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Saturday, December 27, 2008

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

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Think Safety Before Swimming

Before Diving , Think :
* Neck and back injuries are common after diving incidents and can result in permanent paralysis.
* One of the major causes of spinal injuries is drinking and diving. Young men are at greatest risk.
* The majority of backyard pools are NOT designed for diving.
* Never dive into above ground pools.
* Think before you dive.
* Ensure water depth is at least 10 feet deep. Remember the depth of lakes or oceans can change due to tides or seasons.
* Ensure water is deep enough for the entire path of the dive, and that no rocks or debris are in the way. The length of a typical dive depends on a variety of factors, such as height of dive and size of diver.
Before Swimming , Think :
* Learn proper swimming and safety techniques.
* Be aware of your limitations. Don’t go beyond your ability.
* When swimming in the ocean, be aware of the tides and currents and keep an eye on the shifting weather patterns.
* Know the signs of hypothermia.
* Supervise children at all times.
* Fence backyard pools and ensure gates have self-locking latches.
* Communicate and post pool rules. Keep emergency equipment and first aid kits close at hand.

Forklif Accident / Blind Spot



Lesson learned:
1. Stop / parking a vehicle in a safe place
2. Make sure others see you
3. Signalman importance when moving equipment (avoid the blind spot)
4. The importance of a monitor camera (CCTV) as one of the protective system hardware

Sunday, December 14, 2008

THINK TOY SAFETY ...

knowing the nine toy dangers
...When buying toys
Choose toys with care. Keep in mind the child’s age, interests and skill level.
Look for quality design and construction in all toys for all ages.
Make sure that all directions or instructions are clear—to you and, when ppropriate, to the child. Plastic wrappings on toys should be discarded at once before they become deadly playthings.
Be a label reader. Look for and heed age recommendations, such as “Not recommended
for children under three.” Look for other safety labels including: “Flame retardant/Flame resistant” on fabric products and “Washable/hygienic materials” on stuffed toys and doll
...When maintaining toys
Check all toys periodically for breakage and potential hazards. A damaged or dangerous toy should be thrown away or repaired immediately. Edges on wooden toys that might have become sharp or surfaces covered with splinters should be sanded smooth. When repainting toys and toy boxes, avoid using leftover paint, unless
purchased recently, since older paints may contain more lead than new paint, which is regulated by CPSC. Examine all outdoor toys regularly for rust or weak parts that could become hazardous
...When storing toys
Teach children to put their toys safely away on shelves or in a toy chest after playing to prevent trips and falls. Toy boxes, too, should be checked for safety.
Use a toy chest that has a lid that will stay open in any position to which it is raised, and will not fall unexpectedly on a child. For extra safety, be sure there are ventilation holes for fresh air. Watch for sharp edges that could cut and hinges that could pinch or squeeze. See that toys used outdoors are stored after play— rain or dew can rust or damage a variety of toys and toy parts creating hazards.
Sharp Edges
New toys intended for children under eight years of age should, by regulation, be free of sharp glass and metal edges. With use, however, older toys may break, exposing cutting edges.
Small Parts
Older toys can break to reveal parts small enough to be swallowed or to become lodged in a child's windpipe, ears or nose. The law bans small parts in new toys intended for children under three. This includes removable small eyes and noses on stuffed toys and dolls, and small, removable squeakers on squeeze toys.
Loud Noises
Toy caps and some noisemaking guns and other toys can produce sounds at noise levels that can damage hearing. The law requires the following label on boxes of caps producing noise above a certain level: “WARNING— Donot fire closer than one foot to
the ear . Do not use indoors.” Caps producing noise that can injure a child’s hearing are banned.
Cords And Strings
Toys with long strings or cords may be dangerous for infants and very young children.
The cords may become wrapped around an infant’s neck, causing strangulation. Never hang toys with long strings, cords, loops, or ribbons in cribs or playpens where children can become entangled. Remove crib gyms from the crib when the child can pull up on hands and knees; some children have strangled when they fell across crib gyms stretched across the crib.
Sharp Points
Toys which have been broken may have dangerous points or prongs. Stuffed toys may have wires inside the toy which could cut or stab if exposed. A CPSC regulation prohibits sharp points in new toys and other articles intended for use by children under eight years of age.
Propelled Objects
Projectiles— guided missiles and similar flying toys—can be turned into weapons and
can injure eyes in particular. Children should never be permitted to play with adult lawn darts or other hobby or sporting equipment that have sharp points. Arrows or darts used by children should have soft cork tips, rubber suction cups or other protective tips intended to prevent injury. Check to be sure the tips are secure.
Avoid those dart guns or other toys which might be capable of firing articles not intended for use in the toy, such as pencils or nails.
All Toys Are Not For All Children
Keep toys designed for older children out of the hands of little ones. Follow labels that give age recommendations— some toys are recommended for older children because they may be hazardous in the hands of a younger child. Teach older children to help keep their toys away from younger brothers and sisters. Even balloons, when ninflated or broken, can choke or suffocate if young children try to swallow them. More children have suffocated on uninflated balloons and pieces of broken balloons than on any other type of toy.
Electric Toys
Electric toys that are improperly constructed, wired or misused can shock or burn.
Electric toys must meet mandatory requirements for maximum surface temperatures,
electrical construction and prominent warning labels. Electric toys with heating elements are recommended only for children over eight years old. Children should be taught to use electric toys properly, cautiously and under adult supervision.
Infant Toys
Infant toys, such as rattles,squeeze toys, and teethers,should be large enough so that they cannot enter and become lodged in an infant's throat.
OUR RESPONSIBILITY...
Under the Federal Hazardous Substances Act and the Consumer Product Safety Act, the Commission has set safety regulations for certain toys and other children’s articles. Manufacturers must design and manufacture their products to meet these regulations so that hazardous products are not sold.
YOUR RESPONSIBILITY...
Protecting children from unsafe toys is the responsibility
of everyone. Careful toy selection and
proper supervision of children at play is still—and
always will be—the best way to protect children
from toy-related injuries.

Friday, December 12, 2008

Think safety when walking

Recently, a neighbor asked me if I carry identification with me when I run. Because I have a regular running partner, I don't carry identification, but I do carry a cell phone.

But the question got me thinking about safety and reminded me that this is something to always consider. This is of even greater importance now with the time change as people exercising outside before or after work face increasing darkness.

Walking or running outside is one of the best ways to get a lift during the day and maintain health throughout the cold months. However, getting outside in the winter poses some unique challenges for maintaining an exercise program. Before you lace up your sneakers, let's discuss some important tips that can help ensure your safety.

Buddy Up: One of the best ways to increase safety is to find an exercise buddy. This is particularly important if you walk during the early morning or evening hours, when it is dark or if you exercise in rural areas.

Reflective Gear: Wearing reflective gear is essential for safety in the winter months. If you are out during hours of darkness, then you should wear reflective gear that increases your visibility to drivers. Most shoes have reflective materials built into the upper, but these are inadequate by themselves. Reflective vests, cuffs and hats are readily found at most sports or outdoor gear shops. Carrying a flashlight or using a headlamp can also increase visibility to on-coming vehicles.

Driver awareness: When using the roadways, do not assume that drivers see you or will give you the right of way. If there are no sidewalks, you should walk against traffic so that you can be aware of potential danger coming towards you. This is not true, however, for bicyclists who should always travel in the same direction as cars. (Also, by law, cyclists at night must have both a white front lamp and a rear red lamp on their bikes).

Be prepared: During the winter months, it is particularly important to be prepared for the elements. Be sure to dress appropriately for cooler weather. Obviously, if you are venturing into the back country in the winter, this is a matter of survival. But for closer-to-home activities, dressing right can be the difference between enjoyable exercise or a miserable outdoor experience. In order to exercise in icy conditions, consider purchasing ice and snow traction cleats. These anti-slip soles fit on the bottom of most shoes and can help prevent falls.

Communicate: Be sure to tell someone where you are going and what time you expect to return. Carrying a cell phone is always a good idea, but it is not a good idea to rely solely on a cell phone as you may not have coverage in the area.

Be aware of your environment: Finally, before heading out, be sure to evaluate the safety of your route and prepare accordingly. Do not wear headphones as they prevent you from hearing oncoming traffic or someone coming up behind you. Being aware of your surroundings is absolutely essential to your safety.

(Jenny Nixon Carter is the executive director of the Rutland Physical Activity Coalition For more information on the coalition visit www.rapac.info)

Think safety when decorating house

The Glendale Fire Department hopes you all had a happy and safe Thanksgiving Day.

It's the time of year when many of us barely have time to enjoy a cold turkey sandwich before thinking about holiday lights and Christmas trees.
Glendale Fire wants to remind you of the importance of safety as you begin decorating your home.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, on average, Christmas trees are the ignition source of approximately 300 U.S. home fires each year, resulting in 14 fatalities, 21 injuries and $16.8 million in property damage.

The association reports that 44 percent of Christmas tree fires are caused by an electrical problem or malfunction.

Here are some safety tips from the Glendale Fire Department and the NFPA:


• Make sure that electrical cords are in good working order.
• If you put up a real Christmas tree, regularly check for fresh, green needles. Remember to keep your tree watered at all times and make sure it is at least three feet from fireplaces, radiators, space heaters, heating vents and other sources of heat. Don't place the tree where it blocks an exit.
• Ensure outside lights, decorations and extension cords are rated for outside use.
• Carefully inspect each electrical decoration - new or old - before plugging it in.
• Don't use staples or nails to hang light strings.
• Test all smoke alarms.
• Create and practice your home escape plans.

Season's greetings from every member of the Glendale Fire Department.

Firefighter Daniel T. Valenzuela is the public information officer for the Glendale Fire Department. E-mail your questions to him at askafirefighter@glendaleaz.com.