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The Human Element to Safety- Behavior Based Safety

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Technology has made it easier for us to implement practical and functional safety measures within numerous industries. This however will never fully eliminate the human element in maintaining safe working environments.

There is a school of thought centered around “Behavior-based Safety” which is ‘the application of the science of behavior change to real-world safety problems.’

It essentially uses safety observations to regulate and identify the strengths and weaknesses within safety programs of any organization. In addition to the policies of the company, the safety technology, and programs, regular monitoring of the employees’ safety behavior and their integrated feedback of the policies and practices within the workplace, work in tandem to create environments that are secure, safe, and efficient for those who have to operate within them.

Behavior-based Safety involves collecting measurable data from observable behavior such as what you see, hear or experience among the employees regarding their approach to safety measures. You should focus on behavior that is within the control of the employees and has positive or corrective outcomes.

Using this data, you should then set goals that will positively impact the overall safety of the organization and the safety mentality of the employees.

Within BBS, there is the “ABC Model.” 

-Antecedent means “something that comes before” 

-Behavior is the action or pattern which comes about because of the situation 

-Consequences are the outcomes that result from the behavior.

Using this model, you can gather the data necessary to look not only at the environment and safety protocols but also the human contribution to a safe or unsafe environment. It aids in the facilitation of change by minimizing the consequences that occur and guides it from negative reinforcement towards positive outcomes.

To help you further understand the above, let’s look at two companies, one which doesn’t incorporate BBS practices and one which does:

Both are faced with the following scenario (the antecedent) - the organization has a safety policy in place regarding the use of gloves when operating the machinery, however, they observe that their employees are frequently found flouting the policies (the behavior) and not using the gloves where required. One employee already received a partial cut from nicking their hand on the edge of the machinery (the consequences). After a meeting with the safety committee of the company, the goal identified is to have the employees meeting the requirements of wearing their gloves.

In company 1, which doesn’t incorporate BBS practices, the supervisor does not hesitate to write up six employees for not wearing the gloves required in an attempt to enforce the rules. They did so indiscriminately and without discussing with the employees why there was careless behavior towards wearing the gloves.

Company 1 now has several employees who have blemishes upon their record (negative outcomes) and it has affected team morale. On top of this, the safety issue regarding the gloves remains, as employees wear the gloves after being reprimanded but their adherence to the rule only lasts a short while before offending again.

In Company 2, where they have incorporated BBS to work with their safety policies, the supervisor has noticed that six employees who operate the machinery do not wear gloves as they should. The supervisor approaches them, explains the risk and policies again, and asks the employees why they are not adhering to the safety rules. The response is that the gloves are bulky and made it awkward to operate the machinery, which in turn led to a higher safety risk when compared to not wearing the gloves at all.

With this feedback, Company 2 was able to acquire less bulky gloves that offered similar protection to the previous brand (positive outcome). This impacts the behavior of the six employees moving forward, as the employees felt heard and involved with maintaining safety practices which directly impacted their job. They made a point of ensuring they wore the gloves and even reminded others if they saw slips in this safety procedure. 

In summary, after observing the negative behavior of not wearing the gloves and seeking to address the reason behind the behavior, rather than focusing only on enforcing safety policies by hook or crook, Company 2 was able to moderate the risk of the human behavior thwarting the safety practices and standards of the company. 

It is important to note that BBS is not about seeking out who to blame nor is it about placing sole responsibility for safety incidents upon the shoulders of the employees. Rather, it can be argued that it is about creating an environment of open communication, where all members are safety aware and working together to reduce risks.

Behavior-based Safety is adaptable to each company to work concurrently with your organization’s safety measures - it incorporates understanding your company structure, culture, and specific needs.

To learn more about Behavior-based Safety, check here: https://bit.ly/3yZEcZX

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Safety Supply Co. Inc. is the leading supplier of safety solutions and products in Barbados. Visit www.safetysupplco.com or contact us at 246.426.4935 or info@safetysupplyco.com.

 

See Clearly with Eye Safety

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Our eyes are exceedingly delicate and susceptible to injury while on the job. As a result, they require the same level of care and protection as our hands and feet when on the job.

Your eyes are susceptible to injury such as: 

  • Irritation
  • Abrasions, cuts, and punctures
  • Burns
  • Eye strain and fatigue
  • Dryness

These injuries can be caused by a variety of threats, depending on your environment. These threats may include:

  • Chemicals
  • Dirt and debris
  • Chips and shavings
  • Compressed air
  • Bright lights 
  • Screen glare

Safety specs/glasses, goggles, face shields, and full-face helmets are all examples of eye protection. Each of these can be categorized for use into three categories of impact- low, medium, and high.

Low impact environments have risks for injuries such as irritation, abrasions, and eye strain. These types of environments may contain dust, debris, the opportunity to be hit in the eye, or poor lighting. You should use safety specs, goggles, and shields within this environment.

Medium impact environments have a higher chance of risk for the same injuries as the low impact environments, as well as punctures. These environments include tasks where you may be dealing with electrical, grinding, construction, or metalwork. You should use safety specs with side shields, goggles (eyecup and wide vision), and face shields.

High impact environments include the use of explosive power tools and chemicals. You should use full-face protection and goggles.

Some basic emergency first aid tips for dealing with eye injuries include:

  • If you get a cut or puncture, do not rub, wash or flush the eye. Just gently cover it with an eye pad and secure it with tape, before going to the hospital.
  • If you get dust or particles in your eye, do not rub your eye, simply flush it with clean water.
  • If you get a chemical splash within your eye, continually flush the eye out with clean water for 15 minutes. You may need to hold the eye open with clean fingers to ensure you flush the eye properly. (For workplaces that deal with chemicals, you should have an eyewash station in the event of any emergency.)

Office workplaces, unlike manufacturing and technical vocations, may not always demand or require eye safety equipment such as safety specs or goggles; yet this type of environment poses its own set of hazards for your eyes. For example, you are susceptible to eye strain from the lighting of your office and even the glare from your digital devices.

Here are some best practices you can utilize to reduce the risk to your eyes in the office.

  • Make sure your office has adequate lighting. Instead of fluorescent lighting, use natural illumination whenever possible.
  • If you are unable to control the type of lighting in your office, you can get a desk lamp with a natural lightbulb and turn off some of the overhead lightings. 
  • Cut the glare from your computer/laptop screens by adjusting the brightness. Ideally, if possible, adjust it to the same level as the lighting in your surroundings.
  • Keep your computer screen at least 20-26 inches away from your face and below eye level.
  • Practice the 20-20-20 rule, where every 20 minutes you look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
  • Don't use your computer with your screen facing a window because the light from the outside will cause glare on your screen, and don't use it backing a window since your eyes will have to deal with two types of light – your screen and the light from the window, making your eyes work overtime to constantly adjust between the two. Your workstation should be parallel to the windows for the best results.
  • Don’t forget to blink. As funny as it sounds, we tend to blink less when staring at the computer and this can lead to dry eyes which can cause irritation, as blinking helps to moisten your eyes. You can avoid this by blinking 10 times slowly every 20 minutes to moisten your eyes.

Remember to protect your future by protecting your eyes (and other extremities!) 

Safety Supply Co. has a range of safety specs, goggles, face protection, and eyewash stations. Visit www.safetysupplco.com or our Hartsdale House location in Whitepark Road, St. Michael to get the right eye protection equipment for you.

 

Ergonomic Safety-Are You Practicing It Within Your Workplace?

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Ergonomic Safety. It sounds like an intimidating term, however, at its core, it’s basic safety considerations for any workplace.

Before we dive into breaking down this term, let me ask you, have you ever considered the following questions in relation to your employees’ working environment?

  • Are employees sitting in chairs which are at an appropriate height for their hands to reach their desk without placing strain on their wrists, forearms or shoulders?
  • Did employees receive training on the proper ways to lift and carry heavy objects within their job?
  • Are employees working with equipment that is comfortable to use and appropriate for the job?

If yes, well done! These are basic, preliminary questions which all have to deal with Ergonomic Safety within the workplace and if you haven’t considered the above or similar questions before, maybe it’s time to do so.

What is Ergonomic Safety?

According to OSHA, it is the science of fitting workplace conditions and job demands to the capabilities of the working population. It encompasses best practices for the environment, the equipment used, and the processes to be followed.

Why is Ergonomic Safety important?

This type of safety focuses on reducing risks to the health and well-being of any employee which can develop over long term interaction with uncomfortable and unsuitable work environments.

One of the major risks to health and well-being would be Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs). Regardless of whichever industry you are in, there is always a risk of being afflicted by Musculoskeletal Disorders as these disorders can affect the muscles, nerves, blood vessels, ligaments and tendons.

Office workers can acquire MSDs due to their sedentary lifestyle, while workers with physically demanding jobs can be afflicted with MSDs due to the strain their body undergoes to perform on the job.

Some of the conditions which can be developed are:

  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
  • Tendonitis.
  • Muscle / Tendon strain.
  • Ligament Sprain.
  • Tension Neck Syndrome.
  • Thoracic Outlet Compression.
  • Rotator Cuff Tendonitis.

Proper implementation of ergonomic safety measures reduces the risk of being afflicted with a MSD, increases productivity, and assists with employee satisfaction and retention.

How can you implement Ergonomic Safety within your organization?

Companies which have focused on ergonomic safety have reported decreases in absenteeism, reductions in compensation pay, increased quality of work, production and more. This was attributed to a model of implementation which involved employee buy-in on what would make their work environment or their jobs easier to produce the best results.

Ergonomic safety can be practiced within any working environment including offices, warehouses, kitchens, factories, construction sites, etc.

Here are some tips and resources to help you create an ergonomically safe environment for your workplace which would benefit both the company and the employees.

  • Firstly, it requires a conversation between management and the employees working the job to ascertain if there are any challenges regarding effectively and safely carrying out their various tasks. This conversation should cover how comfortable the employees are within their work environment, if the tools are adequate for the job and if there are any potential health or safety challenges which can be foreseen and dealt with before becoming major issues.
  • Develop a safety plan which can include the following:
    • Management commitment
    • Labour and management accountability
    • Employee involvement
    • Hazard identification and control
    • Accident investigation
    • Employee training
  • Some areas of consideration for ergonomic safety focus could include:
    • For office workers:
      • Adequate breaks away from the computer and sitting
      • Appropriate height to reduce pressure on joints and back
      • Good air quality indoors
      • Ample space for everyone within the office to operate
      • Proper lunch/break room
  • For production workers:
    • Proper training in their area/for lifting/ for safety measures
    • Correct and suitable tools to get the job done
    • An appropriate amount of breaks
    • Workstations at an appropriate height
    • Suitable safety equipment
  • Establish set protocols for reporting, hazard control, monitoring and evaluation
  • Create, support, and maintain safety committees within the workplace, comprising of both management and employee representatives to manage the safety, health, and well-being of the workplace.

Check out these additional resources here, here, and here, which can help develop an ergonomic safety mindset within your organization:

Visit Safety Supply Co. at www.safetysupplyco.com to find safety equipment which can help you to create a safe and comfortable workplace for all.

Preventative Maintenance…Is it Really Necessary?

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The main purpose of any type of maintenance is to ensure that when you utilize your equipment it functions properly, while posing the least amount of risk to the operator's health and safety.

While this post is focused on Preventative Maintenance, there are three main types of maintenance or servicing for your safety equipment, of which you should be aware. These are:

  1. Predictive Maintenance(PdM)- This is maintenance that is conducted after assessing the data on your equipment, to determine if the requirements are met for servicing to occur. For instance, you may have a pallet truck that has been used continuously for one year, lifting near or at capacity each time. Based on the data garnered from the length of time and frequency of use, the conditions may be met for the pallet truck to require servicing to prevent any major breakdown of the equipment.
  1. Corrective Maintenance(CM)- This is maintenance or servicing which occurs after an issue has been discovered with the equipment. An example of this is your pallet truck breaking down and having to fix it afterward.
  1. Preventative Maintenance(PM)- This type of maintenance requires routine checks and repairs upon your safety tools or equipment, before encountering a problem. It requires you to be proactive against possible long-term and highly damaging issues, rather than being reactive to solve those issues after they occur.

There are two types of Preventative Maintenance, which guide how often you should be carrying out these checks. These are:

  1. Time-based: This is a time-bound series of checks, where the timeframe to check your equipment has been predicted using the life span of the parts or the average usage of the various equipment/tools. This type of PM is usually set by an industry standard or the manufacturer of the equipment. For example, the industry standard or protocols for anyone owning a fire extinguisher is to have it checked (serviced) annually, whether that piece of equipment has been used or not within that year. This ensures that there are no rusty, broken, cracked etc. parts which could hinder the object from functioning when it is needed.
  1. Usage-based: This is maintenance that is conducted when the equipment has reached a certain amount of “measurable use,” at which time maintenance would be required. For example-gained x number of miles/hours/etc. and may need servicing because of the wear and tear which is estimated to have occurred up until that point. 

With usage-based preventative maintenance, there is also an aspect that utilizes more of a personal assessment of when to service your equipment. This considers how often and in what way the equipment is used, which may provide a reason to service before the recommended miles, hours, etc. For instance, a pallet truck that must traverse across a gravelled car park to get to the storage bay may need its wheels replacing sooner than the recommended mileage as gravel will wear down the wheel faster than a smooth warehouse floor.

When engaging in Preventative Maintenance, there are four main actions which must be undertaken. These are:

  • Inspection- regularly examine the equipment that is being used.
  • Detection- identify if there are potential threats to the smooth operation of the equipment.
  • Correction- take steps towards fixing the threat before it becomes a major problem.
  • Prevention- if you regularly inspect, keep maintenance records and be mindful of the kind of use the equipment endures, you can be proactive in avoiding threats or issues developing.

Of the three types of maintenance or servicing, PM is considered to be the most expensive and inconvenient due to the rate at which it can occur. However, these aspects are manageable through practice of the above 4 actions, an effective maintenance schedule and properly kept records.

While it is considered costly and time consuming to engage in preventative maintenance, it still may not equate to the costs and losses which can occur from fixing or replacing major equipment failure or the potential risks to health and safety from failure to carry out maintenance.

Overall, Preventative Maintenance is a necessary function for any equipment that you use within your business or home to ensure its longevity and safe usage by the operators.

At Safety Supply Co. we have a Service Department, where if you have purchased fire safety equipment, pallet trucks, and/or water pumps from our company, we can professionally service your equipment for you. Contact us today via calling 246.426.4935 or via email to service@safetysupplyco.com.

Are You Hurricane Ready?

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June 1st is the start of hurricane season. Hurricanes are a serious weather phenomenon, which can cause severe damage to the environment, infrastructure, and economy. Early hurricane preparedness is essential to minimize risk during and after a hurricane.

 

There are different hurricane categories and terms you need to be aware of during the hurricane season:

 

·        Hurricane Watch- This means that potential hurricane conditions could occur within 24-36 hours

·        Hurricane Warning- Hurricane conditions are expected within 24 hours or less

·        Category 1- Winds range from 75-94 mph and some property damage can be expected.

·        Category 2- Winds range from 96-110 mph and may cause extensive damage to property and the environment. Increased danger to persons from debris that has been picked up by the wind.

·        Category 3- Winds range from 111-120 mph, and devastating damage will occur, high risk for death and property damage.

·        Category 4- Winds range from 130-156 mph, and catastrophic damage will occur to property, environment, and a high potential for loss of life

·        Category 5- Winds over 157 or higher and catastrophic damage will occur to property, environment, infrastructure, and high risk of loss of life in people and livestock.

 

In preparation for the hurricane season, you should determine the risks likely to affect you if a hurricane should strike.

 

Assess the vulnerability of your property (home, car, boats, business) and identify the areas to be strengthened. During a hurricane, the risks can include damage from high winds, flooding, and storm surges. 

 

You should also be aware of whether your home is located within an evacuation zone and secure your home accordingly.

 

If you need to evacuate your home, all members of your family should be aware of the evacuation plan. This plan should include the name of the shelter you would need to evacuate to, the route you intend to take, and contact numbers for family and close friends. Remember to include the care of your pets within your evacuation plan.

 

Keep your emergency kit packed and your home stocked with emergency supplies. These should include:

 

  • Canned Food and Drinking Water for approximately two weeks per person within the household
  • Prescription medication and dietary requirements for at least two weeks for those who need them
  • Extra Batteries
  • Portable Chargers 
  • Gas
  • Cash (do not rely on your ATM cards in case the power is down)
  • First Aid Kit
  • Rain Gear
  • Flashlights
  • Reflective Vests
  • Manual Can Opener
  • Plastic Tarp
  • Face Masks
  • Fire Extinguisher
  • Personal Hygiene Products 
  • Toiletries (including sanitizer, antibacterial wipes)
  • Sleeping bag or blankets (in case you need to evacuate to a shelter)
  • Candles and matches

 

If you have infants and/or pets, include:

 

  • Diapers
  • Formula
  • Bottles
  • Wipes
  • Pet Supplies (bowls, leash, etc.)
  • Pet Food

 

Part of your preparation should include ensuring that your insurance policies for your home, car, etc., are up to date and that you know what your policy covers. 

Remember, proper preparation reduces the risk to yourself, your family, your home, or your business.

 

You can visit Safety Supply Co. online at www.safetysupplyco.com to view our range of emergency supplies to help you get started or complete your hurricane supplies kit. 

Mask vs. Respirator: What’s the Difference?

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While on the job, you should take precautions to protect your respiratory health, as failure to do so may lead to complications further down the line- ranging from the difficulty of breathing to possible cancer of the lungs.

 

Wearing a mask or respirator is a requirement for your health and safety when working in environments that produce large amounts of dust or dangerous vapours. Hence, choosing the correct mask or respirator is crucial to your well-being.

 

What’s the difference between a mask and a respirator? 

 

  • A mask is offers one way protection by creating a barrier around the mouth and nose to stop the user from expelling fluids or germs into the atmosphere.

  • An “air-purifying*” respirator provides a tight seal around the user’s face while filtering and purifying the air entering and leaving the respirator. 

 

(*There are also “supplied air” respirators, which provide air to the user from compressed air tanks, however, this post will not include this type of respirator.)

 

Masks are mainly effective against particles and are not effective against gases or vapours, whereas a respirator prevents particles, gases, and vapours from affecting the user.

 

A mask captures dust and particles within the material ensuring that substances and bacteria are not shared. If you find that you have difficulty breathing after wearing a mask for some time, that could be an indicator that it needs replacing- as the particles remain trapped on the surface and can stifle airflow. 

 

Masks are usually disposable, which means that they are not designed for multiple or long term uses and are most effective when they fit properly around the user’s mouth and nose.

 

A respirator can be both reusable and disposable. The reusable respirator utilizes filters and cartridges to offer protection against particles and gases. The filter traps particles from the air, while cartridges absorb any gases or vapours. With reusable respirators, you have:

 

  • Half Face Respirators: This type of respirator includes Safety Supply Co.’s 3m Double Respirator W/ 6003 Cartridge. These reusable respirators fit tightly around your mouth and nose. They are best suited for work environments where the user will be exposed to hazardous fumes or particles, such as when painting, within the agricultural sector, and construction.

  • Full Face Respirators: This type of respirator includes Safety Supply Co.’s 3M Full Face Respirator W/ 6003 Cartridge. These respirators fit around the edge of the face or the head of the user, providing eye, nose, and skin protection while filtering and purifying the air. These are best suited for persons who work within chemical environments - where they are not only exposed to dangerous fumes but potentially hazardous material that could pose a threat to the well-being of the eyes or skin.

 

Most filters and cartridges do not have a set shelf life- the need to change them depends upon how many particles or chemicals have been trapped within the material. If you have difficulty breathing or begin to smell the chemicals strongly through the respirator that is a good indicator that it is time to change your filters or cartridges.

 

Now that you know the difference, you need to know whether your mask or respirator meets the standard for your industry. 

 

The standard indicates the degree to which the mask is effective. For instance, a commonly seen standard is “N95,” which signifies that the mask effectively filters 95% of all particles which are 0.3 microns in diameter or larger.

 

You can view a list of the various standards here.

 

It’s important to note that depending on the region the product hails from, the standards written may look different but have the same efficiency-a mask that has a KN95 is a Chinese standard and is equivalent to a N95 mask which is a NIOSH USA standard, both will filter 95% of all particles.

 

It would be negligent not to mention the masks utilized for protection against the spread of Covid-19. Some masks may reach a standard such as N95 but will have a warning stating “not for medical use.” This does not mean that they will be ineffective against protecting you from the spread of Covid-19, it simply means that while they are effective at filtering particles, they are not effective against an onslaught of fluids that one may be exposed to within the medical field, such as blood. 

 

If you will be using a “not for medial use” mask in your daily life and not in a medical environment, it will offer sufficient protection against spreading Covid-19.

 

If you are looking for either a mask or respirator, Safety Supply Co. has a wide range from which you can choose. Visit www.safetysupplyco.com to get a mask or respirator to protect your respiratory health.

Fire Extinguishers-Know Their Differences!

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As with all jobs, you need the right tools to get the job done. This also applies to extinguishing a fire.

There are various classes of fires:

  • Class A- combustible materials like paper and wood
  • Class B- flammable liquids like paint and petrol
  • Class C- flammable gases like methane
  • Class D- flammable metals like potassium
  • Electrical- electrical equipment like computers
  • Class F- deep fat fryers

Using the wrong equipment in extinguishing a fire can be detrimental and result in adding more fuel to the fire rather than diminishing the blaze. That’s why knowing the different types of extinguishers and the classes of fires they are suitable for is important, as no one fire extinguisher will cover all classes of fire.

The types of fire extinguishers are:

  • Water
  • Foam
  • Dry Powder
  • CO2

Water Extinguishers

This is the most used fire extinguisher for Class A fires and is not suitable for kitchen fires, flammable liquids, gasses, or electrical.

You may be required to have a water extinguisher if your building is constructed out of wood or organic materials, or if those materials can be found on the premises. The extinguisher should be located near the exit or where the fire risk has been identified. 

This extinguisher works by giving the fuel a cooling effect, causing it to burn slower until the flames are terminated.  In addition to the normal jet nozzle, there are also spray and mist nozzles. 

The spray nozzle covers a wider area of flames to accelerate terminating the fire and the mist nozzle releases microscopic water particles to suffocate the fire and creates a wall of mist between the fire and the operator reducing the heat exposure of the individual.

Foam Extinguishers

This type of extinguisher is used mainly for Class B fires but can also be used for Class A as the foam is water-based. It can be used for organic material such as paper, coal, and flammable liquids such as paint and petrol. However, it should not be used for kitchen fires, electrical equipment, or flammable metals.

This extinguisher has a cooling effect on fuel and with flammable liquids, and it creates a barrier between the flame and the fuel to extinguish the fire.

As with a water extinguisher, you may be required to have a foam extinguisher if the building is constructed of wood or organic materials and flammable liquids can be found on the property. These should be located near exits where the Class A or B fire risks have been identified.

Dry Powder Extinguishers

The dry powder extinguisher can tackle Class A, B, and C fires, which is why they are commonly called the ABC extinguisher.

This extinguisher can be used for fires involving organic material such as wood or paper, flammable liquids and gases like liquid petroleum gas (LPG), and some electrical hazards up to 1000v.

These extinguishers should be located between the fire risk and the exit and should be installed in places using flammable gases, such as at welding workstations, and at gas stations.

CO2 Extinguishers

These are used for electrical fires and can also extinguish Class B fires. These should not be used to put out fires involving paper, wood, kitchen fires (especially pan fires), or flammable metals.  They are also best suited for sterile locations and rooms housing sensitive equipment. Co2 is a clean gas and leaves no residue, so cleanup is easy.

These extinguishers should be found in places with electrical equipment such as server rooms, electrical panels, laboratories and offices.

Visit Safety Supply Co’s website here: https://safetysupplyco.com/shop/fire-equipment/fire-extinguishers to view our range of fire extinguishers. You can also contact us at 426-4935 to speak to our Service Department about free surveys and recommendations for equipment and servicing your fire equipment.

Guidelines for a Fire Safety Plan Within the Workplace

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While the event of a fire is in most cases preventable, accidents can occur. Within every workplace, staff need to be aware of the safety procedures necessary to take should a fire take place.

Prevention is the best protection against fire. That’s why all employees should be aware of any fire hazards within their workplace environment. 

For a fire to occur, three things must be present:

  • Heat – a source of ignition
  • Fuel – anything flammable
  • Oxygen – what sustains the fire

Where these three elements are present together there is a higher risk of fire. Training employees to recognize and avoid creating conditions conducive to starting a fire is the first step towards workplace fire safety.

Once employees can recognize what constitutes a fire hazard within their environment, they should be trained on what to do if a fire occurs. While each organization will have slightly different procedures, any emergency plan should include the following basics:

  1. What to do if you see a fire-This covers actions like activating the fire alarm initiate the evacuation of the building, and calling the fire service (311 in Barbados). 
  2. When and if to use the fire extinguisher- some fire outbreaks may be caught early and provided serviceable equipment is nearby, you may be able to use the fire extinguisher to prevent further spread. If the fire is too big, or if there is any doubt, as tempted as one may be to fight it with an extinguisher, the safety of the person is paramount and they should evacuate.
  3. Evacuation routes for the building- every employee should be aware of the evacuation routes, especially the nearest exit to their workstation and from general common areas like the lunchroom or bathroom.
  4. Muster or meeting point for the organization - After evacuating a building, all staff and visitors should gather in one central location an appropriate distance from the building. This allows for a headcount of those present to ensure that no one is missing.
  5. Chain of command and communication - In emergencies, chaos can be avoided if all staff know who to report to and who is responsible for what, for example, who should do the headcount for their department or who the group should listen to for direction.

Organizations have a responsibility to ensure that their fire safety equipment is regularly and properly serviced, and that signage marking fire exits, the location of safety and fire equipment, and the meeting points are clear and visible to staff and visitors alike.

Evacuation routes need to be clear of obstacles that could hinder a swift and safe evacuation of the building and all employees should be regularly trained on firefighting procedures and evacuation plans of the company, as this will minimize confusion and save critical minutes in an emergency.

To help prevent a fire in your organization, visit our website here: https://safetysupplyco.com/shop/fire-equipment to view Safety Supply Co.’s range of fire safety equipment. We also service fire equipment and can assist with staff training. Contact our Service Department today!

 

Take Care of Your Mental Health- Tips To Help You Through Lockdown

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As we are amid a national pause to slow and prevent the spread of Covid-19 on our island, we can’t forget to look out for our own health, specifically our mental health.

Since the first appearance of Covid-19 in the world, our mental well-being has been under a constant barrage of assaults from the uncertainty of the Covid-19 situation.  This encompasses the economic challenges, restricted movement and isolation. There’s also the added pressure of being hypervigilant about our own physical health wherever we go, with what we touch, in wearing our mask and even visiting our loved ones. In spite of all those things, we need to maintain a level of normalcy in our routine, family and jobs.

It is a lot to handle.

To help manage your mental health,  here are some tips for coping while you are at home:

  1. When you wake up, take a bath/shower and dress for the day - this refreshes your body and prepares your mind for a new day.
  2. Take at least 10 minutes for self-reflection at the start of the day– To do this, find a quiet space for you to explore your feelings, goals or simply take a break from worrying about the things that are stressing you out.
  3. Set boundaries between your personal and work life if you are working from home, this can be done by creating a designated area to work within your home and by having set office hours - this will help to maintain a good professional/personal balance within your life.
  4. Don’t stay cooped up in the house, take walks around your neighborhood when you can, while maintaining social distancing practices from others.
  5. While you may be physically isolated from others, do not isolate emotionally from your friends and family. Stay connected with your loved ones through regular check-ins and light, positive conversations.
  6. Avoid overindulging on unhealthy snacks and sugary drinks while at home.
  7. Be aware of the habits you develop during this time, you can create good habits by limiting tv time, adding exercise, maintaining a tidy environment, proper diet and wholesome occupation during lockdown.
  8. Deliberately set aside time to disconnect from the news and social media to give yourself a break from the constant onslaught of information.
  9. Staying together with family or roommates for several days can be stressful. Remember that everyone manages stress differently and one should communicate what affects you in a calm manner, while being considerate of their feelings.
  10. Don’t hesitate to change up your daily schedule by exploring new activities or potential hobbies to keep your mind engaged and challenged.
  11. While at home you can set a goal to tackle projects around the house which you may not have had time to complete previously- this can help you to feel productive within your personal life and help to occupy your time.
  12. Stay motivated by utilizing the time to develop or refresh your professional skills with online courses, video tutorials or webinars.

Overall, it’s important to bear in mind that a lockdown is a temporary state. Keeping occupied, staying positive and hopeful throughout this experience will contribute to maintaining your mental wellbeing.

Stay safe!

 

Don’t Just Look…Touch!! - Conducting a Safety Inspection on a Climbing Harness

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For persons who work at height, safety is not just a word – it is an imperative to protect your life. Therefore, regular inspection of your safety harness is essential.

Before every use, your safety harness equipment should undergo a touch and visual examination to ensure there are no issues or weaknesses with the equipment, which could contribute to placing you, the wearer, in danger.

Why do both a tactile (touch) and visual examination?

You may be able to look at your harness and make one determination, however, when you touch it, what you feel may make you think differently. Using both your sight and touch in tandem allows for a detailed examination that optimizes your chances for spotting defects or unusual wear and tear.

Remember - “Mek sure bettah dan cocksure.” i.e. it’s better to verify than to assume – nowhere is this more applicable than ensuring one’s safety while working at height.

How should the inspection be carried out?

Check the safety labels and tags first.

These should contain information such as which class of harness you have, the weight limit allowed and which safety standards your harness meets. If your harness was previously inspected, the date of that inspection should be noted on the ‘inspection grid’ tag. Information regarding the proper care reqiured for the model you are using should also be located in the labels. 

It's recommended that you perform the inspection in a well-lit area. This is conducted by holding the straps of your harness and drawing them across the palm of your hand, slowly working your way around the equipment,  gently but firmly bending the webbing on both sides to expose any damage to the weave of the fabric.

In some models, there is an “impact indicator” which indicates whether a harness was previously involved in a fall.  A harness should not be re-used after the impact of a fall-arrest. 

What does this inspection look for?

Other than the obvious, which would be major tears, this safety check seeks to verify the condition of the material, e.g. if there is any frayed material, how soft or loose the material feels, or if there is an excessive hardness or rigidity to the material.  and whether any foreign substances or contaminants have seeped into the material, which could compromise the integrity of the equipment.

According to OSHA, some of the defects to look for include:

  • Cuts of 1 mm or more at the edges of webbing lanyards (e.g. where the lanyard may have been choke-hitched around steelwork); 
  • Surface abrasion across the face of the webbing and at the webbing loops, particularly if localized.
  • Abrasion at the edges, particularly if localized. 
  • Damage to stitching (e.g. cuts or abrasion).
  • A knot in the lanyard, other than those intended by the manufacturer. 
  • A chemical attack, which can result in local weakening and softening – often indicated by flaking of the surface. There may also be a change in the color of the fibers.
  • Heat or friction damage indicated by fibers with a glazed appearance which may feel harder than surrounding fibers.
  • UV-degradation, which is difficult to identify, particularly visually, but there may be some loss of color (if dyed) and a powdery surface.
  • Partially deployed energy absorber (e.g. short pull-out of tear webbing).
  • Contamination (e.g. with dirt, grit, sand, etc.) which may result in internal or external abrasion.
  • Damaged or deformed fittings (e.g. carabiners, screw link connectors, scaffold hooks).
     

In addition to regular “before use” checks, an in-depth inspection should be conducted on your harness by a competent person other than yourself every six (6) months.

Safety harnesses should be retired if they have been involved in a fall. However, when you should change a harness is determined by factors should as the wear and tear, frequency of use and how it was stored. On average, a harness is usually changed between 3-5 years of light to moderate use with proper care.

If you are looking for high quality and comfortable safety harnesses, the staff at Safety Supply Co. can assist you with finding the right fit for you. Check out our harness products here: https://safetysupplyco.com/shop/climbing-fall-protection/harnesses-body-...

 

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