Neals Notes May 2000
Hand Arm Vibration assistance
The HSE has launched a CD on managing the risks from hand-arm vibration. which provides managers and safety specialists with more help in understanding the subject. Entitled The Successful Management of Hand Arm vibration, it has been developed as a training and reference source. This CD will help managers to fulfill their duties under existing legislation and assist in compliance with the new laws on vibration coming from the EC. Ring the HSE on 01787 8781165 or fax them on 01787 313995.
Safety for Senior Executives
Has been published by the Institute of Occupational Safety and Health for Directors. A section summarizes legal requirements and checklists cover major legislation. Ring IOSH on 01787 248414
Maltron's new Expanded keyboard provides access to computers for many more severely disabled
Maltron's original Expanded keyboard was developed to enable many with muscular control or visual problems to access a computer but has now been extensively redesigned with ease-of-use in mind to suit those with more severe problems. Called the Expanded B model, this version incorporates the previous model's face which presents a series of holes with the key mechanism underneath a steel shell. All the operator has to do is to press through the hole to hit the exact key required. The problem of multiple characters being produced by a single yet elongated press when a single character only is needed is solved by changing the repeat rate on the keyboard to suit the user. An off condition and three different speeds can be selected.
A novel design feature is the provision of angle adjusters which vary the angle of the top face of the keyboard to suit the user. The standard 13 degree angle can be increased in steps of 10 degrees to total of 53 degrees by fitting and placing the angle adjusters in various positions. A reset push-button can be used to reset the keyboard's microprocessor to clear most start-up problems. It is also possible to use the number keypad as a mouse which is helpful for those with muscular control problems. Ring 020 8398 3265 and ask for Stephen Hobday
Talking bollards
As you walk up to the Informer bollard from Select Informer ( 020 8309 1206) it will deliver a message to suit the circumstances. For those who remember Journey into Space on BBC radio it would have been perfect for that "Do not walk any further down this corridor"warning!
Hear in comfort
Variphone (Ring 01243 826367) produces custom-made hearing protectors that are claimed to give a high level of protection and are most comfortable to use. The manufacturer will also check them out annually to confirm their effectiveness. Despite the degree of protection afforded, they permit conversations at a local level.
Pour a floor
Yes, you can pour a new floor with the pourable industrial flooring from IFS on 01925 220000. Mix it in a bucket and simply pour to get a smooth, slip resistant surface on a floor which is tamped, rough or worn badly. It can be applied 3 mm thick and can be walked on in four to six hours. Wheeled traffic can pass after 24 hours.
Operator comfort with Coba work mats
Coba Plastics has just launched its new catalogue of industrial and commercial safety matting. It cover 30 products and highlights key features. During tests it was established that workers can experience up to 50 more discomfort when standing at a bench without an anti-fatigue mat. Ring 0116 240 1000 for a copy.
A date for your safety diary
If you could not spare a full day to get to the recent Health and Safety Show in Birmingham all is not lost. Western Business Exhibitions is holding its Health and Safety Exhibition at the Sandown Exhibition Centre- that's next to Sandown Park race course on 11th and 12th October 2000. For tickets or more information contact Neil Western on 01342 314300
Manual Handling
It has been said that manual handling is the single most common cause of injury in the workplace. You can fulfill part of your duty of care simply by displaying Hints for Safer Manual Handling from the Safety Point range of wall charts. Contact Stan Allen at Heath Technical Services on 020 8653 4648.
Detect harmful gases in one second
That's the aim in life for the Telegan portable Viper detector. It is a highly sensitive hand-held photo-ionisation detector for volatile organic compounds and indicates levels as low as 1 ppb in just one second. It can detect emission from tanks and pipelines etc and is most useful for perimeter monitoring Data logging and peak hold are standard. Ring 01293 528866
Still using a pumice based hand cleaner?
Deb says that it could be dangerous as the regular use of such cleansers can greatly increase the potential to contract dermatitis and lead to serious skin disorders. For details of cleaners that are not pumice based contact Deb on 01773 596700
Lightweight lifters
Welconstruct's range of light weight light duty lifters for loads of up to 250 kg provide lifting heights of up to 1.22m They feature two nylon front wheels with polyurethane tyres and two braked castors at the rear. Loads are maintained at the required height by a self-locking manual winch unit. Ring 0121 421 9000 for more details.
Grabwire safety switches
Craig & Derricott ( ring 01543 375541) have introduced a range of grabwire switches which are based on a tensioned PVC coated stranded steel wire. This wire is connected to two of the switches or to one grabwire switch and a spring-loaded anchor box. The switches also operate if the pull wire is broken or becomes slack for any reason.
Sounds perfect for the busy shop floor
Oasis noise shelters from IAC( ring 01962 873000) provide a quiet haven on the shop floor and feature a noise reduction of 58 dBA. They are modular, portable and available in a wide range of sizes, shapes and colours. They can be equipped to meet specific requirements.
Light curtain for machine safety
The latest safety light curtain from the Smartscan range offers a simple guard system for almost all machine applications at a low cost. It is claimed that this cost is so low that it can be cheaper to use a Smartscan curtain than conventional screens or fences. The full range covers 27 different models with detection heights from 300 mm to 2 m in increments of 150 mm. Two, three and four beam models are available. Ring 01536 401313.
This page is sponsored by Professional Health and Safety Consultants Ltd. Phone Internationally: +44 2087787838 or UK London 020 8778 7838 for all your health and safety requirements.