Electrical Powerboards Safety Guidelines

Electrical Powerboards Safety Guidelines

The state fire brigades and emergency services are frequently reminding consumers to use powerboards safely. In fact, many house fires are caused by the misuse of powerboards by people overloading them and exceeding the manufacturers recommended rating.

The wide utilisation of powerboards in homes confirms people's reliance on these devices. You will find most people unaware of the risks of power boards if used incorrectly. Electricity has the potential to kill people if proper care isn't adhered to, hence the reason why some simple steps should be followed when connecting electrical appliances to powerboards.

Manufacturers of power boards will design their products to meet the electrical power rating of a country's existing voltage and current rating. Often people will overload the powerboards with too many devices, for example, when connecting the electric heater, computer and its interconnected peripheral devices will at times exceed the recommended safety rating of a power board. Since heaters can draw big currents such as 3.6Amps at times. Therefore it doesn't take much for the powerboard rating to be reached.

Modern computers are packed with so many resources each drawing their own current, greedily consuming the available power. For example, the PCs internal power supply wattage has steadily increased over the years to cope.

While most people wouldn't realise the unseen risks they create when overloading power boards and not having adequate overload protection. Ensure your powerboard has good ventilation nearby and not covered-up causing unnecessary heat build-up.

People will try to charge their Bluetooth devices via the computer's USB socket, however at times the PC hasn't enough power to do so, i.e. iPad will often not recharge via a PC USB because of limited power available for recharging purposes. Therefore charge the device via the adapter supplied by Apple to a suitable power outlet.

Safety guidelines:

Don't

Do not overload the powerboard with too many big current consuming electrical appliances, for example, heaters draw big current

Do not exceed the manufacturer's voltage and current rating, for example 10Amps and 240V

Do not use double adaptors on the powerboard

Do not position the powerboard in hot areas, for example, avoid placing near heater and sunny hot glass window

Do not join or interconnect powerboards together, for example, no daisy-chains

Do not use a thinner extension cable before powerboard

Do not locate near water or moisture

Do

Keep adequate ventilation near powerboards to reduce heat build-up

Keep young children away and out of reach

Check rating of the electrical appliances before connection to powerboards

Ensure the combined total Amps (current) consumption of appliances doesn't exceed the Amps (current) of the powerboard

Buy a powerboard with overload protection and surge protection

Buy powerboards with individually switched outlets and wide spacing for power packs

Visually and physically inspect powerboards for damage regularly

Turn off appliances at powerboard and power point switch when not in use

Only use powerboards designed to meet Australian Electricity Standards

Conclusion

An important thing to know is surge protected powerboards have a short life. The surge protected powerboards actual intended purpose causes them to deteriorate overtime. Thus performing regular inspections and operating the powerboard reset button will help determine if the powerboard is due for replacement.

These easy to follow safety guidelines should be considered when dealing with electrical powerboards. If at any time you think there could be an electrical hazard keep clear and immediately contact an electrician for assistance. Remember your meter box generally is located outside of the premises, and will have a circuit breaker you can turn-off the electricity till a licensed electrician inspects the wiring.

Business owners have a responsibility to ensure their electrical equipment is regularly inspected and tested by competent people. Such as an electrician that performs inspection, testing and tagging methods.

If electrical equipment is utilised in changing conditions, for example exposure to moisture, heat, vibration, mechanical damage, corrosive chemicals or dust, a safety inspection and testing of electrical equipment is required in places of work. For more information contact the nearest Government Authority for workplace safety.

We have a full range of electrical powerboards for consumers at home and at work. Our high-end powerboards are reasonably priced for every shopper looking for protection for their important electrical equipment. Additionally, remind your family and friends to ensure they connect their computer peripherals safely.

To purchase high-quality powerboards visit our online shopping store http://www.cits.net.au/c/61/power-boards-and-server-rack-power-board-supply

For more information on electrical powerboards contact our customer support http://www.cits.net.au/contactus

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8086741

Safety And Septic Trucks - It's All About Inspections!

Safety And Septic Trucks 

The necessity to stay safe while driving and operating septic trucks should never be taken for granted. Risks to working with septic trucks must be clearly understood as is knowing how to prevent any possible problems by using the right safety measures. One of the more crucial ways to reduce overall risk is to do daily inspections of every truck and its equipment before it is used. Although it may seem repetitive and time-consuming, any effort that helps prevent an accident or malfunction definitely makes it worth time to do a proper inspection.

Daily Safety Inspections

Knowing the right way to use and maintain a septic truck to keep it running and performing properly over time is vital. Regular daily inspections are still important; it is a very good idea to be sure the truck is in the same condition in the morning as it was when it was parked at the end of the previous day. Consider the following parts of the vehicle when doing safety inspections.

• Safety Gear - Before leaving to travel to the first job of the day, inspections should begin by making sure that all necessary protective gear and equipment is available in or on the truck and in good working order. Fire extinguishers should be examined to be sure that they are still fully charged; there should be an ample supply of road flares and necessary emergency signs; and all required safety items must be on the truck. Check personal gear and make certain that everything is in good working order and if anything is missing or inadequate, be sure they are replaced before starting the day's work.
• Pump - Once it has been determined that all necessary equipment and gear is present, the pumps should be inspected. This includes opening traps and shut-off valves to be sure that they are clean and dry, not blocked or frozen inside which could otherwise make that first job of the day a disaster. Look for general signs of wear on and in the pump; check the hoses and be sure that they appear to be in good shape; and examine the truck's tank to look for any obvious damage to the outside. Examine all couplings and seals on pumps and hoses, making sure that they are in good condition without any evidence of excessive wear or leaking issues.
• Truck - Finally, after closely examining the pump and its parts and accessories, it is time to inspect the truck itself. Check for obvious problems such as leaks under the hood as well as underneath the body to look for any evident exhaust or axle issues. Be sure the tires are properly inflated. Start the vehicle and test all lights and signals; listen to the engine for any uncommon sound that might indicate a problem.

A very important thing that every vehicle should always carry are all necessary log books, instruction manuals, and daily inspection reports. Although log books are a part of the job that might seem tedious or something that could wait until later to be completed, filling out logs and forms every day is essential. Accurate records provide a good way to keep track of what work was done on a vehicle and more importantly, it is evidence that the truck was properly inspected and/or cleaned when it was put away after the prior day's work. Rather than having to guess if the tank was washed out, good records will show that it was done and that alone could prevent an accident from happening because different reactive substances were accidentally mixed in the tank.

Once a routine has been established, it shouldn't take very long to go down a checklist before and after use, then clean and park the truck. The extra time involved is minimal compared to the trouble-free use that can come from catching problems while still small enough to be easily resolved. Septic trucks will last longer if the time is taken to perform proper maintenance to detect problems before they become work-stopping issues!

Christopher M. Hunter is an expert in commercial specialty trucks. To find out more about Septic Trucks For Sale, go to the main website at: http://www.septictrucks.com/.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8101471

Health and Safety Considerations When Working in IT

Health and Safety

You might look at the title of this article and think "Health & safety in IT? Why?" And to a certain extend you would be right. There is no heavy machinery, no real chance of falling off anything high and very little chance of actually getting injured. In fact I'm a First Aider in our office full of people and computers and the only things I've had to deal with are injuries that people have inflicted on themselves on the way into work. Nothing has actually happened "in" work... yet.

However, that doesn't mean that there isn't the potential for injury and harm. Here are a few areas that you need to be careful of, even working in IT.

Ergonomics

We'll start with a biggie! This is fast becoming one of the biggest causes of injury in the work place and can lead to problems with your back, joints, eyesight and in some more extreme cases RSI or Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. The biggest factor is your work station. According to Health and Safety regulations you should sit upright with your body at 90 degrees to your legs and your knees at a 90 degree angle to the floor and your feet resting firmly on the ground or footrest if you can't reach. You should sit no more than 16 inches from your keyboard with your eyes in line with the top of your monitor.

Your fingers should be in a relaxed position with your wrists in a relaxed, neutral position with the aid of a wrist support if necessary. And that is just how you sit! There are all sorts of regulations with regard to the chair you sit on, the lighting in the room you work in and even the glare that you get off your monitor. You can find check lists online to help you determine if your workstation is Ergonomic or not.

Lifting and Carrying

This can be quite a big part of IT especially if equipment needs to be moved. Okay so monitors are not quite as big and bulky as they used to be, but some IT equipment can still be heavy all the same. Again, there are a few simple rules that you can follow:

• Avoid bending over to pick things up, always bend at the knees.
• Do not twist at the waist, always turn around.
• Avoid excessive reaching
• Try to avoid carrying out lifting/carrying tasks above shoulder level
• Limit the weight of a load that is lifted and where possible use mechanical aids
• Try not to carrying heavy loads with one hand.

There are others, but these are the main ones.

Ladders

There will be times when you need to be working up ladders as the roof is where most of the cabling goes. You will need to make a decision about which ladders are right for the job and make sure whichever ladders you choose are set up correctly and in the correct position so that you do not have to stretch.
There are other areas to look at, but this is just a taster as to what you need to be looking at even in a nice, safe comfortable IT office.

Ellen Ralph is an experienced author in health and safety. If you are considering reviewing your health and safety procedures she recommends you investigate obtaining ISO accreditation.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8096404

Home Safety: How

Home Safety

For homeowners there are hundreds of considerations that are integral in the safety of their property, but most of all, the safety of their families. It is vitally important that they be aware of the many dangers inherent in their ownership. A few of these dangers should be held at the forefront of their minds, taking into account the universal nature they pose.

Fire is one of the most violent, damaging misfortunes that can befall a household, consuming irreplaceable memories and mementos, and even precious lives. For that reason precautions taken to prevent fires are of the utmost importance. Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors should be placed in all rooms, with the alarms tested monthly, and batteries replaced annually. This is of the utmost importance in allowing the earliest warnings to homeowners to protect that which is most importance. In the event of early detection, it is also important to place fire extinguishers strategically throughout the home to ensure a speedy response.

A contributor to fire as well as other dangers is electrical failures. Electrical malfunctions can be just as serious and often very preventable. The first step is to check for frayed wiring that could lead to electrocution or fire. The visibility of wires and cords is a good way to always maintain vigilance, so running cords under carpeting or furniture is to be avoided as much as possible, if not done away with entirely. Extension cords should be used wisely and not gratuitously. Extension cords can lead to overloading or shorts that could create accidents. If electrical access becomes absolutely necessary in a part of a room without an outlet, it would be wise to have one installed rather than tempt fate. Electrical splitters are also something to be used with discretion. Overloading an outlet can be another way of causing a fire.

Homes with children have their own concerns, sometimes akin to those above. First of all, electrical outlets that are at floor level should be covered with plastic covers if they are not currently in use. All cabinets should be locked, and hazardous materials stowed safely away. Vitamins and medications should be in child proof bottles and poisonous chemicals kept completely out of reach. In the event that something should happen, children should be taught how to dial 911 as well as other important numbers, such as local police, fire departments, and poison control. Children are reputed for having the talent of finding trouble, so preparation can only get you so far. However, luck favors the prepared.

With these in mind a great amount of threats will be removed from the minds of most homeowners, ensuring peace of mind and the safety of house and home, person and possession.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kallen_Diggs

Taking Safety Precautions When Swinging

Safety Swinging

While outsiders tend to think of swinging in terms of "keys in the bowl" parties and actions, the overwhelming majority of swingers take more precautions than you think. Swingers are often criticized for their lack of concern for their safety and sexual health. But in an age where diseases can spread quickly, Swingers are taking the necessary precautions to ensure their safety and health is intact.

Think about this question for a minute: What is the difference between being a swinger and swapping partners with another couple and being single taking someone home from the bar for a one night stand?

In most cases, swingers are actually taking more precaution:

• Swingers often are members of private clubs where members have to apply to join.
• Swingers often meet the other couple before engaging in sexual activity.
• Swingers abide by pre determined rules before swapping partners.
• And, in many cases, swingers stick with the same few couples.

While there are still some obvious risks to swinging, swingers can reduce their chances of getting sexually transmitted diseases by taking the following precautions:

• Refrain from engaging in sex when under the influence
• Always use a condom
• Have good hygiene habits
• Get tested regularly and make sure your sex partners get tested as well
• Limit the number of partners you have
• Select other couples wisely
• Know the signs of STD's and get treated immediately if you show signed.

Taking these precautions will greatly reduce your sexual health risks.

A second precaution that does not get enough attention is personal safety when engaging in swinging. Always be cautious when meeting new people or couples, especially if you meet them online.

Take your time and get to know them before you actually engage in swinging activities. It is a good idea to meet them in a public place. Meet at a coffee shop and talk about what you and your partner want to get out of the experience. Develop a personal relationship with couples. It is much safer to have a select few couples who you can trust than frequently swapping with many different couples.

Never, under any circumstance should you meet with another couple in an obscure area. Do not give out your personal information or agree to meet others at their home if it your first time meeting. You never know what can happen and you must take as many precautions as possible.

This is why swingers clubs are so valuable. Members are screened and you can experiment in a safe environment. Your risks are greatly reduced in swingers clubs.

While the swingers lifestyle does come with its health and safety risks, being responsible and taking the necessary precautions will ensure you can minimize the risk and embrace the lifestyle at your own pace.

The O Zone is a Toronto swingers club offering a plethora of wild and sexy amenities. We guarantee a memorable night for open-minded couples seeking an alternative lifestyle.

For more great information and tips on the Swingers Lifestyle, please visit www.ocouplesclub.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Matt_Tabota

Features Of No-Exam Term Life Insurance

Life Insurance

Many people avoid buying insurance because of medical exams. This is often attributed to the fact that they are too busy to schedule an appointment, they have been diagnosed with medical problems or they hate needles. Whatever the reasons are for avoiding a medical exam you have an opportunity to give your family some deserved peace of mind. As you shop for insurance, you will discover many insurance service providers that offer an easy and quick no-exam insurance policy.

The no-exam insurance policy offers the fastest way of getting insurance coverage. This gives you a time efficient way of getting attractive insurance benefits. Like all other insurance policies, the no-exam insurance offers financial security to loved ones in the event of the breadwinner's death. The features of this policy include:

· No doctors visit
The no-exam policy does not demand a doctor's visit. Therefore, individuals who are reluctant about making doctors visits to have blood tests and other medical examinations can apply for this type of policy.

· Short application process
This policy attracts a short application process. As a result, many people opt for the no-exam policy because of the convenience and ease. By eliminating or shortening the process of underwriting, the application process can be approved and the policy issued on the same day. Nevertheless, the application form may seek to find out from the applicant whether they have any pre-existing medical conditions. Therefore, it is important to answer truthfully to ensure successful insurance claims at a future date.

· Affordable
This type of insurance policy is more costly than the fully underwritten insurance policies that require a physical examination. However, if avoiding a medical exam is necessary, this policy offers the best option.

· Secures the family
In order to secure loved ones from the financial burden arising from a tragedy or an unforeseen event, you need a policy that will provide the necessary financial relief. A no-exam policy will be in a position to offer this benefit which is also provided by a medically underwritten coverage, but without the hassle of a long application process.

· Guaranteed coverage
The policy offers a guaranteed coverage. It allows applicants with pre-existing health problems to obtain insurance coverage. With the traditional insurance policy, the insurance carrier often evaluates the applicants insurability based on several risk factors, such as age, health complications, family medical history, hobbies, occupation, tobacco use and much more. Insurance applicants who fail to qualify for insurance based on these factors will not be in a position to buy an insurance plan.

We provide the best info about whole life life insurance rates. For further details on this topic, visit our website!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8054384

Cold Weather Safety Clothing Can Keep You Warm This Winter

Cold Weather Safety

Whether you like it or not, the cold weather of winter has arrived. But cold weather doesn't mean you can take a breather from getting your work done. You need both the protection and safety provided by safety clothing, but you also need to keep warm. Fortunately, you can do both with uniquely targeted winter safety clothing that is designed specifically for cold climates. Let's go over some of the different types of protective clothing that has been designed to keep you both safe and warm during the cold winter months. 

• Do you need to wear a safety vest for your job but are always finding yourself cold? We all know that in general safety vests are not designed to keep in the warmth. So why not try something that does? Safety jackets get the job of a safety vest done all while keeping you warm at the same time. They often provide the equal or greater visibility, and meet ANSI standards for class II and III safety vests. Safety jackets come in a variety of styles, such as windbreakers, bomber jackets, and rain coats.
• Need to wear a hard hat at work? Your head is where most of your body heat is lost and hard hats aren't exactly designed to keep heat in. If you work in a colder area, consider using hard hat liners to keep your head warm. Many liners keep the heat in, even after getting wet from rain or sweat.
• Are you finding yourself constantly trying to keep your hands warm? Most pairs of work gloves aren't designed to keep your hands warm. That's why cold weather work gloves were created. These gloves were created specifically to both keep your hands protected and warm during the winter months. Many pairs of these cold weather gloves are also waterproof, to keep your hands warm in the rain as well.

At Ralzaider, we do our best to keep our customers informed on the latest product trends and information that can be used to keep them safe. It's getting cold our there and we want to make sure our customers have the right clothing for those chilly days. If you are finding yourself wishing you were warmer, consider trying a bomber jacket as a safety vest alternative, a hard hat liner to keep your head warm, and cold weather glovesfor those cold fingers. Don't let the cold weather get in your way.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5551699