SPK Training and Compliance: 2010

Sunday, December 26, 2010

Dangers of Welding fumes

SPK Training and Compliance
215-600-1774
WWW.SPKTRAINING.COM
620 West Chestnut Street Suite 201 Perkasie , Pa. 18944
EPA Lead Renovators Course, CPR Training, OSHA Training, Forklift Training, onsite consulting

Welding fume exposure in the workplace is a serious occupational hazard. Employee exposure to welding fumes, specifically to those that contain manganese, has garnered national media attention within the last few years. Thousands of welders have filed lawsuits against welding rod manufacturers, distributors and suppliers alleging that the manganese present in welding fumes causes a host of illnesses, including Parkinson's disease. While manganese exposure does lead to symptoms that are similar to Parkinson's disease, further research must be conducted to confirm a connection between manganese and Parkinson's.

This article is adapted from recent print and online resources to provide an overview of:

welding fumes and the health effects of manganese present in these fumes;
the differences between Parkinson's disease and manganese-induced parkinsonism;
current litigation among welders;
measures to protect welders from welding fumes.

What Are Welding Fumes?

Welding is the method of joining two metal parts together by applying intense heat between them, which causes the parts to melt and intermix. This process can be done directly between the two parts or through the use of an intermediate molten filler metal. The filler, base metal and base metal coating used during welding operations and the subsequent gases that are formed during the welding process release small, solid particles into the air creating a plume. This plume is called "welding fume."

All welding processes produce these fumes, but most fumes are produced during arc welding. In this type of welding process, high heat from an electric arc (formed between the work and an electrode) is used to melt and fuse the metal at the joint between the two parts. When a welder strikes an arc, the arc's heat vaporizes a small quantity of metal and releases welding fumes into the air, which can adversely affect the health of the welder as well as the health of those in the immediate area.

The contents of the welding fumes depend on the components of the base metal, coatings and/or filler materials and the temperatures used in the welding process. Types of metals commonly found in welding fumes include aluminum, beryllium, cadmium oxides, chromium, copper, fluorides, iron oxide, lead, manganese, molybdenum, nickel, vanadium and zinc oxides. Welding fumes also produce gases, which can contain carbon monoxide, fluorine, hydrogen fluoride, nitrogen oxide and ozone.

Health Effects of Welding Fume Exposure & Manganese

Exposure to welding fumes can cause numerous health problems. When inhaled, welding fumes can enter the lungs, bloodstream, brain nerve cells, spinal cord and other organs and can cause both short- and long-term health effects (see sidebar above).

Of the many welders who work in factories or in the construction, ironworks, manufacturing, mining, metallurgy, petrochemical, railroad, shipbuilding or steel industries, most suffer from some sort of respiratory illness or pulmonary infection. In recent years, however, the effects of manganese welding fume exposure on welders' health have warranted closer study.
Manganese is a naturally occurring metal and the twelfth most abundant element on earth. It is a highly reactive gray-white metal that resembles iron, and it is often added to carbon steel and stainless steel to increase hardness, stiffness and strength. In addition to steel, manganese is found in many different types of welding rods and wire, and it is considered the most harmful metal present in welding fumes. Even when used properly, manganese welding rods can still emit manganese fumes.

An essential trace nutrient, manganese is necessary for healthy skin, bones and cartilage in humans, but high concentrations of manganese in the body, often referred to as "manganese poisoning" or "manganism," can irreversibly damage the brain and central nervous system. Studies have shown that exposure to high levels of manganese welding fumes for only a few months can cause sickness, and since many welders are exposed to these fumes on a regular basis, they are at an increased risk of developing manganism or "Welder's Disease."

According to National Safety Council, exposure to manganese dust or fumes can cause:

asthenia;
dry throat and cough;
dyspnea;
encephalopathy;
fatigue;
fever;
insomnia;
lower back pain;
malaise;
mental confusion;
metal fume fever;
paralysis;
rales;
spastic gait;
tightness in the chest;
vomiting;
weakness.

Documented cases of manganese poisoning date back to the early 19th century. During this time, J. Couper, an English physician, published a report in which he described how workers in a manganese ore grinding plant in France developed symptoms of manganese poisoning such as loss of muscle control, slowed movements and lowered speech. Throughout the 20th century, other occurrences of manganese poisoning had been found in Chilean miners, Taiwanese ferromanganese smelters and in those involved in the manufacture of dry batteries. As these and other cases mounted, few could deny the link between routine manganese exposure and ill health.

Further studies have addressed the effects of manganese on welders. In 1932, a published article advised welders to avoid working with manganese electrodes. In 1963, Dr. Irving Sax, a toxicologist, published a book in which he detailed the negative effects of manganese on the nervous system and the risks of manganese exposure during electric arc welding. In 1981, World Health Organization (WHO) recognized chronic manganese poisoning as a serious occupational health hazard among welders.

Today, studies show that a substantial percentage of welders have developed symptoms similar to Parkinson's disease (see sidebar below). This condition is referred to as "manganese-induced parkinsonism, which is different from Parkinson's disease. Still, many contend that manganese welding fumes are a direct cause of Parkinson's disease and of the increased risk of the disease among welders.

Parkinson's Disease Versus Manganese-Induced Parkinsonism

Parkinson's disease is a neurological disorder that damages brain cells in the midbrain or substantia nigra. This area produces dopamine, a chemical that helps to transmit signals in the brain. Dopamine loss can cause slow and unsteady body movements, stiff limbs, poor balance and tremors. Other classic symptoms include:

drooling;
fixed gaze;
gait changes;
loss of facial expressions;
slow reflexes.

Although the cause of Parkinson's disease remains unknown, many believe that environmental factors are to blame, especially since welders tend to develop Parkinson's at a higher rate than others. A recent study of 20,000 welders determined that 10 percent had developed Parkinson's disease as compared to only one percent of the general population. Also, the onset of the disease in welders tends to occur around age 46, about 17 years earlier than in other Parkinson's patients. Many assert that exposure to manganese welding fumes is directly responsible for the elevated rate of Parkinson's disease among welders. However, no conclusive studies confirm this theory.
It is important to note that manganese-induced parkinsonism differs from Parkinson's disease because it appears to affect the basal ganglia region of the brain and not the substantia nigra. Those with manganese-induced parkinsonism also do not respond well to dopamine therapy, which is normally used to treat Parkinson's patients.

While exposure to manganese can disrupt normal neurological processes, welding fumes contain other metals such as aluminum, copper and lead, which may also be risk factors in the development of Parkinson's disease. Other issues, such as how much manganese must be present in welding fumes to incur toxic effects and the duration of exposure to these fumes, are still under debate. Some suggest that Parkinson's disease may actually encompass a combination of symptoms that have overlapping characteristics.

Before a concrete association between manganese welding fume exposure and Parkinson's disease can be determined, further research must be conducted that takes into account the neurological differences behind manganese-induced parkinsonism and Parkinson's disease.

Current Litigation among Welders

Approximately 10,000 welders nationwide have filed lawsuits against current and former welding rod manufacturers, distributors and suppliers on the grounds that welding fume exposure caused them to develop manganese-induced parkinsonism as well as Parkinson's disease. The plaintiffs include welders who already have manganese-induced parkinsonism, early onset Parkinson's disease or no symptoms but a history of manganese exposure. The plaintiffs also claim breach of express and implied warranties, civil conspiracy, fraud, intentional and negligent misrepresentation, loss of consortium, negligence, strict liability, survival actions and wrongful death.

Within the last 15 years, seven cases were ruled in favor of the welding rod industry when it could not be proven that the industry had failed to protect workers from manganese in welding fumes. That changed on Oct. 28, 2003, when Larry Elam, a former welder, received $1 million from a Madison County, IL, jury against Lincoln Electric, Hobart Brothers and BOC. Elam claimed that he developed manganese-induced parkinsonism as a result of breathing welding rod fumes at work. The jury decided that welding rod manufacturers neglected to warn Elam about the potential health risks associated with breathing welding rod fumes.

In July 2005, a federal panel ruled that a large number of welding fume lawsuits in the U.S. would be consolidated before U.S. District Judge Kathleen McDonald O'Malley in Cleveland. The lawsuits allege that the defendants knew of the health hazards associated with welding fumes and failed to warn welders about them. O'Malley has allowed the plaintiffs in these cases to testify that welding fume exposure indeed causes Parkinson's disease, which will allow thousands of other welding fume cases to proceed in state courts.

Plaintiffs' attorneys believe that welding fumes cause Parkinson's disease, and they have requested welding fume warnings and improved ventilation for those working in the welding industry. If juries rule in favor of the plaintiffs, the plaintiffs could then sue those in the welding industry for damages. At this stage, it is difficult to predict how these lawsuits will affect the welding industry when a definitive link between welding fumes and Parkinson's disease has yet to be determined, but organizations such as the Gases and Welding Distributors Assn. (GAWDA) have taken precautionary measures. GAWDA's board of directors has created a Joint Defense Fund for Welding Fume Litigation that will assist GAWDA members defend against welding fume claims.

In the meantime, more and more welders have begun to file workers' compensation claims citing welding fume exposure, and a class-action lawsuit involving 3,700 plaintiffs was recently filed in West Virginia. Many legal experts predict that welding fume litigation could rival that of asbestos given the considerable number of claimants.

Measures to Protect Welders from Welding Fumes

Until the potential health hazards of welding fume exposure can be confirmed, employers should make every effort to safeguard employees against welding fumes. Ventilation systems, respirators, training, industrial hygiene monitoring and alternative welding methods can help to improve fume conditions in work areas.
Ventilation Systems
For indoor welding operations, all employers should ensure that proper ventilation systems are incorporated into welding work areas. These systems, which may include hoods, roof vents and high-speed intake and exhaust fans, should capture toxic fumes and gases at their source and remove them so that they never enter the welder's breathing space. Most source-capture mechanisms are ducts that can be easily attached to exhaust or filter systems, but welding guns can also help to extract fumes from the air.

To capture welding fumes in large work areas, the use of downdraft worktables is recommended so that the fumes are directed down and away from the welder's breathing space. Ceilings more than 16 feet high and routine air monitoring to determine any changes in exposure levels will also help to reduce welding fumes and gases in work areas.
For outdoor welding operations, all employers should instruct welders to avoid standing directly in or near the fume plume and to work upwind to reduce their exposure. This is especially critical for welders who work in small outdoor welding boxes where ventilation may be overlooked, thus allowing fumes to collect. Fans may also be used to blow fumes away from welders.

Respirators

Employers may choose to supplement ventilation systems in welding work areas with respiratory protection. All respirators used in the workplace must be certified by NIOSH, and employers should select those that afford welders the best possible protection. Employers must also adhere to OSHA's Respiratory Protection Standard, which requires employers to implement a written respirator program with procedures that are specific to the work area, develop a medical surveillance program to evaluate employee's medical capability to wear a respirator and deliver training on the proper use and storage of respiratory protection. This program should be evaluated regularly. Employers are responsible for selecting the right respirators for their individual employee jobs while providing welders with guidelines for appropriate respirator storage, cleaning and filter replacement.

Training

In addition to training welders in the correct use of respirators and other PPE, all employers should advise welders to avoid standing directly in the welding fume plume (no matter whether they are working indoors or outdoors) and to position themselves so that the fumes and dust particles do not accumulate inside their face shields. Employers should also train nonwelders not to stand in or near the welding fume plume. Employers should enforce the use of engineering controls, safety practices and emergency procedures that mitigate welders' exposure to fumes, and they should also teach welders to heed all signs, labels and other markings in the work area which warn welders of fume exposure hazards. These warnings must be clearly presented throughout the area. All employers and welders should be familiar with ANSI Z49.1, Safety in Welding, Cutting and Allied Processes, copies of which should be readily available throughout the workplace.

Employers should also make a conscious effort to promote healthy habits among welders. A company-sponsored smoking cessation program and annual physical exams are just a few ways in which employers can positively impact the well-being of their welders.

Industrial Hygiene Expertise

All employers should have an industrial hygiene monitoring plan in place for all welding work areas, and industrial hygienists should be present in all work areas to monitor welders for exposures and potential exposures. Industrial hygiene monitoring in the form of both personal and area monitoring should be performed to assess exposure levels. This information can also be used to determine the appropriate respiratory protection, where required. Typical analysis of samples collected by filter cassette may include a broad metal scan to detect metals such as iron, lead and manganese to comprehensively analyze welding fumes. Industrial hygienists should also work one-on-one with welders to educate them about the dangers of welding fumes.

Alternative Welding Methods

To further reduce welding fumes in work areas, employers may want to consider using less-hazardous materials such as low-fume welding rods and alternative welding methods such as stick welding, which creates less fumes than flux core welding. OSHA also recommends that all paint, solvents and other residues be removed from materials before any welding or torch-cutting processes are performed to curb hazardous fume release.

Since galvanized steel tends to produce more hazardous fumes during welding and creates poor-quality welds, most welders do not weld on it. Galvanized metals in general tend to produce more fumes because they are covered with a zinc coating. However, if galvanized steel is used, most welders will grind back the zinc coating on the steel at least four inches from either side of the weld area to get a higher-quality weld. This practice helps to reduce the release of harmful fumes as well.

Employers may also decide to galvanize steel after fabrication. Although this practice is costly, takes more time and must be performed carefully to ensure an even coating and to inhibit rust formation, post-fabrication galvanized steel has been shown to release less-harmful fumes during welding.

Conclusion

As welding fume lawsuits escalate in number and severity, employers must play an active role in preventing welding fume exposure in the workplace. The health risks associated with routine manganese exposure are many, but more must be done to verify the existence of a relationship between manganese and Parkinson's disease.

Sean Kling

WWW.SPKTRAINING.COM

215-600-1774

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Travel Safety for the Holidays

Sean Kling
http://www.spktraining.com/
620 West Chestnut Street, Suite 201, Perkasie, Pa. 18944
215-600-1774
EPA Lead Renovators Training, American Heart Association CPR Training, OSHA Training, Forklift Training, Onsite Safety Consulting

Traveling with kids can be a challenge, especially with the added worry of safety thrown into the mix.

It is the responsibility of parents to ensure their children's safety, so these following suggestions may help to avoid accidents and the horror of lost children...

Before leaving on your holiday remind children about your family safety procedures for dealing with strangers, what to do if they get lost.

Keep a recent photo of children handy, also a photocopy of passports kept in a safe place or with a relative that can fax it to you in case of loss.

If you label children's clothing, make sure the label is inside so strangers are not able to learn child's name.

A single parent travelling with children should ensure that permission from other parent is readily available for authorities (this is to prevent one parent abductions). This is especially important for air/train or cross border travel.

Always ensure one parent is in charge of keeping an eye on children and perhaps other parent can look after arrangements for travel.

Dressing children in bright colors makes them readily visible. Try to remember what they are wearing

Consider using a harness for toddlers, especially in busy places like airports, attractions.

Remind children about road safety rules, hold the hand of children under nine at all times when crossing a road or at an intersection.

Remind older children to always tell you where they are going, who with and what time they will be back, have a contact number for them also.

Review your home address, telephone number and provide your children with the name, address and telephone number of a relative or friend to contact in an emergency.

Provide a relative or friend with your travel itinerary and the name and telephone number of any hotels or resorts where you will be staying, if available.

Ensure that all occupants of any vehicles are properly secured and that there are no large or heavy items in the vehicle that may injure the occupants at any sudden stops. See the link below for more information on car safety.

Never leave children alone in a car, temperatures can rise rapidly in a parked car, especially in tropical places.

If travelling by air, make sure all family members are secured by the safety belts when seated.

When using highchairs in restaurants, make sure that children are secured by waist and middle strap.

Remind children to stay away from all animals. Make them aware of poisonous insects, snakes etc.

Keep medicines and poisons away from small children and watch that children don't eat any plants.

If you are bringing or plan on using bicycles while on vacation make sure all family members are biking safely

Go over pool and water safety with them.

Keep them safe!

Sean Kling
http://www.spktraining.com/
620 West Chestnut Street Suite 201, Perkasie, Pa. 18944
215-600-1774

EPA Lead Renovators Course, OSHA Training, Forklift Training, LEED Certification , Lead Dust Sampleing Services, Onsite Safety Consulting

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Work Place Violance

Sean Kling
SPK Training and Compliance
http://www.spktraining.com/
215-600-1774
620 West Chestnut Street Suite 201 Perkasie, Pa. 18944

Bullying is a hazard in the workplace -- but it's not just an occupational hazard, like getting a bad boss instead of a good one, or ending up in an office with co-workers you don't really like.

Katherine Williams, an Ottawa author who's just published a book on the subject, says she always thought the bullying she'd suffered over her 38 years in the workplace was just part of the cost of being employed.

It wasn't until she started doing research for a report on workplace harassment a few years ago that she realized it's not an occupational hazard -- it's violence, and it's more widespread than she knew.

"It has no place in the workplace," Williams says firmly. "It is psychological, emotional violence -- it can be physical violence if things get out of hand. (The research) was just a light shining on a dark corner of my mind, the part of my mind (that thought) I just had to put up with the pain and humiliation."

Williams says before she took early retirement last June to dedicate herself to raising awareness about bullying in the workplace, she'd been the target of at least four major bullying attacks, and several minor ones -- and she has no idea whether those numbers are high.

"There are certain people who are targeted more than others: Good-natured people, because bullies think that being strong is causing pain and hurting people, and people who are good-natured are seen as being weak."

Women over 40 are also singled out, she says. But since the goal of most bullies is to gain power, the competent are also frequent targets of bullies, says Williams, author of Workplace Bullying: A Survival Guide.

"Competent people are strong, they're capable, they're getting awards, they're getting notice, attention, everything bullies crave. So a bully will see this as a threat to be driven out of the workplace."

Quite often, the workplace bully will "co-opt" vulnerable co-workers to help them in their attacks -- a phenomenon that Swedish researcher Heinz Leymann calls "mobbing," a phenomenon that builds on the human instinct to band against a common foe.

Victims of a bully's attack need to realize there is no way to stop being a target if both remain in the workplace -- there will be no agreeing to disagree and getting on with it.

That leaves victims with two choices, Williams says. The first is to fight back, to protect your reputation.

"And also look for another job. Because once a bully gets into a workplace it's really hard to dislodge them unless management's very much aware of the psychology of bullying and realize they've been suckered into hiring a bully. Leave kicking and screaming . . . because bullies thrive when there's silence."

EPA Lead Renovators Training, OSHA Training, CPR , Managment Training , Safety Consulting

http://www.spktraining.com/

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

EPA Lead Renovators Training Course

http://www.spktraining.com/

Common renovation activities like sanding, cutting, and demolition can create hazardous lead dust and chips by disturbing lead-based paint, which can be harmful to adults and children.

To protect against this risk, on April 22, 2008, EPA issued a rule requiring the use of lead-safe practices and other actions aimed at preventing lead poisoning. Under the rule, beginning April 22, 2010, contractors performing renovation, repair and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in homes, child care facilities, and schools built before 1978 must be certified and must follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination.

EPA requires that firms performing renovation, repair, and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in pre-1978 homes, child care facilities and schools be certified by EPA and that they use certified renovators who are trained by EPA-approved training providers to follow lead-safe work practices. Individuals can become certified renovators by taking an eight-hour training course from an EPA-approved training provider. Learn how to become an EPA certified firm and where to take a training course near you.

Contractors must use lead-safe work practices and follow these three simple procedures:

Contain the work area.

Minimize dust.

Clean up thoroughly.

Read EPA's Regulations on Residential Property Renovation at 40 CFR 745.80, Subpart E.

Read about lead-hazard information for renovation, repair and painting activities in the EPA lead hazard information pamphlet Renovate Right: Important Lead Hazard Information for Families, Child Care Providers, and Schools (PDF) (11 pp, 1.1MB)
en español (PDF) (11 pp, 2.4MB)

Read about how to comply with EPA's rule in the EPA Small Entity Compliance Guide to Renovate Right (PDF) (32 pp, 5.5MB)
en español (PDF) (34 pp, 1.3MB).

Find additional EPA publications and brochures on lead-safe renovation, repair and painting and on lead poisoning prevention.

Beginning in December 2008, the rule requires that contractors performing renovation, repair and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint provide to owners and occupants of child care facilities and to parents and guardians of children under age six that attend child care facilities built prior to 1978 the lead hazard information pamphlet Renovate Right: Important Lead Hazard Information for Families, Child Care Providers, and Schools (PDF) (11 pp, 1.1MB).
en español (PDF) (11 pp, 2.4MB)

The rule affects paid renovators who work in pre-1978 housing and child-occupied facilities, including:

Renovation contractors

Maintenance workers in multi-family housing

Painters and other specialty trades.

Under the rule, child-occupied facilities are defined as residential, public or commercial buildings where children under age six are present on a regular basis. The requirements apply to renovation, repair or painting activities. The rule generally does not apply to minor maintenance or repair activities where less than six square feet of lead-based paint is disturbed in a room or where less then 20 square feet of lead-based paint is disturbed on the exterior, but this does not include window replacement, demolition, or prohibited practices.

Previously, owner-occupants of homes built before 1978 could certify that no child six years of age or younger or pregnant woman was living in the home and "opt-out" of having their contractors follow lead-safe work practices in their homes. On April 23, 2010, to better prevent against lead paint poisoning, EPA issued a final rule to apply lead-safe work practices (PDF) (18 pp, 121K) to most pre-1978 homes, effectively closing the exemption. The rule eliminating the opt-out provision became effective July 6, 2010.

SPK Training and Compliance
620 West Chestnut St.
Suite 201
Perkasie, Pa. 18944

http://www.spktraining.com/

215-600-1774

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Winter Safety Tips

Sean

http://www.spktraining.com/

WINTER SAFETY TIPS

Winter Weather Terms

Watches

Winter Storm Watch: Issued for the possibility of severe life-threatening winter weather conditions including: heavy snow, heavy ice and/or near blizzard conditions. Forecasters are typically 50 percent confident that severe winter weather will materialize when a watch is issued.

Blizzard Watch: Issued for the possibility of blizzard conditions. Forecasters are typically 50 percent confident that blizzard conditions will materialize when a blizzard watch is issued.

Lake-Effect Snow Watch: Issued for the potential for heavy lake effect snow.

Wind Chill Watch: Issued for the potential of wind chills of -25F or less, which can cause rapid frostbite and increase the risk of hypothermia.

Warnings

Winter Storm Warning: Issued for a combination of heavy snow and/or ice, of which, at least one exceeds or meets warning criteria. Winter weather is expected to cause life-threatening public impact for a combination of winter hazards including heavy snow, ice, near blizzard conditions, blowing and drifting snow and/or dangerous wind chills.

Heavy Snow Warning: Issued when 7 inches or more of snow is expected in 12 hours or less, or 9 inches or more is expected in 24 hours or less. Heavy Snow Warnings are issued when there is a high degree of confidence that the entire event will be snow.

Ice Storm Warning: Issued for a ½ inch or more of ice accumulation which causes damage to power lines and trees. Ice Storm Warnings are issued when there is a high degree of confidence that the entire event is expected to be ice.

Blizzard Warning: Issued when blizzard conditions are imminent or expected in the next 12 to 24 hours. Blizzard conditions include sustained or frequent gusts of or above 35 mph AND considerable falling, blowing and drifting of snow reducing visibilities frequently 1/4 mile.

Lake-Effect Snow Warning: Issued for 7 inches or more of lake-effect snow.

Wind Chill Warning: Issued when the wind chill is expected to be -25F or less. Frostbite can occur in less than 10 minutes.

Advisories

Winter Weather Advisory: Issued for a hazardous combination of snow, and ice of which neither meets or exceeds warning criteria. Issued for winter weather that will cause significant inconveniences or could be life-threatening if the proper precautions are not taken.

Snow Advisory: Issued when an average of 4 to 6 inches of snow is expected in 12 hours or less. Snow advisories are issued when there is a high degree of confidence that the entire event will be snow.

Freezing Rain Advisory: Any accumulation of freezing rain that can make roads slippery. Freezing rain advisories will only be issued when there is a high degree of confidence that the entire event will be freezing rain only.

Snow and Blowing Snow Advisory: Sustained wind or frequent gusts of 25 to 34 mph accompanied by falling and blowing snow, occasionally reducing visibility to a 1/4 mile or less for three hours or more.

Blowing Snow Advisory: Widespread or localized blowing snow reducing visibilities to a 1/4 or less with winds less than 35 mph.

Lake-Effect Snow Advisory: Issued for an average of 4 to 6 inches of lake effect snow.

Wind Chill Advisory: Issued for wind chills of -15F to -24F. Frostbite can occur in less than 30 minutes.

Home Safety

Family Disaster Plan

Families should be prepared for all hazards that affect their area and themselves. Follow these basic steps to develop a family disaster plan:

Learn your communitys warning signals.

Meet with your family to create a plan. Pick two places to meet: a spot outside your home for an emergency such as fire, and a place away from your neighborhood in case you cannot return home (a real possibility during the day when adults are at work and children are at school). Choose an out-of-area friend as your family check-in contact for everyone to call if the family becomes separated.

Implement your plan. Post emergency telephone numbers by the phones. Install safety features in your house such as smoke detectors and fire extinguishers. Inspect your home for potential hazards and correct them. Have your family learn basic safety and first aid measures. Make sure everyone knows how and when to call 9-1-1 or your local emergency medical services phone number. Have disaster supplies on hand.

Home Emergency Supplies

Winter has arrived and you should stockpile the following supplies in the event a winter storm or power outage prevents you from leaving your home.

Flashlights and extra batteries

Battery-operated radio and extra batteries

Emergency non-perishable foods that do not require refrigeration

Non-electric can opener

Bottled water

One week supply of essential medicines

Extra blankets and sleeping bags

First aid kit and manual

Fire extinguisher

Emergency heating equipment, used properly

Winterize Your Home

Take the time now to get your home ready for the winter season by following these tips:

Have your heating system checked by a professional annually. This will ensure that your system is working safely and efficiently which, in turn, will save you money. If you heat by wood, clean your fireplace or stove. Have your chimney flue checked for any buildup of creosote and then cleaned to lessen the risk of fire.

Make sure your home is properly insulated. If necessary, insulate walls and attic. This will help you to conserve energy and reduce your homes power demands for heat.

Caulk and weather-strip doors and windowsills to keep cold air out.

Install storm windows or cover windows with plastic from the inside. This will provide an extra layer of insulation, keeping more cold air out.

Inspect and flush your water heater.

Clean gutters. Leaves and other debris will hamper drainage.

Replace batteries of smoke, heat and carbon monoxide detectors. If you did not do it when you set the clocks back, do it now.

To keep pipes from freezing:

Wrap pipes in insulation or layers of old newspapers

Cover the newspapers with plastic to keep out moisture

Let faucets drip a little to avoid freezing

Know how to shut off water valves

Sean Kling
SPK Training and Compliance
620 West Chestnut Street Suite 201
Perkasie, Pa. 18944
215-600-1774

http://www.spktraining.com/

OSHA, EPA Lead Renovators Course, American Heart Association CPR , LEED, Consulting and Training

Friday, October 15, 2010

Dangers of House Hold Garbage

Reducing the hazardous waste in landfills starts at home. Millions of households are producing billions of pounds of solid waste. Products used every day in our homes leach hazardous chemicals after entering landfills. There are a number of simple steps that average consumer can take to limit the damage that many of these toxic materials are doing to the environment.

The garbage situation has become a big concern in cities all around the country and not only is this a political issue, but it is also a problem that has caught the attention of the general population. We all realize there is a growing problem but nobody likes to admit that their garbage is contributing to the problem.
Many municipalities have already started a recycling program to deal with the growing mountains of paper, plastic, glass, etc. Although it takes a bit of effort on the part of the public to sort and separate their garbage, people are now beginning to realize that the future of our environment is at stake.
One household product that is causing a problem these days is throwaway batteries. Each year, Americans throw away 84.000 tons of alkaline batteries. These AA, C and D cells that power electronic toys and games, portable audio equipment and a widerange of other gadgets comprise 20% of the household hazardous materials present around the country in America's landfills.

When a battery in one of the products we use fails, we simply run out and buy a replacement. The dead battery ends up in the garbage and no one thinks about where it goes and what happens to it after the garbage is picked up.
Sealed inside these alkaline cells are harmful materials which are not encountered by consumers during normal use. However, when the batteries enter a landfill, the casings can be crushed, or can easily degrade, which causes mercury and other toxins to leach into the environment.
The problem of batteries in landfills is one of the easiest to solve. Using rechargeable power can significantly reduce the number of batteries which end up in landfills.
Rechargeable batteries can be used again and again, up to 1,000 times. One rechargeable cell can replace up to 300 throwaway batteries, keeping the landfill free not only from the batteries themselves, but also from the paper and plastic materials that are used to package them.
There are a number of manufacturers in the country today who deal in rechargeable products and some of them have a number of programs already in place to ensure that rechargeable batteries never enter a landfill at all. For example, one of the largest manufacturers of rechargeable products is now offering a lifetime replacement guarantee on all round cells. If the product ever fails to accept or hold a charge, the company will promptly replace it and recycle the used cell.
If you have an environmental agency in your area, you might like to work on this issue with them, or perhaps they already have a program set up to dispose of used batteries. As a concerned citizen, your suggestions and input will be invaluable to them as they attempt to come up with some solutions.

WWW.SPKTRAINING.COM

Sean Kling

SPK Training and Compliance
620 West Chestnut St. Suite 201
Perkasie, Pa. 18944
215-600-1774

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Halloween Safety Tips

Anytime a child has an accident, it's tragic. Having your child get hurt any day of the year would be horrible but the last thing that you want to happen is for your child to be hurt on a holiday, like Halloween! It would forever live in the minds of the child and family, ruining that special time of year.

Everyone wants to have a safe and happy Halloween for themselves, their guests and their children. Using safety tips and some common sense can help you make the most of your Halloween season, keeping it as enjoyable for your kids as it is for you! There are lots of simple ways to keep your child safe at Halloween, when accidents and injuries are more likely to occur.

The excitement of children and adults at this time of year can sometimes make them not as careful as they would normally be. Simple common sense ideas can do a lot to stop tragedies from happening.

Inside this guide, you'll find helpful tips and useful ideas to help make the most of everyone's favorite holiday of the year ........ Halloween!

By keeping Halloween a fun, safe and happy holiday for you and your kids, you'll look forward to many happy years of Halloween fun! by keeping good memories for your kids, they'll be more likely to carry on the traditions that you have taught to them with .

WWW.SPKTRAINING.COM

Sean Kling

215-600-1774

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

EPA Lead Renovators Course in Perkasie Pa

Sunday, August 22, 2010

School Safety Tips

School is hard enough without having to worry if you will be safe on your way or while you're there. But McGruff can help. Read his advice on how to start the school year safely.

Getting to school and back home again

Find an easy way to walk to school or the bus stop. Ask your parents if there is anything you should watch out for along way. Always walk with a brother, sister, neighbor, or friend.
Don't talk to strangers, go anywhere with them, or take anything from them.
Know your phone number and address, even your area code and zip code. If you have trouble remembering them, write them down and keep them in a safe place.

After School

If you stay home alone for a few hours after school while your parents are at work, call and check in with them as soon as you get home. And remember McGruff's home alone rules.
Ask your parents what the rules are. Are you allowed to watch TV before you finish your homework? Or have ice cream as a snack?

In the classroom
Most teachers have their own rules for what goes on in their classroom but there are a few other things you should remember when you're in class.

If another kid, even a friend, asks you to do something you don't want to, don't do it.
If you get into an argument, talk it out. Fighting will hurt you and will probably get you in trouble. It may even give you a reputation as a bully.
Know that tattling is VERY different from telling. Tattling gets someone into trouble, and telling gets someone out of trouble. It's always okay to tell.
If anything bothers you or makes you feel weird, like a fight with a friend, a run-in with a bully, or ANYTHING, talk to an adult you trust.
Study hard. You can be anything you want to be if you work hard and don't give up.

www.spktraining.com

Air Conditioner Safety Tips

The heat of summer can be more than just uncomfortable. For some folks, it can be quite dangerous. Staying out of the sun, wearing loose clothing, and drinking lots of water helps. But, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), air-conditioning is the No.1 protection against heat-related illness and death.

However, as with all things electrical, care must be taken to ensure that no safety hazards are present. According to the Electrical Safety Foundation (ESFI), contact with electric current from air conditioners accounts for a significant number of electrocutions and electrical injuries each year. The .S. Fire Administration says that, while some electrical fires are caused by electrical system failures and appliance defects, many more are caused by misuse and poor maintenance of electrical appliances, incorrectly installed wiring, and overloaded circuits and extension cords.

To avoid dangerous situations while your unit is running, please follow these guidelines:

- Be sure that both the electrical circuit and the electrical outlet can handle the load. When in doubt, have a licensed electrician inspect your home's wiring and advise you as to whether it will safely handle air conditioning units.

- Always plug an air conditioner into a grounded (three-prong) outlet. If an appliance cord plug doesn't fit an outlet, have a qualified electrician replace the outlet.

- If you must use an extension cord to reach a grounded outlet, make certain that you use a cord designed for air conditioners and that it is UL listed, meets OSHA specification, and can handle the power needed by your air conditioner. NOTE: Some manufacturers will not honor warranties if the unit is plugged in using an extension cord.

As with all extension cord use, always inspect before you use! Ensure that the plug's blades and grounding pin are present and do not use extension cords that are cut or damaged. And, never run any extension cord under a carpet!

www.spktraining.com

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Mold. You Better Watch Out !!!

Moisture Control

Water in your home can come from many sources. Water can enter your home by leaking or by seeping through basement floors. Showers or even cooking can add moisture to the air in your home. The amount of moisture that the air in your home can hold depends on the temperature of the air. As the temperature goes down, the air is able to hold less moisture. This is why, in cold weather, moisture condenses on cold surfaces (for example, drops of water form on the inside of a window). This moisture can encourage biological pollutants to grow.

There are many ways to control moisture in your home:

Fix leaks and seepage. If water is entering the house from the outside, your options range from simple landscaping to extensive excavation and waterproofing. (The ground should slope away from the house.) Water in the basement can result from the lack of gutters or a water flow toward the house. Water leaks in pipes or around tubs and sinks can provide a place for biological pollutants to grow.
Put a plastic cover over dirt in crawlspaces to prevent moisture from coming in from the ground. Be sure crawlspaces are well-ventilated.
Use exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens to remove moisture to the outside (not into the attic). Vent your clothes dryer to the outside.
Turn off certain appliances (such as humidifiers or kerosene heaters) if you notice moisture on windows and other surfaces.
Use dehumidifiers and air conditioners, especially in hot, humid climates, to reduce moisture in the air, but be sure that the appliances themselves don't become sources of biological pollutants.
Raise the temperature of cold surfaces where moisture condenses. Use insulation or storm windows. (A storm window installed on the inside works better than one installed on the outside.) Open doors between rooms (especially doors to closets which may be colder than the rooms) to increase circulation. Circulation carries heat to the cold surfaces. Increase air circulation by using fans and by moving furniture from wall corners to promote air and heat circulation. Be sure that your house has a source of fresh air and can expel excessive moisture from the home.
Pay special attention to carpet on concrete floors. Carpet can absorb moisture and serve as a place for biological pollutants to grow. Use area rugs which can be taken up and washed often. In certain climates, if carpet is to be installed over a concrete floor, it may be necessary to use a vapor barrier (plastic sheeting) over the concrete and cover that with sub-flooring (insulation covered with plywood) to prevent a moisture problem.
Moisture problems and their solutions differ from one climate to another. The Northeast is cold and wet; the Southwest is hot and dry; the South is hot and wet; and the Western Mountain states are cold and dry. All of these regions can have moisture problems. For example, evaporative coolers used in the Southwest can encourage the growth of biological pollutants. In other hot regions, the use of air conditioners which cool the air too quickly may prevent the air conditioners from running long enough to remove excess moisture from the air. The types of construction and weatherization for the different climates can lead to different problems and solutions.

Moisture On Windows

Your humidistat is set too high if excessive moisture collects on windows and other cold surfaces. Excess humidity for a prolonged time can damage walls especially when outdoor air temperatures are very low. Excess moisture condenses on window glass because the glass is cold. Other sources of excess moisture besides overuse of a humidifier may be long showers, running water for other uses, boiling or steaming in cooking, plants, and drying clothes indoors. A tight, energy efficient house holds more moisture inside; you may need to run a kitchen or bath ventilating fan sometimes, or open a window briefly. Storm windows and caulking around windows keep the interior glass warmer and reduce condensation of moisture there.

Humidifiers are not recommended for use in buildings without proper vapor barriers because of potential damage from moisture buildup. Consult a building contractor to determine the adequacy of the vapor barrier in your house. Use a humidity indicator to measure the relative humidity in your house. The American Society of Heating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) recommends these maximum indoor humidity levels.

Outdoor Recommended Indoor Temperature Relative Humidity

+20^o F. 35%

+10^o F. 30%

0^o F. 25%

-10^o F. 20%

-20^o F. 15%

Source: Anne Field, Extension Specialist, Emeritus, with reference from the Association for Home Appliance Manufacturers (www.aham.org ).

How to Identify the Cause of a Mold and Mildew Problem

Mold and mildew are commonly found on the exterior wall surfaces of corner rooms in heating climate locations. An exposed corner room is likely to be significantly colder than adjoining rooms, so that it has a higher relative humidity (RH) than other rooms at the same water vapor pressure. If mold and mildew growth are found in a corner room, then relative humidity next to the room surfaces is above 70%. However, is the RH above 70% at the surfaces because the room is too cold or because there is too much moisture present (high water vapor pressure)?
The amount of moisture in the room can be estimated by measuring both temperature and RH at the same location and at the same time. Suppose there are two cases. In the first case, assume that the RH is 30% and the temperature is 70^oF in the middle of the room. The low RH at that temperature indicates that the water vapor pressure (or absolute humidity) is low. The high surface RH is probably due to room surfaces that are "too cold." Temperature is the dominating factor, and control strategies should involve increasing the temperature at cold room surfaces.
In the second case, assume that the RH is 50% and the temperature is 70^oF in the middle of the room. The higher RH at that temperature indicates that the water vapor pressure is high and there is a relatively large amount of moisture in the air. The high surface RH is probably due to air that is "too moist." Humidity is the dominating factor, and control strategies should involve decreasing the moisture content of the indoor air.

Should You Have the Air Ducts in Your Home Cleaned? - excerpt on duct cleaning and mold follows, please review the entire document for additional information on duct cleaning and mold.

You should consider having the air ducts in your home cleaned if:

There is substantial visible mold growth inside hard surface (e.g., sheet metal) ducts or on other components of your heating and cooling system. There are several important points to understand concerning mold detection in heating and cooling systems:

Many sections of your heating and cooling system may not be accessible for a visible inspection, so ask the service provider to show you any mold they say exists.
You should be aware that although a substance may look like mold, a positive determination of whether it is mold or not can be made only by an expert and may require laboratory analysis for final confirmation. For about $50, some microbiology laboratories can tell you whether a sample sent to them on a clear strip of sticky household tape is mold or simply a substance that resembles it.
If you have insulated air ducts and the insulation gets wet or moldy it cannot be effectively cleaned and should be removed and replaced.
If the conditions causing the mold growth in the first place are not corrected, mold growth will recur.

Monday, July 19, 2010

Radon and the Dangers

Radon is a cancer-causing, radioactive gas.

You can't see radon. And you can't smell it or taste it. But it may be a problem in your home.
Radon is estimated to cause many thousands of deaths each year. That's because when you breathe air containing radon, you can get lung cancer. In fact, the Surgeon General has warned that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States today. Only smoking causes more lung cancer deaths. If you smoke and your home has high radon levels, your risk of lung cancer is especially high.

Radon can be found all over the U.S.

Radon comes from the natural (radioactive) breakdown of uranium in soil, rock and water and gets into the air you breathe. Radon can be found all over the U.S. It can get into any type of building — homes, offices, and schools —and result in a high indoor radon level. But you and your family are most likely to get your greatest exposure at home, where you spend most of your time.

You should test for radon.

Testing is the only way to know if you and your family are at risk from radon. EPA and the Surgeon General recommend testing all homes below the third floor for radon. EPA also recommends testing in schools.
Testing is inexpensive and easy — it should only take a few minutes of your time. Millions of Americans have already tested their homes for radon (see How to Test Your Home).

You can fix a radon problem.

Radon reduction systems work and they are not too costly. Some radon reduction systems can reduce radon levels in your home by up to 99%. Even very high levels can be reduced to acceptable levels.

New homes can be built with radon-resistant features.

Radon-resistant construction techniques can be effective in preventing radon entry. When installed properly and completely, these simple and inexpensive techniques can help reduce indoor radon levels in homes. In addition, installing them at the time of construction makes it easier and less expensive to reduce radon levels further if these passive techniques don't reduce radon levels to below 4 pCi/L. Every new home should be tested after occupancy, even if it was built radon-resistant. If radon levels are still in excess of 4 pCi/L, the passive system should be activated by having a qualified mitigator install a vent fan. For more explanation of radon resistant construction techniques, refer to EPA publication, Building Radon Out: A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Build Radon-Resistant Homes (see www.epa.gov/radon/rrnc).

Monday, July 12, 2010

Being Safe at School

Find an easy way to walk to school or the bus stop. Ask your parents if there is anything you should watch out for along way. Always walk with a brother, sister, neighbor, or friend.
Don't talk to strangers, go anywhere with them, or take anything from them.
Know your phone number and address, even your area code and zip code. If you have trouble remembering them, write them down and keep them in a safe place.