ESFI, LPI Urge Awareness of Lightning Safety

Lightning strikes the United States as many as 20 million times each year. Because lightning traditionally causes more deaths than tornadoes or hurricanes and occurs when outdoor activity reaches a peak, the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) and the Lightning Protection Institute (LPI) are reminding consumers and those who work outdoors of these lightning safety guidelines.

Lack of awareness about what to do during thunderstorms seems to be a factor in many lightning injuries and deaths," noted Michael G. Clendenin, executive director of ESFI.

"lightData from the National Weather Service shows that lightning strikes are fatal in approximately 10 percent of strike victims. Another 70 percent of survivors suffer serious long-term effects.

Outdoors is the most dangerous place to be during a lightning storm. Because lightning can travel sideways for up to 10 miles, blue skies are not a sign of safety. If you hear thunder, take cover. For protection in homes and buildings, consider contracting with an experienced LPI-certified lightning protection specialist to install a lightning protection system, which can intercept lightning strikes and guide the current harmlessly to the ground.

"The LPI certifies individuals through a Master Installer testing program to maximize safety through education," says Bud VanSickle, executive director of the Lightning Protection Institute. "LPI-certified specialists are trained in accordance with national safety standards of LPI, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and Underwriters Laboratories (UL)."

ESFI and the Lightning Protection Institute (LPI) recommend following these guidelines to stay safe during electrical storms:

* If outdoors, go inside. Look for a shelter equipped with a lightning protection system.
* Go to a low point. Lightning hits the tallest object. Get down if you are in an exposed area.
* Stay away from trees.
* Avoid metal. Don't hold metal items, including bats, golf clubs, fishing rods, tennis rackets or tools. Avoid clotheslines, poles and fences.
* If you feel a tingling sensation or your hair stands on end, lightning may be about to strike. Crouch down and cover your ears.
* Stay away from water. This includes pools, lakes, puddles and anything damp, such as wet poles or grass.
* Don't stand close to other people. Spread out.
* Once indoors, stay away from windows and doors.
* Do not use corded telephones except for emergencies.
* Unplug electronic equipment before the storm arrives and avoid contact with electrical equipment or cords during storms.
* Avoid contact with plumbing, including sinks, baths and faucets. Do not take baths and showers during electrical storms.
* Don't forget pets during thunderstorms. Doghouses are not lightning-safe. Dogs that are chained can easily fall victim to a lightning strike.

Victims of lightning strikes should be given CPR if necessary, and seek medical attention. For protection in homes and buildings, consider contracting with an experienced LPI-certified lightning protection specialist to install a lightning protection system, which can intercept lightning strikes and guide the current harmlessly to the ground.

LPI recommends contacting local lightning protection specialists for more information; or visit their website at www.lightning.org. For more information on electrical safety, visit ESFI's website at www.electrical-safety.org.

Founded in 1994 through a joint effort between Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL), the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) is North America’s only non-profit organization dedicated exclusively to promoting electrical safety in the home, school and workplace. ESFI is a 501(c)(3) organization funded by electrical manufacturers and distributors, independent testing laboratories, utilities, safety and consumer groups, and trade and labor associations. ESFI sponsors National Electrical Safety Month each May, and engages in public education campaigns and proactive media relations to help reduce property damage, personal injury and death due to electrical accidents. The Foundation does not engage in code or standard writing or lobbying and does not solicit individuals.

The LPI is a nationwide not-for-profit organization founded in 1955 to promote lightning protection education, awareness and safety. LPI's membership includes architects, engineers, safety directors, scientists, manufacturers and installers who improve safety through lightning protection. LPI recommends contacting local lightning protection specialists for more information; or visit their website at www.lightning.org.

-- Michael Clendenin.
SOURCE HERE

Hypothermia

• Hypothermia begins when our core body temperature drops below 36 ºC.
• Hypothermia can be life threatening and must always be treated immediately.
Signs & Symptoms :
Mild Hypothermia
Shivering, Loss Of co-ordination, Confusion, Urge To Urinate
Severe Hypothermia
Shivering Ceases, Stumbling, Irrational Behaviour, Slow Irregular Heartbeat.
Do Not
Do Not Leave The Victim Alone.
Do Not Warm Victim With Hot Water
Do Not Give Victim Hot Liquids, Alcohol, Or Anything By Mouth
Do Not Allow The Victim To Move
Do Not Rub Or Manipulate The Extremities.
What to do
Minimise Further Heat Loss
Cover With Coats, Blankets, Survival Bag Etc.
If the victims clothing is wet then carefully remove it first.
Insulate Victim From Cold Floors Surfaces Etc.
If The Victim Is In Danger And Must Be Moved Do So Gently,
Keeping The Victim In A Horizontal Position.
Raise The Alarm - Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Frostbite
Frostbite occurs when the water in our skin tissue crystallizes and freezes causing abnormal function
and sensations.
Your Toes, Nose, Fingers and Ears are
most commonly at risk.
• Signs & Symptoms :
Cold, numb, or painful skin that becomes hard and waxy,
or white, as pain progresses.
Do Not
1. Do Not Rub Affected Area
2. Do Not Break Blisters
3. Do Not Give Victim Stimulants (Alcohol, Coffee, Tobacco)
4. Do Not Leave Victim Alone (Frostbite can lead to Hypothermia !)
5. Do Not Immerse Affected Body Part In Hot Water to re-warm, and Never use radiant heating (e.g. fire, radiators etc.), or dry heating (e.g. warming plate).
What to do
1. Move Victim To A Warm Area & Seek Medical Attention If Available.
2. Wrap Affected Body Part In Warm (37 ºC) Towels, or Put Affected Body Parts In Warm Water (37 ºC) Until Skin Becomes Flushed.
3. Alternatively, Re Warm The Affected Area By Skin - Skin Contact With A Non Injured Area Of The Victim, Or Another Person.
4. After Warming Keep Fingers & Toes Separated with Gauze.
5. Provide Warm / Sweet Fluids If Victim Is Awake
6. If Normal Sensations Have Not Returned Within 30 Mins Seek Immediate Professional Medical Attention.
7. Aftercare :
8. After First Aid Treatment it is advisable to seek Professional Medical attention in all cases.

Welding Explosion—The Case of the Cracked Fuel Tank

Case Study
Let’s Talk About Welding Hazards
 Welder’s flash
 Exposure to fumes and gases
 Explosions or fires
 Electric shock
 Asphyxiation
Take a Look at the Facts
 Experienced welder
 Assigned to weld crack in empty fuel tank
 Diesel fuel tank had been removed that morning
 Welder did not personally inspect tank before commencing his work
 At 7:30 a.m., welder struck an arc on the tank
 Tank exploded away from welder Fractures to jaw, wrist, and hand
 Hospitalized for 4 days
What Do You Think Went Wrong?
 Why do you think the tank exploded?
 Is it important to inspect fuel tanks before welding?
 Is it important to always clean a tank of fuel and fumes before welding it? Why?
 Who should ensure the tank has been cleaned?
 Do you think “assumptions” or “miscommunication” contributed?
 Does the company need a written procedure?
Let’s Review the Causes
 Fuel tank not cleaned
 Fuel tank removed that morning
 Tank still contained diesel vapors
 Shop foreman did not communicate that tank needed cleaning
 Welder did not personally inspect tank
 Welder not trained to clean tanks first
Safe Welding Practices
 Read and follow your company’s safety policy for welding
 Always wear proper personal protective equipment
 Clear the area of combustible objects
 Inspect your equipment
 Inspect your work before starting
 Clean and flush tanks or drums
Protective Clothing
 Fire-retardant clothing with no cuffs or pockets
 Flameproof skull cap
 Eye and face protection with filter lens
 Fire-resistant gauntlet gloves
 Protective boots
Don’t Let It Happen to You
 Clean fuel tanks or drums
 Allow fuel tank to “breathe”
 Inspect work before starting a job
 Make sure you are trained on the job requirements
 Never assume and always communicate

from OSHA Accident Case Studies.

Working At Height

Working at height has always been a hazardous business …
Gravity had much the same strength in the 1930’s as it has now …
Then, as now, limbs were just as prone to break in a fall
vital organs to tear and crush …
skulls - to crack …
brains - to splatter …






Dowload Training Material about Working at Height here :
1. HES Leader - Working At Height
2. Working at Height - Corning
3. Work At Height

think safety before drinking hot water

Be careful when drinking hot tea in the morning and in the afternoon.
The mouth and tongue will be burned when the drink is too hot