What Is Health and Safety?

Archive for the ‘Security’ Category

As the global financial crisis has developed petty crime has become more common as people are
resorting to illegal activity to get by. Last summer it was reported that there had been an increase in
domestic burglary by 14%. This combined with cuts to policing budgets means that it has never been
more important to ensure that your premises, be it an office or home, is completely secure. So, what
can you do to make sure you are as secure as possible? Fortunately quite a lot.

There is what can be seen as three levels of security that start at basic and move on to advanced.
Below is a run-down of these levels and what measures you can take to improve your own level of
security.

Basic

The basic level of security includes measures that are found on almost all properties. The main
feature of basic security is locks on windows and doors. These are usually included in all offices
and homes as standard but often they are not used properly, especially on windows. It is worth
taking the time to ensure that all locks work and that all keys are located and stored properly. One
unlocked window can be the difference between keeping hold of your valuables and having to make
a hefty insurance claim. Taking 5 minutes at the end of each day to secure all windows and doors
is time well spent. The better the locks the lower the likelihood of a successful breaking. This is

because locks act as a deterrent as well as an actual barrier.

Intermediate

Locks provide the foundation of secure premises but modern criminals can breach them fairly
easily and once they are in they are free to do what they want. It is for this reason that you need
to take your security to at least an intermediate level. An intermediate level of security is defined
by an effective alarm system. Alarms, like locks, are useful as they act as a deterrent as well as an
actual alarm to intrusion. Again, like locks, alarms are not maintained properly and often they don’t
actually work or they are not set every night. Make sure that all of your alarms are fully functional
and set every time the premises are left vacant. It is also important to use a code that is not easy
to guess. Use a number that is personal to you so that would be intruders stand as little chance as
possible at guessing correctly. Clearly display the alarm unit on the exterior of the building to deter
thieves and place signs stating that the building is alarmed.

Advanced

Alarms and locks will stop or prevent most burglaries but hardened criminals will easily get
around them and gain access to your valuables. To stop these criminals you need to upgrade your
defences to what can be described as an advanced level. There are 2 main measures that you
can take to reach an advanced level of security. The first of these is CCTV, the second is Security
Grilles. CCTV is crucial as it can help to prevent crime, stop crime whilst it’s in progress and catch
criminals after they have carried out a crime. If you are planning on getting CCTV, or if you already
have it, ensure it works properly. Clearly show potential intruders that the premises are protected
by CCTV and put cameras clearly visible positions. Security grilles are also needed to achieve
and advanced level of security. Strong security
grilles are the epitome of a comprehensive security solution as they put a powerful physical

The old saying about prevention being better than cure is never more appropriate when it comes to the work of a fire safety officer. Their many tasks can and are responsible for fires not starting in the first place and, when they do, having those concerned acting in the safe and trained method for evacuation and fire fighting.
A fire safety officer is a teacher. He or she is responsible for seeing that all the requirements of handling an emergency in the workplace are fulfilled. Exit signage, fire safety doors, assembly points, staff instruction, correct notices displayed in all the right places, regular checks of all fire extinguishers and actual drills for evacuation procedures are all the responsibility of a fire safety officer.
A fire safety officer is also a qualified first aid operator and someone who knows about the different types of fires and the different types of fire extinguishers used to fight fires according to its type or class.
Fire safety officers are also responsible for inspecting buildings and workplaces looking for potential fire hazards, fire traps and the proper use of exits, fire exit signs, and assembly points. They will check the paperwork for a workplace’s fire safety instructions and procedures.

In the United States last year, almost 5 million people were bitten by dogs, and almost one million of them (one-half of those are children) needed medical attention. The U.S. Postal Service reports that around 2,500 mail carriers are included in those statistics. The American Veterinary Medical Association is teaming up with the U.S. Postal Service and American Academy of Pediatrics to sponsor the 17th annual National Dog Bite Prevention Week, in hopes of educating the public on how best to prevent dog bites.
A dog’s mouth can deliver from 150 to 450 pounds of pressure. Imagine if the mouth with its strong sharp teeth is latched on your arm or your leg. A dog’s bite can cause deep punctures and big lacerations. It can also cause broken bones and may damage the muscles and the tendons. Naturally, these kinds of wounds would bleed profusely. That is why it is so important to understand the importance of preventing dog bites.
Here are some interesting facts from experts that will help us understand the nature of dogs, and what may cause them to bite, particularly, a child.
• Children are dog height, and may be loud and unpredictable. When a child screams and runs, it may seem like prey to a dog.
• If dogs are not socialized around children, they are often less tolerant and can be caught off guard by their behaviors.
• Dogs have some degree of tolerance, but may reach their threshold of patience quickly.
• Human behaviors that children may do around dogs, i.e., hug, kiss, and make eye contact are offensive to dogs, especially if they do not know the child.
• Signs of discomfort by a dog are: turning away, yawning, licking their lips, ears back, hair bristled up, then a growl or snap.
Here are some basic safety tips to teach and review with your children often. It’s good advice for adults, as well:
• Do not scream or run from a dog.
• Do not approach an unfamiliar dog.
• Do not approach a dog that is alone in a fence, car, or on a chain.
• Do not play with a dog unless supervised by an adult.
• Avoid direct eye contact with a dog.
• Do not bother a dog that is eating, sleeping, or taking care of puppies.
• Do not pet a dog without allowing it to see and sniff you first.
• Remain motionless (e.g., “be still like a tree”) when approached by an unfamiliar dog.
• If knocked over by a dog, roll into a ball and lie still (e.g., “be still like a log”).
• Try to throw a jacket, purse, or anything to distract him from you in the event of being attacked.
During this spring season, many animals have been separated from their families because of tornadoes and floods. Good people in other parts of the country have taken many animals into their shelters and are trying to find their owners or new homes for them. As disaster relief personnel work as first responders to rescue animals, they must work under a designated animal control officer when possible. Some dogs may bite simply because they are confused and frightened. Rescuers should recognize warning signs that the animal may attack and use restraints, humane traps, or sedation if appropriate. Thanks to the wonderful volunteers and professionals who have responded to the needs of the citizens of areas that have been hit, and to the kindness shown to innocent animals that have lost their homes and many times, families, as well.
There are around 67 million great dogs out there! It’s up to owners to teach them how to socialize, to see that they are spayed or neutered, and keep their shots current. They make wonderful companions, and love their owners unconditionally. I can’t imagine life without a dog. Appreciate your pets and teach your dogs to not bite! Most important of all, monitor your dog when children are around. No one wants to see anyone suffer from a dog bite!
And, have a first aid kit handy for all emergencies.

If your business has more cars than spaces then it may be necessary to regulate use of the car park. There will usually be a select group of senior staff who will have their car space with an appropriate sign – reserved for the managing director.

Some businesses have decided to charge staff to park in the company parking lot, [a] to encourage more people to take public transport and [b] to reduce the number of staff seeking to park at work.

Signage must always be well placed and easy to read. Signage can be on a wall, a pole or post and even painted on the ground. Some of the information signs you should consider include;

• Disabled parking
• Visitor parking
• Reserved parked
• Private parking
• No parking

A common and important sign seen in most public and private car parks contains the following message. “All vehicles and their contents are parked here solely at the risk of the vehicle’s owner.” This is for insurance purposes mainly and to encourage people to lock their cars and not leave valuables in the car.