Category

Health & Safety

Paints 10/08/2015
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10 Most Dangerous Products in Your Home

We would all like to think we were safe in our own homes, but the truth is many of us aren’t quite as safe as we might think we are. Every year, hundreds of thousands of accidents happen in the home, and while many are the result of trips, falls – and the like – typical hazards we are all aware of, our homes in fact contain far more hazards, and are much more dangerous than might first appear. Dangers in the home lurk everywhere and take different forms. We... Read More

Gas bottles. 07/07/2015
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Five Gas Bottle Safety Tips

Compressed gas bottles are a common sight in many workplaces. In industry and the medical environments, their portability is useful and convenient, and in many cases essential. All gas bottles are designed and manufactured to an approved standard. They are constructed to contain specific gases and to withstand normal, everyday use. Accordingly, each bottle is thoroughly inspected before release for use. Thereafter, gas bottles are periodically examined to ensure their continued safety. In addition, gas bottles should always be checked over if they have sustained mechanical damage, are dented, or... Read More

Solar Panels. 03/06/2015
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What are the risks of solar panels?

Over the last two years more than 500,000 households in the UK have had solar panels installed. These numbers are expected to increase with many experts believing there could be up to 10 million homes running on solar power by 2020. With electricity prices predicted to rise steadily over the next 20 years, solar power seems the way to go, the clever choice – but is it really all it’s made out to be, or is there a catch? As with most things in life: there are pros and cons,... Read More

Fire Extinguisher Inspection. 13/05/2015

Fire extinguisher servicing and labelling: All you need to know.

All employers are expected to meet the requirements of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Among the details contained therein are the regulations and advice on fire extinguishers in the workplace: the types, the number you should position, on and in, the works premises, and the rules regarding servicing and labelling. How many extinguishers do I need? The number of fire extinguishers you will need depends on the size of your premises and whether you operate in a low or high risk business. A risk assessment should be carried... Read More

26/02/2015
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The Importance of Visual Inspection when PAT testing

Visual inspection is an important function carried out during portable appliance testing (PAT) in order to ensure personal safety in the workplace. As a consequence, visual inspection should only be carried out by a qualified tester, someone trained in PAT testing, and who has gained a recognised certificate of competence. Industry is often a harsh environment. Damage to equipment can occur at any time and often unnoticed, even minutes after an annual inspection. Many electrical appliance defects are identified by a quick visual inspection, but not all. Other types of... Read More

dangerous electrics 04/02/2015
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What are the risks of overloading sockets?

What are the risks from overloading a socket? Well, for a start, it’s dangerous, and can cause fires – and is therefore extremely harmful to ones health, even fatal. Overloading a socket can destroy complete homes and a lifetime’s possessions; causes financial hardship, incurred costs, disrupts lives completely. The simple act of overloading a socket can be costly, and yet can so easily be avoided. Many lives and even more injuries can be prevented by the simplest of precautions. There are a reported 20,000 fires in the home each year... Read More

picture showing a carbon monoxide detector 31/07/2014

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Carbon monoxide is a highly poisonous gas produced by unsafe gas appliances. Known as the “silent killer” carbon monoxide cannot be smelt, tasted or seen and can kill quickly, with no warning. In the UK over 200 people require hospital treatment every year for suspected carbon monoxide poisoning, and the gas is responsible for around 40 deaths. The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning Carbon monoxide can kill, as well as cause serious long term health problems such as brain damage and paralysis. Recognising these symptoms early could save your life.... Read More

image of a quiz symbol 06/06/2014

Hazard Warning Symbol Quiz: Do you know the potential dangers

Hazard warning signs and symbols are an important part of ensuring safety in the workplace and our everyday lives, as they help us recognise a range of different dangers so that we can take the correct measures to avoid injury. Many accidents in the workplace are caused by preventable dangers, which is why all businesses must carry out a risk assessment to ensure the necessary measures can be put in place to warn of the possible dangers and therefore prevent the level of risk. Using hazard warning signs and symbols... Read More