SafetyDude's Safety Tip of the Week
            

Holiday Lights Safety Tips

• Use only lights that have been CSA approved.
  
  
• Before using lights outdoors, check labels to be sure they have been certified for outdoor use.
  
  
• Annually inspect each set of lights, new or old, for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections, and throw out damaged sets.
  
  
• Always replace burned-out bulbs promptly with the same wattage bulbs.
  
  
• Check lights before climbing ladders, step stools or working at heights (roofs).
  
  
• Use no more than three standard-size sets of lights per single extension cord. 
  
  
• Make sure the extension cord is rated for the intended use.
  
  
• Outdoor electric lights and decorations should be plugged into circuits protected by ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs).
  
  
• Never use electric lights on a metallic tree. The tree can become charged with electricity from faulty lights, and a person touching a branch could be electrocuted.
  
  
• Fasten outdoor lights securely to trees, house walls, or other firm supports to protect the lights from wind damage.
  
  
• Stay away from power or feeder lines leading from utility poles.
  
  
• Turn off all holiday lights when you go to bed or leave the house.
  
  

Picture of the Week

How NOT to hang outdoor lights

 Safetydude's Safety Tip of the Week

Winter Driving Tips

Maintain a safe following distance.  It takes longer to stop on a slippery road. Look ahead and keep plenty of distance between you and other vehicles (at least four, six seconds). Having good winter tires will improve your stopping distance.

Slow your speed to match road conditions. The posted speed is the maximum speed under ideal conditions. In winter, it is safer to drive below the posted speed. No matter how much experience you have, the way your vehicle responds on snow or ice always has an element of unpredictability.

Watch for black ice. Slow down when approaching shaded areas, bridges and overpasses, as these areas of road freeze faster than others in cold weather. Watch for “black ice”, a thin coating of ice, which is almost invisible but very hazardous. It may appear as wet black patch on the road surface. It can cause your vehicle to suddenly lose traction, braking and cornering control. Look for other vehicles that may be experiencing trouble ahead. 

Accelerate and brake gradually.  When starting from stop on slick roads,start slowly and accelerate gradually to maintain traction and avoid spinning your wheels. When stopping, plan well in advance and apply the brakes gently, slowly adding pressure rather than braking suddenly.

Avoid sudden moves. Slow down and steer smoothly and gradually to avoid skidding. Accelerate gently, turn slowly, and brake carefully and early. Avoid unexpected quick movements that could put you in a spin.  Anticipate turns, stops, and lane changes well before they occur.

Suggested winter survival kit includes: 

SafetyDude's Safety Tip of the Week

Halloween Safety Tips

While researching for this week's Safety Tip of the Week, I came across countless excellent websites with safety tips related to Halloween Safety.

I encourage you to take the time to explore these websites if you have "little ones", or teenagers that are going out trick or treating.

Below are some of the more unique Safety tips that I found and thought important to pass on.

• Makeup and face paint are safer than masks; if using a mask, choose one that allows your child to see and breathe easily.
  
  
• Look for costumes, beards and wigs labelled "Flame-Resistant" -- nylon or heavyweight polyester costumes are best. Flame Resistant does not mean 'fire proof'. Avoid costumes with baggy sleeves or flowing skirts to minimize the risk of contact with candles and other fire sources. Costumes made of flimsy materials have been found to burn more quickly when exposed to fire sources.
  
  
• Think twice before changing the colour of your eyes with cosmetic contact lenses. These cosmetic lenses should be used only under the supervision of an eye-care professional. In addition, wear time should be limited to the shortest duration possible. The lenses must never be worn while asleep, and cosmetic contact lenses should not be shared with others. If you should choose to wear these lenses, be certain that they are cleaned properly.
  
  
• Swords, knives and similar accessories should be made of soft, flexible material.
  
  
• Make your home safe for trick-or-treaters. Remove all objects around the outside of your house that could cause children to trip or fall. Turn your outside light on so children will know they can visit your home.
  
  
• Keep candles, jack-o-lanterns, matches and lighters in a place that children cannot reach.
  
  
• Halloween candles with multiple wicks close to one another are hazardous and should not be used. When lit they can produce a single high flame or several large flames close together resulting in intense heat and the danger of igniting nearby materials such as curtains or window sills.
  
  
• Keep pets inside and away from trick-or-treaters and lit candles, especially if they are easily frightened or become over-excited in the presence of strangers.
  
  
• If using decorative lights indoors or outdoors, use lights certified by a recognized organization such as the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) or the Underwriters' Laboratory of Canada (ULC or C-UL). Check lights for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires or loose connections. Discard damaged sets. Do not overload extension cords.
  
  
• Give children a snack or light dinner before they go out to help prevent them from munching while trick-or-treating. Don't send them out on an empty stomach! Throw away homemade candy or baked goods. 

 Picture of the Week

Very interesting Halloween Costume !

Safetydude's Safety Tip of the Week

 Tornado Safety

Growing up in St. Louis and Fort Lauderdale, we were taught as kids what to do in case of a Tornado.  We had more Tornado drills than Fire Drills in our school.  I have seen the damage and destruction that these horrible storms cause.  Unfortunately, I have personally witnessed three funnel clouds.  Thank God they all remained in the sky and never touched ground.

As a Safety Professional, I continue to strongly encourage Employers, Family and Friends to understand and RESPECT the power and furry of a Tornado.  

The best defence is always a good offence..

• Plan ahead,
• Educate your family and friends
• what to look for,
• how to react
• what to so if one should happen to strike do,
• Have the necessary emergency supplies available.

Know the signs of a tornado:

Besides an obviously visible tornado, here are some things that people describe when they tell about a tornado experience

• Strong, persistent rotation in the cloud base.
• A Sickly greenish or greenish black color to the sky
• A strange quiet that occurs within or shortly after the thunderstorm
• Whirling dust or debris on the ground under a cloud base
• Clouds moving by very fast, especially in a rotating pattern or converging toward one area of the sky.
• A sound a little like a waterfall or rushing air at first, but turning into a roar as it comes closer. The sound of a tornado has been likened to that of both railroad trains and jets.
• Debris:

• Hail or heavy rain followed by either dead calm or a fast, intense wind shift. Many tornadoes are wrapped in heavy precipitation and can't be seen.
• Day or night: Loud, continuous roar or rumble, which doesn't fade in a few seconds like thunder.
• At Night: Small, bright, blue-green to white flashes at ground level near a thunderstorm (as opposed to silvery lightning up in the clouds). These mean power lines are being snapped by very strong wind, maybe a tornado.
   
   

 What To Do...

If you see a tornado and it is not moving to the right or to the left relative to trees or power poles in the distance, it may be moving towards you!

In a house with a basement:

•  Avoid windows.
• Get in the basement and under some kind of sturdy protection (heavy table or work bench), or cover yourself with a mattress or sleeping bag.
• Know where very heavy objects rest on the floor above (pianos, refrigerators, waterbeds, etc.) and do not go under them. They may fall down through a weakened floor and crush you.

In a house with no basement, or an apartment: 

• Avoid windows.
• Go to the lowest floor, small center room (like a bathroom or closet), under a stairwell, or in an interior hallway with no windows.
• Crouch as low as possible to the floor, facing down; and cover your head with your hands.
• A bath tub may offer a shell of partial protection.
• Even in an interior room, you should cover yourself with some sort of thick padding (mattress, blankets, etc.), to protect against falling debris in case the roof and ceiling fail.

 In an school, workplace, office building:

• Follow the emergency procedure or plan if one exists.  If you are a visitor, follow the direction of the employees in charge of the workplace.
• If a plan doesn't exist:
  • Go directly to an enclosed, windowless area in the center of the building -- away from glass and on the lowest floor possible.
  • Then, crouch down and cover your head.
  • Interior stairwells are usually good places to take shelter, and if not crowded, allow you to get to a lower level quickly.
  • Stay off the elevators; you could be trapped in them if the power is lost.

 In a car or truck:

• Vehicles are extremely dangerous in a tornado.
• If the tornado is visible, far away, and the traffic is light:
  • You may be able to drive out of its path by moving at right angles to the tornado.
• If the tornado is very close or the traffic is heavy:
  • Park the car as quickly and safely as possible.
  • Get out and seek shelter in a sturdy building.
• If in the open country,
  • run to low ground away from any cars (which may roll over on you).
  • Lie flat and face-down, protecting the back of your head with your arms.
  • Avoid seeking shelter under bridges, which can create deadly traffic hazards while offering little protection against flying debris.

In the open outdoors:

• If possible, seek shelter in a sturdy building.
• If not, lie flat and face-down on low ground, protecting the back of your head with your arms. Look for culverts and ditches with out water in them.
• Get as far away from trees and cars as you can; they may be blown onto you in a tornado.

 In a shopping mall or large store:

• Do not panic. Follow the direction given to you by the personnel in charge of the location.
• Move as quickly as possible to an interior bathroom, storage room or other small enclosed area, away from windows.

AFTER THE TORNADO...

• Keep your family together and wait for help to arrive.
• Provide First Aid to those who are injured.
• Stay away from power lines and puddles with wires in them.
• Watch your step to hazardous or sharp object in the debris..
• Stay out of any heavily damaged buildings; they could collapse at any time.
• Do not use matches or lighters, in case of leaking natural gas pipes or fuel tanks nearby.
• Remain calm and alert, and listen for information and instructions from emergency crews.

For more information on Tornados, please click here

From the Courts (from Ontario Newsroom)

Algoma Tubes Inc., a Yukon metal pipe manufacturer, was fined $55,000 for a violation of the Occupational Health and Safety Act after a worker was injured.

 On December 17, 2008, at the company's Sault St. Marie facility, a worker opened a door, slipped on a wet surface and fell to the ground. The worker suffered a fracture to the arm.

Algoma Tubes Inc. pleaded guilty to failing to ensure that the floor was kept free of hazards.

In addition to the fine, the court imposed a 25-per-cent victim fine surcharge, as required by the Provincial Offences Act. The surcharge is credited to a special provincial government fund to assist victims of crime

Picture of the Week

I would hurry up and paddle!

 Safetydude's Safety Tip of the Week

Summertime Heat Safety

In the summer the combination of high heat and high humidity can be very dangerous.  Everyone should follow these basic heat safety tips in order to avoid heat exposure and possible death. Try especially hard to make sure that at risk individuals follow theses tips religiously

People at risk:

• The elderly
• People with chronic illnesses (such as diabetes, heart and respiratory conditions) or people unable to move or change position by themselves 
• Infants and preschool children 
• People who exercise vigorously or are involved in strenuous outdoor work for prolonged periods 
• People taking certain medications, for example, for mental health conditions 
• Homeless or marginally housed persons 

Prevention Tips:

•  Drink lots of water and natural fruit juices even if you don’t feel very thirsty. Avoid alcoholic beverages, coffee and cola.
•  During the hottest hours of the day, stay inside. If possible stay inside an air-conditioned building. The hottest hours of the day are typically from mid morning to mid afternoon 
•  If you must go outside, stay in the shade as much as possible and plan to go out early in the morning or evening when it is cooler and smog levels may not be as high as in the afternoon. Wear a hat.
•  Go to air conditioned or cool places such as shopping malls, libraries, community centres or a friend’s place. 
•  People who live in homes with no air conditioning should keep blinds closed from morning until the late afternoon to block extra direct heat from sunlight. Also, stay on the lowest level of your home. 
•  Wear loose fitting, light clothing.
•  Dress lightly and when sleeping use lightweight breathable covers.  
•  Keep lights off or turned down low.  
•  Take a cool bath or shower periodically or cool down with cool, wet towels.  
•  Avoid heavy meals and using your oven.  
• Avoid intense or moderately intense physical activity.  
• Never leave a child in a parked car or asleep in direct sunlight.  
• Use a fan. Don’t place the fan directly in front of a window because it may push hot air in. Try placing the fan so that it blows in the room and out the window instead.  
• Fans alone may not provide enough cooling when the temperature is high.  
• Consult your doctor or pharmacist regarding the side effects of your medications.  
• Move your exercise routine to early morning or later in the evening – even swimming.  
• Never ever leave anyone in the car while you run to do a quick errand. Not a pet, not a child, not anyone. It’s never safe. Cars can become overheated quickly and when overheated become like ovens. People can succumb to heat exposure and death very quickly in a hot car.  
• Help your elderly pal to get to know the neighbors – isolated elderly adults are at a much higher risk of heat related health problems and death.  
• Provide on-going education to all elderly individuals. Go over topics such as heat exposure related symptoms and where to call for help.  

 Signs & Symptoms

Heat exhaustion is a warning that the body is getting too hot. With heat stroke, body organs start to overheat. They will stop working if they get hot enough. If it is not treated, heat stroke can result in death.

  For a Heat Stroke

 These signs and symptoms can occur suddenly with little warning:

• Very high temperature (104ºF or higher).  
• Hot, dry, red skin. No sweating.  
• Deep breathing and fast pulse. Then shallow breathing and weak pulse.  
• Confusion. Hallucinations.  
• Convulsions.  
• Loss of consciousness.

     

For Heat Exhaustion

• Normal, low, or only slightly elevated body temperature.
• Cool, clammy, pale skin. Sweating.
• Dry mouth. Thirsty
• Fatigue. Weakness. Feeling dizzy.
• Headache.
• Nausea. Vomiting can occur.
• Muscle cramps.
• Weak or rapid pulse.

Friends and relatives can help someone with heat illness by doing the following:
• Call for help
• Get the person out of the sun and into a shady or air-conditioned location.
• Lay the person down and elevate the legs and feet slightly
• Remove extra clothing from the person
• Cool the person by spraying or sponging him or her with cool water and fanning.
• Give the person sips of cool water not ice cold water
  

In the Courts (excerpt from Ontario Newsroom)

A Brampton company that recycles metal, was fined $150,000 for a violation of the Occupational Health and Safety Act after a worker was killed.

On June 9, 2009, at the company's Brampton scrap yard, a machine made for shredding metal was shut down for maintenance. The shredder had a dome lid that could be opened for access to its interior. The dome lid was opened using a hydraulic system and secured in place with a pin. After maintenance work on the shredder, one worker removed the pin while a second worker activated the hydraulic controls so that the lid could close. The first worker went away and some time later the second worker was found trapped in the shredder, between the dome lid and base.

A Ministry of Labour investigation found that during the shredder's maintenance, there were no guards or devices in place to prevent access to the shredder's pinch point. Additionally, the company did not have a procedure to ensure that the shredder was clear of equipment and workers before its lid was closed.

The Company  pleaded guilty to failing to ensure that the shredder was equipped with a guard or other device to prevent access to its pinch point.

Picture of the Week

Admit it !  You've done this before

Last week, I experienced technical issues with posting the Picture of the Week.  Received several emails asking what happened to the Picture.  So for those fans of the picture of the week.... Here is what was going to be posted last week.

One of the most important parts of safe lifting is to pre plan your lift, ensuring the the pathway you take is safe.  

Wonder how much pre-planning this team did?

Safetydude's Safety Tip of the week

 Ontario Emergency Public Warning System

Not sure how many of you are aware of a very important and useful warning system that is available to the residents of Ontario. I get very useful e-mail alerts from this system regarding pending severe weather such as tornados, high winds, etc.

You can subscribe to receive Red Alerts and/or Emergency Information Advisories through email, RSS feeds, SMS text messaging and Twitter. To learn more about the Warning System and to subscribe to the new services, please visit www.ontario.ca/emo.

 Barbeque Safety

   Barbeque season is finally here!  It is important to inspect our grills to ensure we all have a safe and enjoyable barbeque season.

 Getting Started

ü  When purchasing a barbeque, always ensure that it has a certification stamp, CSA, ITS or ULC

ü  Inspect propane cylinders and have them re-certified every 10 years

ü  Inspect burners, replace any rusty or damaged burners

ü  Clean tubes under the burners as debris may have accumulated when not in use during the winter months

ü  Always make sure that the barbeque is in a safe place, where kids and pets won't touch or bump into it

ü  If you use a barbeque lighter, make sure you don't leave it lying around where the kids can access it. It won't take long for them to figure out how to use it

ü  When you're finished barbequing, always make sure that you not only shut off the barbeque, but shut off the propane tank as well

ü  Always store propane tanks outside, in a well-ventilated area

 Checking for leaks

ü  Barbeques should be inspected one a year (preferably at the start of the season)

ü  Spray soapy water on the connections, and supply lines. If you see bubbles, turn off the tank, and try re-connecting. If it still bubbles, then gas is still leaking. Shut off the tank and get the leaky part replaced

 When Barbequing

ü  Make sure that the barbeque is at least 5 feet (1.5 meters), or better yet 10 feet (3 meters) from the house, or any other material that could catch fire

ü  Only open your propane tank a quarter to one-half turn. That's all the gas your barbeque needs to operate, and if you have a problem, then it's much easier to shut off

ü  Unless you're keen on joining the space program, always open the barbeque lid before you light it. If it doesn't fire up the first time you try it, then shut it down, and try it again in about 5 minutes

ü  From the time you light the barbeque, till you're finished cooking, stay with your fire. Accidents can happen when you leave a barbeque unattended

 Tips for Charcoal Grilling

ü Never use gasoline to get the coals going. Instead, use charcoal lighting fluid

ü Let the lighter fluid soak into the coals for a minute or so before lighting it. That gives the explosive vapors a chance to dissipate

ü If the coals start to die out on you, don't spray lighter fluid on the hot coals. You could end up with explosive results

ü Always extinguish the coals when you're finished barbequing

For more information click here

From the Courts  (Ontario Newsroom)

A St. Catharines manufacturer of custom cabinetry, was fined $50,000 for a violation of the Occupational Health and Safety Act after a worker was injured.   One of the Company's  Supervisors was fined $4,000 in relation to the same incident.

On November 13, 2009, at the company's facility in St. Catharines, a worker was using a table saw to cut a wooden part for a cabinet. The Supervisor was helping the worker. Towards the end of the cut, the worker noticed a fragment of wood coming loose and reached to grab it. The worker's hand came in contact with the saw blade and three of the worker's fingers were amputated.

A Ministry of Labour investigation found that the table saw was equipped with a guard to prevent access to its moving blade, but the guard was not in use.

The Company pleaded guilty to failing, as an employer, to ensure that the table saw was guarded to prevent access to its moving blade. The Supervisor pleaded guilty to failing, as a supervisor, to ensure the same.

In addition to the fines, the court imposed a 25-per-cent victim fine surcharge, as required by the Provincial Offences Act. The surcharge is credited to a special provincial government fund to assist victims of crime.

Picture of the Week

 Hopefully these kids are wearing Pampers Extra Dry diapers

Safetydude's Safety Tip of the Week

Emergency Preparedness Week May 1-7 

Did you know that May 1 -7 was Emergency Preparedness Week?

I challenge you to test your knowledge of emergency preparedness by visiting www.ontario.ca/beprepared and taking the Ontario Emergency Preparedness Challenge.

The Ontario Government has many very informative sites with lots of information for you to read and learn from.  I encourage you to take time this week to prepare for the future.

Emergency Preparedness Guide for People with Disabilities/Special Needs

How to prepare for a flood, tornado or other emergency.

How to safely include your pets in your emergency plan.

How to put together your 72-hour survival kit.

How to put together your emergency plan.

 From the Courts  (Ontario Newsroom)

A supplier of steel form products and services, was fined $125,000 on November 26, 2010, for a violation of the Occupational Health and Safety Act that caused workers to be injured. A professional engineer with the company, was fined $10,000 in relation to the same incident.

In the fall of 2007, a bridge was being built across 18 Mile River on County Rd. 86 near Lucknow, Ontario. The Company involved provided the design plans and structural components for the support structure to hold up the bridge during its construction. The Professional engineer produced the design plans. These included structural components of which he did not know the load bearing capacity. On November 10, 2007, the structure collapsed, seriously injuring several workers.

After a trial, the Company was found guilty, as a supplier, of failing to supply equipment that was capable of withstanding all loads and forces that were likely to be applied to it.

The Professional  Engineer was found guilty of providing design plans for a bridge support structure that was incapable of supporting the loads to which it was to be subjected.

In addition to the fines, the court imposed a 25-per-cent victim fine surcharge, as required by the Provincial Offences Act. The surcharge is credited to a special provincial government fund to assist victims of crime.

 Picture of the Week

Note to self:  Never parachute near the alligator park

Safetydude's Safety Tip of the Week

Spring Gardening

Spring yard and garden work could mean trouble if you don't take the proper precautions. 

Injuries often occur because of improper use, improper safety apparel, failure to heed safety instructions and owners' manuals, inadequate maintenance of tools, and mechanical problems.

Often, the victims of these accidents are children who are unaware of any danger and are playing in the area where power equipment is being used.

When using any garden tool, CPSC has these safety tips:

·  Dress appropriately for the work environment ny wearing: 

             o Long pants and long-sleeved shirts to provide some
                protection from thrown objects; 

             o Close-fitting clothes and don't wear anything that could get
                caught in moving parts, e.g., loose jewellery; 

             o Sturdy shoes with slip-resistant rubber soles; 

             o Eye protection (even a small piece of grass in the eye can
                cause a painful eye abrasion); 
 
             o Heavy gloves when changing, sharpening, or cleaning blades; 

             o Hearing protection when using motor-driven equipment.

· Walk around the area in which you will be working before starting lawn and garden work, and remove any objects that could damage equipment or cause injury or property damage. Objects such as sticks and stones, metal, glass, and wire can break bones and cause other severe injuries when thrown from lawnmowers and other equipment.

· Keep children indoors away from power equipment. Children move quickly and are attracted to mowing and other power equipment activity.

· Be sure that safety devices on the equipment are in place and functioning properly before starting work.

· Unplug electric tools and disconnect spark plug wires on gasoline-powered tools before making adjustments or clearing jams near moving parts.

· Be sure power tools are turned off and made inoperable if they must be left unattended. This will prevent use by children.

· Handle gas carefully. Remember never to fill gasoline tanks while equipment is operating or when equipment is still hot. Wipe up spills. Store gas in an approved container away from the house. Finally, never smoke or use any type of flame around gasoline.

· Never let young children operate power lawn and garden equipment. Teenagers should only be allowed to operate outdoor power equipment if they possess adequate strength and maturity to do so safely. They also should be supervised by a responsible adult.

· Never work with electric power tools in wet or damp conditions.

· Be sure that extension cords are in good condition and are the proper size for the electrical current capacity of the tool.

· The best protection against electric shock is to use a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI). GFCIs come in four varieties, including a type that can be used as part of an extension cord and a type that can be wired into your home's electrical system. 
 
 

From the Courts  ( from Ontario News)

An automotive dealership, was fined $18,000 on November 24, 2010, for violating the isocyanate regulation under the Occupational Health and Safety Act. A supervisor at the dealership, was fined $3,000 for the same violations.

A Ministry of Labour investigation revealed that spray paints used at the dealership contained isocyanates, a hazardous chemical and a designated substance under the Act. A worker using the spray paints had not been trained on how to prevent exposure to isocyanates and was not using adequate personal protective equipment. The worker's isocyanate exposure was not monitored and the worker was not receiving medical surveillance.

The Dealership  pleaded guilty to failing, as an employer, to ensure that:

• All practical and reasonable engineering controls, work practices and hygiene practices were adopted and implemented to limit a worker's exposure to isocyanates
• A worker who handles isocyanates was provided with appropriate personal protective equipment.

The Supervisor pleaded guilty to failing, as a supervisor, to take every precaution reasonable in the circumstances for the protection of a worker.

In addition to the fines, the court imposed a 25-per-cent victim fine surcharge, as required by the Provincial Offences Act. The surcharge is credited to a special provincial government fund to assist victims of crime.

Picture of the Week

Round One goes to Mr. Bull !

Check out the Bullfighters mouth.

Safetydude's Safety Tip of the Week

Protecting yourself from the cold weather

1.  Eat well balanced meals.
2.  Do not drink alcoholic or caffeinated beverages—they cause your body to lose heat more rapidly.
3.  Make trips outdoors as brief as possible.
4.  If you must be outdoors for any extended period, protect yourself from the wind.
5.  Dress properly.  This requires one to wear:
                    a hat
                    a scarf or mask that covers the face and mouth
                    sleeves that are snug at the wrist
                    mittens are warmer than gloves
                    water resistant boots
                    water and wind resistant coat
                    several layers of loose clothing

6. Maintain an extra supply of dry clothing in your vehicle and workplace.
7. Ladies who wear dresses are advised to keep a pair of pants or leggens in their vehicle or purse.
8. Remove layers of clothing when you feel too warm.  Excess perspiration increase heat loss.
9.  Avoid over exertion.   Cold weather puts an extra strain on your heart.  Dress warmly and work slowly.
10.  Know and understand the affects of winchill on the body. 
11. Do not ignore shivering.  Persistent shivering is a signal to get indoors immediately.
12. Maintain Emergency supplies and kits in your workplace, vehicles, and homes. 
13. Plan for alternate sources of heat at your workplace and home.
14.  Know the signs, symptoms and first aid measures for  frostbite and hypothermia.
15.  Protect your eyes from the suns glare off the snow.
16.  Protect exposed skin from the effects of the sun. Just because it's cold doesn't mean that you can't get a sun burn. 

The key to keeping warm in cold temperatures
is the word C-O-L-D                             

                         Keep it Clean
                           Avoid Overheating
                         Wear it Loose and in Layers
                         Keep it Dry
 

Picture of the Week
Should this be considered a case of workplace violence?

SafetyDude`s Safety Tip of the Week

Cold and Flu Protection Tips

Every week that I research for the Safety Tip of the week, I learn.  That's why I enjoy developing them.

Personally, I can admit to not knowing 7, 13,and 14.

1. WASH YOUR HANDS for at least 30 seconds with soap and warm water!  

2. Don't touch your face.  This is how germs get from things you touched with your hands into your body. 

3. Consider getting a flu shot for your entire family! 

4. Don't share food, drinks, lipstick/chapstick or toothpaste with other people, even family members. 

5. Avoid kissing on the lips of you feel yourself getting sick. If you like them enough to kiss them, you should love them enough not to pass on your cold.

6. Clean doorknobs, bathrooms, phones, light switches, computer key pads, children's toys and other items that people may frequently touch with disinfecting cleaner often.

7. Yogurt has been shown to stimulate production of an immune system substances that fights disease. 

8. Let fresh air into your home at least once a week even if it is extremely cold outside. Let the stale, unhealthy air out and fresh air in!

9. Get plenty of sleep.  Target 8 to 10 hours per night.

10. Drink plenty of water.  This will allow your body to flush any toxins out of your system.

11. Avoid using public pens, phones, etc that many people may frequently touch.

12. Exercise regularly.

13. Laugh often.  Apparently it increase the production of antibodies that defend the body against infections.

14.  Reduce your Stress levels. Chronic Stress can increase your cortisol levels.  These increased levels negatively impact your immune system

15. STAY HOME IF YOU ARE SICK! No need to spread your germs to others!

Picture of the Week

Honestly, this is NOT how to hang your Company Safety Banner.

Or for that matter, any sort of banner.

SafetyDude's Safety Tip of the Week

Snow Blower Safety 
 

1.A snow blower is not a play toy, and should be treated with the utmost care and respect.

2.Always do a thorough check of your machine at the start of the winter, before the first snow.

3.The operator must have the proper physical capabilities and maturity to safely operate the snow blower.

4.Inspect the area for any obstructions (Newspapers, sleds, toys, curbs, etc.)

5.Always keep by-standers at a safe distance from the work area.

6.Do not allow children to run back and forth through the path of the ejecting snow.

7.Never leave a snow blower running and unattended.

8.Protect yourself from carbon-monoxide poisoning by starting and running gasoline-powered snow blowers outside, rather than in your garage or shed.

9.Don't wear loose pants, jackets, or scarves, which can get tangled in a snow blower's moving parts.

10.Wear proper footwear that eliminates or reduces the operators chance of slipping and falling.

11.Avoid where possible using a snow blower on any areas where there is a steep slope.

12.Dislodging Snow or ice from the auger or chute:

a.Stop the engine and use a long stick to unclog wet snow and debris from the machine. Do not use your hands to unclog a snow thrower.

b.Always keep hands and feet away from all moving parts.

13.Never leave the machine running in an enclosed area.

14.Add fuel to the tank outdoors before starting the machine.

15.Always keep the gasoline can capped, and store gasoline out of the house and away from ignition sources.

16.Dont add gasoline to a running or hot engine.

17.If you have an electric-powered snow thrower,

a.Be aware of where the power cord is at all times.
 
b.Inspect the cord to ensure that it is not frayed or damaged and replace if necessary.

c.Only use an outdoor extension cord and an outlet with ground-fault-circuit-interrupting protection. 

Picture of the Week
 
 I'm not a hunter or woodsmen,  but even I know that this is not the smartest or safest things to do with a bear cub.

Safetydude's Safety Tip of the Week

Your Safety New Year's Resolutions

A new year is just around the corner, making it time to develop your New Year's Resolutions. 

Here are ten suggested resolutions that I hope you consider.

1. I will learn to save a life of someone I love (or someone I don't even know) by taking a First Aid and CPR course.   Action:  Contact your local provider.  In Ontario call KitCare @ 416-243-3030.

2. I will maintain the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in my home.  Action:  a) Put on your calendar or enter a recurring appointment in Outlook to test the detectors on the first Saturday of every month.  b) Enter into your calendar or set appointment into Outlook to change the batteries in every detector on March 13th and again on November 6th.

3. I will develop a Home Emergency Plan.  Action: The following are the basic elements of a plan  a) Evacuation plan; b) Designated safety meeting places outside; c) Designated Shelter in Location (for tornados); d) Emergency kit; e) First aid kit and fire extinguishers; f) Schedule "mock" test of your evacuation plans.

4. I will reduce the chances of a fire by eliminating the permanent use of extension cords.  Action:  Inspect the entire house and remove all extension cords that have been there from more than 30 days.

5. I will take control of the chemicals within my house.  Action:  a) Read the labels of chemical products;  b) Are you storing them properly? Are they stored where young children can gain access? Are they stored to close to a heat source?;  c) Are you using the proper personal protective equipment ( chemical goggles, gloves, etc) when you use them? d) Are you using them properly?

6. I will read the entire Owners Manual particularly all the safety instructions and warnings for all new equipment and household appliance purchases that I make in 2011.

7. I will protect my family and friends from food borne illness by taking a course Food Safety training course.  Action:  Contact your local Public Health Department.

8. I will ALWAYS wear the proper personal protective equipment (gloves, glasses, etc) when using any equipment or chemical products.

9. I will maintain all equipment and household appliances in a safe working condition.  Action:  a) If it's not in like new condition... buy yourself a new one.  b) Inspect the electrical cords.  Replace any cracked, worn or frayed wiring.  NO electrical tape allowed.

10. I will promote safety by enforcing a safety attitude amongst my family and friends.  Action:  I will promote the saying that "Safety if a Life event, not just a work event."

 Picture of the Week

 Safety Tips for Holiday Parties 
 

1.First and most importantly! If you are going to consume any alcohol, pre-plan your transportation home (use a designated driver, arrange a Taxi, etc).  DO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE.

2.If you are the Host,

a.Plan accordingly for those that fail to pre-plan their transportation home (arrange for taxi's, overnight accommodation,  spare bedroom, etc.).

b.Arrange to keep Hot foods Hot.

c.Arrange to keep Cold foods Cold.

d.Plan for those with food allergies.

e.Keep fresh and cooked meats separate.

f.Maintain clear pathways to doors and emergency exits

g.Have a first Aid kit available

h.Secure the area of any trip and fall hazards

i.Keep an eye on your guest, limit or restrict alcohol as required.  If you plan on consuming alcohol, assign this task to someone else.

3.If you are the Guest,

a.Eat before you drink.

b.Only eat Hot foods that have been kept hot. 

c.Only eat cold foods that have been kept cold.

d.If there have been no efforts to maintain the foods proper temperature, don't eat it after it has been at room temperature for more than 2 hours..

e.Don't eat foods that are not properly displayed (fresh next to cooked).

f.Know where the emergency exits or doors are in the location that you are at.

g.Maintain control over your drink.  There are numerous known cases where people have been drugged at parties via their drink.

h.Keep an eye on your family and friends who may be drinking too much.  A successful night is when everyone makes it home safe!

4.If it is a workplace event,

a. Remember that all workplace rules regarding workplace harassment are in place and must be enforced by the Employer.   Ditch the Mistletoe.

b.It is strongly advised not to provide, make available or allow alcohol into the workplace.  More than likely it will result in you breaking your own workplace rules against bringing such items to work.

c.It is further strongly advised not to provide, make available or allow alcohol at parties held outside of the workplace.  One less thing for you to worry about.

d.If you do decide to provide, make available, or allow alcohol:

i.Plan accordingly for those that fail to pre-plan their transportation home (arrange for taxi's, overnight accommodation,  spare bedroom, etc.).

ii.Ensure that those Employees who are drinking are of the legal age to drink.

iii.Keep an eye on your guest, limit or restrict alcohol as required.  If you plan on consuming alcohol, assign this task to someone else.

e.Arrange to keep Hot foods Hot.

f.Arrange to keep Cold foods Cold.

g.Plan for those with food allergies.

h.Keep fresh and cooked meats separate.

i.Maintain clear pathways to doors and emergency exits.

j.Have a first Aid kit and trained first aiders available.

k.Secure the area of any trip and fall hazards.

5.Lastly, once again!  If you are going to consume any alcohol, pre-plan your transportation home ( use a designated driver, arrange a Taxi, etc).  DO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE

SafetyDude's Safety Tip of the Week

Christmas Lights Safety Tips

•  Use only lights that have been CSA approved.

•  Before using lights outdoors, check labels to be sure they have been certified for outdoor use.

•  Annually inspect each set of lights, new or old, for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections, and throw out damaged sets.

•  Always replace burned-out bulbs promptly with the same wattage bulbs.

•  Check lights before climbing ladders, step stools or working at heights (roofs).

•  Use no more than three standard-size sets of lights per single extension cord.

•  Make sure the extension cord is rated for the intended use.

•  Outdoor electric lights and decorations should be plugged into circuits protected by ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs).

•  Never use electric lights on a metallic tree. The tree can become charged with electricity from faulty lights, and a person touching a branch could be electrocuted.

•  Fasten outdoor lights securely to trees, house walls, or other firm supports to protect the lights from wind damage.

•  Stay away from power or feeder lines leading from utility poles.

•  Turn off all holiday lights when you go to bed or leave the house.

Picture of the Week

How NOT to hang outdoor lights

SafetyDude's Safety Tip of the Week

Christmas Tree Safety 

The Holiday season is fast approaching.  Unfortunately, during this time of year I remember the agony of responding as a volunteer firefighter to devasting house fires caused by the improper handling of live Christmas trees. 

If your family is accoustomed to live trees, please review the following safety tip.   Next week's tip will be on artificial trees and Christams tree decorations.

Live trees

1) Make sure your real tree is fresh.   Use the following three freshness tests:

• Branch Test - Draw the end of the branch (15 cm or 6 inches) through the cup of your hand. The needles should slide through your hand without coming off.
   
• Stump Test - Bang the stump end sharply on the ground. A freshly cut tree should not lose its green needles. Remember that conifers shed some of their needles almost constantly and some of these older yellow needles may still be lodged against the inner branches.
  
• Needle Test - Fold a needle back until the tip touches the stem making a circle. The needle should not break but should bounce back into shape unless it is frozen.

2) Make a fresh cut on the trunk of the tree before you place it in your tree stand. The cut will help the tree absorb water. About two centimetres from the bottom should do.

3)  Leave the tree outside — out of the wind and sun — until it's ready to decorate. Be sure to stand the tree in a bucket of water while it's waiting to be brought into the house.

4) Make sure the tree is watered every day. The tree can absorb four or five litres of water on the first day. Make sure the water tank is always full

5) Do not let the water level dip below the cut line. If you do, the cut will seal and the tree will stop absorbing water.

6) Secure the tree to keep it from tipping. Many of the newer "wide base" stands offer much more stability than older stands.

7) Don't whittle the base if the tree stand doesn't fit; that makes it harder for the tree to absorb water. Get a larger stand. Trim the lower branches if they prevent you from getting the trunk firmly planted in the base; cut limbs flush with the trunk, as you would if you were pruning a plant.

8) Keep tree away at least five feet away from floor heaters, fireplaces and other heat sources.  Do not block any windows or doors.

9) Remove the tree when needles begin to fall off in large quantities.

10) NEVER burn your tree in a fireplace. Most municipalities recycle Christmas trees, turning them into mulch.

Christmas Tree Fire Proofing

The following "Christmas Tree Fire Proofing Technique" has been kicking around for quite some time.   I use to send it out on an annual basis to the employees of the Companies that I worked for. Feedback was positive regarding the appearance and endurance of the tree.  To my knowledge, no one (thankfully) ever tested the fire rating of their tree.  The technique is still widely published on the internet.

You need :

2 cups of Karo syrup
2 ounces of liquid chlorine bleach
2 pinches of Epsom salt
1/2 teaspoon of Borax
1 teaspoon of chelated iron
Hot water
 

You can purchase the Karo syrup, Borax and liquid chlorine bleach from your supermarket. The Epsom salt can be purchased from the drug store and the chelated iron (pronounced key-lated) can be purchased from a garden shop or plant store.

Mix your fireproofing ingredients listed above. Fill a two-gallon bucketwith hot water to within one inch of the top and add the ingredients. Stir thoroughly, dissolving ingredients. Put to side.

With a saw, take your recently-purchased Christmas tree and make a fresh cut at the base on the tree trunk. Cut an inch off the base of the tree. Try to make a level cut.

Immediately stand the trunk of the tree in the solution and leave for 24 hours.

Keep the remaining solution. Place your tree in a tree stand that contains a well where liquids can be poured.

When the tree is in its final resting place, use a plastic cup to pour solution from the bucket into the tree well. Fill the well.

Every day without exception, the well of the tree stand must be "topped up" with the solution from the two-gallon bucket.

Follow these simple directions and your tree should be fireproofed. It may save your home and family from those fire tragedies we hear about around the holidays.

If you're curious, after Christmas when you remove your tree, snap off a branch and try to set it on fire, outdoors.

How does the solution work?

In a nutshell, the Karo syrup provides the sugar necessary to allow the base of the tree to take up water. Up to 1.5 gallons of water can be taken up by the tree over a two-week period. Boron in the Borax allows the tree to move the water and sugar out to every branch and needle in your tree. Magnesium compounds in the Epsom salt and iron from the chelated iron provide essential components for the production of chlorophyll which will keep the tree green. The bleach prevents mold from forming in your solution.

Some of the other beneficial side effects of this procedure are that the needles will not drop and you will notice an increase in natural pine fragrance.

Picture of the week

Instead of a picture of the week, I encourage each of you to go to "YOUTUBE' and investigate the various film clips regarding Christmas tree fires.  In particular the following three:

From the National Institute of Standards and Technology  (USA Dept. of Commerce)       

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IwBiZtfjioU

From The National Fire Protection Association and Underwriters Laboratories

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RNjO3wZDVlA

From BRE Global

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZLHhG65fLeY

SafetyDude's Safety Tip of the Week

Prepare your Home for Winter

Please follow these simple safety tips to prepare your home for our upcoming Canadian winter, and the severe conditions that frequently present themselves.

1) Have your heating system inspected by a certified licensed professional.

2) If you have a fireplace have it inspected and cleaned.

3) If you are in a rural setting and use propane or oil, ensure that you always have at least half a tank of fuel.

4) Ensure that all combustibles are at least five feet away from any sources of heat (don't forget the drapes and electric baseboard heaters)

5) Coordinate a back up source of heating the house (fireplace in case of furnace breakdown, etc).  Consider purchasing a generator.

6) If you didn't do so when the clocks changed, replace all the batteries in your carbon monoxide and smoke detectors with fresh NEW batteries at this time.

7) Ensure that all adults, teenagers, babysitters know where and how to turn off the gas, water and hydro supply to the house.

8) Trim trees that are are close to the house.  Particularly look for trees and branches that may fall across the power lines leading to the house.

9) Purchase a stock pile of ice-melt, sand, windshield washer fluid, snow shovels, etc. 

10) Always keep your cell phone charged.  Purchase a vehicle charger kit.

11) Know ahead of time what you should do to help elderly or disabled friends, family and neighbours that may require emergency assistance if the power goes off.

12) Prepare your winter emergency kit that includes:

 •battery radio
 •Flashlights with backup batteries
 •extra blankets
 •canned foods that can be eaten without cooking
 •non-electric can opener
 •Bottled water
 •Pet food
 •One weeks supply of all medications

Picture of the Week

Not a chance of finding me on a expedition here.

We have safety standards regarding shoring of ditches and trenches.  Why not these snow banks.

Prepare your vehicle for Winter driving

For those of you who know me well; you know just how much I love snow.  In my book it is a four letter word that isn't allowed to be used in my household.

For those of you who love the "stuff", I would be happy to request that my share gets dumped into your driveway instead of mine.

Unfortunately, though this great land of ours has four seasons.  One of which provides us with the white stuff.  Thus, representing a hazard to all of us when driving.

Before the #$%@ hits the road, let's all get our vehicles prepared.  Here are a few ideas:

1) Take your car to a mechanic and check out the following:

• battery
• antifreeze level
• thermostat
• heater
• brakes
• defroster

2) Install good winter tires.

• Make sure the tires have adequate tread.
• If the treads are worn, replace them.
• Better yet, exchange them for a set of snow tires such as Bridgestone Blizzaks, which have treads that provide better traction and are equipped to handle extreme winter driving conditions
  

3) Purchase winter wiper blades to cut through snow and ice instead of using regular ones throughout the year


4) Check the spray nozzles of your windshield-washer system.

• Sometimes, they get blocked by wax or debris. Use a needle or pin to clear blocked nozzles
• Watch out for freezing windshield wiper fluid. Make sure to purchase windshield wiper fluid that’s rated for cold temperatures
  

5) Visually inspect your vehicle’s lights.

• You’ll want to check all of your lights, including headlights, running lights, turn signals, brake lights, reverse lights and, perhaps most importantly in the winter, your emergency flashers.
  

6) Keep a windshield scraper and small broom for ice and snow removal.

7) Maintain at least a half tank of gas during the winter season.

8) Plan long trips carefully.

• Listen to the radio or check the internet for the latest road conditions.
• Always travel during daylight and, if possible, take at least one other person.
• Let someone know your timetable and primary and alternate routes.
  

9) Maintain your Cell Phone

• Have your cell phone with you.
• Keep your cell phone contacts up to date
• Make sure you have emergency numbers in your cell phone.
• Keep your cell phone charged.
• Keep a cell phone charger in the car. Test the charger regularly.
  

10) If you must go out during a winter storm, use public transportation.

11) Dress warmly. Wear layers of loose-fitting, layered, lightweight clothing.

12) Prepare a Winter Car Kit by keeping these items in your car:

• Flashlights with extra batteries.
• First aid kit with pocket knife.
• Necessary medications.
• Several blankets.
• Sleeping bags.
• Oversized Full Length Down Parka.
• Extra newspapers for insulation.
• Plastic bags (for sanitation).
• Matches.
• Extra set of mittens, socks, and a wool cap.
• Rain gear and extra clothes.
• Small sack of sand for generating traction under wheels.
• Small shovel.
• Small tools (pliers, wrench, screwdriver).
• Booster cables.
• Set of tire chains or traction mats.
• Cards, games, and puzzles.
• Brightly coloured cloth to use as a flag.
• Canned fruit and nuts.
• Non-electric can opener.
• Bottled water.

Picture of the Week

This is what happens when you fall asleep at the wheel.

Luckly, no one was seriously injured.

SafetyDude's Safety Tip of the Week

Halloween Safety Tips

While researching for this week's Safety Tip of the Week, I came across countless excellent websites with safety tips related to Halloween Safety.

I encourage you to take the time to explore these websites if you have "little ones", or teenagers that are going out trick or treating.

Below are some of the more unique Safety tips that I found and thought important to pass on.

• Makeup and face paint are safer than masks; if using a mask, choose one that allows your child to see and breathe easily.
  
  
• Look for costumes, beards and wigs labelled "Flame-Resistant" -- nylon or heavyweight polyester costumes are best. Flame Resistant does not mean 'fire proof'. Avoid costumes with baggy sleeves or flowing skirts to minimize the risk of contact with candles and other fire sources. Costumes made of flimsy materials have been found to burn more quickly when exposed to fire sources.
  
  
• Think twice before changing the colour of your eyes with cosmetic contact lenses. These cosmetic lenses should be used only under the supervision of an eye-care professional. In addition, wear time should be limited to the shortest duration possible. The lenses must never be worn while asleep, and cosmetic contact lenses should not be shared with others. If you should choose to wear these lenses, be certain that they are cleaned properly.
  
  
• Swords, knives and similar accessories should be made of soft, flexible material.
  
  
• Make your home safe for trick-or-treaters. Remove all objects around the outside of your house that could cause children to trip or fall. Turn your outside light on so children will know they can visit your home.
  
  
• Keep candles, jack-o-lanterns, matches and lighters in a place that children cannot reach.
  
  
• Halloween candles with multiple wicks close to one another are hazardous and should not be used. When lit they can produce a single high flame or several large flames close together resulting in intense heat and the danger of igniting nearby materials such as curtains or window sills.
  
  
• Keep pets inside and away from trick-or-treaters and lit candles, especially if they are easily frightened or become over-excited in the presence of strangers.
  
  
• If using decorative lights indoors or outdoors, use lights certified by a recognized organization such as the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) or the Underwriters' Laboratory of Canada (ULC or C-UL). Check lights for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires or loose connections. Discard damaged sets. Do not overload extension cords.
  
  
• Give children a snack or light dinner before they go out to help prevent them from munching while trick-or-treating. Don't send them out on an empty stomach! Throw away homemade candy or baked goods.

Picture of the Week

Nope !  Wouldn't catch me doing this.

He should be wearing a cut resistant glove (body suit???)