Friday, 20 November 2015

Workplace Safety & Height Works

There are several risky jobs but working at height is the most risky among them. When you are working in construction, maintenance, utilities, first responder units, your exposure to risky situations may be more than those faced by people in other jobs. For one thing, you may be required to scale heights no untrained personnel should be doing. Before starting work at construction sites, it is necessary to ensure safety at workplace. Workplace safety is an essential part of height works because it minimizes the chances of serious accidents. There are several height safety equipments which ensure safety at workplace. These are divided in two categories: general height safety and fall arrest. General equipments are safety nets, ropes, helmet, torch, handrails, guard rails, etc. Fall arrest systems often will include a full body harness and connecting devices between the harness and the anchorage point. If a fall occurs, the full body harness distributes the impact throughout the body and keeps the worker in an upright position.

There are several other safety equipments available in the market in order to prevent accidents while working from heights, probably the most frequently used piece of equipment is often a fall restraint system, this includes a full body safety harness which is worn on the top of clothing and then tethered to a suitable anchor point using a lanyard and connector such as a karabiner. Falls are the number one risk for people who work in construction sites. Every time they assume their spot to perform the day's task, they always have to face the dangers of falling. It is good to have height safety equipment installed all over the place so they can grab on them and hold onto these items that serve as their support. It is through the presence of fall arrest systems on the site that safety of the workers can be better guaranteed. Fall arrest s is those tools and equipments that stop a fall in the instance that it happens. The equipment is being attached to the workers bodies and when they experience losing balance and falling, the fall arrest functions to hold them firm.

These are some tips about workplace safety and height works. It is also necessary to buy original equipments. When buying fall safety systems, make sure you know the current industry specifications for each item. Compliance to industry standards is necessary to ensure that you get what you need. Failure to meet mandatory prerequisites can mean having more headaches since you would eventually need to return the product or get other ones.

Monday, 12 October 2015

Fall Arrest System Saves Life

Fall arrest system is one of the major aspects at construction sites. It saves life of thousands of people every year. Roof anchor is the major element of fall arrest equipment. The elements of this system fall into the active category when this requires awareness on the part of the user. In this type, the worker is expected to wear necessary protective clothing, use safety harness, and then attach this particular harness to certain anchor points or safety lines. There are several devices which help safe-guarding the workers working over heighted and sensitive locations of the building, where the risks of the fall are high. Out of these, one of the used fall protection systems is safety harness. They are available in different sizes and structures depending on the type of work and work situations. 

Vertical Lifeline is another type of fall protection safety system. The Vertical Line is comprised of a harness with a shock absorbing lanyard and a rope that is connected to an anchor above the point they are descending. A fall safety harness that falls in the second class involves a chest device that secures to the entire upper body. It is usually used in cases where the worker is going to be lowered into a building or other enclosure and then be removed at a low speed. The third class is more of a full body safety harness that includes straps for both the upper and lower torso.

When buying fall safety systems, make sure you know the current industry specifications for each item. Compliance to industry standards is necessary to ensure that you get what you need. Failure to meet mandatory prerequisites can mean having more headaches since you would eventually need to return the product or get other ones. Buying the best fall arrest system is not a guarantee that accidents will not occur since equipment is merely one part of the picture. Fall protection systems are indispensable for workers working at greater heights and those working at ground levels as well. The workplace can be made perfectly safe and protected by installing these simple but necessary security measures. There are other different types of Fall Equipment available and the one you chose should depend on the reason for needing it. There are many companies that specialize in this equipment so have a good look around. As you can see, there are a number of fall safety harnesses to choose from. It is required that you wear one of these harnesses when working very far off the ground.


Roof Anchor System & Height Safety

There are several height safety equipments which save life of thousands of people every year. An element of fall protection systems is the roof anchor. Roof anchor systems are major equipments & if installed and used properly can assure safety and avert any hazardous or untoward injury that may arise in the future. The ropes and harnesses are used by workers working at heights to protect them from the fall. The roof anchors can be fixed or can be movable as well.  One of the main components of the height prevention system comprises of the roof anchors, which are used to lock the ropes and harnesses. These are carefully designed and made of enough strength and durability to prevent a fall. At the same time, they are also given special elasticity to absorb the sudden shock of the fall and hence they help in avoiding injuries caused due the sudden impact of the fall.

If your workers are working at height and the quoted standards are not being met, you are putting your employees at rise. It is also necessary to give proper safety training to each & every employee. A safe roof access system is a fall arrest system to prevent death and major injury. It is a roof brace point that is attached by secure means to the worker, therefore preventing the worker from falling to the ground. The roof anchors are mainly made up of safety ropes as well as anchors. Safety ropes are carefully designed and made of enough strength and durability to prevent a fall. The roof anchors are available in different categories. When choosing an anchor point system you want to choose a product that is extensively tested, and used by the professionals. A safe roof access system is a fall-arrest system to prevent death and major injury. It is a roof brace point that is attached by secure means to the worker, therefore preventing the worker from falling to the ground. 

Safe working environment for your workers is not only their right, but also your duty towards meeting the safety regulations and creating a comfortable working environment at the site. Installation of safety equipments are also a challenge.  In order to install a roof anchor system a company must undertake a Work cover approved working at heights course, and also a Work cover approved construction site induction. Ideally you want a company that not only install safe roof access systems every day, but also use safe roof access every day.

Wednesday, 16 September 2015

Ladder Safety & Fall Protection Safety Tips

Ladders are major equipments which are used during working at heights. These are assumed to be unsafe equipments; hence it is necessary to remain safe during work. The major accidents and falls occur as a result of bad management. The negligence of health and safety practices in the workplace needs to be overcome. Hence it is important that you follow proper ladder safety techniques to avoid injury or unnecessary accidents. 

Falls from height make up the largest number of serious injury compensation claims brought in the workplace. Anyone working at height, either on scaffolding or on ladders, has to be aware of the potential dangers involved and it is up to the employer to make sure those risks are kept to an absolute minimum. Ladder safety systems can be quite useful in many different situations to aid in completing any number of tasks. 

Once you have decided that you need to use a ladder to complete your project, make sure that you have the right type of ladder. There are many types of ladders all with their own advantages and disadvantages. Hence ladder safety device should be used with extensive care. While you may be eager to get started on your project, please take the time to ensure that your ladder is set-up correctly and that you know how to use it safely. The major adder safety tips are as follows to avoid any unwanted situation:

1.       Inspect the area around where you want to place your ladder. Check for any obstructions that may impede your ladder set-up or the work that you are doing while on the ladder. 

2.       Use a wall or second person to anchor the base of the ladder as you lift the ladder above your head. Make sure the soles of your footwear are clean and in good condition.

3.       If using a straight or extension ladder, make sure that the top of the ladder is resting against a straight and solid surface.

4.       Stay centered on the ladder so that your balance point is straight down. 

5.       Do not carry heavy items while climbing the ladder, use some type of hoist or pulley system to retrieve the items instead.

You can never be too safe when working at height, but the chances of falls can be minimized by following safety tips. Hence it is necessary to remain careful as well as follow safety tips. The safety tips will help you to remain safe during the working hours.

Tuesday, 15 September 2015

Confined Space Training & Worker’s Safety

Confined spaces are enclosed spaces or semi enclosed spaces. Workers may face confined space work to do hence it is necessary to have proper information related to this work. There are several institutes & companies which offer confined space training courses. Working at these places may be highly dangerous Venture as the hazards faced are very high and can be fatal most of the times. Statistics show that more than 60% of those that die in Confined Spaces are the people who are attempting to perform a rescue. The training teaches you to deal with dangers, the work in the area, and be aware of what steps they have to take if something should go incorrect.

Risks of confined spaces involve low oxygen level or injurious vapors. It is not possible to smell oxygen or some toxic gases, so the human nose is not a reliable source of indication of secure or insecure atmospheres. Confined space rescue training equips workers with the skills and knowledge necessary to ensure safe entry to confined spaces, including such precautions as testing of air quality, forced ventilation, proper observation and monitoring of workers in the space, and a rescue procedures using appropriate safety harnesses and other equipment. 

Working in a confined space is one of the hazards potentially faced by those working in the construction and maintenance industries, in particular if you work on the docks or in the sewage and mining industries. When working in this kind of environment there are a number of volatile characteristics, which is why having the correct construction training to make sure they can work safely.

Risks of confined spaces involve low oxygen level or injurious vapors. It is not possible to smell oxygen or some toxic gases, so the human nose is not a reliable source of indication of secure or insecure atmospheres. Before entering any hazardous Confined space, the rescuer must analyze the surroundings for leakage or presence of any poisonous gas as this will help protect the rescuer and his rescue team. A Mechanical device is to be provided to assist in hoisting the victim when entries are made five feet or more below grade. In this way one can perform non-entry rescue. The rescuer must have proper lighting if the space is too dark to see in. In addition, remember that whenever the rescuer switches on an Electronic device in a confined space they should confirm that there is not a flammable atmosphere and or preferably use intrinsically safe equipment.


Tuesday, 18 August 2015

Reduce Injuries with Fall Protection System

Fall is the major cause of deaths & serious accidents at construction sites. With more higher buildings being constructed using more exotic material like glass and composites, the workers working at the site of tall buildings are at a increased risk of fall hazards. Thus, to decrease this risk it is very important for all the industry which involves works that is to be done from heights should take fall protection measures. To avoid accidents fall prevention measures are very important.

If you're using new fall protection equipment, you have to spend time with an expert to learn the hows and what’s of your snug harness. There are many kinds of fall protection equipment you can get to make sure that safety is a priority in your company. And if you get harnesses for your workers, you have to let them know how to use the equipment - properly. One of the main components of the fall prevention system comprises of the roof anchors systems, which are used to lock the ropes and harnesses. The ropes and harnesses are used by workers working at heights to protect them from the fall. A full body harness provides support evenly over the shoulders, buttocks and thighs. This is important because it provides the best support against injury because of this distribution to the powerful parts of the body.

Safety ropes are carefully designed and made of enough strength and durability to prevent a fall. At the same time, they are also given special elasticity to absorb the sudden shock of the fall and hence they help in avoiding injuries caused due the sudden impact of the fall. Workers should be given some training on how to take precautions so as to avoid uncertainties. In this way they can know better on how to take care of themselves and they can also take care about the hazardous material that is used during the work. Fall arrest system is also used in construction work; this is a device that allows an arrested fall when the aerial lift or scaffold is able to withstand vertical and lateral loads caused by an arrested fall. With this system, you must use a body harness instead of a body belt.
Don't be one of the deaths or disabilities that result from workplace falls every year. Follow the proper procedures for working above the ground and do your OSHA required safety training. The more you know the safer you will be!


Thursday, 16 July 2015

Ladder Safety Tips to Ensure Safety of Workers

Ladder is the major equipment if you are going to working on the height. Hence it is necessary to know some ladder safety tips. A ladder may be dangerous if not used with care. Serious accidents also occur due to ladders. It is the height equipment which is not only used at construction sites but also in simple uses in our homes as well as buildings. A person needs it whether he wants to hang some lights, paintings, wire etc or for painting the wall of the home. Hence, it is necessary to know the safety basics associated with ladder safety systems.

The dangerous and risks can be minimized by simply balancing your posture and maintaining the ladder you are using. Before you begin a project make sure that you have gone through safety preparations and are familiar with the tools to be used. Once you have decided that you need to use a ladder to complete your project, make sure that you have the right type of ladder. There are many types of ladders all with their own advantages and disadvantages, which may include weight and height limits. The ladder safety system starts from home. There are some safety tips which can help you to remain safe during the work.

1.       The first thing to consider is that you should inspect the ladder before placing your first step. This examination of ladder is very important. Make sure that the ladder is free from any liquid that may slip you.

2.       Check stability before climbing the ladder. Ensure that all ladder feet are on a firm, level and non-slippery surface.

3.       Determine the correct angle at which the ladder should be placed. Always make sure that the ladder is away from the wall, enough, so that you feel comfortable walking up it, safely.

4.       Avoid pushing or pulling stepladders from the side. Repeated sideways movement can make ladders wobbly since they are weaker or less stable in those directions.

5.       Don't use ladders in passageways, doorways, driveways or other locations where a person or vehicle can hit it. Set up suitable barriers or lock doors shut.

6.       Never place ladder under electrical cables - especially aluminum step ladders, metal is a conductor of electricity, so is the human body. Use a wooden or fiberglass ladder.

7.       Always retain hold onto the ladder with at least one hand and wear good robust shoes
8.       Make sure the ladder can take your weight plus any additional items like tools.


Follow these ladder safety tips for step ladders and enjoy a safe work environment.