Health & Safety Tips & Tricks
Whenever you are about to start a task Health and Safety should always be taken into consideration. You should always strive to make sure you follow the basic guidlines to help in the prevention of accidents
Using Equipment For Safety
Always wear safety goggles, even during times when you feel like there is no danger of getting anything in your eye. A stray piece of wood or metal, or even a chip of paint, can cause serious injury or infection if it lands in your eye.
When painting or working with chemicals, wear a facemask to avoid inhaling fumes. It is also advisable to keep the area well ventilated; open windows and turn on fans. If you are using any power tools or other loud equipment, wear earplugs or other hearing protection. Prolonged exposure to loud noise can cause permanent hearing loss.
Wear work gloves whenever you are handling glass or sheet metal, or doing demolition work. Your best bet are reinforced palm gloves, which are made from two layers of leather. You should also wear steel-toed boots and head protection.
Working with Electricity
Use RCDs (residual current devices), which can respond to changes in the flow of an electric current and disconnect its power supply to reduce the risk of electrocution. Never overload a socket with too many plugs or adaptors.
Do not allow cables to become kinked, frayed, or tangled. Ensure that they are properly fused.
Always switch off the mains before investigating a blown fuse, and replace the cover before turning it back on.
Working with Gas
When working with gas, always work in an open, well ventilated area.Gas is heavier than air and will not disperse in a confined area. A build up of the gas can be fatal.
Never allow an open flame to be near a gas source, and never smoke while working with gas.
By applying soapy water to gas hoses, you can spot leaks. Look for the bubbles. Never ignore the smell of gas.
Ladder Safety
When leaning a ladder against a building or wall, be sure that the base is extended one measure away from the wall for every four measures of height. Always place ladder feet on solid, level ground. Never lean a ladder against a gutter or windowsill. Wear sensible shoes while on a ladder.
Handling an Emergency
Always have a first aid kit on hand to address non-serious injuries such as scrapes, mild burns, and small cuts.
Immediately reduce the danger of further injury by turning off the electrical supply, putting out the fire, or doing whatever else needs to be done to ensure the safety of everyone there.
Burns - Run cold water over the burn for 10 minutes. Take off any jewelry, belts, or binding clothing, as burned skin can begin to swell quickly. Cover the burn with a clean, smooth cloth or gauze to prevent infection. Never rub butter or oil into a burn. If the burn is severe, seek medical attention right away.
Cuts - Clean the cut with running water. To stop bleeding, apply pressure using a clean cloth or bandage. If possible, ask the injured person to hold the cut up above their heart. He or she may need to sit or lie down to avoid feeling dizzy. Get medical attention if the bleeding will not stop or if the cut is severe.
Call 999 if the injured person - has lost consciousness for any period of time, even if he or she has since woken up; has difficulty breathing; is drowsy or vomiting; is bleeding from the ear or is bleeding so profusely that it cannot be stopped; is seriously burned; or has severe pain anywhere.
To learn more information about health & safety take a closer look at our CSCS courses.
