Fire Extinguiser Selection

Portable fireextinguishers can saves lives and property by putting out or containing fireswithin the capability of the extinguisher. However, they must be of the correcttype for the particular fire, and they must used correctly.

Selection of Fire Extinguishers
There are a number of types of portable fire extinguishers available inAustralia. Each type of extinguisher may be rated for one or more classes offire. In some cases, particular extinguishers are not only consideredineffective against certain classes of fire, they can be dangerous if used inthose circumstances.

The classes of fire are:

Class A : Ordinary combustibles (Wood, Paper,Plastics)
Class B : Flammable and combustible liquids
Class C : Flammable gases
Class D : Combustible metals
Class E : Electrically energised equipment
Class F : Cooking oils and fats

Portable fire extinguishers are distinguishable by their labels and theircolouring. In 1997 the standard colours of some portable fire extinguisherswere changed. It is therefore likely that you may encounter two of the sametype of extinguisher with different colourings.

Basic Safety

Basic Safety

 

If a cylinder is damaged,in poor condition, leaking, or the contents are unknown, contact your cylindervendor. Have the vendor return the damaged cylinder to the manufacturer.

• Wear appropriate foot protection when engaged in moving or transporting cylinders.
• Sturdy shoes are a minimum.
• Steel toed shoes if required by your supervisor, instructor, or department.
• Proper personal protective clothing and equipment shall be worn.
• Always have an appropriate Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) available and be familiar with the health, flammability and reactivity hazards for the particular gas.

Tips On Food Handling

• Avoid cross contamination.  Wash your hands every time before coming into contact with food.  Wash hands/utensils after handling raw meat, fish, or poultry.  

• Wash your hands often.  Use soap and water to wash, and paper towels or clean cloth towels to dry your hands.  Research has proven that frequent hand washing is the most effective way to prevent food-borne illnesses.

• Keep perishable foods refrigerated or frozen until they are used.  Thaw frozen items in the refrigerator, under cold running water, or a microwave (as part of the continuing cooking process).  Marinate food in the refrigerator.

House Keeping

Many harmful germs can survive for severalhours on kitchen surfaces.  Reduce your risk of illness by keeping cuttingboards, counter tops, utensils, dishcloths, and towels clean.  Don’t usesponges in the kitchen.  They tend to collect small food particles and aredifficult to clean.

Use a weak chlorine bleach solution (2teaspoons of bleach per quart of water) as a kitchen sanitizer.  You maywant to keep a supply of this solution in a spray bottle near the sink.

Docks ( Non-Forklift )

• When stocking shelves by hand, position the materials to be shelved slightly in front of you, so you do not have to twist when lifting and stacking materials

• Visually inspect for sharp objects or other hazards before reaching into containers such as garbage cans, boxes, bags or sinks

• Remove or bend nails and staples from crates before unpacking the crates

• When cutting shrink wrap with a blade, always cut away from you and your co-workers

Hand Truck Operation

• When loading hand trucks, keep your feet clear of the wheels

• Do not exceed the manufacturer's load rated capacity; read the capacity plate on the hand truck if you are unsure

• Place the load so that it will not slip, shift or fall; use the straps, if they are provided, to secure the load

• For extremely bulky or pressurized items such as gas cylinders, strap or chain the items to the hand truck

Pallet Jack Use

• Only pallet jack operators may operate pallet jacks

• Do not exceed the manufacturer's load rated capacity; read the lift capacity plate on the pallet jack if you are unsure

• Do not ride on pallet jacks

• Start and stop the pallet jack gradually to prevent the load from slipping

• Pull manual pallet jacks; push them when going down an incline or passing close to walls or obstacles

• If your view is obstructed, ask a spotter to assist in guiding the load

• Stop the pallet jack if anyone gets in your way

• Never place your feet under the pallet jack

Hazardous Material

• Follow the instructions on the label and in the corresponding Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for each chemical product you will be using in your workplace

• Use personal protective clothing or equipment such as neoprene gloves, rubber boots, shoe covers, rubber aprons, and protective eyewear, when using chemicals labeled "Flammable", "Corrosive", Caustic" or "Poisonous"

• Always use your chemical goggles and the face shield when handling chemicals labeled "Corrosive" or "Caustic"

• Do not use protective clothing or equipment that has split seams, pin holes, cuts, tears, or other visible signs of damage

Cylinder

If a cylinder is damaged, in poor condition, leaking, or the contents areunknown, contact your cylinder vendor. Have the vendor return the damagedcylinder to the manufacturer.

• Wear appropriate foot protection when engaged in moving or transporting cylinders.
• Sturdy shoes are a minimum.
• Steel toed shoes if required by your supervisor, instructor, or department.
• Proper personal protective clothing and equipment shall be worn.
• Always have an appropriate Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) available and be familiar with the health, flammability and reactivity hazards for the particular gas.

Fire Extinguiser Selection

Portable fireextinguishers can saves lives and property by putting out or containing fireswithin the capability of the extinguisher. However, they must be of the correcttype for the particular fire, and they must used correctly.

Selection of Fire Extinguishers
There are a number of types of portable fire extinguishers available inAustralia. Each type of extinguisher may be rated for one or more classes offire. In some cases, particular extinguishers are not only consideredineffective against certain classes of fire, they can be dangerous if used inthose circumstances. 

Electrical & Fire safety

Fire and Burn Prevention

• Fires and burns are the second leading cause of household injuries.  Each year nearly 4,000 people in the U.S. die in home fires.  Thousands of others are injured as a result of fires or accidental burns.  Most of these deaths involve children and elderly adults.  Kitchen accidents, space heaters, chimney fires, faulty electrical wiring, and cigarettes are common causes.  Check your home for fire hazards.  Install smoke detectors on every floor.

Cylinder Marking

• Cylinders must be properly labeled, including the gas identity and appropriate hazards (e.g., health, flammability, reactivity).

• Cylinders have several stamped markings. The top mark is either a DOT or an ICC marking indicating pertinent regulations for that cylinder. The second mark is the serial number. Under the serial number is the symbol of the manufacturer, user, or purchaser. Of the remaining marks the numbers represent the date of manufacture, and retest date (month and year). A (+) sign indicates the cylinder may be 10% overcharged, and a star indicates a ten year test interval.

Mold & Mildew

Mold and Mildew

Molds and mildew grow in damp, darkplaces. Molds and mildew can cause lung problems – especially in people whohave allergies or asthma. You can prevent the growth of molds and mildew inyour home by controlling humidity.

Tipson mold and mildew:

• Control moisture. Use a dehumidifier during the summer. Use an exhaust fan in the kitchen and bathroom. Vent the clothes dryer to the outdoors and make sure the vent pipe is not clogged.

• Fix plumbing leaks before mold grows.

• Don’t store firewood inside. Bark contains millions of mold spores.

• More on molds and mildew.

Tips On Chemical

Chemicals can enter the air in your home when youpaint, use cleaning solvents, install pressed wood, install new carpets and usenew fabrics. These chemicals can irritate your eyes, throat, and nose. High levelscan give you a headache or make you feel dizzy.

Tips onchemicals:

• Make sure your home has lots of fresh air.

• Use safe paints, cleaners and other products. Look for those with the fewest warnings.

• Read labels. Some chemicals should only be used in well-vented spaces. The label may tell you if the chemicals can cause cancer or other health problems.

Factsheets of common toxic chemicals

Tips Of Asbestos

Asbestos

Asbestos is used in heating insulation, pipe wrap,floor tiles, slate siding, slate shingles, and ceiling tiles. Asbestos isharmful when it is damaged and fibers enter the air. Breathing air thatcontains asbestos fibers over several years can increase your risk of lungcancer.

Tips onAsbestos:

• If you think you may have asbestos in your home, contact a certified asbestos inspector to find out what actions are needed.

• Don’t try to remove asbestos by yourself. Only trained professionals should do this work.

• If asbestos is present and in good condition, it may be best to manage it without removal.

Cylinder Using

• Be sure all connections are tight. Use soapy water to locate leaks.

• Keep cylinders valves, regulators, couplings, hose and apparatus clean and free of oil and grease.

• Keep cylinders away from open flames and sources of heat.

• Safety devices and valves shall not be tampered with, nor repairs attempted.

• Use flashback arrestors and reverse-flow check valves to prevent flashback when using oxy-fuel systems.

Tips Of Asthma

Asthma

For a comprehensive report on asthma inWisconsin, see the recently released:

• Asthma is an illness that causes wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness and coughing. More than 3,000 young people are hospitalized every year in Wisconsin with asthma. Pets, molds, pollen, and cockroaches can trigger asthma. Smoke, chemicals, ozone, and exhaust fumes can also trigger asthma.  More information on asthma in Wisconsin and the Wisconsin Asthma Program at the Department of Health Services can be found at the “new” asthma website. 

Drinking Water Safety

Know Your WaterSupply

• Whether for drinking, cooking, bathing, or doing laundry, a supply of clean water is important to a healthy home. Know where your water comes from.

Tips for AllWater Users

• Install devices to prevent garden hose water from flowing backwards into your drinking water.

• Consult your local building code office before making major repairs or changes to your plumbing system.

• Conserve water because clean water is precious. Don’t waste it, instead, use water-saving toilets, and showerheads. Repair plumbing leaks right away.

Slips, Trips & Falls

Falls are the major cause of householdinjuries. Most falls happen when someone slips on icy, wet, or slick surfaces;trips over a loose rug, toy, or other object; or stumbles on stairs.

Tips to reduce the risk of falls

• Use rubber-backed rugs on hard floors.

• Avoid very thick carpets and rugs with busy patterns, especially on stairs.

• Replace loose, torn, or frayed rugs.

Suffocation, Strugling & Choking

Each year hundreds of people die afterchoking on food or other small items. Most deaths involve infants, toddlers,and the elderly.

Tips to prevent choking and suffocation

• Learn how to use the Heimlich maneuver to remove something stuck in a person’s throat.

• Keep small objects away from toddlers. Anything that is small enough to pass through a toilet paper tube is a choking hazard.

• Place infants on their backs to sleep. Use a firm crib mattress and avoid soft bedding.Remove drawstrings from children’s clothing.