Office Ergonomics for more productive (and pain free) work day

Most people have heard of ergonomics and think it is something to do with seating or with the design of car controls and instruments – and it is… but it is so much more. Ergonomics is the process of designing or arranging workplaces, products and systems so that they fit the people who use them.

In our daily lives we see too many workplace injuries that could be avoided. And prevention is better than cure. Recent research has shown that lower back pain (spinal disorder) is the world’s most common work-related disability affecting employees. Also, the results that came from studies on the health effects of a prolong sitting have shown greater risk of premature dying.  From the list of health issues that result from prolonged sitting, few among major ones could be:

i) Heart attack

 Prolonged sitting has been linked to high blood pressure and elevated cholesterol, and people with the most sitting time are more than twice as likely to have cardiovascular disease as those with the least.

ii) Diabetes 

Cells in idle muscles don't respond as readily to insulin, so the pancreas produces more and more, which can lead to diabetes and other diseases. A 2011 study found a decline in insulin response after just one day of prolonged sitting

iii) Spinal injury

When sitting in an office chair for a long period, the natural tendency for most people is to slouch over or slouch down in the chair, and this posture can overstretch the spinal ligaments and strain the discs and surrounding structures in the spine. Over time and incorrect sitting posture can damage spinal structures and contribute to or worsen back pain.

“But that’s nature of my job.. there is no way to avoid work without sitting for considerable duration”- that’s what you have thinking after all, right?  But here are few tips that you can follow to avoid falling for ergonomic hazards:

v  Stand Up for Your Spine
If you don’t have a sit-stand desk, you can still address situation and protect your spine. Consider these tips:

• Do some work standing at a high table or counter.
• Rather than having a meeting in a conference room, invite your coworkers to walk laps during your discussion.
• Set a timer for a stand-and-stretch break every 30 minutes.  
• Visit a coworker in person as opposed to emailing them.
• Park your car a bit further from your office to sneak in some extra steps.
• Take a short walk during your lunch break and don’t keep water bottle near your table.

  vAdopting correct Posture:

• Sitting upright in chair and ensure use of adequate chair that supports natural curve of spine else lumbar support can be used to support lower back for correct posture.
• Both feet should be resting flat on floor with slight fingers gap between seat edge and knee back
• Sit closely to your desk so that your upper arms are parallel to your spine, avoid leaning forward.
• Use of an armrest on your office chair is important to take some of the strain off your upper spine and shoulders, and it should make you less likely to slouch forward in your chair.
•  Adjusting brightness of your screen to avoid glare and reflection that could result in compromised posture and eye strain as well
• Use of wireless mouse and keyboard with wrist support
• Adjusting eye level- your gaze to meet at top of your screen. If your computer screen is higher or lower than your gaze. Use laptop holder for right height and reduce strain on the upper spine.
• Know you know it!

Share your feedback ans stay tuned for more on HSE Articles!

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Cellular Radiation Safety- How to Protect Ourselves

The world has experienced a phenomenal growth in the number of smartphone users. The increased use of smartphones has raised public interest in possible health issues associated with exposure to electromagnetic energy. People are concerned about exposure from Smartphone handsets & cell tower base stations.

Radio signals are part of everyday life, emitted both by natural sources like the sun, the Earth and the ionosphere, and by artificial sources such as: 4G LTE cell tower base stations, broadcast towers, radar facilities, remote controls, medical, electrical and electronic equipment. The radio frequency sources include transmitting towers such as AM, FM radio towers, TV towers, Cell phone towers, etc. emit radio frequency/ microwave radiation continuously. The level of EMF from sources has risen exponentially, by soaring popularity of wireless technology such as smartphones, cordless phones, Wi-Fi (Wireless Internet) Wi-max and other wireless devices. The Smartphone and its base station communicate using a two way radio communication. This radio communication produces Electro-magnetic fields.

The Precautionary Measures that need to be taken to avoid these radiations include:

- Wi-Fi Routers /Boosters should be placed at a distance.

- Switch off the Data Pack on mobile and Wi-Fi when not in use.

(Air tube Headset are best for use)

- While sleeping keep all the cordless devices at a safe distance from you

- Communicate through SMS as an alternate to calling.

- Use Wired Headsets for long conversations.


- Daily talk time should not exceed 16-24 minutes.

- Mobile Phones having ‘SAR’ (Specific Absorption Rate) value less than 1.6W/kg should be bought.

- Avoid placing mobile phones directly over pacemakers

- Keep distance – Hold the cell phone away from body to the extent possible

- Use a headset (or ear bud) to keep the handset farther from your head.


- Limit the length of mobile calls.

- Use text as compared to voice wherever possible

- Put the cell phone on speaker mode- If the radio signal is weak, a mobile phone will increase its transmission power.

- Find a strong signal and avoid movement – Use your phone where reception is good.

- Metal & water are good conductors of radio waves so avoid using a mobile phone while wearing metal-framed glasses or having wet hair.

- Let the call connect before putting the handset on your ear or start speaking and listening – A mobile phone first makes the communication at higher power and then reduces power to an adequate level. more power is radiated during call connecting time

- If you have a choice, use a landline (wired) phone, not a mobile phone.

- When your phone is ON, don’t carry it in shirt or pant pocket. When a mobile phone is on, it automatically transmits at high power every one or two minutes to check (poll) the network.

- Reduce mobile phone use by children as a younger person will likely have a longer lifetime exposure to radiation from cell phones

- People having active medical implants should preferably keep the cell phone at least 15 cm away from the implant.

- Studies suggest that atleast 400m distance from Cellular tower should be kept to reman safe from harmful effects. Also, to prevent overlapping high radiations fields, new towers should not be permitted within a radius of one kilometer of existing towers.  If new towers must be built, construct them to be above 80 feet and below 199 feet … to avoid the requirement for aviation safety lighting


References:
https://www.rfsafe.com/cell-tower-radiation-impact-humans-environment/
http://naturalsociety.com/cellphone-tower-emr-damaging-birds-insects-humans/

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Electrosmog & Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity Syndrome (EHS)

Electrosmog is the invisible electromagnetic radiation resulting from the use of both wireless technology and mains electricity. The most common sources of wireless electrosmog are:

• Cordless phones
• Cordless baby alarms
• Mobile/cellular phone masts/towers/transmitters
• Mobile/cellular phones
• Wireless networks

Electrosmog is responsible for a condition known as Electrosensitivity (ES) or Electro hyper sensitivity (EHS). Many people are getting Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity Syndrome (EHS). It is a condition in which people are highly sensitive to electromagnetic fields  in the environment: power lines, motors, computers,  or in n an area such as a wireless hotspot or near celluar Towers, they experience pain or other symptoms.
Such symptoms include:

• Headaches
• Disruptive sleep patterns
• Chronic fatigue
• Depression
• Hypersensitivity and erratic blood pressure
• Skin complaints
• Behavioural patterns in children

Children, the elderly and anyone with a lowered immune system are most at risk from the health effects.
The health effects from electrosmog can take 10 – 20 years to manifest themselves, however for some, the effect can appear immediately.
Research shows that between 3% and 5% of the general population could be ES sufferers. In Sweden, for example, 285, 000 people (over 3% of the population) are registered as ES and claim disability benefit from the government

In Germany: More than 37,000 people including 1,000 medical professionals have signed the Freiburger Appeal, calling on the German Government to take action in the face of the rapidly growing health issues that they attribute to Electrosmog.

In the Netherlands: A Dutch scientific study, the TNO Report, set out to prove that electrosmog had no effect on human cell tissue. But the results were completely the opposite - and came as a surprise to the scientists.

In Austria: The city of Salzburg has declared a maximum emission level of 0.6 volts per metre – approximately 1% of UK reference levels.

Here's are video testimonial for EHS Victims:

>A woman provides testimony as to the illness she experienced after living for two months underneath an array of cell phone antennas that were placed directly above her bedroom and balcony. Some of her symptoms include dizziness, nausea, headaches, Metallic taste in mouth skin pain, rashes, brain fog, buzzing in her ears.
Click Here to watch.

>EMF RF Exposure from cell phone radiation is potentially harmful. Sarah Dacre, suffers from EHS and wears special shielded clothes to protect herself: Following is her video testimonial:

Click Here To watch.

Refferences:
http://www.eloverkanslig.se/rapporter/Bioinitiative/section_7.pdf
http://www.detect-protect.com/k/buzz/whatiselectrosmog.htm

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Radio Frequency from Mobile Towers and Phones Damaging Humans!

Cell phone radiation damages DNA, inflicts cellular damage and creates a broad spectrum of health problems and diseases, including DNA mutation and cancer in humans. A group of scientist published this in a scientific journal “Oxidants and Anti oxidants in Medical Science” in March 2014, in a study called “Low intensity radiofrequency radiation: a new oxidant for living cells”.

76 studies (or 92.5%) proved that cell phone radiation inflicts cellular damage. Cell phone radiation affects production of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS); these are molecules that form in our bodies as byproduct during normal metabolism of oxygen.
A healthy human body has balanced, non health-threatening amounts of ROS. However, microwaves cause overproduction of ROS and dramatically increase oxidative stress – body’s inability to detoxify itself and repair the damage. Too much of ROS damages lipids, proteins and DNA in cells, and disrupts all kinds of natural cellular interacting signals, resulting in wide spectrum of diseases.

(Use of cordless phone damaging blood cells- Click to enlarge)

Click Here for video link to above picture.

The WHO/International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified radiofrequency electromagnetic fields as possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B), based on an increased risk for glioma, a malignant type of brain cancer, associated with wireless phone use. 2B is the category that includes lead, engine exhaust and chloroform. A team of 31 scientists from 14 countries, including the United States, made this decision after reviewing peer-reviewed studies on cell phone safety. The team found enough evidence to categorize personal exposure as “possibly carcinogenic to humans.”

Also, a study in India, carried out by panel of Ministry of Environment and Forests reveals their is negative impact of mobile towers on birds, bees, humans, wildlife and plants.

Dr Devra Davis, President Environmental Health Trust and renowned Scientist has concluded based on her several years of research that the electromagnetic radiations from mobile phone and mobile towers result in cellular damage. Damaging fetus in female and reduced sperm count in men. Alongside causing Tumors, leukemia, lack of concentration and other forms of cancer to users. Click here to watch her complete lecture. 

The Interphone Study is the largestof all the study findings into cell phone radiation and the safety of cellphones for humans. At a cost of $25 million, this is the largest study of cell phone use and tumor risk conducted to date. It found that “regular use of a cell phone by adults can significantly increase the risk of gliomas by 40% with 1640 hours or more of use.” This equates to about 30 minutes per day over ten years.

Also, EMF have been shown to cause other potentially harmful biological effects, such as leakage of the blood brain barrier that can lead to damage of neurons in the brain, increased micronuclei (DNA fragments) in human blood lymphocytes, all at exposure rates well below the limits in the current FCC (Fedreal Communications Cmmision) guidelines. Probably the most convincing evidence of potential harm comes from living cells themselves when they start to manufacture stress proteins upon exposure to EMF. The stress response occurs with a number of potentially harmful environmental factors, such as elevated temperature, changes in pH, toxic metals, etc. This means that when stress protein synthesis is stimulated by radiofrequency or power frequency EMF, the body is telling us in its own language that RF exposure is potentially harmful.

(Click to enlarge)

CNN chief medical correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta unveiled his own investigation into cell phone safety on program Anderson Cooper 360°. Click here to Watch.

Note:

> FCC (Federal Communication Commission, USA).

> SAR (Specific Absorption Rate).
Famous cell phone brand such as Apple iPhone 6 Plus exposes a user’s head to a whooping SAR of 1.19 W/kg (Cell phones must not exceed a maximum SAR of 1.6 watts per kilogram averaged over one gram of tissue according to FCC, USA ).  

References:

https://www.rfsafe.com/cell-phone-radiation-safety-tips-dr-sanjay-gupta-anderson-cooper-360/

https://www.rfsafe.com/samsung-cell-phones-rated-lowest-radiation-cell-phones/

https://www.iarc.fr/en/media-centre/pr/2010/pdfs/pr200_E.pdf

http://www.iarc.fr/en/media-centre/pr/2011/pdfs/pr208_E.pdf

http://interphone.iarc.fr/interphone_results.php

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Cell Phone Towers Killing Animals and Insects

In September of 2010, the ministry established a 10-member committee under Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) with director Asad Rahmani to study the impact of cellphone towers on birds and bees. The group of experts reviewed 919 studies performed in India and abroad regarding the effects of cellphone towers on birds, insects, animals, wildlife, and humans.
"We have suggested that EMR should be recognized as a pollutant given its effect on wildlife and should be audited regularly" said Wildlife Institute of India's Dr B.C Choudhary, who was part of the panel."
Because what the group found was quite startling.
After reviewing 919 international studies on this matter, the group found 593 studies that said Mobile Tower's EMF bore a significant ill-effect on behavior and mating habits of birds like urban sparrows and in bee colonies.
The experts noted a study in India's Punjab University's that said embryos of 50 eggs of house sparrows were damaged after being exposed to mobile tower radiation for five to 30 minutes.
In the case of honey bees, the group observed that high radiation resulted in an unusual phenomenon
known as 'colony collapse disorder' which is characterized by sudden disappearance of a hive's inhabitants, leaving only queens, eggs and a few immature workers behind.

This suggests that Electromagnetic Radiation May Play A Role In The Decline Of Animal And Insect Populations!

They panel went on to say that there was an urgent need to focus more scientific attention on the subject before it was too late.



Refferences:
http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/protect-wildlife-from-cellphone-towers-panel/859648/0

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/Cell-towers-killing-sparrows-bees-says-MoEF-study/articleshow/10481535.cms

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Working at Height- Fall Hazards and Risk Control Measures

Falls from height are the most common cause of fatal injury and the second most cause of common cause of major injuries to employees. Working at height may include work on roof, using ladders or any access platform such as scaffolds or lifting equipment.

The main hazards from Working at Height are Falls i.e, Persons falling and falling equipments.

The main causes of falls from height are:

• Failing to recognize the risk.
• Not providing safe system of work and making sure its followed.
• Not providing adequate information, training, instruction or supervision.
• Not using equipment properly or sometimes not using it a all (using chair instead of step ladder).

Unsafe act may lead to a Fall

When Fall protection is needed?

During roof work, fall protection is always required when the roof edge is more than 10 feet above the ground or other surfaces. This commonly referred to as, 10 foot rule.

But when any roof is so steep or slippery that an uncontrolled fall would likely happen, fall protection is required at 6 feet.

Types of Fall Protection

Fall protection can be divided into following two categories:

Fall Restraint- equipment that prevents a free fall in the first place.

Fall Arrest- equipment that stops a free fall in progress (in the middle of the fall).

Fall Restraint

Fall restraint system includes three main types;

Fall Prevention system

1) Personal fall restraint 

Fall restraint can be a Body Belt or Full Body Harness, which is, connected to an anchor to prevent you from going over the edge of the roof. No matter where you work on the roof.

2) Guardrails

These are most practical on flat or low pitched roofs.  

Guardrails must be 39-45 inches high and have a Top rail, mid-rail and toe-board.

Must be able to withstand 200 pounds of force in any direction.

Roof openings are also fall hazard and must be covered or surrounded by a guardrail.

Safety Monitor and Warning-line

3) Warning line and Safety Monitor System

The warning line is installed at 6 feet from roof edge at height of 36-42 inches.

Line is flagged every six feet.

Equipment cannot be stored outside a safe area.

When working outside the safe area or warning line you must wear fall protection or have a safety monitor when working outside the warning line.

You must wear a high visibility garment outside the line and take it off when inside the line.

As for Safety Monitor, his only job is to watch and warn workers of fall danger. Can monitor up to eight workers. There should be clear view between him and workers.

Fall Arrest

Two main types of fall arrest that are used during roofing are;

1)  Personal Fall Arrest- Full body Harness, Body Belt.

2) Catch Platform- sometimes used on large buildings,
Other measures include Safety net and Debris net.

Catch Platform

• Must be no lower than 10 feet from roof edge.
• Must be at least as wide as fall distance but never less than 45 inches in width.
• Must have Guardrails, toe-board and not used for storage of materials.
• Catch platform must conform with scaffold standard.

Personal Fall Arrest

• A full body harness is a common fall arrest system used in roofing.
• A full body harness stops a fall in progress and minimizes the force of fall to your body.
• Waist belts are not allowed because a fall will usually result in injury. Since high force of fall is concentrated at your waist rather than 6 points of full body harness
• The attachment point on a full body harness is D-ring on your upper back.
• It must be an ANSI Class III harness. Recreational climbing harness are not allowed.
• Be sure to use a size that fits you properly.
• Some fall arrest gear comes with shock absorbing lanyard, must be adjusted to prevent hitting to the ground or lower level. Because in a fall, the equipment stretches several feet.

Anchors

Fall arrest gear is only as good as the anchor. An anchor must be able to withstand 5000 lbs of force without failing.Manufactured anchors must be installed according to manufacturer's instructions.
Check pre-installed anchors before using, in fall your life depends anchor holding.

A knot can be used to secure a lifeline to an anchor point only when, you know the breaking strength of the life line and the knot doesn't decrease the strength of the lifeline to below 5000 lbs.

Equipment Do's and Don'ts -Fall Arrest Gear

• Do inspect for wear and damage before use.
• Do remove from service after fall for inspection.
• Dont use to life materials
• Dont attach to a guardrail or hoists.
• Look for the following:
• Webbing, D-rings, Tongue buckle and Ropes for any sign of damage, wear cuts, tears corrosion , cracks etc.

Precaution Measures for Working at Height
If the work you're responsible for includes working at height, you need to make sure that:

• Its properly planned and organised.
• The workers are competent
• You've assessed the risk from working at height, chosen appropriate work equipment and made sure that the staff uses it.
• You've controlled the risk from fragile surfaces.
• Equipment for working at height is properly inspected and maintained.

Avoid working at height wherever possible, if you cant avoid it:
Use work equipment or other measures to prevent falls.
Use work equipment or other measures to minimise the distance and consequences of f fall.

Note:

Extended above edge-ladder

Ladders are fall hazard too. It should be resting on a stable and level base and should be extending 3 feet above the edge. Standard for ladder erection is 4:1 (for 4m height 1m distance from wall).
The person using ladder should not carrying anything and hands should be free. Three-point contact (two hands and a foot, or two feet and a hand) shall be maintained with ladder while climbing.

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Electricity Hazards and Controls

Electricity is an integral part of our life and modern day cannot be imagined without it. But with all the benefit it brings in our life it has it also carries certain hazards which we are going to look at.

How the Electricity Works?

For electricity to work we need a source and a conductor. The source can be a power generator and wires can be conductors which can carry current.

What are Electrical Hazards?

Electrical Hazards can be as:

>Electric Shock

Electric Shock-contact with live conductor

Main type of harm from electricity is electric shock. An electric shock occurs when a person comes into contact with an electrical energy source. The electrical energy flows through a portion of the body causing a shock  (you become part of the circuit).

The effects of electric shock may include Heart failure, respiratory failure and burns.
Also, The passage of electric current through body causes muscles to contract violently. As a result you can become unbalanced and Fall off a ladder or hitting against some object on same level.

Severity of electric shock depends upon:

• The nature (AC or DC) and amount of current passing through the body.
• Path taken by the current through the body.
• Length of time body is in the circuit.
• Resistance of body to electric flow (young, old, wet)

>Arc Flash or Arc Blast

An arc flash (also called a flashover) is, part of an arc fault, a type of electrical explosion or discharge that results from a low-impedance connection through air to ground or another voltage phase in an electrical system.

Deadly Arc Flash while working with electricity

When an arc fault occurs, the result is a massive electrical explosion. The light and heat emitted by the explosion is known as the Arc Flash, and the pressure wave is known as the Arc Blast. An arc flash releases hot gases and concentrated radiant energy up to four times the temperature of the sun’s surface, which can melt metal and cause severe radiation .
It can cause severe burns, damage to eyesight, and even result in fatalities. And even if an arc blast doesn’t injure a person, it will damage equipment and cause downtime.

Electricity can also cause;

>Electrical Burns 
Typically occurs on hands when you touch electrical wiring or equipment that is improperly used or maintained.

>Fires
Fires of electric origin may be cause by overloading hazards. If too many devices are plugged into a circuit the current will heat the wire to a very high temperature which may cause a fire.
Or, If a wire insulation melts arcing may occur and cause a fire in the area where the overload exists even inside a wall.

Causes of Electrical Hazards:

Most electrical mishaps are caused by a combination of three factors:

1) Unsafe Work practices.

2) Unsafe equipment or installation.

3) Workplaces made unsafe by the environment.

Most deaths and injuries from electricity are due to:

• Using poorly maintained electrical equipment
• Working near overhead power lines
• Contact with underground power cables during excavation work
• Working near domestic electricity supplies
• Use of unsuitable electrical equipment in explosive atmospheres.

Preventing Electrical Hazards

Electrical hazards can be prevented through proper:
- Insulation
- Grounding
- Using of electrically protective devices.
- Safe work practices.

What to do if electrocution occurs?

In dealing with electricity never exceed your expertise

• Call for help.
• Do not touch the victim or the conductor.
• Shutoff the current at the control box.
• If shutoff is not immediately available, use a non-conducting material to free the victim.
• If necessary, begin CPR (Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation ).

7 out of 10 victims revived when artificial respiration was given. But after three minutes the chances of revival decreases. 

Note:

To prevent contact with energized overhead power lines (cause of 45% of accidents in crane works)
> De-energize overhead lines
> Maintain minimum distance i.e,

• 10 feet distance for 50kv
• If over 50kv, add 4 inches per 10kv 

> Use proximity alarms
> Use of warning signs around source of high electric power.

Watch this video for safe escape from electrocution:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AkwyxVEIDDM


For further details on electrical safety check;
NFPA 70E: Standard fr Electrical Safety in Workplace


Hope you've found this article informative and interesting. Keep tuned for more.

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Fire Hydrant system

A fire hydrant, (also known as fire pumps, hydrant boosters, fire water pumps)is a connection point by which firefighters can tap into a water supply.
These are high pressure water pumps designed to increase the fire fighting capacity of a building by boosting the pressure in the hydrant service when mains is not enough, or when tank fed.

A Fire Hydrant with fully-on valve , releasing pressure water.

Safe Operating Procedure- Fire Hydrant

The user attaches a hose to the fire hydrant, then opens a valve on the hydrant to provide a powerful flow of water.  Most fire hydrant valves are not designed to throttle the water flow; they are designed to be operated either full-on or full-off.

Attaching Hose with Fire Hydrant

When a firefighter is operating a hydrant, he or she typically wears appropriate personal protective equipment, such as gloves and a helmet with face shield worn. High-pressure water coursing through
a potentially aging and corroding hydrant could cause a failure, injuring the firefighter operating the hydrant or bystanders. In most jurisdictions it is illegal to park a car within a certain distance of a fire hydrant. In North America the distances are commonly 3 to 5 m or 10 to 15 ft, often indicated by yellow or red paint on the curb. The reason behind these laws is that hydrants need to be visible and accessible in an emergency.

Hydrant Color Coding 

Hydrant-Green color

Hydrant coloring may be due to either purely practical criteria or more artistic. In the United States, the AWWA and NFPA(National Fire Protection Assocation) recommend hydrants be colored chrome yellow for rapid identification apart from the bonnet and nozzle caps which should be coded according to their available flow. Class AA hydrants (>1500 gpm) should have their nozzle caps and bonnet colored light blue, Class A hydrants (1000–1499 gpm) green, Class B hydrants (500–999 gpm) orange, Class C hydrants (0–499 gpm) red and inoperable or end-of-system (risking water hammer) black. This aids arriving firefighters in determining how much water is available and whether to call for additional resources, or find another hydrant

Inspection and Maintenance:

In most areas fire hydrants require annual inspections and maintenance — they normally only have a one-year warranty, but some have 5- or even 10-year warranties, although the longer warranty does not remove the need for periodic inspections or maintenance. Some fire hydrant manufacturers recommend lubricating the head mechanism and restoring the head gaskets and O-rings annually in order that the fire hydrant perform the service expected of them, while others have incorporated proprietary features to provide long-term lubrication of the hydrant's operating mechanism. In any case, periodic inspection of lubricants is recommended. Lubrication is generally done with a food-grade non-petroleum lubricant to avoid contamination of the distribution system.
Watch this short video for correct inspection and use of hydrant system:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HTIBkvDy3vk

Dry Hydrant 

Dry hydrant pipe

In rural areas where municipal water systems are not available, dry hydrants are used to supply water for fighting fires. A dry hydrant is analogous to a standpipe. A dry hydrant is usually an unpressurized, permanently installed pipe that has one end below the water level of a lake or pond.The other end is above ground. When needed, a pumper fire engine will pump from the lake or pond by drafting water. This is done by vacuuming the air out of the dry hydrant.

Standpipes

Standpipes are connections for firehoses within a building and serve the same purpose as fire hydrants in larger structures. Standpipes may be "dry" or "wet" (permanently filled with water).

Stand Pipe-Vertical

Note:

- GPM means Gallon Per Minute.
- For Water-Based Fire Protection Systems, check NFPA Code- 13, 14 and 291.

Following are some NFPA-1 standards related to fire hydrant:

• 18.5.7 Clear Space Around Hydrants.
• 18.5.7.1 A 36 in. (914 mm) clear space shall be maintained around the circumference of fire hydrants except as otherwise required or approved. 
• 18.5.7.2 A clear space of not less than 60 in. (1524 mm) shall be provided in front of each hydrant connection having a diameter greater than 21⁄2 in. (64 mm).

NFPA-24

• 6.2.10 All control valves shall be located where readily accessible and free of obstructions.

Hope you've fund this articles very informative. 

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Fire Extinguisher- All you need to know

Fire extinguisher is an active fire protection device used to extinguish or control small fires, often used in emergency situation.

A fire extinguisher can help save lives and property by putting out small fires or containing it until fire fighters arrive.

(Parts of Fire extinguisher)

Types of fire extinguishers

There are four basic types:

1) APW (Air Pressure Water)

2) DCP (Dry Chemical Powder)

3) CO2 (Carbon dioxide)

4) Foam based.

When choosing Fire extinguisher it is necessary to select the correct fire extinguisher based on Class of fire. 

Following is a Fire extinguisher Chart showing the right type of fire extinguisher for type of fire.

Never use Water or Foam based fire extinguisher's on fires of electric origin or on live electrical equipment. Because it can conduct electricity and may cause electrocution.

Based on mode of transportation, it can be either Handheld extinguisher or Cart-mounted

extinguisher.

How to use fire Extinguisher?

As for the person intending to use the fire extinguisher he should know:

>How to use the extinguisher quickly without taking time to read the directions during an emergency situation.

>Be strong enough to lift and operate it.

>Keep in mind that your extinguisher must fit the type of fire.

>In order to use extinguisher keep in mind- P.A.S.S (Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep).

Keep in mind that portable extinguishers are not designed for fighting large or spreading fires. Also, one must not endanger his life by fighting fire with wrong, insufficient equipment.

Out of reach Extinguisher.

Fire Extinguisher-Placement:

•  30 meters apart from one place to another

•  Minimum two locations on any floor

•  Readily visible on escape routes

•  Away from any source of fire

•  Properly mounted and within reach or easily accessible.

When you need to Replace a Fire Extinguisher!

Do Fire Extinguisher expire? This is a question that we get all the time. Well, Fire extinguishers of any kind don't typically expire. They may occasionally need recharging especially after you discharge them. According to manufacturers, most extinguisher should work for 5 to 15 years. But you may not know that you got yours 3 years ago or 13. So how can you be sure it will work?

(Pressure gauge- Needle in green zone)

Well, Its recommended to inspect the pressure gauge once a month-by yourself and annually by a professional fire extinguisher inspection company who will place month and year inspection tags on the extinguisher. Most important thing to do is to make sure that the needle in the pressure gauge is in the green zone- this means its functional. If it falls anywhere else, the extinguisher is unreliable and should be serviced or replaced. For older model without gauge, have it checked by any professional. 

When do we need to Replace it?

Replace or service Fire Extinguisher right away if it's been used or if you notice any of the following:

• The Hose or nozzle is cracked, ripped or blocked with debris.
• The safety pin on handle is missing or seal is broken.
• The handle is broken or wobbly.
• The inspection sticker or hang tag, with record of checkups and maintenance, is missing. 

 Is it better to Replace or Recharge a Fire Extinguisher?

It depends. If your Extinguisher is still fairly new (less than 5 years old), recharging may be an option. However, the Extinguisher's replacement is just as good! Because it typically costs about the same as recharging and will guarantee the extinguisher works perfectly.

Note:
In addition to having your extinguisher inspected annually, should should have it hydro-tested every 12 years. A Fire Extinguisher hydro-test is the best way to check for any cracks or degradation of the Fire extinguisher shell and will help you you to tell weather your old Fire extinguishers are upto the task.

For details on Standards check following:
- NFPA 10: Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers.

- OSHA  Standard Number: 1910.157, Title: Portable Fire Extinguishers :

https://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=STANDARDS&p_id=9811


Also check these Inspection videos: 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P3c7CFF0rDs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6YTE5ewqO28

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Fire detection and firefighting equipment

All workplaces must have arrangements for:

i)  Fire Detection and alarm system
ii)  Fire Fighting equipment

i) Fire Detection and alarm systems

This includes use of manual and automatic systems.

Manual alarm systems are suitable for small workplaces and involve the use of following basic devices:

(Manually operated electric alarm device)

• Rotary gong- operated by turning the handle.
• Hand strikers- suspended iron triangles which are struck by metal bars manually.
• Hand bells.
• Whistles.
• Air-horns.

The call point in manually operated electrical system are usually small red wall mounted boxes which are designed to operate either automatically when the glass front is broken.

As for automatic fire detectors and alarm systems, following are three main types:

1) Smoke detector

By sensing presence of smoke or other fumes (often invisible given off by combustion).

2) Radiation detector

By detecting presence of flame and degree of illumination.

3) Heat detector

By sensing heat or the rate of rise in temperature- Fusion, Expansion.

Factors for selection of type of detector:

-The conditions in the area to be protected- Dusty or damp atmospheres will affect some detector more than others.

-The sensitivity required- it would not be sensible to install a smoke detector set at high sensitivity in a normally crowded hotel bar or similar conditions.

-The availability of suitable locations- should be located in the best possible position to perform their function.

-The potential for false alarm- false alarm can happen for many reasons and are often unavoidable.

ii) Fire Fighting Equipment

Fire fighting equipment includes:

• Fire extinguishers- which is portable fire protection device used to extinguish or control small fires often in an emergency situation.

Other fire fighting equipment include:

Automatic Sprinkler system in action.

• Fire hydrants
• Fire Blanket
• Hose Reels
• Foam inlets 
• Drenchers.
• Automatic-Sprinklers. 

Hope you've found this topic informative. Stay tuned for further topics and details.

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What to do in the event of fire at workplace?

There should be a comprehensive fire action plan and regular fire drills for dealing with such situation in your organisation. Here's what need to do in event of fire:

Raise the alarm 
A person discovering fire should raise alarm manually if possible. The alarm can be electric or manually operated system such as bells or rotary gong etc. Fire alarm usually operates automatically by breaking the glass in front of fire alarm switch. Alarm should be clearly audible throughout the building.

Alert the staff and summon fire brigade
Need to alert the the staff so that the persons who are required to assist in situation resume their roles and ensure evacuation of people especially those who need assistance. While summon the fire brigade and direct emergency services.

Fight the fire and prevent it from spreading
Fight the fire using fire fighting equipment such as fire hose, Fire extinguishers, fire blankets. but one must not endanger himself while trying to fight the large or spreading fire.

Evacuate the building
Ensure that everyone has left the building or is leaving. An up-to scale, single line drawing of premises should be present. Their should be adequate emergency escape routes with fire doors. It should be well lit and free of any obstruction and clear directional signs showing where to go. Everyone need to be evacuated by help of fire warden or fire marshals and be collected at assembly point or muster point where roll calls would be carried out to ensure complete evacuation.

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Fire Risk Assessment

Steps of fire risk assessment

Following are the steps of fire risk assessment;

Step 1- Identifying the hazards

Knowledge of fire triangle can assist to identify the hazards for potential fire situation i.e,

Identify any source of ignition- such as flames or sparks from welding, cutting, grinding or use of hot air gun. 

Any Combustible fuels- such as paper, wood, cardboard, petrol, kerosin oil, thinner, methane gas etc.

Also, any unsafe procedures or acts- persons taking unsafe acts such as smoking next to combustible materials.

Any unsafe conditions-  These are the conditions that may assist the fire to spread in your work place. Such as bad Housekeeping, it is responsible for many small fires either starting or certainly spreading involving far more of the premises that was necessary. 

Step 2- Decide who could be harmed

Identify any staff or persons who are specially at risk and need to consider matters carefully if:

• Sleeping accommodation is provided 
• Persons are challenged e.g, physically, visually, mentally etc.
• People are unable to react quickly- children, old.
• A simple single line drawing of premises to scale can be helpful.

Step 3- Evaluate the risk-existing controls are adequate?

Having identification of hazards, need to reduce the chances of a fire by,

• Removing hazards all together (Eliminate)
• Reducing the hazard to the point where there is little to no risk or
• Replacing the existing hazard with safer alternative (Substitute)
• Segregating the hazard from workplace (Engineering controls)
• Developing a fire safety policy and culture to ensure that fire hazard do not occur in workplace (Administrative controls).

Also evaluate, means of escape & emergency lightning are they adequate in size, number, location, well lit, unobstructed, safe to use.
- Fire fighting equipment-wall mounted fire extinguishers, suitable for type of fire and in sufficient numbers.
- Means for detecting and warning in case of fire, can it be heard by all occupants/employees.
- Training of employees- what to do in the event of fire.
- Alongside Classify the areas: Low risk, Normal risk, High risk.

Step 4- Record the findings and actions
Finding of assessment and actions should be recorded and must have to retain a recored of significant finding if having more than 5 employees, and should indicate:

• Date the assessment was made
• The hazards identified
• Any staff or other people at risk
• What action need to be taken and when
• The conclusion arising from the assessment

Step 5- Review, revise and monitor

Fire risk assessment is not a one off procedure and should be continually monitored to ensure that existing fie safety arrangements and risk assessment remain realistic.

The assessment should be revived if there is a significant change in the work activity, in the materials used or stored or when any building works are proposed.

(Click image for Fire Checklist)

For Generic or specific fire risk assessment template visit following link:
https://www.shropshirefire.gov.uk/safety-at-work/generic-fire-risk-assessment-template

Hope you've find this article very informative and useful. Keep in touch for further topics and issues.

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Heat Transmission and Fire spread

There are four ways in which heat can be transmitted:

1. Conduction
This involves transfer of heat without transfer of molecules (usually solid).

2. Convection
Convection is a process whereby  heat moves through a gas or liquid and involves actual movement of molecules.

Process showing conduction convection and radiation.

3. Radiation
Radiation is the mode of transfer of heat (as invisible waves through the air) from source, without any media. For example infrared, microwaves in microwave ovens.

4. Direct burning
Combustible material in contact with naked flame.

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Classes of Fire

Depending on the country you are in, there are slightly different categorizations of fire, .e.g. its slightly different for USA from UK & Europe. Here will examine the USA's OSHA classifications.

In OSHA, fires can be divided into five classes:

• Class A: These are fires involving flammable solids, e.g. wood, cloth, rubber, paper, and some types of plastics. An example of this type of fire would be a campsite fire.
• Class B: These are fires involving flammable liquids or liquefiable solids, e.g. petrol, oil, paint and also some waxes & plastics, but not cooking fats or oils.

• Class C: Class C fire involves energized electrical equipment. Such as motors, transformers and appliances. Remove the power and the class C fire becomes one of the other classes of fire. 

• Class D: These are fires involving combustible metals, e.g. sodium, magnesium, and potassium.
• 
  
• Class K: These are fires involving cooking fats and oils such as animals fats and vegetable fats. The high temperature of these types of fats and oil when on fire far exceeds that of other flammable liquids which means that normal fire extinguishers should not be used.

Note:

The only difference in U.K (HSE) classification of fire is that "Class C" is meant for Flammable Gases only and Fires of Electrical origin are mentioned under separate "Class E" which in case of USA (OSHA) is "Class C" (as seen above). 

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What is Fire and how it works?-Fire Hazard

Fire is the rapid oxidation of a material in the chemical process of combustion (exothermic), releasing heat, light and various other substances.

Basic Principle:

Fire triangle

For a fire to start or an explosion to occur, there are three elements that have to be present to a complete a Fire triangle:

1) Oxygen - This exists in surrounding air (21%)
2) Fuel - This may be in form of solid, liquid or gas
3) Heat - Acts as a source of ignition (minimum temperature to start a fire)

When oxygen mixes with fuel and there's a spark or other sources of ignition, a fire will start.

Following are the sources of each element:

Sources of fuel:  flammable liquids (such as petrol, kerosin oil, paint, adhesives, solvents), wood, paper, card plastic, foam, rubber flammable gases and dusts such as saw dust.

Sources of heat: naked flames, cigarettes and matches, hot processes (grinding,cooking), heaters, lighting equipment and friction.

Sources of oxygen: air in atmosphere (8-16% is required for combustion), oxidizing materials (bleaches) and oxygen stored in cylinders.

Removing any one of these elements will prevent or put out a fire.
Workplaces fires may cause many people to suffer from burns each year and some prove fatal. Fires injure and kill people through:

> heat and flames
> smoke, which suffocate or poison them
> or by collapse of structure, buildings.

How to Extinguish a Fire ?

From fire triangle we know that all three elements have to be present in order to start or continue a fire.
So, fire hazard can be controlled in three ways;
1) Starvation - ending of fuel
2) Smothering - cutting off oxygen supply
3) Cooling - reducing the temperature

 Hope you've find this useful. Keep tuned for further information about fire hazards! spread the knowledge.

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Risk Controls - Measures and Methods at workplace

How do we decide on which risk control measures to use?

During risk assessment (step-3), to help decide on a risk control, there's an order or hierarchy of risk control which we utilize and are as follows:

1. Eliminating the hazard.
2. Reducing the hazard (Substitute)
3. Preventing the people from coming into contact with hazard (Engineering Controls).
4. Administrative controls (Safe system of Work)
5. Personal protective equipment.

1. Eliminating the hazard
The most effective method of controlling the risk is to completely eliminate the hazard,
One way to do this is to replace something hazardous with something that removed the hazard completely. So, instead of unloading a lorry-load of heavy gravel bags by hand, you'd use a crane to lift bags off instead, eliminating need for manual handling.

The rest of the controls focus on reducing the risk to acceptable level.

2. Reducing the hazard (Substitute)
The next preferred option in controlling risk is to reduce the hazard. This can be done by either reducing amount. Such as instead of carrying a box of photocopier paper, which holds five reams, carry one or two reams at a time.
Or, a hazard can be reduced by substituting it with less hazardous solution such as using alternative paint with less harmful substances.

3. Preventing the people from coming into contact with hazard (Engineering Controls)
These control measures rely on preventing people from coming into contact with the hazard by:

a.) Putting a distance between people and hazard.
Such as, keeping chemicals in remote location on site to prevent people coming into contact with it.
other examples nclude keeping people away from noisy machinery and automated processing.

b.) Enclosing the hazard
Such as place guarding around the dangerous parts of the machinery to prevent operators coming into contact with them.
Other examples include putting an enclosure around noisy machine or carrying out all painting in a painting bay.

4. Administrative controls (Safe system of Work)
SSoW includes safe work procedures, permits to work and safety rules. These all detail how activities should be carried out to minimize risk effectively.
A good example of this sis specifying that a job in noisy environment is done in rotation by two or three people so that each person's exposure to noise is limited.

Workers wearing protective clothing and equipment

5. Personal protective equipment.
Using personal protective equipment and clothing such as googles, respiratory protection, gloves and hard hats- can prevent harm to people if they come into contact with hazard, Its success always relies upon people using it. So it should not be considered as first choice for control measure, except in exceptional circumstances.


Note:

You may be wondering when you've done enough in terms of reducing risk.
Well, generally what you need to to is to reduce the risks 'so far as is reasonably practicable'.
This means if the cost- in terms of time, effort, money or inconvenience- associated with risk control outweighs the benefits of risk reduction, then its not reasonably practicable to use that risk control.

Hope you've find it helpful. Kindly ask questions in comment section.

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