Business owners usually do well in training and certifying their employees to operate heavy-duty equipment such as forklifts, but sometimes the smaller equipment such as dock levelers, loading dock equipment, and lift tables often fall by the wayside in regard to adequate training.

The reasons given are various for this oversight; managers working under shoestring budgets, lack of knowledge of the business owner, and sometimes the equipment itself doesn’t seem to look as dangerous as a huge forklift might to the casual observer.

Employer Responsibilities under the OSHA Act

Adequate safety measures apply to all equipment at the warehouse, and it is the employer’s responsibility to provide a workplace that is free from recognized hazards, and to comply with rules, regulations and standards, issued under the OSH Act. Employers must perform a risk assessment of their equipment to contain various hazards and should keep in mind that this is not a one-person job.

Scissor Lift Kills Student at Notre Dame

According to OSHA, the fatal injury rate for the warehouse industry is higher than the national average from ALL industries. One fatality involving a scissor lift reported by the Department of Labor does not involve a warehouse worker, but the actions taken by OSHA after the event resonated in all industries, including warehouse facilities. The fatal accident at Notre Dame University happened to an employee during the 2010 college football season.

The employee, who was using a heavy-duty scissor lift to film a football practice session, was never properly trained on the lift and its proper use. He proceeded to climb on the scissor lift and extended it over its recommended height of 39 feet into the air. High wind gusts blew the lift over, killing him in the process.

Dock Equipment can Cause Severe Injuries

Forklifts and other powered industrial trucks are indispensable in many companies. They are rugged, powerful tools that save time, money and effort. But the same qualities that make them so helpful can also make them dangerous. Using powered industrial trucks results in over 100 fatalities and over 35,000 serious injuries each year. When used incorrectly, or if forklifts and other trucks are not properly maintained, they can do significant damage.

Dock loading equipment and dock levelers can often cause warehouse injuries. One common injury encountered in this industry is dock shock, and it can cause long-term neck and back injuries. This shock occurs when a lift truck driver is jarred when crossing over from the warehouse floor to the trailer bed. The vibration encountered is due to gaps and bumps that exist on certain types of dock levelers.

Overcoming Warehouse Safety Hazards

Working safely with warehouse equipment is a fundamental prerequisite for anyone looking to utilize the versatile power they possess. Used correctly, they can pass on labor and cost savings while preventing injuries at the same time.
Here are some of the recommended golden safety rules to follow to prevent any associated hazards:

Scissor Lifts

• Allow only well trained and capable workers to use the scissor lift equipment.
• Don’t load the scissor lift beyond its weight capacity--strictly adhere to the weight rating of the device.
• Ensure there is a 10-foot clearance from electrical power sources or any obstructions at that height.
• Never tamper with any of the safety features on the device.

Dock Loading and Leveling Equipment

• Use mechanical fall-safe legs to keep the truck trailer from pulling away from the dock prematurely. The device comes with a manual means of deactivation should the dock leveler require below access level.
• Ensure pit-mounted levelers are used for demanding cross-dock operations. They have a better service range and greater adaptability than over edge-of-dock levelers.
• Use a smooth transition dock levelers to cut down on associated jarring shocks to forklift drivers that load trucks.

All of the equipment discussed here should always be periodically inspected, maintained, and tested according to the recommendations of the manufacturer--this also applies to any supporting personal protective equipment (PPE) used with this equipment.

The forklift compliance kit contains all of our forklift training materials. That's everything you need to successfully train your forklift operators on General Industry or Construction, in English or Spanish! These four-video sets or DVDs cover each OSHA regulation, including training, operation, loading, pre-operation inspection, and refueling/recharging of forklifts. Step-by-step training instructions in addition to real-world examples, practice drills, and review questions ensure that your employees will receive the comprehensive training they need. Further guidance in the Trainer's Instruction Manual, including references to OSHA regulations, ensures that your trainer is well-prepared. Training completion certificates and operator wallet cards are also included with this program.

Free Safety Consultations Available

Since safety in the warehouse is often difficult to implement for a small business on their own, OSHA provides a free on-site consultation for small business owners who want to create a safety program or improve their health and safety management systems.

You can visit OSHA's Website for more information about the free consultation. Additionally, local OSHA offices also can direct you to a local OSHA Outreach Instructor, who can provide you with the important resources and information you need.

The vast majority of injuries related to scissor lifts and dock levelers and loading dock equipment can almost always be traced back to the failure of the worker to follow the basic, but essential safety precautions and rules that have been put in place. Safety is always a smart choice and should be incorporated in all aspects of daily operations and all equipment use at the warehouse.

OSHA Industrial Forklift Safety
3 - 3½ Hours
$60 - $90 per student
(Price calculated by class size, location, number of topics combined)
3 Year Certification
Includes Student Handbook & ACT Pen

Get an online quote for Group Forklift Safety Training

It is that time of year... heading out, hiking up, camping out, working in the yard, or just horsing around in the backwoods. Poisonous plants are all about.- Learn to recognize, avoid, protect against and treat exposure to poisonous plants such as sumac, poison oak, nettles and poison ivy (no, not Uma!)

Poison oak, poison sumac, and poison ivy grow in marshy and wooded places throughout North America. These plants are not really "poisonous", they contain a sticky, long-lasting oil called urushiol that causes an itchy, blistering rash after it makes contact with skin. The slightest contact, even brushing up against the leaves, can leave urushiol on your clothing or skin. Poison ivy and poison oak grow as vines or shrubs. Poison sumac is a shrub or tree.

Recognize Poison Oak, Poison Ivy, and Poison Sumac. Protect yourself from exposure.

Recognizing these plants in order to avoid contact - If you were a scout, you probably remember being taught " Leaves of three, let it be. berries white, run in fright" well, this DOES apply to poison ivy, but poison ivy is the only one of the three plants that always has three leaves, one on each side and one in the center. Its leaves are shiny with smooth or slightly notched edges.

Members of the Toxicodendron plant family have three distinct leaves on a single
stem coming off a larger main stem – with the exception of poison sumac which can have 7-13 leaves, with one leaf at the end, arranged in pairs. Poison oak looks similar to poison ivy, but larger and lobed like an oak leaf, with a textured, hairy surface. It can have groups of three, five, or seven leaves. With all these, the leaves can be green in summer and red in fall, and they may have yellow or green flowers and white berries depending on the season.

Poison ivy is one of the most frequent causes of skin rash among children and adults who spend time outdoors. The plant can be found throughout the United States, except in the Southwest, Alaska, and Hawaii. Poison ivy typically grows in the form of a vine, often along riverbanks.

Poison oak is primarily found on the West Coast. It grows in the form of a shrub.

Poison sumac grows abundantly along the Mississippi River. It grows as a woody shrub.

Now that you know what these look like, know that the BEST solution for safety with these "poisonous" plants is simple avoidance. Just stay away. If you aren't confident in your ability to avoid them entirely, wear an ivy barrier. Poison Ivy, Poison Oak, and Poison Sumac Pre-Contact Solutions protect against common irritants including detergents, pollen, air pollution (smog), foliage, grasses & "poisonous" plants such as poison oak, ivy and sumac before contact. These ivy blockers provide an invisible barrier to environmental contact allergens. Apply pre-contact formula liberally before contact to avoid the reactions caused by poisonous oils.

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Do you have these plants in or near your yard? Here are some tips for safe removal from about.com:

• Dress Appropriately. All parts of these plants contain the toxic resin that causes blistering and rash. This irritation will occur on any part of your body it touches. When removing poison sumac, poison oak, or poison ivy, always apply an ivy block first, then use rubber gloves, wear a long-sleeved shirt and long pants, and tuck your pants into socks and boots or shoes that can be hosed off later. Goggles and a breathing mask are also recommended when removing poison ivy.
• Don't try this in windy or wet weather. A dry day with no wind is the safest time for removing poison ivy, especially if you will be using an herbicide spray (you don't want the herbicide blowing back at you, nor do you want it blowing on landscape plants).
• Cut plants to ground level. With shears or pruners, remove all the stems you can see and dispose of them in plastic garbage bags. Don't tear or rip the vines as this may disperse the resin into the air.
• Dig out roots if you can. If there are only a few plants to remove, use the shovel to remove the roots. Bag these also for removal.
• Destroy what's left. If you have many plants spread over a large area, cut as much of the top growth as you can, and then spray the remaining roots, stems and stubs with a chemical weed killer containing glyphosate (such as Roundup) or triclopyr (such as Ortho's Brush-B-Gon). For thick, shrubby stems, spray directly onto the cuts you've made. Remember to use extreme care when handling these herbicides, as the spray will kill all other garden plants it touches. Always follow the directions on the label for safest use.
• Dispose of properly. Do not compost, shred or burn poison ivy, oak, or sumac to get rid of it. The resins can be spread via smoke and can cause severe reactions in people who are far downwind. Inhaling the smoke can cause serious injury to your lungs. Put the plant parts in heavy plastic bags, tie the bags securely and put them in the trash. If you used rubber gloves, discard these as well.
• Disinfect your clothes and your tools. Tools used for removing poison ivy must be disinfected. Rinse your pruners and shovel, including the handles, with rubbing alcohol. Let them dry and then oil the parts to prevent rust. Likewise, the clothes you have on while removing poison ivy must be cleaned. Wash your clothing separately and clean your boots or shoes with cold, soapy water and a hose

So, despite our warnings about avoidance, removal, and protection against poison ivy, poison oak and/or poison sumac, you bumbled out into the wilds and have an itchy rash... did you bump the bush or climb the vine?

What is this rash? The itchy rash from these plants forms within 24 to 72 hours of contact, depending on where it touches. It usually peaks within a week, but can last up to two to three weeks.

Urushiol begins to stick to your skin within minutes. So if you know you have come into contact with poison ivy, oak, or sumac, immediately wash the area with lukewarm water and soap. If water is unavailable, rubbing alcohol or alcohol wipes can remove urushiol. Keep the affected area cool, dry, and clean. Wash your clothes and clean your boots or shoes. Hose down any garden or camping tools you may have been using when contact was made. A rash from poison ivy, oak, or sumac looks like patches or streaks of red, raised blisters. The rash does not spread unless urushiol is still making contact on the skin. Some people find their sensitivity to urushiol decreases as they age.

The rash is caused by skin contact with the oils (resin) of these plants. Smoke from burning these plants can cause the same reaction. The oils usually enter the skin rapidly. It is rarely spread from person to person.

The rash does not spread by the fluid from the blisters. Therefore, once a person has washed the oil completely off the skin, the rash is usually not contagious.

Keep in mind that the plant oils may remain for a long time on contaminated clothing, pets, tools, shoes, and other surfaces. These contaminated items can cause rashes in the future if they are not properly cleaned.

FIRST AID FOR POISON IVY, POISON SUMAC, AND POISON OAK

Poison Ivy, Poison Oak, and Poison Sumac

General Information:

Signs and symptoms include itching, redness, and seeping blisters on the skin after suspected contact.

Treatment:

• Avoid touching any contaminated skin and clothing.
• Responders should use gloves (if available) to carefully remove all clothing from the affected area to avoid contaminating other areas. Use scissors if available to remove the contaminated clothing so that it does not touch unaffected areas. Be especially careful not to contaminate the face and eyes.
• Never burn contaminated clothing or plants; the oils released in the smoke can irritate eyes, nose, throat, and exposed skin.
• Wash the affected skin area thoroughly with running water. Soap is not recommended as it also removes skin oils that naturally protect against absorption of plant poisons.
• Wash all clothing and any objects that have come in contact with the plant poison.
• Over the counter ointments and lotions may be used to help alleviate the symptoms such as itching and swelling. Follow the instructions on the label carefully.
• If the face, eyes, or mouth are affected, if a large area of the skin is blistered, or if a severe rash develops, seek medical attention.

From the American CPR Training™ / American Environmental Health & Safety™ First-Aid Guide published by Urgent First Aid™ © 2013, Used with permission - read about the First Aid Guide Book / Pocket Manual or Buy the Urgent First Aid Guide with CPR & AED - 48 Pages

Home remedies and over-the-counter medicines can ease the itching and keep you more comfortable. Once a rash develops, keep it clean, dry, and cool. Using calamine lotion, diphenhydramine, or hydrocortisone can help control itching. Cool compresses or baths with baking soda or oatmeal can also help soothe the rash. Don't scratch. Scratching won't spread the rash, but can cause scarring or infection. Your doctor may also recommend other medications for your symptoms.

Some valid over-the-counter itch relief ideas include Calamine Lotion, Hydrocortisone Cream, or specialized Tecnu Oak-N-Ivy Skin Cleanser. 

See your doctor if the rash is close to your eyes or is widespread over your body. It is important to have an accurate diagnosis. If needed, he can prescribe oral medications that will help with swelling and itching. Head to the emergency room if you have severe reactions in addition to the rash, such as nausea, fever, shortness of breath, extreme soreness at the rash site, or swollen lymph nodes.

Call 911 or go to an emergency room if:

• Someone is suffering a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling or difficulty breathing, or has had a severe reaction in the past.
• Someone has been exposed to the smoke of a burning plant.

Call your provider if:

• Itching is severe and cannot be controlled.
• The rash affects your face, lips, eyes, or genitals.
• The rash shows signs of infection, such as pus, yellow fluid leaking from blisters, odor, or increased tenderness.

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Pets & Poison Ivy: A dog or cat's fur usually protects its skin from urushiol. But urushiol can stay on a pet's fur and rub off on you. If your pet explores areas where poisonous plants are found, bathe him with soap and cool water. Be sure to wear gloves.

Outdoor Survival & Wilderness Emergency 1st Aid - Camping, Hiking, Backpacking, Canoeing, Kayaking, whatever your outdoor or wilderness adventure...we've got your emergency and preparedness gear needs covered with: Body Warmers & Hot Packs, Calamine Lotion, Emergency Food Rations, Flashlights, Ivy Barriers, Lip Ointment, Sting Relief Products, Solar Blankets, Moleskin for Blisters, Outdoor First Aid and Sunscreen, Lotions and Towelettes.

Sources: Urgent First Aid, American CPR, National Institutes of Health, About, WebMD

Extrafahrt?

Say it out loud… What does it mean?.

German               English

Extrafahrt            special journey

Extrafahrt            additional excursion

Extrafahrt            without stops

Extrafahrt            express

Learn more: www.extrafahrt.com

Hazardous substances can pose a serious threat to humans and the environment. Due to its significance in the safety and health hazards the Occupational Safety and Health Administration issued The Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response Standard (HAZWOPER) to protect workers from this setting and be able to handle hazardous substances.

Coverage

HAZWOPER Standards covers employees who are or may be exposed to hazardous substances and hazardous waste and those who are engaged in one of the following operations as specified by OSHA in 1910.120(a)(1)(i-v) and 1926.65(a)(1)(i-v):

• Clean-up operations -- required by a governmental body, whether federal, state, local, or other involving hazardous substances -- that are conducted at uncontrolled hazardous waste sites;

• Corrective actions involving clean-up operations at sites covered by the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976 (RCRA) as amended (42 U.S.C. 6901 et seq.);

• Voluntary clean-up operations at sites recognized by federal, state, local, or other governmental body as uncontrolled hazardous waste sites;

• Operations involving hazardous wastes that are conducted at treatment, storage, and disposal facilities regulated by Title 40 Code of Federal Regulations Parts 264 and 265 pursuant to RCRA, or by agencies under agreement with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to implement RCRA regulations; and

• Emergency response operations for releases of, or substantial threats of releases of, hazardous substances regardless of the location of the hazard.

Training
There are several levels of training based on employee duties and responsibilities and level of hazard exposure. OSHA indicates different topics and minimum training times for each level.

HAZWOPER 40-Hour covers topics included in 29 CFR 1910.120. It is mandatory for workers that execute activities with hazardous substances. Trainees must have additional hands-on training on Personal Protective Equipment of their jobsite. HAZWOPER 40 also requires 8 hours of hands-on training with a qualified instructor and three days field experience with an employer or potential employer.

HAZWOPER 24-Hour is required for employees going to an Uncontrolled Hazardous Waste Operation as mandated by the Government. The HAZWOPER 24-Hour training course includes hazard identification, protective measures and safety measures implemented at work sites. Workers must have 24 hours of preliminary training and one day of supervised field experience ahead of entering the worksite.

HAZWOPER 8-Hour is an annual refresher training designed for workers who appear into contact with hazardous waste and substances.

See all the Easy-to-Use OSHA Safety Training Materials available!

Looking to Train in house? See this full series of OSHA compliant HAZWOPER DVDs, Safety Meeting Kits, Posters, Instructors Guides, Regulatory Compliance Kits, and Student manuals!

HAZWOPER Safety Series

HAZWOPER: Accidental Release Measures and Spill Cleanup Procedures
HAZWOPER: ANSI Material Safety Data Sheet
HAZWOPER: Confined Space Entry
HAZWOPER: Dealing With The Media In Emergency Situations
HAZWOPER: Decontamination Procedures
HAZWOPER: Electrical Safety in HAZMAT Environments
HAZWOPER: Emergency Response Plan
HAZWOPER: Exposure Monitoring and Medical Surveillance
HAZWOPER: Fire Prevention
HAZWOPER: Handling Hazardous Materials
HAZWOPER: HAZMAT Labeling
HAZWOPER: Heat Stress
HAZWOPER: Introduction to HAZWOPER Retraining
HAZWOPER: Medical Surveillance Programs
HAZWOPER: Monitoring Procedures and Equipment
HAZWOPER: Personal Protective Equipment
HAZWOPER: Personal Protective Equipment and Decontamination Procedures
HAZWOPER: Respiratory Protection
HAZWOPER: Safety Orientation
HAZWOPER: Site Safety and Health Plan
HAZWOPER: Understanding Chemical Hazards
HAZWOPER: Understanding HAZWOPER
HAZWOPER: Work Practices and Engineering Controls
HAZWOPER: 40-Hour Training Package
HAZWOPER: 8-Hour Annual Retraining Series Package
HAZWOPER: All 23 HAZWOPER Series Programs
HAZWOPER: Emergency Response: Awareness Package
HAZWOPER: Emergency Response: HAZMAT Technician Package
HAZWOPER: Emergency Response: Operations Package
HAZWOPER: General Training Package
HAZWOPER: Supplemental Training Package

READ MORE ABOUT HAZARDOUS MATERIALS / HAZMAT / HAWOPER

Summer Vacation Awareness

Kids are out of School and it is time to start planning your summer vacation!

Plan safety into your excitement, and the whole Family will have a better time.

For many Americans, the ocean is calling now that beach weather has arrived. While planning for a summer getaway to the coast, it is important to remember that summer is also hurricane season on the East and West coasts of the United States.

If you traveling by car - know these important road safety and motor vehicle burn safety points:

Motor Vehicle Heat Safety (Parked Vehicles)

Although several hundred Americans die from fire and burns suffered in motor vehicle crashes every year, we’re not discussing safe driving or safer cars in general today. These guidelines refer to heat-related risks, including burns, involving parked cars.

Never leave a child or pet alone in a parked vehicle.

Keep your car doors locked, regardless of how safe your neighborhood is. This will keep any young children in the area from getting in and locking themselves in during extremely hot weather.

Sunshades in front and back windows will keep the steering wheel, seat belt buckles and seats cooler and therefore safer for your and any passengers.

• Never leave a child or pet alone in a vehicle
• Keep car doors locked
• Put sun shades in front
  and back windows
• Beware of hot surfaces
  (seat belt buckles, vinyl seats)

Vehicle Radiator Safety

Auto First Aid Kits - Car, Auto, Vehicle and Truck First Aid Kits. First Aid Only, AAA, American Red Cross, Genuine First Aid, North, and Lifeline Auto First Aid and Roadside Emergency Kits. Click the image above.

Motor vehicle radiator safety has improved greatly in recent years, but car radiators are not completely foolproof, especially those of older vehicles.

If your radiator cap is hot, don’t open it. Wait for it to cool down.

Protect hands and face when you open the cap. When a car engine is running, radiator fluid is very hot (180° Fahrenheit) and it may still be hot enough to erupt and cause injury after the cap cools down.

Small children may be curious. Keep them at a distance.

• Never open a HOT radiator cap
• Protect hands and face when opening cap (Radiator fluid can cause a burn injury in one second)
• Keep children away from the area

Motorcycle and ATV Burn Safety 

Motorcycles and ATVs (all-terrain vehicles) pose a far more serious risk of contact burn injury than cars and trucks,.

The engines and mufflers of many such personal motor vehicles are located on the outside, where they might burn those who ride or who might approach them soon after they’ve been driven. Children in particular need to learn to avoid contact with the engines and mufflers of such vehicles.

A skid along the road after falling off a motorcycle can send its driver and a passenger to a burn center for the treatment of a large area of road rash. Wear clothes that protect against road rash.

Smoking while refueling any vehicle is dangerous.

• Avoid contact with hot muffler and engine
• Wear clothes that  protect against road rash
• Do not smoke while refueling 

If you plan to travel to the coast for the first time, it is critical that you and your family learn about hazards like hurricanes that you may have never experienced or prepared for in the past. How to Prepare for a Hurricane Guide.

Hurricanes can put a damper on any family vacation, so it's important to take just a few precautionary actions before you travel to an unfamiliar region:

• Have an emergency kit in your car, camper or suitcase;
• Create a family communication plan;
• Get signed up for weather emergency alerts and warnings in the local vacation area;
• Become familiar with a possible evacuation route; and
• Have a plan on where you would evacuate to or text SHELTER + your ZIP code to 43362 (4FEMA) to identify the nearest shelter should a disaster strike.

The most reliable way to prevent your beach vacation from getting rained out is by staying aware of upcoming storms and hurricanes. Discover how you can stay up-to-date on local storm info and get alerts with America's PrepareAthon!

Mosquito-Transmitted Diseases

There are a variety of diseases that may be spread by mosquitoes.

The number of mosquitoes that are actually capable of causing infection in humans is relatively small, but it is always advisable to take preventive measures to protect yourself.

We have talked about West Nile Virus, and covered many Frequently asked Questions about WNV - you know there is no cure for West Nile - only prevention. Besides WNV, Mosquitoes may infect you with Yellow Fever, Dengue, Encephalitis, and even Malaria.

Most mosquito bites do not result in disease, but it is a good idea to recognize and watch for the early symptoms of some of the more commonly encountered mosquito-transmitted diseases.

• West Nile Virus (WNV)
  West Nile virus is a disease transmitted to people, horses, and birds. It is the most commonly reported mosquito-transmitted disease in Minnesota. Most people infected with West Nile virus show no symptoms or flu-like symptoms, but some (primarily elderly) have more severe illness.
• La Crosse Encephalitis (LAC)
  La Crosse encephalitis is a viral disease that is transmitted by the Tree Hole mosquito.
• Jamestown Canyon Virus (JCV)
  Jamestown Canyon virus, which is transmitted by several different species of mosquitoes,  is a rarely reported cause of illness in humans with only two cases being reported in Minnesota since 2002 (single cases in 2002 and 2013).
• Western Equine Encephalitis (WEE)
  Western Equine Encephalitis is a disease transmitted to people, horses, and birds. It is caused by a virus that is transmitted by the same mosquito species that commonly transmits WNV in western Minnesota. During 1941, there was a large regional outbreak of Western equine encephalitis. There may have been as many as 791 cases in Minnesota that year with 90 deaths. In more recent years, Minnesota has had infrequent and smaller outbreaks of WEE (15 human cases in 1975, single cases in 1983 and 1999).
• Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE)
  Eastern equine encephalitis is a rare illness in humans, and only a few cases are reported in the United States each year. Many people infected with EEE virus show no symptoms but some (primarily children) have severe illness.
• St. Louis Encephalitis (SLE)
  CDC; Cases of St. Louis encephalitis are usually the result of unpredictable and intermittent localized epidemics. SLE has not been reported in Minnesota since the 1970’s.
• Malaria (Read more below!)
  CDC; Malaria is still a public health concern in North America  even though local exposure to the disease hasn’t occurred in nearly 100 years. People who travel to or have lived in other areas of the world may be at risk and should be familiar with the symptoms of the disease and the medications used to prevent infection.
• Dengue
  CDC; Dengue fever is primarily a tropical disease and rarely occurs within the continental United States.  In recent years, Dengue has occurred in southern states, including Texas and Florida. People who travel to or have lived in other areas of the world may be at risk and should be familiar with the symptoms of disease as well as preventive measures used to avoid mosquito bites.
• Chikungunya
  CDC; Chikungunya fever is a viral illness not currently found in the United States.  The virus is primarily found in Africa and Asia yet was found in 2013 for the first time on the Caribbean islands.  People who travel to or have lived in at-risk areas may be at risk and should be familiar with the symptoms of disease as well as preventive measures used to avoid mosquito bites.
• Insect Repellent & Sting Relief Products
  Insect Repellant in Relief Pads & Repellent Pumps. Wasp & Hornet Spray, Bite Relief with Applicator & Repellent Towelette. Ben's Outdoor, DEET, Natrapel with Permathrin - After Bite and more!

Learn about 30 DEET Spray:

Learn about Spray for your clothing and Gear to keep Mosquitoes Away:

Get Serious with 100 DEET Spray:

Download the FREE Poster: 

READ MORE Malaria - The Scourge of Africa, but found in the US, too! 

Tsunami Warning

A Tsunami Warning has been issued for parts of Alaska after a magnitude 7.1 earthquake was recorded off of Little Sitkin Island.

Learn about Tsunami Safety!

Tsunami Warning Issued After 7.9 Magnitude Quake, Dozens Of Aftershocks Off Alaska’s Coast

California’s coastline is highlighted in the National Weather Service tsunami energy propagation map, however, no warning has been issued for the West Coast.

A massive 7.9 revised magnitude earthquake off Alaska’s remote Aleutian Islands has triggered a regional tsunami, with reports of water already leaving some harbors including Adak Harbor, as the waves begin to come in.

Learn more at CBS & NOAA

NOAA BULLETIN:

Continue reading →

While it may seem like an oxymoron, fires on water are a very real and dangerous threat.

We talked quite a bit about Summertime and Warm Weather Burn Dangers yesterday. Today we'll specifically look and fire and burn risks associated with boating.

Fire Safe Boating:

Power boating is an enjoyable pastime for millions, but it’s not risk-free. Most of the fire and burn injury risk involves fuel connections, especially during refueling operations.

Enough gasoline vapor could escape from a leaky connection to be ignited by a spark from an engine, an electrical appliance, match or cigarette lighter. Inspect connections frequently.

In the tight confines of a boat, both below and above deck, the sudden explosive ignition of gasoline vapor can cause a human tragedy. Don’t allow smoking while the boat is refueling.

Wash thoroughly any skin exposed to gasoline.

Be sure everyone on a boat knows where fire extinguishers are kept and how to use them.

• Inspect fuel valves and connections frequently
• No smoking during refueling
• Wash thoroughly any skin exposed to gasoline
• Show fire extinguisher locations to passengers 
• Also see:
  • Recreational Water-related Safety
  • Water Safety Month
  • Safety on the Water
  • Boating with Children – Safety on the waves

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