kits and a procedure for summoning ambulance or paramedic services.A well rehearsed emergency plan can protect lives,equipment and property.Business with more than 10 employees must put them plans in writing.For employees with 10 or fewer employees,the emergency plan does'nt have to be in writing.However employees must understand the plan so,they can respond promptly and appropriately an emergency.

MAINTAIN EQUIPMENT ON SCHEDULE

Preventive maintanance keep equioment running properly,reduces downtime and prevents accidents.Keep maintanace logs that show when the work was done,what was done,and the next schedule maintanance date.remove unsafe machines,tools or equipment from service and always follow manufacturer's maintanance requirements.

ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION

Almost all acidents are preventable and each one has a cause-por supervision,inadequate training or safety policies.eliminate the cause and accidents can be prevented.Dvelop accident investigation procedure and ensure that the investigation is though andaccurate.get statements from witnesses and other involved in the accident and prepare a report that describes hoe the accident can be prevented from happening again.discuss accident and near miss incidents with employees.

best regardsKHALEEL BATCHA T.Mdirector -coursesINSTITUTE SAFETY MANAGEMENT-CHENNAI(INDIA)(A DIVISION OF OSHA INDIA)

Boating and Basic Safety Tips

2009-05-11T01:58:00.000-07:00

Keep in mind that no matter how much experience and expertise you have on boating, the safety rules should always be reviewed prior to each departure. The captain of the vessel is the one who is responsible for the security and safety of everybody on board. It is also extremely necessary that every person in the boat knows where to find the safety equipments. Orient everybody about how important it is that they know where these tools are located so that everyone can contribute to the safety of each person on board in the event of an emergency.
More than the pleasure and adventure of boating, responsibility also goes hand in hand with these. Therefore, above anything else, knowledge of safety rules and equipments is a must. Here are some boating tips:

1.Check the weather condition prior to going on board.

Television and radio forecasts are good sources of information. If you are noticing dark clouds coming, rough wind changes and a sudden drop in temperature, these are signs that you have to play it safe with the waters.

2.Always have a pre-departure checklist on handy.

This also means being prepared for different possibilities while on board including safety regulations and compliance on when to refuel. Having a checklist on hand ensures you that there are no boating safety rules and precautions had been forgotten. Here are what should be included in the checklist:

a)Weather check

b)Boat is currently registered

c)Boat licensed)Familiarity with where you are goinge)

Check tide and ensure that the ramp is suitable for launchingf)Check for any boat defects and areas that need repairg)Enough fuel for the trip plus reserveh)Food and water for the trip and back plus reservesi)Safety equipments and boat accessories that are all in good working conditionj)Show passengers where safety equipments and boat accessories can be foundk)Include reliable person in boat plan, number of passengers, what emergency beacon you have

3.Prepare safety equipments especially the ones strictly required by the law.

Be sure the check the laws in your local authorities.

Here are some the boating safety equipments that you should keep in your boat:

a)Oars, rope and knife

b)Radio, Mirror, Torch, Flares

c)Boat Hook

d)First Aid Kit

e)Fire Extinguisher

f)Drinking Water, Buoyancy aids and life jackets

g)Bucker or Bailer

h)Chart and compass

i)Anchors chain and rope

j)Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB)

4.Operate at a safe speed and observe this at all times.

Be aware of the busy areas and steer clear of huge vessels. Respect navigational aids and buoys which had been placed to ensure boating safety.

5.Designate one person on board who is familiar with all aspects of the boat including handling and operation.

This is just in case the primary navigator gets sick or incapacitated. It is important that somebody has the ability to bring everybody back on shore.

6.Develop and implement a float plan.

Make sure that somebody knows where you are going and how long you will be gone. Inform a family member or a local marina staff. Include the name, phone number and address of the trip leader, type of boat and registration details, number of passengers, what communication tools you have on board and trip details.

By: torcidatg

Techniques To Educate Staff About Workplace Safety

2009-05-11T01:35:00.000-07:00

Workplace safety is vital to your workforce and to your company. In any company, personnel are your most valuable asset. Workplace safety training is about more than keeping your workers safe, though preventing injury to both your staff and the general public is certainly the major reason for safety training. In nearly every industry, OSHA and other regulatory boards set standards for worker safety that must be met, and records that must be maintained to prove those standards are being met. If your company fails to follow the regulations, you could be hit with huge fines. If one of your workers is injured on the job and your company was out of compliance with any regulations, you may find yourself facing a hefty lawsuit for damages.
Since workplace safety is so vital, training your workers in safety procedures should be one of your company's top priorities. When choosing or designing a workplace safety education program, there are a number of things to take into account.

Reaching All of Your Workers

A great deal of the safety training that your workers need is information based. There are rules, regulations, standards and procedures that they should understand. Getting all that information into their hands can be time consuming. Mandatory meetings can eat into production time, and it can be difficult for your employees to retain when the info is all crammed into a one hour training session.According to the U.S. Department of Education, about 90 million Americans demonstrate low competency in reading, math and basic logic. In addition, there are about 32 million Americans for whom English is a second language. Any time you run a training session, you should simply assume that a percentage of your workers are struggling with understanding what's being read or spoken.Safety training videos are an excellent way to deliver the information that your workers need to know. While you can screen videos for your work crews in in-house meetings, there are ways to make it more convenient for your employees - and help them learn and retain more from what they see.

Make training videos when it's convenient for your workers.

Putting your safety training films and course materials online on a company server lets your workers log on and study at their own pace. That can be a lot easier than trying to gather everyone for screenings while still managing coverage for the floor or work site. Many of the best safety training films are available in a format that can be streamed or downloaded from a central server. Many companies are also turning to iPods, mini DVD players and MP3 players to deliver safety videos and training to their workers.

Use participatory activities to help drive points home.

One environmental plant manager, for instance, used maps of the facility to help his workers understand safety planning. In an in-service training, he handed out maps and asked them to mark various safety hazards on the map in different colors. It helped them to visualize the layout of the plant in relation to safety hazards, and helped him identify gaps in their knowledge.

Train in context.

While safety training videos can be an excellent way to explain important concepts, they work best if you use them in context. Unless a training film has been custom made for your particular company, your workers will get more out of the video if you put it within a framework. If you're showing a video on how to identify asbestos, for example, start with an explanation of how the training applies to their job and why it's important for them to understand it.
Reinforce concepts from safety training films after the video is over.After the video, encourage discussion by asking questions and stepping back to listen to answers. It will help you gauge how well the message was received and give you the opportunity to reinforce important concepts and correct mistaken assumptions.

Seek out safety training grants to help finance your training efforts.

There are safety training grants available through various branches of the federal, state and local governments. Homeland Security grants, for instance, can be used to purchase safety training videos about emergency preparedness, handling hazardous materials and responding to emergencies using the national framework for emergency response. Trade unions may offer grants that will help you purchase materials to teach safety issues appropriate to your field.

Safety training for your workers should be a top priority. These tips can help you design a comprehensive worker safety education program that will keep your workforce safe and your company in compliance with all safety regulations.

About Author:Brian Jenkins is a freelance writer who writes about topics concerning emergency planning, safety preparedness and demonstrations for emergency response such as Safety

Working at Height Will your safety harness kill you

2009-05-11T00:22:00.000-07:00

Harnesses can become deadly whenever an operative is suspended for durations of over five minutes in an upright posture with the legs relaxed straight beneath the body. After five minutes they are highly likely to be unconscious - but operatives attending the scene often don't realise the seriousness of the situation and, 15 minutes later a dead body is hauled up. The cause of this problem is called 'suspension trauma'. Suspension Trauma - Orthostatic IntoleranceUnless the operative is rescued promptly using established safe procedures, suspension trauma caused by orthostatic intolerance could occur and result in serious or fatal injury as the brain, kidneys and other organs are deprived of oxygen.Most users of fall protection equipment, as well as rescue personnel and health and safety professionals are unaware of the hazard of suspension trauma. Venous pooling - The need to faint and fall overDeath from suspension trauma is caused by orthostatic intolerance and is the result of venous pooling. This can occur any time a person is required to stand still for prolonged periods and may be worsened by heat and dehydration. A well-known example of orthostatic intolerance is that of the soldier who faints while standing to attention for any length of time. Major blood vessels pass through the muscles in the legs. The movement of these muscles assists circulation by squeezing the blood back up towards the heart. If the muscles stop moving, as in the case of the soldier, gravity pulls the blood down into the legs.Eventually, enough blood accumulates (venous pooling) so that return blood flow to the right chamber of the heart is reduced as the heart can only pump the blood available, so its output begins to fall. The heart then speeds up to maintain sufficient blood flow to the brain but, if the blood supply to the heart is restricted enough, the higher pulse and faster breathing is ineffective and the body abruptly slows the heart. The result is fainting.The moment the soldier loses consciousness he collapses and becomes horizontal so the time spent in a vertical position while unconscious is minimal and, as blood flow improves - the result of being horizontal - the soldier returns to consciousness and recovery is likely to be rapid.When a person is suspended in a harness in which their legs are immobile, unlike the fainting soldier the person does not or cannot naturally move into a horizontal position, then gravity pulls blood into the lower legs.

In a harness, the operative can't fall into a horizontal posture, so the reduced heart rate causes the brain's blood supply to fall below the critical level. During excessive venous pooling, cardiac output and arterial pressure fall to levels which can critically reduce the quantity and/or the quality of oxygenated blood flowing to the brain. What to look out for - If a worker is suspended in a harnessThe possible signs and symptoms of orthostatic intolerance can start to be seen in 2/3 minutes and can include: Ø faintnessØ NauseaØ BreathlessnessØ DizzinessØ SweatingØ unusually low heart rateØ unusually low blood pressureØ palenessØ hot flushesØ "graying"Ø loss of vision Ø increased heart rateOwing to the possibility of damage to vital organs - the result of suspension trauma - it is recommended that all recovered casualties should be taken to their nearest Accident & Emergency Unit for examination and observation.Being aware of the demands for fast, simple and effective rescue, Leading Edge Supplies Ltd have developed a range of products and courses specifically designed for rescue in the construction industry, allowing typical site operatives to rescue conscious and unconscious casualties in under ten minutes.
Leading Edge Height Safety Rescue training course has been designed with our extensive knowledge and experience of construction sites in mind. We understand the operative capabilities, the scope of works involved in a project package and the constraints on access and restrictions and we have developed our training course accordingly.Being aware of the demands for fast, simple and effective rescue,when working at height Leading Edge Safety have developed a range of products and courses specifically designed for at height rescue in the construction industry, allowing typical site operatives to rescue conscious and unconscious casualties in under five minutes.

Author: drew700x

How to Stop Injury Hiding and Build a Successful Safety Program

2009-05-10T21:43:00.000-07:00

"I've inherited a safety incentive program that rewards people for lagging indicators and I'm worried there maybe injury hiding. How can I shift it to become behavior based?"
All too often, safety managers find themselves the unwilling benefactors of an old school safety incentive program based on trailing indicators. These programs reward employees to work a period of time without reporting injuries. While initially sometimes achieving dramatic injury reductions, these programs quickly deteriorate into a "self-perpetuating nightmare" as one safety manager put it.
Some of the most common problems associated with these programs are:
1. Hard to say if the incentive budget is really producing a return on investment.
2. Injury hiding as employees cover things up so as not to interfere with the group winning the award prize.
3. A "band aid" approach to safety as opposed to ripping out the roots of accidents.
4. An "entitlement mentality" where employees feel that they should be paid more or somehow earn a bigger prizes based on the number of years they've been injury free.
5. Safety committees who spend more time picking out the next gift than figuring out the behaviors that should be rewarded and reinforced.
6. A focus on "what we will give as a prize" instead of "what behaviors will we reinforce?"
7. Employees who take safety seriously are rewarded at the same level as those who break safety rules and take chances--sending a message that management really only values the safety scores at the end of the year, not the behaviors that led to them.
So how do you drop lagging indicator rewards in favor of behavior-based recognition?
Many companies just go "cold turkey." With a CEO's backing, the safety manager will simply end the trailing indicator rewards and get rid of the sacred cow.
Some companies choose to have no recognition in it's place (not a good idea), but others work to design a more behavioral type reward program.
In this approach, the new standard becomes "zero unsafe behaviors and conditions" in place of the old target of "zero injuries."
Raising the bar sets a new standard for organizations who have struggled year after year to attain Zero Injuries but often failed. Now, armed with a behavioral tool that helps them chart unsafe actions, near misses, safety improvement suggestions, they can focus on the upstream and in striving relentlessly for Zero Unsafe Behaviors they achieve Zero Injuries as a byproduct.
Sticking with trailing-indicator rewards will kill this upstream approach every time. In short, "what got you here, won't get you there" and it is time to take off the training wheels and move into a behavior-based solution.
So what are the dynamics of an effective behavior based recognition solution?
Training: No more "Spray & Pray"
New research shows that 95% of all training is forgotten within 2 weeks (some safety managers say it happens in less than 2 hours!).
Many companies fool themselves into thinking that having employees sign a log sheet stating they attended the training meeting is sufficient to say that training has occurred. They use a "spray and pray" approach to training where they spray their posters, newsletters and safety videos at employees and pray that people are paying attention...with no way to measure the impact of their training.
So, one of the most important places to link recognition is to employees who pay attention and learn what you want them to. A further, more forward thinking step is to recognize kids and spouses of employees for their buy in to your process.
Recognition, the Right Way.
One company decided to get rid of their old school lagging indicator programs and replace it with an in house behavior based solution. They purchased a supply of gifts, hired a full time employee to run their store, and printed up little "Safety Bucks" which were given to supervisors to reward employees who "did something safe".
Over time, they noticed that only the supervisors and their favorite employees were receiving any gifts. The good 'ole boy system was the kiss of death for their program.
"Positive recognition has to occur on the spot, immediate, and within 15 seconds of the behavior," according to Aubrey Daniels. This means that you have to create an on the spot reward/recognition solution that eliminates favoritism, and injury hiding....and you have to get supervisors to buy into it and use it.
While the journey from lagging indicators to true behavior based recognition is not a piece of cake, the long term improvements to your safety process will be well worth the effort.
As president of the Bill Sims Company, Bill Sims, Jr. has developed employee recognition programs for over 1000 companies, including Disney, Dupont, Milliken and Coca-Cola. Bill is currently completing his first book - Green Beans & Ice Cream - The Definitive Recipe for Behavior Recognition. Download a 55-minute behavior-based recognition workshop this book is based on at http://www.billsims.com/greenbeans or email Bill directly at bill.sims@billsims.net.

Article Source: Bill_Sims_Jr.

What to Do and Not Do in the Event of an Accident

2009-05-10T21:20:00.000-07:00

The worst thing has just happened to you. You have had an accident. There's never a good time to have an accident but it always seems to happen at the worst possible time. So what do you do? First off you need to stay calm. It's a totally natural reaction to lose your head or panic right when you need to be rational. Just after the accident is the time you should be taking note of all the information you will need to ensure that you are fully compensated and covered for any damage done to your property or to you. Talk to witnesses, get their contact details, make notes and take pictures if possible at the time of the accident. You'll be glad you did as it will be difficult to accurately recall all of the details as time passes. Finally remember not to admit that you caused the accident, even if you did.
Right after the accident this will all be the last thing you think of, so make a checklist and keep it in the car.
While you are at the Accident Scene, note the following details
You will need:
Driver Details of everyone involved in the accident. Don't forget to add yours too. These details should cover the Drivers Name, driving license details, and driver insurance details including the insurance company name, policy number, and contact details. Finally remember to get the car license plate number. If you are carrying a camera take pictures of the accident scene, the damaged vehicles, and any injuries that were caused by the accident. Note the contact details of any witnesses such as name, address, phone number and email address so that you can follow up with them later.
Post-Accident Follow Up
Complete your own fully detailed description of the accident as soon as possible after it occurred. You can fill this in with the details and any pictures that you took at the scene of the accident. If you were injured then take pictures of your injuries. Follow up with the witnesses to the accident and get their written details of the accident. If the Police attended the scene of the accident ask for their report.
After the Accident
If you were injured you will need to keep track of the following medical expenses and visits:
Any hospital visits and treatments at hospitals such as MRI, x-ray, physiotherapy and laboratory services. Over the counter and prescription medications.
You should keep track of the dates, times and reasons you had to visit a doctor or the hospital, and keep a note of the time off of work due to the accident. If the time off caused a loss of income, you should get a letter detailing all of the lost income from your employer. Similarly if you are still in school you should keep track of all of the hours of missed schooling due to the accident.
While you are undertaking medical treatment you should take pictures of your injuries to show their progress over time. Keep a log of the date and time of the picture and add details of any pain that you are experiencing, how you are feeling, and any distress or discomfort that you experience as a result of the accident.
Keep track of all other expenses related to the accident. These will include some of the following: Property damages such as car repairs, damage to barriers, fences and signs.
Some other indirect expenses may also occur such as a cancelled vacation due to injuries sustained in the accident or the cost of a rental car while yours is repaired. Finally there are other miscellaneous costs, such as ointments,lotions to treat your injuries, and bandages.
Finally
Never reply to any questions or queries from any other party involved in or related to the accident, such as insurance companies or attorneys without first consulting your attorney. Do not settle any bills or sign any documents until you are sure of the extent of current and future medical expenses related to the accident, and have agreed on it with your attorney.
We sincerely hope you never need this advice, but if you are involved in an accident it's comforting to know that we are here!
Steve Dolan has been involved in several accidents and learned "The Hard Way". Click on Accidents and Injuries to find all the resources you need in the event of an accident.

Article Source:Steve_Dolan

Never Do This If You Want Safe Drinking Water

2009-05-10T21:10:00.000-07:00

What's your definition of safe drinking water? To me, it should be free of germs that cause waterborne illnesses and free of compounds that cause cancer and other health problems, but it should also taste good.
In most areas, the municipal effort to sanitize drinking water kills the germs, but does nothing to remove the chemicals and all you can taste is chlorine. I suppose that's why the bottled water industry brings in billions and billions of dollars every year.
But, is that really safe drinking water? It might be, but it might not. In many cases, it's simply purified tap-water. The purification method of choice for the industry is reverse osmosis, but that does nothing to get rid of chlorine. Some companies use a charcoal filter to improve the taste, but that doesn't make it any healthier.
Using chlorine to sanitize drinking water, or at least kill most of the bacteria, causes another compound to form. When the chemical chlorine interacts with microbes and is exposed to sunlight, a different compound forms.
All in all, as time goes by, as many as twenty different compounds can form as a result of chemical disinfection processes. As a group, the compounds are referred to as trihalomethanes or THMs.
THMs are listed as "known carcinogens". But, in the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency allows their presence in supposedly safe drinking water.
One bottled water company recently had to recall all of the bottles they had shipped to the United Kingdom, because they tested positive for THMs. So, that should answer any questions about the safety of buying bottled. It's not the best choice.
The best choice is to sanitize drinking water in your own home. If you have a well, today you can purchase a device that disinfects with UV light, so no chlorination or other chemical compounds are necessary.
If you are serviced by a treatment facility, then chlorination has probably already been performed, but you can further sanitize drinking water with the right purification device. Not only will it be safe drinking water, it's the safest.
If fits all of my criteria for safety, especially the part about taste. Removing chlorine improves the taste, but the best purification devices use an additional step to provide the best taste available. It's called ion exchange and it makes regular tap-water taste like it came from a mountain spring.
The purifiers further sanitize drinking water by including targeted filtering media that remove all of the cancer causing compounds and other chemicals that can cause chronic health problems. But, not every system is the same, you have to shop for the best or you won't get full protection or good taste.
You don't have to pay a fortune though. Some of the most expensive devices do the least. Waters purified through reverse osmosis or distillation, for example, still contains chemicals and the taste is stale, even though the devices cost more than anything else on the market.
To get really safe drinking water, you need a multi-stage device with selective filtration. The cost is very affordable and well worth it, just to the taste buds, alone.
Learn more about the best Home Water Filter Systems and Tap Water Filters today.
Tyler Waterman is a health enthusiast and enjoys sharing his experience and research with others on the internet. Visit his site for additional information on this important safe and healthy water topic.

Article Source:Tyler_Waterman

Correcting Your Posture, Getting The Most Of Your Ergonomic Equipment

2009-05-08T00:16:00.000-07:00

Every item that you have around your desk or in your office space should be considered for their ergonomic qualities. Consider your ergonomic mouse, keyboard or office chair. Consider the type of computer panel you are using, whether it is the kind that takes up your entire desk, a nice, neat flat screen or an innovative touch screen panel. Follow some simple tips to make the most out of your work day. Talk to your EmployerTake a moment to talk to your manager or human resources department to get the equipment you need. If you are sitting poorly or have developed a slouch you can end up with painful or costly injuries. People go on many days of sick leave a year because of injuries that they incur at work. Businesses have an obligation to make sure their employers have a station that is safe and sound for their employees.
Consider your Chair

Did you know that laws exist regarding office chairs? There are minimum standards. Make sure that your chair is comfortable and can be adjusted to the right height and tilt. Consider a back support or back rest that can help you sit up straighter.

Monitor your Computer

Take a moment o look and see where your eyes are looking. Is your monitor directly in front of you? Is it an arm’s length away? If you adjust your chair don’t forget to adjust your monitor as well. Make sure that you aren’t getting a headache or eye strain because of the monitor on your computer. If you wear glasses you may need to consider anti-glare glasses.

Mice & Keyboards

Place your keyboard directly in front of you. Consider using a keyboard or mouse with a wrist rest to decrease strain. Make sure you are typing in a relaxed manner – make sure you have a natural posture so that you avoid tension.

Posture, Posture, Posture

Make sure you are sitting right – don’t cross your legs! If you need to get foot support so that you can sit up and place your feet on the floor. This will increase circulation and promote good health. Also, take a moment to get up and walk around every once in awhile. Stretch you legs.

Drink Water

It can’t get any simpler. To promote health, drink water and eat right. While this isn’t necessarily something that is a workspace design, it will help you work better and to feel more awake and energized. If your office is one of those with a candy bowl you can’t resist, make sure it does not reside near your desk so that you can cut out the sweets. Keep a glass of water on your desk so that if you need something to drink the water is very handy.

Making the most out of your work space is important. While you may think that decorating and using a little flair is more important than comfort, you are mistaken. Sit down with your company and make it a point – your health will thank you down the road if you watch out for your body now instead of when it starts screaming at you. Avoid those nasty work headaches, the eye strain and backaches by becoming more ergonomically friendly in your workspace.

By: Rebecca Beckett

Used Oil And Its Effects On The Environment

2009-05-08T00:03:00.000-07:00

Motor oil leaked from individual vehicles—or outright dumped by homeowners and commercial garages inevitably finds its way into local water bodies. Topsoil and natural vegetation would ordinarily filter many of these pollutants out, but the impermeable pavement that covers much of the surface where these pollutants originate carries it right into storm drains and into streams, rivers, lakes and the ocean where it can poison marine life—which we might eat—as well as entire riparian or coastal ecosystems.This pollution also finds its way into underground aquifers that supply our drinking water, so reducing it is a human health measure and could also save municipalities millions of dollars a year in drinking water treatment facilities and operational expenses.
While government agencies try to craft and implement development and zoning standards to help reduce storm water runoff problems caused by commercial and industrial entities, there is still much that individuals can do to reduce their impact as well. Indeed, upwards of 40 percent of oil pollution in the U.S. comes from the improper disposal of used motor oil by individuals.What is Used Oil? The Environmental Protection Agency’s definition of used oil is as follows: Used oil is any oil that has been refined from crude oil or any synthetic oil that has been used and as a result of such use is contaminated by physical or chemical impurities. Simply put, used oil is exactly what its name implies—any petroleum-based or synthetic oil that has been used. During normal use, impurities such as dirt, metal scrapings, water, or chemicals can get mixed in with the oil, so that in time the oil no longer performs well. Eventually, this used oil must be replaced with virgin or re-refined oil to do the job at hand EPA's used oil management standards include a three-pronged approach to determine if a substance meets the definition of used oil. To meet EPA's definition of used oil, a substance must meet each of the following three criteria:
1. Origin — the first criterion for identifying used oil is based on the origin of the oil. Used oil must have been refined from crude oil or made from synthetic materials. Animal and vegetable oils are excluded from EPA's definition of used oil.
2. Use — the second criterion is based on whether and how the oil is used. Oils used as lubricants, hydraulic fluids, heat transfer fluids, buoyants, and for other similar purposes are considered used oil. Unused oil such as bottom clean-out waste from virgin fuel oil storage tanks or virgin fuel oil recovered from a spill, do not meet EPA's definition of used oil because these oils have never been "used." EPA's definition also excludes products used as cleaning agents or solely for their solvent properties, as well as certain petroleum-derived products like antifreeze and kerosene.
3. Contaminants — the third criterion is based on whether or not the oil is contaminated with either physical or chemical impurities. In other words, to meet EPA's definition, used oil must become contaminated as a result of being used. This aspect of EPA's definition includes residues and contaminants generated from handling, storing, and processing used oil. Physical contaminants could include metal shavings, sawdust, or dirt. Chemical contaminants could include solvents, halogens, or saltwater.
How is Used Oil Recycled? Once oil has been used, it can be collected, recycled, and used over and over again. An estimated 380 million gallons of used oil are recycled each year. Recycled used oil can sometimes be used again for the same job or can take on a completely different task. For example, used motor oil can be re-refined and sold at the store as motor oil or processed for furnace fuel oil. Aluminum rolling oils also can be filtered on site and used over again.
Recycling Used Oil Is Good for the Environment and the Economy – Here’s Proof•Re-refining used oil takes only about one-third the energy of refining crude oil to lubricant quality.
•It takes 42 gallons of crude oil, but only one gallon of used oil, to produce 2 ½ quarts of new, high-quality lubricating oil.
•One gallon of used oil processed for fuel contains about 140,000 British Thermal Units (BTUs) of energy.
To prevent your own oil leaks and spills, take the following into consideration:
•Take steps to prevent leaks and spills. Keep machinery, equipment containers, and tanks in good working condition and be careful when transferring used oil. Have absorbent materials available on site.
•If a spill or leak occurs, stop the oil from flowing at the source. If a leak from a container or tank can’t be stopped, put the oil in another holding container or tank.
•Contain spilled oil. For example, containment can be accomplished by erecting absorbent berms or by spreading an absorbent over the oil and
•Clean up the oil and recycle the used oil as you would have before it was spilled.
If recycling is not possible, you first must make sure the used oil is not a hazardous waste and dispose of it appropriately. All used cleanup materials, from rags to absorbent booms, that contain free-flowing used oil also must be handled according to the used oil management standards. Remember, all leaked and spilled oil collected during cleanup must be handled as used oil. If you are a used oil handler, you should become familiar with these cleanup methods. They may also be part of a spill response action plan.
•Remove, repair, or replace the defective tank or container immediately.
By taking care not to contribute to the problem of used oil being improperly disposed of, you can help maintain our clean and healthy drinking water for years to come.

By: Greg D Chapman

The Five Stages Of Risk Assessment

2009-05-07T02:39:00.000-07:00

Is risk assessment rocket science? No of course it isn't.Health and safety law requires that you carry out recorded,documented risk assessments for work,jobs,tasks or operations with significant risk, if you have more than five employees. The people involved should be included and their input valued, include,engage,embrace your workforce in the safety culture. The results and any changes required should be cascaded,communicated to everyone in the workforce, do not leave information in a file to rot.I have never done a risk assessment! Of course you have, if you drive a vehicle,car,bike, you perform one at every junction, (I hope), looking both,each ways before driving on, if it is clear to do so. If you cross a street,road,highwayon foot you do the same thing, look both ways before you walk,step out.Risk assessment is 90% common sense, clean up mess,spillages, repair leaks, dont leave draws open for people to walk into. No trailing cables,wires. Specialist information,knowledge of machinery, production,processes or chemicals,products will,may be needed, so make sure you have this advice when you need it.Your business's most valuable asset are employees,staff,workforce, so it makes business sense as well as legal, moral sense to protect them.It is impossible to eliminate all risk and the law would not expect you to, you are required to do what is reasonably practicable. The definition of this is, what an open minded, reasonable person would expect to be in place. Sometimes referred to in legalise The man on the Clapham Omnibus, but you can Google that yourself.The Definition of Risk Assessment A thoughtful,thorough examination of hazards in the workplace and the controls in place to protect people who may visit the workplaceWhat controls are in place? Review and make changes if necessary.Did you know? o 245 people in the UK are killed at work each year not including road related deaths o There are 30,000 work related serious injuries every year, 1 every 17 minutes o 137,000 people in the UK were injured or killed in work related incidents last year o 2 million people in the UK believe their illness to be caused or made worse by work o 25,000 leave work every year never to return o 38.5 million working days are lost in the UK through injury or ill health each year which is a 30 billion annual cost to businesses Did you know? o The average fine for successful prosecution by the HSE was 18,765 in 2004 and this is not covered by insurance!Five Stages of Risk Assessment

Stage 1 Hazard IdentificationPretend you are new and look at everything with a fresh view, is what you record reasonable or should changes be made.Everyone in the workplace will have an opinion, seek them out and evaluate their comments.Manufacturer data sheets are an excellent resource for hazard information on machinery and chemicals. Use them as a reference for your risk assessments.Information that is already in your business's possession may also be useful, like accident and ill health records, they can often identify hazards which are less obvious.Not all hazards are immediately obvious, noise and exposure to dust for instance may not manifest themselves for some years.

Step 2 Who is at risk and how?Compile a list of all persons,individuals who may be at risk then you will be able to manage it. You may need to consider them as groups rather than as individuals.Descriptions of harm are needed, type of injury, e.g. repetitive tasks like on a production line. There are special requirements for some groups of workers like young people, pregnant women, disabled persons.Extra thought will be needed for some hazards workers in particular disciplines such as cleaners, visitors, contractors, maintenance workers etc, may not be in the workplace all the time. Also consider members of the public if they could be hurt by your activities. If you share your workplace, you will need to think about how your work affects others present, as well as how their work affects your staff " talk to them and ask your staff if they can think of anyone you may have missed.

Step 3 Evaluate the risks and decide on precautionsThere are Approved Codes of Practice available from the HSE which are taken to be industry best practice. What are you going to do about the hazards, everything reasonably practicable is the answer.Is what you are doing sufficient? Use the ACOPs to measure your performance.Use the ERICPD acronym to check that you Eliminate, Reduce, Isolate, Control, PPE (personal protective equipment), Discipline of the workforce to work correctly

Step 4 Record your findings and implement themAll findings should be written down, kept simple and not too elaborate. For example 'Tripping over rubbish bins provided', Staff instructed, Housekeeping checks now in place weekly. Welding fume, local exhaust ventilation used and inspected regularlyRisk assessments need to, be sufficient and suitable, they are rarely perfect, but need to evaluate the hazard properly.You need to be able to show o a proper check was made o who might be affected o the significant hazards are controlled o all people potentially involved o precautions are reasonable o staff were involved o the remaining risk is lowDont try to do everything at once. Make a plan of action to deal with the most important things first. Health and safety inspectors acknowledge the efforts of businesses that are clearly trying to make improvements.o Quick fixes o Medium and long term goals o Training

Step 5 Review your risk assessment and update if necessaryReview at least annuallyNothing stays the same o Changes o Improvements o Any near misses or accidents o Ask the workers if everything is OK o If you know there has been a change review immediatelySome frequently asked questions (Courtesy of HSE Web Site)What if the work I do tends to vary a lot, or I (or my employees) move from one site to another?Identify the hazards you can reasonably expect and assess the risks from them.

This general assessment should stand you in good stead for the majority of your work. Where you do take on work or a new site that is different, cover any new or different hazards with a specific assessment. You do not have to start from scratch each time.What if I share a workplace?Tell the other employers and self-employed people there about any risks your work could cause them, and what precautions you are taking. Also, think about the risks to your own workforce from those who share your workplace.Do my employees have responsibilities?Yes. Employees have legal responsibilities to co-operate with their employers efforts to improve health and safety (e.g. they must wear protective equipment when it is provided), and to look out for each other.What if one of my employees circumstances change?Youll need to look again at the risk assessment. You are required to carry out a specific risk assessment for new or expectant mothers, as some tasks (heavy lifting or work with chemicals for example) may not be appropriate. If an employee develops a disability then you are required to make reasonable adjustments. People returning to work following major surgery may also have particular requirements. If you put your mind to it, you can almost always find a way forward that works for you and your employees. What if I have already assessed some of the risks?If, for example, you use hazardous chemicals and you have already assessed the risks to health and the precautions you need to take under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH), you can consider them checked and move on.

By: Sean Fowden

The Importance Of Forklift Safety In The Warehouse

2009-05-07T02:26:00.000-07:00

Forklifts are complicated machines that have become a necessary tool for the materials handling industry. As forklifts become more and more prevalent, the need for increased forklift safety grows.Forklift safety is often neglected because once we get behind the wheel, we forget that it is not a toy. This may sound silly, but it's one of the most common mistakes when using a forklift. You don't want one of your workers to injure himself because he was racing forklifts with a co-worker in the warehouse. Not only does this kind of lax mentality about forklift safety put you and your workers at risk, but it also puts your expensive equipment and supplies at risk. From both a liability perspective and a financial perspective, it is advantageous for you to implement forklift safety into your workplace training.

Below is a list of safety precautions that need to be taken when using a forklift. The list is by no means definitive, but it should act as a guide for you to build off of when implementing or reconsidering your forklift safety program.

1. Set Up A Forklift Training ProgramIf you don't have the resources to set up a forklift safety program in-house, make sure to have specialists come in and train your workers. You can also look into having your workers enroll in independent forklift classes. Any of the costs you incur setting up a training program will be worth it in the long run because maintaining a safe, and efficient warehouse is invaluable.

2. Do Not Play With The ForkliftThis can't be overemphasized. As I mention above, one of the fundamental problems teaching forklift safety is changing the mentality of your workers. You must not treat the forklift as a toy.

3. Make Sure Forklift Operator Is Mentally and Physically FitMany forklift accidents occur because the forklift operator was tired or sick. You need to make sure that your forklift operators understand that it is okay to let you know if they feel too sick or too tired to properly operate the forklift. It is not worth it to let someone who isn't mentally or physically fit put himself, your workers, and your company at risk.

4. Keep Your Forklift Properly MaintainedThis is another one that is often overlooked. Make sure to keep tabs on your regular forklift maintenance and repairs. While the repairs will cost you in the short term, they will be well worth it in the long run because it will help keep the forklift running smoothly and keep your warehouse safe.

5. Gather Feedback From Forklift OperatorsMake sure to stay in touch with your forklift operators and listen to their concerns.

They most likely have witnessed some questionable or dangerous warehouse conditions. Even if they haven't, they certainly can still provide valuable input into what needs to be covered in a forklift safety program.

By: Robert Whitley

Importance Of Health And Safety Management Guidelines Within The Workplace

2009-05-03T20:26:00.000-07:00

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has issued voluntary protection program management guidelines to encourage employers to do more than just comply with regulations to prevent occupational injuries and illnesses. Although compliance with the law, including specific OSHA standards, is an important objective, an effective corporate safety program looks beyond specific requirements of law to address all hazards. It seeks to prevent injuries and illnesses, whether or not compliance is an issue.This is precisely what some of the best workplace safety consulting firms are doing. Health and safety management system standards/guidelines are important for corporate safety and health consultants to establish. These safety management practices are compiled, applied, and finally advocated by safety and health professionals and consultants representing corporations, professional associations, and labor unions. As a result, these guidelines are used to promote workplace safety through the use of effective and comprehensive safety audits.
The health and safety management guidelines call for systematic identification, evaluation, and prevention or control of general workplace hazards, specific job hazards, and potential hazards which may arise from foreseeable conditions. Additionally, the extent to which a safety management system's program is described in writing is less important than how effective it is in practice. As the size of a worksite or the complexity of a hazardous operation increases, however, the need for written guidance increases to ensure clear communication of policies and priorities and consistent and fair application of rules. For this reason, it is vital for organizations to seek the guidance of an industrial occupational health and safety firm. By relying on a safety organization's expertise, a company can effectively prepare for OSHA's Voluntary Protection Program (VPP). Since safety consulting firms conduct comprehensive audits with an emphasis on solutions-oriented recommendations for program improvement, companies become more aware of specific factors that put their employees health and safety at risk as well as the actions that need to be taken to promote a safer work environment.Major elements of an effective occupational safety and health program include:Management Commitment and Employee Involvement. This calls for:

" A worksite policy on safe and healthful work and working conditions clearly stated so that all personnel with responsibility at the site and personnel at other locations with responsibility for the site understand the priority of safety and health protection in relation to other organizational values.

" A clear goal for the safety and health program and objectives for meeting that goal so that all members of the organization understand the results desired and the measures planned for achieving them.

" Top management involvement in implementing the program so that all will understand that management's commitment is serious.Employee involvement in the structure and operation of the program and in decisions that affect their safety and health, to make full use of their insight and energy.

" Assignment of responsibilities for all aspects of the program, so that managers, supervisors, and employees in all parts of the organization know what performance is expected of them.

" Provision of adequate authority and resources to responsible parties, so that assigned responsibilities can be met." Holding managers, supervisors, and employees accountable for meeting their responsibilities, so that essential tasks will be performed.

" Annual reviews of program operations to evaluate their success in meeting the goal and objectives, so that deficiencies can be identified and the program and/or the objectives can be revised when the goal and objectives are not met.Worksite Analysis. This includes:

" Identification of all hazards by conducting baseline worksite surveys for safety and health as well as periodic comprehensive update surveys. Also included would be an analysis of planned and new facilities, processes, materials, and equipment; and another of routine job hazards.

" Regular site safety and health inspections, so that new and/or previously missed failures in hazard controls are identified.

" A reliable system to encourage employees, without fear of reprisal, to notify management personnel about conditions that appear hazardous and to receive timely and appropriate responses. Investigation of accidents and "near miss" incidents, so that their causes and means for prevention are identified.

" Analysis of injury and illness trends over extended periods so that patterns with common causes can be identified and prevented.Hazard Prevention and Control. This calls for:

" Procedures that ensure that all current and potential hazards are corrected in a timely manner through engineering techniques where appropriate; safe work practices understood and followed by all parties; provision of personal protective equipment; and administrative controls, such as reducing the duration of exposure.Safety and Health Training. This includes training to:

" Ensure that all employees understand the hazards to which they may be exposed and how to prevent harm to themselves and others.

" Confirm that supervisors and managers understand their responsibilities and the reasons for them so they can carry out their responsibilities effectively.The most effective workplace safety specialists help companies (internationally, nationally, and locally) continuously improve their safety management systems through comprehensive auditing where a team of highly qualified/certified safety and health professionals review the clients' organization in terms of OSHA compliance, safety programs, training systems, etc and recommend corrective action and management process improvements as they relate to occupational safety and health.
By: Dan Snyder

Obey These Five Safety Tips To Prevent Motorcycle Injury

2009-05-03T20:16:00.000-07:00

There is nothing like in this world like riding a motorcycle. You are sitting exposed, atop a roaring chrome monster. There is nothing better. It is no wonder that every year millions of Americans (and people in other countries) hit the roads on their motorcycles, and motorcycle sales have been strong this decade.It an experience that can also easily cost you your life if you are not careful. What follows are five of the most important safety tips to remember when riding a motorcycle so that you and other people on the road stay free from harm.

1. Make sure your tires have enough pressure. The tires should have a recommended pressure imprinted on the side. If your tires have a recommended range of pressure, aim to be on the higher end of the range. Having adequate pressure in your tires gives you better control of your motorcycle. Tire pressure naturally decreases over time, so it is important to do this regularly. The effect of losing tire pressure is exacerbated during wide swings in temperature. So it is extra important to check tire pressure if it was a different season when you last rode.

2. Control your lanes. Since there is often room for a motorcycle and a car, especially in turning lanes, many drivers will put right up next to the bike in the same lane. But this creates a dangerous situation for motorcyclists. Therefore, it is best to position your motorcycle so that there is not room for another vehicle to pull up next to you. When making a right turn from a turning lane, for example, position your bike to the left side of the lane so that another vehicle doesn't attempt to pull right next to you in the same lane.

3. Check that your brake levers work properly. If a lever will squeeze closer than a half-inch to the grip, then your stopping power may be impaired. A lever that moves too far may indicate air in your brake fluid. You should inspect and correct the problem immediately.

4. If you find yourself riding in a situation that requires more concentration, reduce distractions. Any time you are in a situation that requires maximum concentration and focus, whether it is navigating busy city streets or driving during a rain storm, you should minimize any external distractions, such as listening to a radio.

5. Always follow the lead bike in a group ride, and maintain a safe distance. Make sure you have room to maneuver in case something happens in front of you, and do everything you can not to cause trouble behind you.We've just scratched the surface of how to ride a motorcycle safely. If you are just learning to ride, then it is important for you to take a class. But the above tips may be some things you don't always think about when riding. So follow this advice, obey the law, and ride safe.
By: Jerry L. Work

Fire Extinguisher Signs- People’s Guide To Safety

2009-05-03T20:09:00.000-07:00

Fire extinguisher signs are identification signs, designed to direct users toward the location of extinguishers. These signs are normally mounted near the firefighting equipment, to ensure that all prospective users will be able to identify the extinguisher’s designated place. For instance, if the extinguisher is placed on a large pole, it is only advisable to place the sign at the top of the pole itself, where people can readily see and notice.The signs are usually made from a number of self-adhesive materials, including aluminum, PVC and vinyl. Other types of signs are made with both text and pictograms, making it easier for people to actually relate and understand directions, referring to the place where the device is really kept. There are also a number of modern signs, which describe the safety device in detail. Aside from the usual words and pictograms, these signs likewise have specific details regarding the extinguishing agent as well as the classification of fires. These types of signs even relate to users the effectiveness of said equipment in accordance to fire classes and categories.As part of normal procedures and regulations, public and government buildings are also required by law to abide and comply with local legal codes. Fire extinguisher signs and its use are also supported by these regulations, emphasizing the provision of an identification or ID sign in designated sites and locations. The requirement further relates the importance of securing these ID’s, as part of compliance with said legal codes. Moreover, these signs are similarly available and provided for other types of fire safety equipment, including fire blankets, fire hose reels/racks as well as emergency equipment like first-aid kits.

With regards to placement of these signs, it is best to note that an extinguisher sign should be mounted to the side or above the firefighting equipment. In such way, people can readily notice the existence of said signs and react accordingly in times of fires and incidents. It is also advisable to adhere or follow the regulations, as prescribed by most licensing authorities. Besides, these authorities have the accurate standards with regards to the appearance and features of these signs, making it easy for companies to comply. More so, it is always advisable to keep track and know procedures in line with the use of these signs, as you have to determine the right measurements in relation to the sign’s height and size. If you are bent on using modern types of signs, photo luminescent extinguisher signs offer the best material. These signs are made of a distinct material called polymer, which absorbs light and is highly-visible in the dark. In addition, these signs are supported by an external power supply, making it a low-cost and reliable alternative. In some cases, photo luminescent signs are often referred to as reflective. On the contrary, reflective signs are quite different from photo luminescent signs, as it only returns light on a limited basis. However, many extinguishers and mounting posts make use of reflective adhesive tape, to easily identify their respective locations. It is understood that emergencies like fires bring out the best and worst in people. Our ability to act amidst all the panic and confusion depends on the environment and severity of situation. In times of fires, we definitely need something to hold on to like a pillar of hope. And with the proper use and installation of safety signs, we are somehow assured that there is indeed safety beyond fire and smoke.
By: Brian Ayling

How To Choose The Best Safety Shoes (steel-toe Boots)

2009-05-03T20:03:00.000-07:00

In buying your safety shoes, you might deal with making a choice between a standard and a military style boot. Standard shoes have that comfortable feeling and suitable for any daily activities. Military style boots, on the other hand, are suitable for any rigorous activities or jobs that may require extra protection, maybe from a big fall or heavy materials.But no matter which type of safety shoes you plan to buy and irrespective of the amount of money you are willing to spend for your shoes, the most important factor in choosing your safety shoes (or steel-toe boots) is the manner in which your feet fits inside them. Your safety shoes, unlike ordinary shoes, should last for a long time and therefore you have to choose what you think is the best and most comfortable pair for you.

Choosing the best pair of shoes for you can be a challenge in itself. But the improved performance and the unparalleled experience of a perfect safety is well worth your efforts to find the most comfortable safety shoes that will meet your safety needs. Read on for the inside story of finding the perfect pair of safety shoes or steel-toe boots.Listen To Yourself And Yourself AloneSo what if your friend has an expensive pair of professional grade safety shoes? When you are buying shoes avoid being influenced by other peoples’ choices. Most safety shoes look great on the outside but can be heavy and downright painful to wear; so never sacrifice comfort by going with what your friends like and tell you what to buy. Your feet are unique and you alone can decide the kind of safety shoes that will work for you best.Do Not RushLooking for the perfect safety shoes for you can take a chunk of your precious time. Avoid committing the folly of rushing thru your shopping for shoes. Unlike ordinary footwear that can embody the form of your feet over time, safety shoes do not easily and conveniently mold into the unique shape of your feet. So you need to set aside ample time in choosing your shoes before making the purchase.Try out every pair for sizes. It is also a good practice to try the shoes wearing the socks that you will use in daily life. If you found a pair that you think fits, try walking around in it. If they still feel comfortable after leaving the shoes on for a few minutes, then you may have found your perfect safety shoes.Resist The Urge To Buy Bigger Safety ShoesThe problem with safety shoes is that they are harder and they seem inflexible unlike ordinary leather shoes. So some people tend to buy safety shoes that are a little oversized to give more room for the feet. Oversized shoes can cause injuries like sprains and even bone fractures. If your safety shoes are oversized, try wearing thick socks to compensate for too much space inside your shoes.In buying safety shoes, always put in mind that comfort, while foremost on your list, should not eliminate your safety and stability when you are wearing it. These factors should be balanced in order for you to have safe and unforgettable rigourous or advanterous activities.–
By: Trini Sario

Flu Babi

2009-04-30T02:22:00.000-07:00

APAKAH FLU BABI ITU?
Flu babi adalah penyakit saluran pernafasan yang disebabkan oleh virus yang sangat menular, ada tiga jenis virus (A, B, C) yang dapat mengubah (change), dan ada beberapa subtipe. Dan yang terpenting diketahui adalah karena ia mampu menyerang semua usia, dan lokasi dalam mutasi-mutasi virus yang sering menyebabkan komplikasi serius dan bahkan kematian pada banyak orang, sering terjadi pada anak-anak dan orang tua.

APAKAH FLU ITU SAMA DENGAN FLU BIASA YANG DISEBABKAN UDARA DINGIN?
Tidak, walaupun keduanya adalah pernafasan akut dan gejala penyakit yang umum, maka mahluk yg kecil yang menyebabkan flu babi berbeda dengan flu biasa (common cold-influenza).

BAGAIMANA CARA KERJA FLU BABI MENULARKAN?
Dari orang ke orang melalui secretions (proses pengeluaran) dari mulut dan hidung (batuk, bersin, berbicara, bernyanyi) atau kontak langsung (tangan, walau tidak terkena lendir/ludah pasien. Sangat contagious/menular (3-7 hari setelah gejala awal) dan risiko yang lebih tinggi jika terjadi di ruang tertutup (kamar, nurseries/ruang perawatan, sekolah, perawatan di rumah, ruang darurat, dll). Dapat menjadi epidemi/pandemi ke seluruh dunia dalam waktu 3 sampai 6 bulan.

BAGAIMANA MENGENALI GEJALA ORANG TERKENA FLU BABI?
Demam lebih dari 38 ° C.
Sering batuk dan intens.
Sakit kepala.
Kurang nafsu makan.
Hidung tersumbat/sengau.
Lain-lain rasa tidak enak.

BAGAIMANA MENDIAGNOSA "FLU BABI"?
Kita perlu belajar bagaimana seorang dokter melakukan pemeriksaan klinis secara rinci mengenai latar belakang dan pemeriksaan terhadap pasien-pasien lain, kontak pasien dengan orang lain dan perjalanan pasien (kemana saja?). Diagnosis terhadap virus dengan mengidentifikasi secretions/pengeluaran dari hidung atau pangkal tenggorokan (virus isolasi) selama 24-72 jam pertama inisiasi penyakit, atau melalui pengecekan darah untuk mengidentifikasi zat antibodi-nya.

APAKAH "FLU BABI" BISA BERKOMPLIKASI (DENGAN PENYAKIT LAIN)?
Ya, gambaran tentang flu babi nampak tidak terkenali (sebelumnya) dan tidak terkait dengan penyakit lainnya namun dapat menghasilkan komplikasi, terutama pernafasan (otitis, sinusitis, rhinitis, radang paru-paru, Bronchopneumonia, merintangi radang tenggorokan), jantung atau bahkan kematian, sering terpantau menjadi penularan yg meluas atau epidemik. Sangatlah penting untuk memantau anak-anak jika menerima pengobatan aspirin (mungkin encephalitis).

ADAKAH PELUANG MENGOBATI PENYAKIT FLU BABI?
Flu babi disebabkan oleh virus, dan belum ada obat yang manjur untuk menuntaskannya, tetapi ada obat yang berfungsi untuk mengurangi/memperlambat laju kegawatan penyakit, memperpendek dan mengurangi gejala-gejala jika masih terpantau dalam waktu 48 jam pertama rasa sakit. Penggunaan obat-obatan adalah sangat sensitif, hanya dokter dapat menentukan apakah pasien harus dirawat sebab mereka juga tidak bebas menjalani kontak dengan manusia lain (yang tidak terinfeksi virus).

BAGAIMANA SAYA DAPAT MENCEGAH FLU BABI?
Ada vaksin sebagai cara terbaik untuk mencegah flu jenis ini, maka setiap tahunnya telah disiapkan dengan mempertimbangkan jenis virus yang beredar di dunia, tetapi tidak (terlalu) baik bagi orang-orang yang alergi terhadap protein telur, sebuah pengalaman serius mengenai reaksi terhadap vaksin pernah dialami pada peristiwa "Guillain-Barre syndrome" (enam bulan setelah vaksinasi).

PANDUAN KEPADA MASYARAKAT UMUM:
· Hindari kontak dengan orang-orang yang memiliki infeksi pernafasan flu babi.
Jangan menyapa atau mencium tangannya.
Jangan berbagi makanan, penggunaan cangkir, piring, atau peralatan makan lainnya.
Berikan kebebasan sinar matahari memasuki ruang dalam rumah, kantor, dan ruang-ruang tertutup lainnya (untuk membakar virus).
Jaga ruang dapur, kamar mandi, handle pintu, railings/pagar tangga, mainan anak-anak, telepon atau artikel-artikel/majalah yang digunakan tetap dalam keadaan BERSIH.
Jika terjadi demam mendadak, batuk-batuk, sakit kepala, sakit pada otot dan sendi, segera periksakan diri ke dokter atau unit kesehatan yang ada.
Hangatkan badan dan hindari perubahan suhu mendadak (yang menyebabkan ketidakseimbangan tubuh sehingga menjadi flu).
Makan buah-buahan dan sayuran yang kaya vitamin A dan C (wortel, pepaya, jambu biji, jeruk, jeruk kepruk, jeruk, lemon dan nanas).
Seringlah mencuci tangan dengan sabun dan air.
Hindari berkecimpung dalam lingkungan terkontaminasi virus tersebut.
Tidak merokok di tempat tertutup atau di dekat anak-anak, orang tua atau pasien.
Ke dokter segera jika menemui/mengalami gejala-gejala.

APA LANGKAH-LANGKAH YANG DIREKOMENDASIKAN UNTUK MEREKA YANG MENDERITA FLU?
Tinggal di rumah, menghindari pergi ke pusat-pusat kerja, sekolah atau tempat di mana terdapat konsentrasi orang (teater, bioskop, bar, bis, metro, klub malam, pesta, dll). Ini akan mencegah menjangkiti orang lain melalui Anda.
Tutup mulut dan hidung dengan tisu/saputangan ketika berbicara, batuk, bersin. Ini akan mencegah orang-orang di sekitar anda menjadi sakit.
Hindari menyentuh mata, mulut dan hidung orang lain utk menghindari virus menyebar.
Flu dapat dicegah melalui penerapan vaksin yang disiapkan sesuai dengan jenis virus yang beredar di dunia), harus mendapatkan divaksinasi setiap tahun.
Hindari debu, asap bergerak dan zat lainnya yang dapat mengganggu pernafasan dan membuat anak-anak lebih rentan terhadap penyakit.
Gunakan cubrebocas, buang tisu hasil bersin ke kantong plastik dan bersinlah di ujung ruangan (jauh dari orang lain).
Jika setelah 24 jam tanpa gejala, Anda dapat bekerja normal kembali.

Terakhir Diperbaharui:
Jumat 24 Apr 2009 pada 13:15 oleh Sweet Buenrostro (staf Departemen Kesehatan Mexico).
Diterjemahkan oleh Noprizal Erhan pada 28 April 2009 dari sebuah artikel berbahasa Spanyol di situs Departemen Kesehatan Mexico : Secretaría de Salud Edificio Sede

Virus Flu Babi

2009-04-26T23:15:00.000-07:00

Virus mematikan flu babi yang belum pernah ditemukan sebelumnya telah mewabah di Meksiko. Setidaknya 81 orang telah meninggal dan menimbulkan kekhawatiran terjadinya pandemi.Berikut sejumlah fakta yang perlu diketahui mengenai virus strain baru ini:Flu babi sebenarnya merupakan penyakit influenza yang disebabkan virus influenza A subtipe H1N1. Namun Organisasi Kesehatan Dunia (WHO) telah mengkonfirmasi bahwa beberapa kasus flu babi yang muncul di Meksiko merupakan strain baru virus H1N1 yang belum pernah ditemukan.Karena itu meski namanya flu babi, namun strain baru ini belum pernah ditemukan pada babi. Ancaman penyakit ini justru pada transmisi dari orang ke orang. Demikian seperti dilansir Reuters, Senin (27/4/2009).Virus ini secara genetik berbeda dengan virus influenza manusia H1N1 yang telah beredar secara global selama beberapa tahun terakhir. Virus flu baru ini mengandung DNA yang identik dengan virus avian, virus babi dan virus manusia, termasuk elemen-elemen dari virus babi Eropa dan Asia.Menurut badan Pusat Pengendalian dan Pencegahan Penyakit AS atau Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), virus ini menular dari orang ke orang. Penularannya melalui bersin, batuk atau ketika seseorang terkena virus ini dari tangan mereka yang tidak dicuci bersih.Lantas bisahkah orang tertular flu babi dengan memakan daging babi? Menurut CDC, tidak, asalkan daging tersebut dimasak secara benar dan matang. Pematangan hingga suhu 160°F telah mematikan virus flu babi maupun virus-virus lain dan bakteri.Sejak Desember 2005 hingga Februari 2009, telah dikonfirmasi adanya 12 kasus penderita flu babi. Namun dari semua kasus itu, hanya satu orang yang pernah melakukan kontak dengan babi. Saat itu belum ada bukti penularan orang ke orang dalam kasus tersebut.Namun sejak Maret lalu, kasus ini mulai dilaporkan di Meksiko dan terus menyebar ke AS dan negara-negara lainnya.Yang perlu diingat, virus flu terus bermutasi. Karena itulah vaksin flu berubah setiap tahun. Untuk virus flu babi yang baru ini belum ditemukan vaksinnya.

Sumber: Detik.com

10 Essential Health Tips (The Basics to Practice Every Day)

2009-04-17T00:52:00.000-07:00

"He who has health has hope, and he who has hope has everything." -Arabian Proverb

1. Move More
Make it a daily challenge to find ways to move your body. Climb stairs if given a choice between that and escalators or elevators. Walk your dog; chase your kids; toss balls with friends, mow the lawn. Anything that moves your limbs is not only a fitness tool, it's a stress buster. Think 'move' in small increments of time. It doesn't have to be an hour in the gym or a 45-minute aerobic dance class or tai chi or kickboxing. But that's great when you're up to it. Meanwhile, move more. Thought for the day: Cha, Cha, Cha…. Then do it!

2. Cut Fat
Avoid the obvious such as fried foods, burgers and other fatty meats (i.e. pork, bacon, ham, salami, ribs and sausage). Dairy products such as cheese, cottage cheese, milk and cream should be eaten in low fat versions. Nuts and sandwich meats, mayonnaise, margarine, butter and sauces should be eaten in limited amounts. Most are available in lower fat versions such as substitute butter, fat free cheeses and mayonnaise. Thought for the day: Lean, mean, fat-burning machine…. Then be one!

3. Quit Smoking
The jury is definitely in on this verdict. Ever since 1960 when the Surgeon General announced that smoking was harmful to your health, Americans have been reducing their use of tobacco products that kill. Just recently, we've seen a surge in smoking in adolescents and teens. Could it be the Hollywood influence? It seems the stars in every movie of late smoke cigarettes. Beware. Warn your children of the false romance or 'tough guy' stance of Hollywood smokers. Thought for the day: Give up just one cigarette…. the next one.

4. Reduce Stress
Easier said than done, stress busters come in many forms. Some techniques recommended by experts are to think positive thoughts. Spend 30 minutes a day doing something you like. (i.e.,Soak in a hot tub; walk on the beach or in a park; read a good book; visit a friend; play with your dog; listen to soothing music; watch a funny movie. Get a massage, a facial or a haircut. Meditate. Count to ten before losing your temper or getting aggravated. Avoid difficult people when possible. Thought for the day: When seeing red, think pink clouds….then float on them.

5. Protect Yourself from Pollution
If you can't live in a smog-free environment, at least avoid smoke-filled rooms, high traffic areas, breathing in highway fumes and exercising near busy thoroughfares. Exercise outside when the smog rating is low. Exercise indoors in air conditioning when air quality is good. Plant lots of shrubbery in your yard. It's a good pollution and dirt from the street deterrent. Thought for the day: 'Smoke gets in your eyes'…and your mouth, and your nose and your lungs as do pollutants….hum the tune daily.

6. Wear Your Seat Belt
Statistics show that seat belts add to longevity and help alleviate potential injuries in car crashes. Thought for the day: Buckle down and buckle up.

7. Floss Your Teeth
Recent studies make a direct connection between longevity and teeth flossing. Nobody knows exactly why. Perhaps it's because people who floss tend to be more health conscious than people who don't? Thought for the day: Floss and be your body's boss.

8. Avoid Excessive Drinking
While recent studies show a glass of wine or one drink a day (two for men) can help protect against heart disease, more than that can cause other health problems such as liver and kidney disease and cancer. Thought for the day: A jug of wine should last a long time.

9. Keep a Positive Mental Outlook
There's a definitive connection between living well and healthfully and having a cheerful outlook on life. Thought for the day: You can't be unhappy when you're smiling or singing.

10. Choose Your Parents Well
The link between genetics and health is a powerful one. But just because one or both of your parents died young in ill health doesn't mean you cannot counteract the genetic pool handed you. Thought for the day: Follow these basic tips for healthy living and you can better control your own destiny

Safety Tips for Traveling by Taxi

2009-04-15T19:35:00.000-07:00

Call to order a taxi

Calling for a taxi ensures safe travels, especially at night. Shop around to see which companies provide better service. It is convenient to order by phone as you can wait in your home until the taxi arrives and you can order a taxi from the company you prefer. As the order is monitored by the taxi company, problems can be reported. Your order is recorded in their data base, which assists the taxi firm to keep track of orders, drivers and also helps in tracing belongings left behind in our vehicles.

If the company has a computerized data base, like Blue Bird does, repeat customers just give their phone number and all your location information will show up from the database. Thus, you won't have to repeat your address each time you order a taxi. With the computerized reservation system the taxi firm can trace the telephone orders of each vehicle, including the taxi number, driver's name and route of the taxi. If a taxi is hailed on the street, these details are not recorded.

Blue Bird Group taxis have an ANI bid radio system (Automatic Number Identification), which enables the taxi nearest to your location to take your order. This cuts the time needed for the driver to reach you at your home or office.

Hailing a taxi on the street

Try to spot a taxi from a well known and reliable taxi company. Don't judge a taxi only by its color. There are, for example up to 10 or more companies now using blue-colored cars. Look for the company name on the side of the vehicle and the crown light.

Before you get into the taxi, make sure the driver agrees to take you to your destination. Some drivers don't like to go into congested areas like Kota or routes notorious for traffic jams like Bintaro or Ciputat.

When you get into the taxi, always make note of the taxi firm and the code number displayed on the dashboard or passenger doors. Check the driver's name, ID and photograph on the dashboard. You would need this information to report problems to the taxi company.

In professional taxi companies, the drivers should be well-mannered, with short hair, wear a uniform and shoes. In this instance it may be better to 'judge a book by its cover' as the taxi driver's appearance is reflective of the company's overall attitude towards service. To keep the interior of the taxis fresh and clean, some companies also enforce a no-smoking rule for their drivers and passengers.

If the driver tries to bargain, instead of using the meter or claims his meter is broken, get out of the taxi.

Taking a taxi at a taxi stand

Be cautious when taking a taxi from a taxi queue, especially at the airport, Gambir train station or bus terminals. Usually these taxis try to bargain for a rate and will refuse to go short distances. Always insist on using the meter and if the driver refuses, choose another taxi. If you bargain you may end up paying 2 or 3 times the metered rate. Don't give tips to people who try to act as brokers for the taxi drivers. If the taxi driver is thankful for their service, he can pay them.

You can find Blue Bird Group taxis at all major four and five-star hotels in Jakarta. If you can't find a taxi on the street go to a nearby hotel.

Taking a taxi from the airport

At the airport, never accept transportation from brokers who approach you as you exit baggage claim or customs offering to drive you into town. These are illegal transportation operators and can be risky for a variety of reasons. Aside from the public taxi stands, the companies licensed to operate transportation services at the airport have counters/booths inside the arrival terminals (such as Blue Bird Group, Avis and Hertz). Their representatives wear uniforms with an ID.

At the airport taxi queue, you are supposed to take the first taxi in the queue, so it may not be possible to select a taxi of your choice. Again, beware, as many taxis will refuse to use the meter or invent other charges. If you feel apprehensive about this, choose Silver Bird which also has a taxi stand at the airport. Blue Bird operates Silver Bird and Golden Bird limousine services from their counters in all the arrival terminals.

Security

Most taxi companies have an alert light on the top of the car which is activated in case of an emergency (robbery of or by a passenger). Other taxi drivers or policemen see the light on and realize that the taxi driver or passenger is in need of assistance.

In addition to this standard alert light, all Blue Bird Group taxis have a hidden security device which, if activated, enables the dispatcher to overhear and record the conversation between the driver and passenger using a special radio frequency. This provides protection both for the driver and the passengers. An alert goes out in the case of a true emergency and the taxi is quickly surrounded by other Blue Bird taxis to ensure the safety of the driver and passenger. No need to wait for the uncertain response from the police.

Broken down vehicles

If the taxi you are riding in breaks down, ask the driver to call for a replacement vehicle. You should not have to get out in the middle of a toll road or other street in Jakarta to flag down a taxi off the street.

In these uncertain times it is imperative that those expats who take taxis in Jakarta choose a reputable company in ensure their personal safety. Contact the taxi firm. s customer service hotline for reporting items left behind in the taxi, suggestions and feedback.

This section of the article on taxi safety was contributed by Blue Bird Group.

A few more tips :

If you can, choose a cab with good reputation (kinda obvious, isn't it?).
Take a look at the driver, if you don't feel safe, wave the tax away before you get in it. There will always be another cab (unless it's midnight or you're in a remote part of the city). If you can, take a deep look at the driver's eyes. If you're sensitive enough, usually you can feel a threat if there is one. Trust your guts on this, because your life might depend on it.
There should be a taxi I.D on the dashboard, which contains the taxi's I.D and the driver's I.D, complete with the picture. Match the picture with the driver. IF they don't match get out.
After you decide to get into the cab, take the seat BEHIND the driver (as opposed to next to the driver). The reasons are:

a. You have the control, because he can't see you as clearly.

b. There have been cases where someone hides on the trunk (or boot), and comes out to attack the passenger after the taxi is moving. By sitting in the back seat, you can watch the seat next to you. If it begins to open, quickly slam it back shut, and scream at the driver and get out of the taxi as quickly as possible.

Sit on the left side of the back seat ... not behind the driver. There have been cases where the driver pushed his seat back and trapped people sitting right behind him.
Lock the doors as soon as you get it with a resounding click ... this tells the driver in no uncertain terms that you are aware of and knowledgeable about your safety.
If you do speak Indonesian, chat with the driver a bit so he knows you are not a newcomer and know your way around. They may think all foreigners are unsuspecting, unknowing newcomers and are much less likely to try to rob someone who can demonstrate that they know their way around.
BEFORE the taxi moves, check your door. Can you open it from inside? If not, tell the driver to stop ... and unlock the child's lock on the inside of the door jam ... OR ... consider taking a different taxi.
During the drive, pay attention to where the driver takes you. If he's driving into a dark, remote area, COMPLAIN RIGHT AWAY. Depending on the reply you get, prepare to act.
Remember that noise draws crowds quickly. If you are having a problem with a taxi driver - quickly roll down the windows and yell to attract attention. Chances are people will assist you.
Most of all, use common sense, just as you would in your own home country.

Source : Expat Forum

10 Kebiasaan Kecil Pemicu Diabetes

2009-04-13T19:14:00.000-07:00

Dalam hidup ini berlaku hukum "tabungan". Apa yang kita lakukan menjadi tabungan di masa mendatang.. Apa yang kita tabung sedikit demi sedikit akan terasa hasilnya bertahun-tahun kemudian. Begitu pun dengan penyakit. Mulai dari segelas minuman favorit hingga suka menonton TV hingga larut. Siapa nyana kalau itu bisa meningkatkan risiko diabetes?

1. Teh manis

Penjelasannya sederhana. Tingginya asupan gula menyebabkan kadar gula darah melonjak tinggi.. Belum lagi risiko kelebihan kalori.. Segelas teh maniskira-kira mengandung 250-300 kalori (tergantung kepekatan). Kebutuhan kaloriwanita dewasa rata-rata adalah 1.900 kalori per hari (tergantung aktivitas).Dari teh manis saja kita sudah dapat 1.000-1.200 kalori. Belum ditambah tigakali makan nasi beserta lauk pauk. Patut diduga kalau setiap hari kita kelebihan kalori. Ujungnya: obesitas dan diabetes. Pengganti: Air putih, teh tanpa gula, atau batasi konsumsi gula tidak lebihdari dua sendok teh sehari.

2. Gorengan

Karena bentuknya kecil, satu gorengan tidak cukup buat kita. Padahal gorengan adalah salah satu faktor risiko tinggi pemicu penyakit degeneratif, sepertikardiovaskular, diabetes melitus, dan stroke. Penyebab utama penyakitkardiovaskular (PKV) adalah adanya penyumbatan pembuluh darah koroner, dengansalah satu faktor risiko utamanya adalah dislipidemia. Dislipidemia adalah kelainan metabolisme lipid yang ditandai dengan peningkatan kadar kolesterol total, LDL (kolesterol jahat) dan trigliserida, serta penurunan kadar HDL(kolesterol baik) dalam darah. Meningkatnya proporsi dislipidemia di masyarakat disebabkan kebiasaan mengonsumsi berbagai makanan rendah serat dan tinggilemak, termasuk gorengan. Pengganti: Kacang Jepang, atau pie buah.

3. Suka ngemil

Kita mengira dengan membatasi makan siang atau malam bisa menghindarkan diridari obesitas dan diabetes. Karena belum kenyang, perut diisi dengan sepotongatau dua potong camilan seperti biskuit dan keripik kentang. Padahal, biskuit,keripik kentang, dan kue-kue manis lainnya mengandung hidrat arang tinggi tanpa kandungan serta pangan yang memadai. Semua makanan itu digolongkan dalam makanan dengan glikemik indeks tinggi.. Sementara itu, gula dan tepung yang terkandung di dalamnya mempunyai peranan dalam menaikkan kadar gula dalamdarah. Pengganti: Buah potong segar.

4. Kurang tidur.

Jika kualitas tidur tidak didapat, metabolisme jadi terganggu. Hasil riset paraahli dari University of Chicago mengungkapkan,kurang tidur selama 3 hari mengakibatkan kemampuan tubuh memproses glukosa menurun drastis. Artinya, risiko diabetes meningkat. Kurang tidur juga dapatmerangsang sejenis hormon dalam darah yang memicu nafsu makan. Didorong rasalapar, penderita gangguan tidur terpicu menyantap makanan berkalori tinggi yang membuat kadar gula darah naik. Solusi: Tidur tidak kurang dari 6 jam sehari, atau sebaiknya 8 jam sehari.

5. Malas beraktivitas fisik

Badan Kesehatan Dunia (WHO) mengatakan, kasus diabetes di negara-negara Asia akan naik hingga 90 persen dalam 20 tahun ke depan."Dalam 10 tahun belakangan, jumlah penderita diabetes di Hanoi , Vietnam ,berlipat ganda. Sebabnya? Di kota ini, masyarakatnya lebih memilih naik motor dibanding bersepeda," kata DrGauden Galea, Penasihat WHO untuk Penyakit Tidak Menular di Kawasan PasifikBarat. Kesimpulannya, mereka yang sedikit aktivitas fisik memiliki risiko obesitaslebih tinggi dibanding mereka yang rajin bersepeda, jalan kaki, atau aktivitaslainnya. Solusi: Bersepeda ke kantor.

6. Sering stres

Stres sama seperti banjir, harus dialirkan agar tidak terjadi banjir besar.Saat stres datang, tubuh akan meningkatkan produksi hormon epinephrine dan kortisol supaya gula darahnaik dan ada cadangan energi untuk beraktivitas. Tubuh kita memang dirancangsedemikian rupa untuk maksud yang baik. Namun, kalau gula darah terus dipicutinggi karena stres berkepanjangan tanpa jalan keluar, sama saja dengan bunuhdiri pelan-pelan. Solusi: Bicaralah pada orang yang dianggap bermasalah, atau ceritakan padasahabat terdekat.

7. Kecanduan rokok

Sebuah penelitian di Amerika yang melibatkan 4.572 relawan pria dan wanita menemukan bahwa risiko perokok aktif terhadap diabetes naik sebesar 22 persen.Disebutkan pula bahwa naiknya risiko tidak cuma disebabkan oleh rokok, tetapi kombinasi berbagai gaya hidup tidak sehat, seperti pola makan dan olahraga. Pengganti: Permen bebas gula. Cara yang lebih progresif adalah mengikuti hipnoterapi. Pilihlah ahli hipnoterapi yang sudah berpengalaman dan bersertifikat resmi.

8. Menggunakan pil kontrasepsi Kebanyakan

Pil kontrasepsi terbuat dari kombinasi hormon estrogen danprogestin, atau progestin saja. Pil kombinasi sering menyebabkan perubahan kadar gula darah. Menurut dr. Dyah Purnamasari S, Sp PD, dari Divisi Metabolik Endokrinologi RSCM, kerja hormon pil kontrasepsi berlawanan dengan kerja insulin. Karena kerja insulin dilawan, pankreas dipaksa bekerja lebih keras untuk memproduksi insulin. Jika terlalu lama dibiarkan, pankreas menjadi letih dan tidak berfungsi dengan baik. Solusi: Batasi waktu penggunaan pil-pil hormonal, jangan lebih dari 5 tahun.

9. Takut kulit jadi hitam

Menurut jurnal Diabetes Care, wanita dengan asupan tinggi vitamin D dan kalsium berisiko paling rendah terkena diabetes tipe 2. Selain dari makanan, sumber vitamin D terbaik ada disinar matahari. Dua puluh menit paparan sinar matahari pagi sudah mencukupi kebutuhan vitamin D selama tiga hari.. Beberapa penelitian terbaru, diantaranya yang diterbitkan oleh American Journal of Epidemiology, menyebutkan bahwa vitamin D juga membantu keteraturan metabolisme tubuh, termasuk gula darah. Solusi: Gunakan krim tabir surya sebelum "berjemur" di bawah sinar matahari pagi selama 10-15 menit.

10. Keranjingan soda

Dari penelitian yang dilakukan oleh TheNurses' Health Study II terhadap 51.603 wanita usia 22-44 tahun,ditemukan bahwa peningkatan konsumsi minuman bersoda membuat berat badan dan risiko diabetes melambung tinggi. Para peneliti mengatakan, kenaikan risiko itu terjadi karena kandungan pemanis yang ada dalam minuman bersoda. Selain itu, asupan kalori cair tidak membuat kita kenyang sehingga terdorong untuk minum lebih banyak. Pengganti: Jus dingin tanpa gula.

* Sumber : Prevention

What to do when you are trapped in a lift??

2009-04-13T19:00:00.000-07:00

We never know when and where accidents will happen to us OR people around us. Read on and hope this piece of information may help any of us when things do happen to our self, our friends and our loved ones.
One day, while in a lift, it suddenly broke down and it was falling from level 13 at a fast speed. Fortunately, I remembered watching a TV program that taught you must quickly press all the buttons for all the levels.
Finally, the lift stopped at the 5th level.
When you are facing life and death situations, whatever decisions or actions you make decides your survival.
If you are caught in a lift break down, first thought in mind may be 'waiting to die'...
But after reading below, things will definitely be different the next time you are caught in a lift.
First - Quickly press all the different levels of buttons in the lift.
When the emergency electricity supply is being activated, it will stop the lift from falling further.
Second - Hold on tight to the handle (if there is any).
It is to support your position and prevent you from falling or getting hurt when you lost your balance.
Third - Lean your back and head against the wall forming a straight line.
Leaning against the wall is to use it as a support for your back/spine as protection.
Fourth - Bend your knees
Ligament is a flexible, connective tissue. Thus, the impact of fractured bones will be minimized during fall.

PENDEKATAN TERPADU BEHAVIOR BASED SAFETY DAN SISTEM MANAJEMEN K3

2009-04-08T01:42:00.000-07:00

Suatu konsep pengelolaan K3 dalam menurunkan angka kecelakaan

Pendahuluan

Sejak awal tahun 1990 behavioural safety telah begitu pesat menjadi senjata dalam memerangi kecelakaan kerja. Behavior-based safety telah banyak digunakan oleh perusahaan-perusahaan untuk mengurangi rasio kecelakaan kerja. Dari riset yang dilakukan oleh banyak ahli behavior di banyak negara memperlihatkan bahwa penerapan teknik-teknik behavioral safety dapat mengurangi kecelakaan antara 40 -75% dalam waktu dua sampai enam belas bulan. (Iihat referensi). Behavior-based safety adalah suatu aplikasi sistimatis dari riset psikologi terhadap perilaku manusia (human behavior) dalam masalah-masalah K3 di tempat kerja. Menyadari apa yang telah dilakukan oleh para ahli tersebut, walaupun belum secara utuh, Kondur Petroleum S.A mulai melaksanakan prinsip-prinsip 'Behavioral Safety'. Kondur mengkaji kecelakaan yang terjadi pada kurun waktu tahun 2000 sampai Juli 2001 untuk menentukan langkah langkah yang sesuai untuk diterapkan dalam mengurangi kecelakaan kerja, yaitu dengan mengkombinasikan sistem manajemen K3 yang dipakai saat ini yaitu International Safety Rating System (ISRS) dengan prinsip-prinsip behavioural safety. Dari kecelakaan kerja yang dievaluasi dengan menggunakan parameter Systematic Cause Analysis Technique (SCAT) - ISRS didapatkan bahwa 65.3% disebabkan oleh faktor unsafe behavior.

Evaluasi Kecelakaan
Metodologi evaluasi yang dilakukan adalah dengan
1) pengumpulan data kecelakaan
2) wawancara
3) Pengamatan sistim ijin kerja (Permit to Work System).
Evaluasi diawali dengan melihat Penyebab Dasar (Basic Causes) yang terdiri dari PERSONAL FACTORS dan JOB FACTORS, kemudian dilihat sisi Personal Factors yang mengandung 'behavior'.

Mengapa Fokus pada Unsafe Behavior ?
Dari hasil evaluasi menunjukan bahwa 65.3% dari kecelakaan yang terjadi di tempat kerja disebabkan oleh perilaku tidak aman (unsafe behavior). Perilaku ini mempunyai kecenderungan negatif untuk mengganggu lingkungan kerja secara umum. Oleh sebab itu kini pelaku K3 menyadari bahwa peningkatan pengelolaan K3 dapat dicapai dengan lebih memfokus pada unsafe behavior di tempat kerja.

Mengapa manusia melakukan unsafe behavior ?
Manusia cenderung melakukan tindakan tidak aman -unsafe behavior - karena mereka belum mengalami kecelakaan pada waktu mereka melakukan pekerjaan dengan cara tidak aman. Mereka belum menyadari keadaan tidak aman tersebut. "Saya selalu melakukannya begitu, tidak apa- apa!" ini adalah komentar yang umum yang dilontarkan oleh pekerja. Hal ini bisa benar, tapi bisa salah, namun potensi terjadinya kecelakaan tidak jauh seperti diilustrasikan oleh banyak teori segitiga kecelakaan. Misalnya, Teori segitiga Heinrich mengatakan setiap 330 tindakan tidak aman, dapat terjadi 29 kecelakaan minor dan 1 kecelakaan serius (kecelakaan hilang hari kerja), atau teori segitiga kecelakaan lainnya. Prinsip yang diilustrasikan disini adalah bahwa konsekuensi dari tindakan tidak aman hampir selalu mengandung unsafe behavior, hanya karena perilaku tersebut terulang

Bagaimana pendapat anda ketika menghadapi situasi dimana untuk membaca pressure gauge di suatu sumur mengharuskan memakai alat pelindung diri lengkap yang memakan waktu kurang lebih 10 menit sedangkan membacanya hanya perlu waktu 10 detik ? Dalam hal seperti ini sering memaksa pekerja melanggar peraturan dan bertindak tidak aman (unsafe behavior). Malahan kadang-kadang atasan menutup-mata terhadap hal-hal seperti itu, sehingga banyak pekerja lain yang meniru cara kerja demikian. Tidak dipungkiri bahwa atasan mendukung pekerja mengambil jalan-pintas agar cepat selesai untuk mencapai target produksi.

Pendekatan Terpadu
Seperti kita ketahui, ISRS yang terdiri dari 20 elemen banyak sekali menggunakan pendekatan behavior dalam penerapan manajemen K3 diantaranya :

Elemen 1 : Leadership and Administration
Melibatkan partisipasi pekerja dalam pengelolaan K3. Dari sisi traditional, pengelolaan K3 dikelola dari atas kebawah yang mempunyai tendensi macet di level lini, sehingga mengakibatkan pekerja tidak dilibatkan dan merasa kurang dihargai dan kemungkinan dapat berbuat perilaku tidak aman. Dalam hal pendekatan behavior diharapkan dapat mengatasi kemacetan ini melalui pendekatan dari bawah keatas, disini pekerja diberikan peluang untuk berpartisipasi untuk mendapatkan komitmennya sehingga pekerja merasa sebagai ownership dari proses manajemen K3.

Elemen 5: Accident/Incident Investigation, dan
Elemen 9: Accident/Incident Analysis
Pendekatan yang ada pada ISRS secara umum untuk kecelakaan dan hampir celaka kami anggap sudah memenuhi kebutuhan untuk mendapatkan masukan ha-hal yang berhubungan dengan unsafe-behavior untuk perbaikan program kerja khususnya mengurangi kecelakaan. Dilihat dari sisi behavior-based safety pendekatan secara behavior positif sebenarnya dapat dilakukan dengan menginformasikan penyebab-penyebab kecelakaan dan kondisi-kondisi tidak aman melalui elemen 15 Personal Communication yang menitikberatkan pada Planned-Personal-Contact antara atasan dan bawahan. Atau melalui elemen 16 Group Communication yaitu pada pelaksanaan Group HSE Meeting.
Elemen 4 : Critical Task Analysis dan procedure,
Elemen 6 : Task Observation,
Elemen 14: Engineering Change Management.
Indentifikasi tugas serta melakukan risk assessment merupakan salah satu kunci untuk mengetahui risiko yang ada dan kemudian dilakukan tindakan yang diperlukan untuk mencapai tingkat risiko yang dapat diterima. Sisi lain menghilangkan bahaya dengan teknik rekayasa mengurangi potensi unsafe behavior. Namun, tidak selalu berhasil. Hal itu semata-mata karena manusia mempunyai kecenderungan untuk melakukan tindakan tidak aman dan melakukan override safety system. Sebagai contoh, untuk sistem pengamanan gedung dari kebakaran, operator control room yang bertugas mendapatkan alarm kebakaran dari smoke/heat detector di suatu ruangan, kemudian dilakukan pengecekan, tetapi tidak ada kebakaran. Karena sering mendapatkan hal seperti ini melakukan override system ini dan akibatnya bila suatu saat ada kebakaran yang sesungguhnya maka detector tidak dapat mendetaksi. Tindakan ini merupakan unsafe behavior. .

Elemen 8 : Rule and Work Permit
Memberi hukuman sampai pekerja melakukan safe behavior ? Cara ini praktis, namun dapat mengarah pada dampak positif atau negatif. Pendekatan ini lebih menekankan pentaatan disiplin dan penghukuman untuk menghimbau tidak melakukan tindakan tidak aman, sementara perilaku-aman tidak diperhatikan.

Hal seperti ini sering menghasilan kebalikan yang diinginkan (karena takut kena sanksi maka kecelakaan atau near-miss tidak dilaporkan). Walaupun peraturan dapat diberlakukan, lebih sering tidak dipatuhi. Alasannya sangat sederhana : efektifitas dari konsistensi pemberlakuannya. Itu hukuman dapat tergantung efektif jika langsung pada dilakukan, dan berlaku untuk setiap tindakan tidak aman yang terjadi. Memberi penghargaan pada pekerja yang melakukan safe behavior ? Bagaimana manajemen lini dapat memastikan bahwa penguatan 'bekerja dengan aman' lebih kuat dari mereka yang 'bekerja dengan tidak aman'. Sudah menjadi kenyataan bahwa manusia cenderung memberi respon lebih pada suatu penghargaan dan 'social approval' dari pada faktor lain. Namun yang krusial adalah, sifat manusia yang hanya ingin melakukan karena pujian. Peningkatan kepercayaan oleh atasan kepada anak buah dapat berdampak pada budaya K3 yang positif. Aplikasi Bagaimana mengaplikasikan pengetahuan ini untuk meningkatkan 'safety behavior’ Kita mengetahui bahwa dengan memfokus pada safety behavior dapat membawa perubahan yang diinginkan dan bahwa perubahan sikap dapat merubah perilaku. Kita mengetahui pula bahwa, 'social approval' dan himbauan dapat membawa perubahan positif pada norma-norma K3. Dan, kita tahu pula bahwa pekerja adalah orang terbaik untuk merubah norma K3 mereka, karena mereka sendiri yang mengkontrol perilakunya. Oleh sebab itu, setiap inisiatif perba1kan pengelolaan K3 yang mengandalkan line management secara exclusif belum tentu berhasil seperti mengandalkan pekerja itu sendiri.

Pendekatan behavioral safety adalah sangat bergantung pada pekerja dan diperbaiki oleh pekerja, sejalan dengan manajemen. Dengan cara ini, pekerja diberikan tanggung jawab dan batasan-batasan untuk mengidentifikasi dan memantau tindakannya (safe and unsafe behaviors), demikian juga menyusun target 'perbaikan K3' mereka sendiri. Hasilnya, kelompok kerja dapat menentukan norma-norma K3 mereka dalam lingkungan yang mendukung. Line management memfasilitasi proses ini dengan memberikan sumber-sumber dan dukungan untuk menghimbau 'employee ownership of safety', juga menekankan bahwa tidak seorangpun akan diberikan sanksi sebagai akibat dari pemantauannya. Dengan cara ini tercipta 'blame free' pro-active safety culture yang sangat vital dalam pencapaian sukses jangka panjang.

References
Geller E. S. The Psychology of Safety: How to Improve Behaviors and Attitudes on the Job. Radnor, FA, Chilton Book Company, 1996.

Cooper, M.D.(1998) Improving Safety Culture: A Practical Guide. J. Wiley & Sons, Chichester.

Cooper, M.D. & Phillips, R.A. (1994) 'Validation ofa safety climate measure' Proceedings of the British Psychological Society: 1994 Annual Occupational Psychology Conference. Birmingham, Jan 3-5.

Cooper, M.D., Phillips, R.A., Sutherland, V.I. & Makin, P.I. (1994) 'Reducing accidents using goal- setting and feedback: A field study'. Journal of Occupational &Organisational Psychology, Vol 67, 219-40.

Duff, A.R., Robertson, I. T., Cooper, M.D. & Phillips, R.A. (1993) 'Improving safety on construction sites by changing personnel behaviour'. H.M.S.O. Report Series CRR51/93: H.M.S.O. ISBN 011 882 1482; London.

:\.1cAfee, R.B. & WinD, A.R. (1989) 'The use ofincentives/feedback to enhance workplace safety: A critique of the literature'. Journal of Safety Research, Vol 20, 7-19.

Sulzer-Azeroff, B., Harris, T.C., & Blake- McCann, K. (1994) 'Beyond Training: Organizational PerfomJance Management Techniques'. Occupational Medicine: State of the Art Reviews, Vol 9(2), 321-339.

Krause, T. R. Employee-Driven Systems for Safe Behavior. New York, NY: Van Nostrand Reinhold, 1995.

McSween, T. E. The Values-Based Safety Process: Using a Behavioral Approach to Enhance Your Safety Culture. New York, NY : Van Nostrand Reinhold, 1995.

ALZHEIMER TEST

2009-04-08T00:30:00.000-07:00

1- Temukan huruf "C" di bawah. Jangan gunakan bantuan cursor.

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO COOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOO O

2- Jika anda telah menemukan huruf "C", sekarang temukan angka "6" di bawah.

9999999999999999999 9999999999999999 999999999999999 99999999999999 9999999999999999999 9999999999999999 999999999999999 999999999999999999999999999999999999 9999999999999999 999999999999999 999999999999999999999699999999999999 9999999999999999 999999999999999 999999999999999999999999999999999999 9999999999999999 999999999999999 999999999999999999999999999999999999 9999999999999999 999999999999999 99999999999999

3- Sekarang temukan huruf "N" di bawah. Ini agak lebih sulit.

MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM MNMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM

Ini bukan gurauan.Jika anda bisa melewati 3 test ini, maka anda bisa membatalkan rencanakunjungan anda ke ahli neurologis.Otak anda masih baik dan jauh dari penyakit Alzheimer.Selamat !

Dr. Bambang Ari-Wahjoedi Associate Professor, Staff ID. 126037

UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI PETRONAS

Mechanical Engineering Department Block 18, Floor 03,

Room 11 UTP Campus, Bandar Seri Iskandar 31750 Tronoh,

Perak Darul Ridzuan, Malaysia

HIRADC

2009-04-02T21:01:00.000-07:00

HIRADC dari pengertiannya saja mengandung arti Identifikasi Bahaya, Penilaian dan Pengendalian Resiko. Langkah awal yang kita lakukan dalam membuat HIRADC adalah :

1. Membuat kolom identifikasi semua bahaya baik actual maupun potensial yang ada di seluruh area kerja. Yang diidentifikasi adalah : aktivitas, produk dan jasa dari proses kerja tersebut. Jangan lupa dalam OHSAS 18001:2007 menambahkan untuk mengidentifikasi Human Behaviour (perilaku), Human Capabilities (kemampuan) dan Human Factor (faktor lain terkait bahaya K3 di tempat kerja). Nilai pula apakah resiko yang terlihat daam kondisi rutin atau tidak rutin.

2. Mebuat kolom resiko yang ditimbulkan dari bahaya-bahaya yang telah kita identifikasi tersebut.

3. Kemudian melakukan penilaian resiko sesuai dengan matriks penilaian resiko yang telah dibuat dengan memperhatikan faktor keparahan yang mungkin akan terjadi dan frekuensi berlangsungnya bahaya-resiko tersebut. Penilaian bisa dengan skala 1 sampai 5 dengan range bertingkat. Penlaian resiko ini membantu kita untuk mengetahui apakah bahaya-resiko tersebut masuk dalam kelas significant atau tidak.

4. Langkah selanjutnya adalah melihat apakah ada pengendalian operasional (aturan main)yang terdapat di area kerja dari aktivitas kerja tersebut terkait resiko terutama pada resiko yang tidak significant.

5. Lihat pula apakah aktivitas, product, jasa, perilaku, kemampuan dan faktor lain yang telah diidentifikasi telah memiliki pengendalian resiko berdasarkan Hirarki Pengendalian Resiko (Eliminasi-Substitusi-Engineerin Control-Administrative Control-APD), jika belum ada pengendalian tersebut maka programkan dalam program K3 sebagai pengendaliannya, kalo sudah ada pengendalian resikonya maka bergeraklah terus keatas dari APD ke arah Eliminasi. Resiko yang memiliki bobot significant pastikan terdapat engendalian resiko degan hirarki pengendalian resiko.

6. Prioritaskan yang menjadi program manajamen K3 dengan melihat pertimbangan : Perundangan K3, Teknologi, Keuangan, Bisinis dan pandangan pihak terkait. Jika memiliki pertimbangan Perundangan K3, Bisinis dan pandangan pihak terkait (auditor, masyarakat, pemerintah dll) maka program itu menjadi prioritas untuk dijalankan.

Contoh Langkah Prosedur HIRADC sebagai berikut :

1. Identifikasi aktivitas, product, jasa, human behaviour, human capabilities dan human factor baik actual maupun potensial pada tahapan proses.

2. Tentukan apakah tahapan proses termasuk kondisi rutin atau tidak rutin. Jika tidak rutin keluarkanlah JSA (Job Safety Analysis), kalo ternyata rutin maka masukan kedalam tabel HIRADC.

3. Lakukan penilaian resiko.

4. Jika resiko tidak bernilai significant maka hanya menetapkan pengendalian operasional saja. Tetapi kalo masuk kategori resiko significant maka lanjutkan dengan pemilihan pengendalian resiko yang sesuai dengan tujuan dan sasaran K3.

5. Tetapkan pengendalian resiko.

6. Prioritaskan pengendalian resiko dalam sebuah program manajemen K3

7. Evaluasi hasil identifikasi bahaya, penilaian dan pengendalian resiko tersebut dan program manajemen K3 yang tepat.

8. Review peluang peningkatan berkesinambungan dari hasil identifikasi bahaya, penilaian dan pengendalian resiko serta program manajemen K3 yang akan, selama atau telah dilaksanakan.

Demikian informasi dari saya ini semoga bermanfaat untuk kita semua dan semoga bisa menjadi pelajaran buat kita semua atas kebutuhan orang yang ingin mengetahui sistem manajemen K3 untuk menghasilkan istilah safety first.

Salam K3

Andre Pemerhati K3 (K3_LH)

TANGGUNG JAWAB INDIVIDU DAN PRINSIP KESELAMATAN KERJA

2009-04-01T23:20:00.000-07:00

Tidak adanya kecelakaan disuatu tempat kerja bukan berarti daerah tersebut sudah aman atau bebas dari hal-hal yang merugikan. Kesehatan dan keselamatan kerja merupakan faktor penting dalam proses operasional sebuah perusahaan. Peraturan dan perundang-undangan telah mengarahkan kita kesuatu system guna meningkatkan efektifitas perusahaan melalui norma-norma keselamatan kerja.
Kita sangat yakini bersama bahwa kecelakaan tidak terjadi begitu saja tetapi ada beberapa faktor yang menyebabkannya yaitu:
· Unsafe condition (Kondisi tidak aman)
· Unsafe Action (Tindakan tidak aman)
· Kombinasi keduanya.

Sampai saat ini sebagian besar masih menyimpulkan bahwa faktor penyebab utama kecelakaan dilokasi kerja adalah Unsafe action atau tindakan tidak aman yang dilakukan para pekerja yang lebih dikenal dengan sebutan “HUMAN ERROR”, namun sebetulnya kita harus terus menelusuri mengapa pekerja sampai melakukan tindakan tidak aman, mungkin saja terdapat suatu system yang salah atau un-function sehingga terjadi human error. Objectives dari keselamatan tidak akan pernah terwujud selagi rasa kebersamaan, rasa memiliki dan tanggung jawab dari setiap individu yang terlibat dalam operasional sebuah perusahaan tidak dimiliki, baik itu dia sebagai pekerja ataupun dia berdiri didalam jajaran management atau pengusaha.
Sebetulnya safety itu sudah tumbuh pada setiap diri individu saat kita masih didalam lingkungan keluarga bahkan saat seseorang mulai bisa berfikir, coba kita perhatikan saat seorang anak kecil bermain dijalan raya atau memanjat pohon pasti secara spontan kita berusaha mencegahnya agar tidak sampai terjadi hal-hal yang tidak diinginkan.

Dalam tulisan ini, saya akan membahas secara random dan singkat beberapa hal yang sejalan dengan judul diatas antara lain:
1. Prinsip Dasar Keselamatan Kerja
2. Filosofi Keselamatan kerja
3. Sistem Management Pengendalian Kerugian
4. Hirarki Pengendalian terhadap Bahaya

Prinsip Dasar Keselamatan Kerja
Prinsip dasar dari keselamatan kerja adalah mencegah terjadinya kerugian, dimana kerugian itu sendiri dapat berupa :
· Kecelakaan kerja terhadap pekerja yang mengakibatkan pekerja cedera sakit, cacat ataupun meninggal dunia.
· Terhentinya atau terhambatnya suatu proses operational perusahaan.
· Rusaknya atau hilangnya harta (milik perusahaan maupun pribadi).
· Rusaknya lingkungan.

Filosofi Keselamatan kerja
Guna mencegah terjadinya kerugian akibat dari suatu accident, sebaiknya filosofi keselamatan kerja berikut ini harus benar benar dipahami dan dihayati oleh semua pihak yang terkait dengan proses operational suatu perusahaan, antara lain:
· Semua cedera dan penyakit akibat kerja dapat dicegah.
· Keselamatan kerja adalah tanggung jawab semua orang.
· Managemen bertanggung jawab langsung terhadap pencegahan cedera dan penyakit karena pekerjaan.
· Keselamatan adalah suatu syarat untuk mempekerjakan orang.
· Pelatihan adalah bagian penting dari keselamatan di tempat kerja.
· Pemeriksaan ( audit ) mengenai keselamatan kerja harus dilakukan .
· Praktek kerja secara aman / selamat harus ditekankan dan semua tindakan tidak aman dan kondisi tidak aman harus dipebaiki sebagaimana mestinya.
· Adalah penting untuk melakukan penyelidikan cedera dan penyakit akibat kerja.
· Keselamatan di luar jam kerja adalah juga suatu bagian yang penting dalam usaha keselamatan.
· Mencegah cedera dan penyakit akibat kerja adalah suatu usaha yang bagus / baik.
· Manusia adalah bagian yang paling kritis dalam keberhasilan dari program keselamatan dan kesehatan.

Sistem Management Pengendalian Kerugian
Prinsip dasar keselamatan kerja tidak bisa terlepas dari upaya untuk mengendalikan kerugian . Mengendalikan kerugian perlu diatur sedemikian rupa, agar dapat diterapkan dilingkungan kerja . Usaha usaha pengendalian yang harus dibuat pada prinsipnya adalah langkah langkah pengendalian yang perlu diikuti:
3.1 Identifikasi terhadap pekerjaan (Identification of work)
3.2 Standard
3.3 Pengukuran (Measurement)
3.4 Evaluasi (Evaluation)
3.5 Penghargaan dan perbaikan

3.1 Identifikasi terhadap pekerjaan
Sebelum memulai pengendalian terhadap kerugian, langkah pertama yang harus dilakukan adalah mengidentifikasi serta memahami secara benar pekejaan apa saja yang dilakukan dilingkungan kerja tersebut . Tahap ini akan menentukan terhadap langkah langkah pengendalian berikutnya. Dengan teridentifikasinya pekerjaan, akan diketahui program-program yang diperlukan . Untuk mencapai target pekerjaan tanpa terjadinya kerugian. Program tersebut antara lain:
· Peraturan Perusahaan termasuk Peraturan K3LL.
· Kepempimpinan dan pengawasan.
· Pelatihan yang terencana.
· Inspeksi secara terencana.
· Analisa dan Observasi tugas.
· Ketersediaan prosedur kerja.
· Pertemuan-pertemuan (Meeting) kelompok.
· Prosedur dalam keadaan darurat.
· Penyelidikan kecelakaan.
· Penyediaan alat pelindung perorangan (PPE)
· dsb.

3.2 Standards
Setelah semua pekerjaan teridentifikasi dan program yang diperlukan telah ditentukan, selanjutnya perlu adanya penetapan standard hasil kerja yang diharapkan. Hal ini penting untuk mengetahui apakah target yang diharapkan terpenuhi atau tidak. Jadi program yang ada akan dapat diukur keberhasilannya. Standard terhadap keselamatan kerja para pekerja harus ditentukan juga, sehingga semua pekerja merasakan bahwa mereka benar-benar mempunyai perlindungan dan dijamin keselamatannya oleh perusahaan.

3.3 Pengukuran
Pada tahap ini dilakukan pengukuran terhadap hasil kerja. Sejauh mana program program keselamatan yang harus dicapai. Dalam “pengukuran safety” , harus dilihat sejauh mana konsekuensi yang akibat adanya aktifitas pekerjaan terhadap keselamatan para pekerjanya. Konsekuensi yang dimaksud bisa dalam segi kuatitas maupun tingkat keparahan suatu kerugian yang terjadi. Alat bantu dalam tahap pengukuran ini biasanya adalah merupakan formulir-formulir laporan inspeksi, laporan perawatan barang dsb., Dimana pada laporan tersebut tercantum beberapa hal yang berdasarkan hasil pengukuran masih belum memuaskan hasilnya atau sudah sesuai dengan yang diharapkan.

3.4 Evaluasi
Tahap evaluasi dilakukan guna menilai hasil kerja serta membandingkannya dengan standart atau target yang telah ditetapkan sebelumnya. Sehingga akan terlihat apakah hasil kerja yang telah diselesaikan sesuai dengan standard / target ataukah tidak. Evaluasi terhadap kerugian dilakukan dengan melihat sebanyak apa atau separah apa yang telah terjadi. Juga dievaluasi standard keselamatan yang telah ditetapkan terpenuhi atau tidak selama proses pencapaian target.

3.5 Penghargaan dan perbaikan
Setelah dilakukan evaluasi, perlu diberikan penghargaan apabila hasil yang dicapai sesuai dengan ( atau bahkan melebihi ) target yang telah ditetapkan. Namun langkah perbaikan juga harus dikerjakan bila ternyata hasil yang dicapai tidak sesuai dengan apa yang telah ditetapkan dalam standard.

Dari segi safety akan terlihat apakah banyak terjadi kerugian berupa cederanya pekerja, rusaknya alat ataupun terputusnya operasional selama masa pencapaian target. Rekomendasi untuk perbaikan cara kerja, program pendukung dsb. Harus diberikan apabila ternyata pencapaian terget tidak sebagaimana diharapkan.

Agar tercapai suatu hasil yang optimal dalam pengendalian kerugian, suatu hirarki pengendalian terhadap kerugian haruslah diikuti. Hirarki ini pada prinsipnya lebih menekankan pada pembenahan di sumber bahaya sampai akhirnya hirarki yang terakhir adalah pemakaian alat pelindung pada pekerja.
3.5.1 Eliminas
3.5.2 Subsitusi
3.5.3 Minimisasi
3.5.4 Control Engineering
3.5.5 Control administrasi
3.5.6 Pelatihan dan pengawasan
3.5.7 Alat pelindung perorangan (PPE)

3.5.1 Eliminasi
Langkah eliminasi merupakan langkah yang paling sederhana namun sekaligus paling efective. Pada langkah ini, sumber bahaya yang ada haruslah dihilangkan (eliminir).

3.5.2 Subsitusi
Apabila langkah eliminasi tidak dimungkinkan, maka dipakailah langkah subsitusi. Seringkali dalam suatu kegiatan industri diperlukan beberapa bahan yang berbahaya atau beracun. Dalam langkah substitusi, pemilihan bahan yang beracun ini diganti oleh bahan yang lain yang tidak beracun namun mempunyai fungsi yang sama dengan bahan beracun.

3.5.3 Minimisasi Bahaya
Sebuah prinsip penting ditempat kerja dimana bahan berbahaya tidak bisa di eliminasi maupun disubsitusi adalah dengan cara meminimisasi bahaya yang ada, dengan cara:
· Mengurangi jumlah bahan bahaya yang disimpan .
· Membatasi jumlah pekerja yang terpaksa bekerja ditempat kerja dimana terdapat bahan bebahaya.

3.5.4 Control Engineering
Control engineering dilakukan dengan beberapa metode, yaitu:
· Control engineering di sumber bahaya, yaitu dengan membuat suatu proses yang secara otomatis akan berhenti apabila ada bahaya (shutdown), memasang “guarding” pada mesin yang bergerak, dsb.
· Control engineering untuk mengurangi keterpaparan (exposure limit) dilakukan dengan memasang exhaust, ventilasi, dsb.
· Pemisahan berdasarkan jarak (distance segregation) dilakukan agar bahaya yang ada tidak terpapar ke pekerja, denga cara menyimpan atau meletakkan bahan / proses yang berbahaya jauh dari lokasi yang banyak ditingali oleh pekerja.
· Pemisahan berdasarkan waktu (time segregation) dapat juga dilakukan untuk mengontrol bahaya agar bahaya yang terpapar tidak terlalu lama dialami pekerja .
· Pemisahan personel dilakukan dengan memindahkan pekerja keluar dari daerah yang terkontaminasi bahan berbahaya atau melingkungi(“enclose”) pekerja tadi ke daerah kerja yang mempunyai lingkungan yang bersih (misalnya dengan memasang AC di dalam kabin Crane dimana Crane tersebut terletak di daerah penuh debu.

3.5.5 Control Administrasi, Control Administrasi dilakukan dengan:
· Perubahan proses
· job rotasi
· Pemenuhan terhadap standart yang diakui secara international.
· Pemenuhan terhadap manual yang telah dikeluarkan oleh pabrik pembuat suatu peralatan yang berbahaya.
· Mengembangkan suatu SOP (Standard Operating Procedure)
· House keeping yang baik.

3.5.6 Pelatihan dan Pengawasan
Pelatihan dimaksudkan agar para pekerja tahu benar kemungkinan bahaya akan dihadapinya serta cara penanganan yang benar. Pengawasan diperlukan untuk menjamin apakah segala standart yang harus dipenuhi sudah dilaksanakan sebagaimana mestinya ataukah belum.

3.5.7 Alat Pelindung Perorangan (PPE)
PPE ini bertujuan untuk memisahkan antara pekerja dengan sumber bahaya.
Yang harus diingat adalah PPE merupakan hirarki terakhir dalam mengendalikan bahaya apabila semua hirarki di atasnya telah dilakukan.

Apabila kita telah mendalami dan memahami hirarki pengendalian kerugian, diharapkan kita mulai bisa mengembangkan suatu rencana dalam pengendalian kerugian. Namun karena kegiatan harus tetap terselenggara, berarti harus ada “ perlakuan “ agar kegiatan memungkinkan dilakukan dengan aman.
Perlakuan pengendalian ini dimaksudkan agar resiko atau bahaya yang mungkin akan dihadapi bisa menjadi di toleransi dan dapat diterima secara aman oleh pekerja. Tetapi apabila upaya untuk mentoleransi bahaya ini gagal, pekerjaan harus diserahkan (transfer) kepada mereka yang ahli di bidang pekerjaan beresiko tinggi tersebut.

Keberhasilan program keselamatan dan kesehatan kerja serta perlindungan lingkungan adalah didasarkan pada sikap positif dari setiap individu. Setiap individu dituntut dan diharuskan merubah kebisaan yang buruk, yang cendrung bertindak tidak aman, ada beberapa hal yang dapat diikuti agar kita mampu menghilangkan kebiasaan yang buruk, namun sekali lagi terpulang kepada kita semua.

Langkah-langkah untuk membiasakan bekerja dengan tindakan aman dan selamat diantaranya:
· Dapatkan pengetahuan cara mengerjakan sesuatu dengan aman/selamat, ini dapat belajar dari orang lain ataupun atas dasar analisa sendiri.
· Dengan kesadaran yang kuat latihlah kebiasaan tersebut sehingga menjadi kebiasaan kita.
· Biasakan berfikir dengan sistematis dan berencana dalam mengerjakan pekerjaan.

Sesungguhnya semua kebiasaan adalah sesuatu hal yang dasar dalam diri kita, sebab kebiasaan itu merefleksikan perasaan kita yang tercetus secara tidak sadar. Inilah sebabnya maka kita tidak memikirkanlagi cara kita makan, berjalan dan cara kita menjalankan hal-hal yang rutin sehari-hari.
Kebiasaan adalah suatu hasil dari respons-respons yang di precondition (dicetak) terhadap rangsangan (stimulasi) tertentu. Bahkan kebiasaan ini tetap berjalan terus meskipun situasinya telah berobah. Sehingga dengan demikian kalau kita dengan sengaja dan sadar melatih diri mengikuti cara-cara bekerja dengan aman dan selamat maka ini akan menjadi preconditioning. Setelah kita terbiasa pada cara tersebut meskipun kita tidak sengaja mengerjakannya waktu kita dihadapkan pada macam kerja itu, secara otomatis kita akan melakukannya sesuai latihan kita terdahulu.
Namun demikian melawan kebiasaan lama dan membuat kebiasaan baru tidaklah mudah, Untuk memberikan sugesti kepada diri kita supaya lebih mudah merobah kebiasaan yang tidak baik yang bisa membahayakan, ikutilah pedoman berikut ini:
· Temukan dalam diri kita apa yang menyebabkan kita bertingkah laku yang membahayakan itu (basic problem).
· Tumbuhkan kepercayaan bahwa kita dapat merobah kebiasaan lama kita.
· Pegang teguh apa basic problem kita, pusatkan pemikiran untuk mengatasinya, akuilah dengan kesadaran kegagalan-kegagalan kita.
· Bayangkan dan sadari konsejuensi-konsekuensi dari kebiasaan jelek itu dengan sungguh-sungguh, sehingga kita akan mau untuk sementara merasakan rasa penderitaan selama melawannya.
· Bayangkan dan rasakan sesuatu yang memberikan kepuasan untuk sementara menggantikan rasa penderitaan.
· Arahkan diri kita kepada pola kebiasaan yang positif yang akan memberikan keuntungan (reward).

Ada tiga hal penting dalam Safety, yang baik untuk diterapkan dilingkungan kerja kita yaitu:
Berfikirlah Sebelum Melakukan Kerja, Buatkan JSA Untuk Setiap Pekerjaan, dan Ini Tidak Terbatas Hanya Pada Jenis Pekerjaan Yang Riskan atau Pada Setiap Pekerjaan Yang Tidak Umum Saja.
Setiap Orang Dapat Menghentikan Suatu Kegiatan/Pekerjaan Bila Ditemukan Tindakan Tidak Aman dan Atau Kondisi Tidak Aman, Kegiatan Dapat Dilanjutkan Bila Tindakan Tidak Aman dan Atau Kondisi Tidak Aman Telah Diperbaiki dan Dapat Menjamin Keselamatan Pekerja Bila Pekerjaan Dilanjutkan
Semua Kejadian Kecelakaan dan Nyaris Celaka Harus Dilaporkan, Diselidiki, Ditindak Lanjuti dan Diselesaikan, Agar hal Yang Sama Tidak Terjadi Lagi Dimasa Mendatang

Sekian tulisan saya untuk periode ini Saya mengharapkan seluruh pekerja dan kita semua dalam melaksanakan pekerjaan sehari-hari selalu mengikuti standards keselamatan kerja yang benar, sehingga terwujudnya objectives dari keselamatan kerja itu sendiri, semoga bermanfaat dan terima kasih.

(K3-LH)

Mencegah Cedera Punggung

2009-04-01T20:34:00.000-07:00

Tak banyak orang yang mengetahui bagaimana teknik atau cara mengangkat barang dengan tepat dan benar. Ketidaktahuan ini dapat mengakibatkan terjadinya cedera punggung . Cedera punggung dapat terjadi dimana saja dan kapan saja baik disaat bekerja dengan posisi duduk di kursi, mengangkat beban, membawa beban, membungkuk untuk mengambil file di laci meja, menyeterika, mencuci piring di wastafel ataupun disaat kita tidur .

Sebanyak 80% populasi orang dewasa kondisinya hidupnya rentan akan mengalami cidera punggung bawah. Cidera ini biasanya disebabkan oleh kesalahan dalam teknik mengangkat suatu benda dan juga penggunaan yang berlebihan. Dengan menggunakan teknik mengangkat yang benar diikuti dengan latihan penguluran dan penguatan, anda dapat mengurangi resiko cidera punggung.

Perhatikan sikap tubuh yang benar di bawah ini :

1.Berdiri: Jika harus berdiri dalam tempo lama, istrirahatkan salah satu kaki Anda secara bergantian. Letakkan salah satu kaki di atas sesuatu yang letaknya sedikit lebih tinggi dari kaki yang lain. Jika harus bekerja dalam posisi berdiri, hindari posisi tubuh membungkuk atau miring ke samping. Begitupun disaat anda berjalan , bagi wanita hindari penggunaa sepatu berhak tinggi.

2. Duduk: Pilihlah kursi yang dapat mendukung bagian belakang tubuh Anda pada posisi yang benar dan nyaman. Sesuaikan posisi kursi agar kaki Anda dapat menapak di lantai. Kosongkan isi kantong belakang celana Anda (dompet, kunsi, notes, dan sebagainya) agar tidak mengganggu keseimbangan bagian belakang tubuh Anda. Selain itu kondisi isi dompet yang tebal di kantong celana bagian belakang juga dapat membuat nyeri pinggang karena adanya tekanan terhadap otot pantat secara terus menerus dan tekanan yang lebih besar disaat anda sedang duduk .

3.Mengangkat benda :Ada beberapa teknik yang digunakan dalam mengangkat dan membawa suatu benda yang dapat melindungi punggung anda dan dapat mencegah cidera. Bagaimanapun, teknik terbaik dalam mengangkat adalah pengangkatan secara diagonal. Kaki anda memisah, dengan satu kaki sedikit ke depan dari kaki yang lain. Ini memberikan basis penyangga yang lebar, lebih stabil, lebih bertenaga, dan lebih kuat. Tekuk lutut anda dan berjongkok; jaga punggung anda tetap lurus dan kepala anda juga lurus selama mengangkat. Posisi ini memberikan kekuatan yang lebih untuk otot-otot tungkai yang lelih luas dan menjaga keseimbangan punggung anda.

4.Membawa benda : Pastikan benda selalu menempel pada tubuh, selama mengangkat dan membawanya. Semakin jauh anda membawa suatu benda dari tubuh anda, semakin beresiko untuk punggung anda. Jangan mendadak atau menyentak selama anda mengangkat dan jangan memutar atau menyamping. Ini adalah kebiasaan buruk yang menyebabkan tekanan yang lebih untuk punggung anda, terutama ketika mengangkat secara berulang-ulang, dan akan menyebabkan cidera yang serius nantinya. Ketika membawa suatu benda, gunakan postur yang tepat yaitu berdiri tegak. Jangan terlalu membungkuk ketika berjalan. Membawa dengan beban di depan dan menempel ke tubuh, tetapi ketika membawa dengan jarak yang jauh, bawalan benda dengan menggunakan bahu anda, dan jika benda terlalu berat, carilah bantuan.

5.Mengambil sesuatu dengan berlutut ,jangan membungkuk :
Hindari membungkuk setinggi pinggang ketika mengambil sesuatu. Hal ini dapat menciptakan ketegangan pada punggung dan memperbesar resiko cedera .

6.Tidurlah di atas kasur yang agak keras . Kasur yang terlalu empuk dapat membuat punggung dalam posisi melengkung , sehingga anda merasa tidak nyaman jika saat bangun tidur. Pakailah tempat tidur yang agak keras atau kasur dengan kekuatan pegas yang masih kuat. Jika tidur miring usahakan merapatkan lutut satu sama lain. Atau jika telentang letakkan bantal dibawah lutut .

7. Bangun dari tidur. Jika anda tidur telentang, jangan langsung bangun, tetapi miringkan dahulu tubuh anda. Selanjutnya bangun dengan cara mengangkat badan menyamping sehingga posisi anda menjadi duduk di atas kasur. Setelah itu pijakkan kaki anda kelantai untuk bangkit dari tempat tidur .

8.Olah raga. Bersepeda, berenang dan jalan santai adalah olah raga yang sangat dianjurkan bagi orang yang sedang mengalami cedera punggung . Karena dalam olah raga tersebut tidak membuat tekanan yang berlebihan terhadap punggung .

(K3_LH)

Bahaya Mengintai di Keseharian

2009-04-01T20:21:00.000-07:00

Banyak pengendara kurang sadar akan kesehatan jangka panjang. Padahal sering terjadi, penyakit timbul akibat kelalaian di tempat kerja. Di lingkungan, bahaya penyakit kronis seperti paru-paru selalu membayangi.

Pekerjaan apa saja yang bisa berakibat fatal jika lalai pakai pengaman atau masker. Menurut dr. Abraham, semua bahan kimia berakibat buruk dalam tubuh manusia. "Tapi tergantung daya tahan atau imunitas tubuh. Kalau orangnya kuat, penyakit yang timbul dalam jangka waktu lama. Tapi kalau daya tahannya rendah, bisa timbul lebih cepat," ujar dokter praktik di Jl. Hang Lekir, Kebayoran Baru, Jakarta Selatan. Tining,

BERMAIN DENGAN CAT

Keseharian bermain dengan cat adalah paling rentan dengan penyakit paru. Apalagi kalau selama bekerja tanpa memakai masker dan pelindung tangan. Cat merupakan bahan mudah menguap. Untuk pengecatan motor, cat semprot akan mengubah menjadi bentuk aerosol yang mudah terisap. Sehingga lebih mudah masuk ke dalam tubuh manusia. Bisa melalui pernapasan, kontak kulit maupun oral. Kandungan bahan kimianya dapat menyebabkan kanker terutama kanker paru.Bahan kimia lain dalam cat semprot, adalah hidrokarbon (HC). Bahan ini mudah menguap dan dapat menimbulkan sensasi euforia dan halusinasi. "Penyerapan yang tinggi mempengaruhi kesehatan paru bahkan dapat menyebabkan kematian," tambah dr. Muktar Iksan, Sp. P.MARS, dari program kajian kesehatan kerja RS Persahabatan, Jakarta.Cat semprot lebih berbahaya daripada cat kuas. Selain itu cat dapat mempengaruhi beberapa organ lain seperti susunan saraf pusat, hati, ginjal, kulit, mata, organ reproduksi, jantung dan paru. Faktor manusia juga mempengaruhi. Seperti kebiasaan merokok, kecepatan aliran udara, pernafasan, dan ukuran paru. Kejadian kanker paru akan meningkat setelah 20 tahun tahun lebih, tergantung ketahanan manusianya.

PEKERJA SPBU

Hampir setiap hari petuga yang bekerja SPBU menyerap uap yang keluar dari bahan bakar yang dituang. Untuk satu pekerja, dalam sehari sekitar 6 jam. Dalam seminggu seumpama kerja 6 hari, maka 12 jam. Sebulan 360 jam, setahun 4.320 jam. Rata-rata orang kerja 20 tahun. Bayangkan berapa banyak zat yang terkandung dalam BBM terhirup. Kandungan ada dalam bahan bakar seperti sulfur, zat warna berbahaya jika terserap ke dalam paru-paru. Zat sulfur jika terserap dalam tubuh dalam kadar tertentu menimbulkan iritasi sistim pernafasan. Bahkan pada orang yang sensitif lebih mudah terkena iritasi ini. Sehingga sulfur dianggap pencemar yang berbahaya bagi kesehatan terutama terhadap orang tua dan penderita sistem pernafasan.

POLISI DAN KURIR

Petugas polisi di jalan dan kurir jelas tiap hari menghirup asap kendaraaan, polusi dan debu. Zat yang terkandung dalam polutan dan debu dengan mudah mengancam tenggorokan. Dalam jangka waktu tertentu menyerang paru. "Jika terus menerus, bisa menyerang darah. Itu bisa merembet ke bagian penting tubuh manusia lainnya," ungkap dr. Abraham.Unsur kimia berbahaya yang terdapat akibat pembuangan gas yakni CO (Carbon monoksida) dan HC (Hidrocarbon). Gas CO mengikat oksigen di dalam darah. "Itu sebabnya, seseorang bisa mati lemas setelah menghirup gas ini," jelasnya.

Dimas SL (K3_LH)