Protecting Your Garden From Thieves

It is an unfortunate fact of live but theft is on the increase these days. Unfortunately gardens are no safe haven from this fact. More and more gardeners are coming home or waking up to the fact that all their hard work and hard earned money has gone to waste as thieves have taken the lot. This article is a look at secure garden fencing and securing your property.

No one wants to hide their garden away. What is the point of all that hard work and beautiful design if you can never see it? At the same time keeping your garden secure and gardening tools safe will mean that you help keep unwanted guests out.

Unfortunately it is not just your garden features that criminals are after far too often gardens are subject to mindless vandalism and damage. It’s a horrible fact of life but securing and protecting your property includes you gardens and allotments.

Secure Your Garden Gates & Fencing

With strong secure fencing you can keep unwanted prying eyes from seeing what you have got as well as make it harder for people to get in. But secure fencing doesn’t have to be all barbwire and concrete it can also be decorative.

There is an whole range of garden fencing styles to choose from on the market and together with strong wooden or iron gates and decent bolts and padlocks you can really make your garden secure. If you are in any doubt it is suggested that you get your fencing installed by the experts with security in mind. Another tip is to grow prickly hedges along you fencing to discourage thieves from even attempting to climb over.

Garden Sheds Keep them Locked

No doubt garden sheds are a major attraction for theft, so why make it easy for them. Firstly, but a strong, solid garden shed with a solid foundation. Then, get some good strong decent padlocks and latches.

At this point you might feel quite happy with yourself but make sure if you have a window in your garden shed that put up some blinds or curtains and then remember to shut them. At the end of the day if a thief really wants to get in they will but there is no reason to advertise what you have to them.

Other Tips for your Garden Security

At the end of the day your garden is never going to be as secure as your home is. So the best thing to do is to try and deter them in the first place. Security lights, noisy gravel paths and couple of dogs (if you are a dog person) will help deter them in the first place.

For more tips on Garden Fencing, Sheds, Security and Installation as well as gardening products go to http://www.click4garden.co.uk for garden fence installation services go to http://www.click4garden.co.uk/index.php?getcatid=1084.

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Four Steps To Take Now To Reduce Environmental Illnesses in Your Home

The majority of all family illnesses are either caused or aggravated by the air we breathe, the water we drink, the nutrient value in the food we eat or the things that come in contact with our skin. We can improve our family's health by eliminating many of the toxins in our home environment.



Environmental hazards in your home, workplace or your child's school could be the cause of a wide range of common medical problems as well as the source of many ailments. Mysterious headaches that only occur on weekends and nose bleeds, nausea or rashes that occur after the new puppy or kitten is brought home or after moving into a newly constructed house could be an environmental illness symptoms. Many of all family health problems today could be reduced by eliminating toxins from our homes. This includes contact with toxins in the air we breathe, the water we drink, the nutrients we put into our bodies and the things that come in contact with our skin. Symptoms of environmental illness are difficult to diagnose and are often mistaken for other medical problems. A more holistic approach is to treat the environment, hopefully avoiding the need to ever have to treat the patient.



Here are four suggested steps you can take now to protect your family:



1. Clean your air. Use an air purifier. You need to treat all three areas of indoor air pollution- particulates, odors/fumes and surface microbials/molds. Home ventilation systems, HEPA filters and room deodorizing dispensers don't do it. Plus, eliminate the need for expensive replacement filters or dispensers by treating the air more effectively, electronically.



2. Treat your water. Use a water purifier. Why buy expensive bottled water if you can install an effective water purification system, either whole-house or counter top model. Once again, a filtration system is not enough. You want a system that can treat the water effectively, but inexpensively, eliminating chlorine, fluoride, copper, lead and styrene (from the water containers), germs and organisms as well as suspended matter.



3. Use all natural nutrients. Incorporate a line of proven, and medically accepted nutritional supplements that are all-natural, enzyme based and that have an efficient delivery system to ensure health and vitality. Promote a family exercise program. If a family member is overweight, encourage them to use a proven board certified weight-loss product/program that provides the needed emotional and psychological support, as well as nutritional support.



4. Eliminate surface irritants and toxins. Many conditions other than eye and skin irritations and allergies can be transmitted by coming in contact with the skin. New carpeting, cleaning solutions, detergent residue, laundry techniques and mold and microbials on surfaces can all be the cause of headaches, dizziness and flu-like symptoms. Our skin is porous and will absorb toxins slowly over time.



You can reduce mysterious family illness and sick building syndrome. Treat the cause- avoid the ailment. Eliminate environmental illness in your home. For more information visit www.freshair2u.info.







Bruce Bley is founder of BCB Associates, a marketing and environmental consulting firm that deals with issues pertaining to family health and wellness and provides leadership training to affiliates. He has a B.S. Mechanical Engineering from Cornell University and MBA from University of Hartford.

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Alternative Energy Technologies - An Overview

Adding up the alternatives

Energy is not running out, nor will run out ever. The problem lies with the environmental and political consequences of the current energy consumption, not that there are less energy resources are available. That's why there is a push for alternatives. The following is meant to give a basic introduction of some of the alternative energy candidates.

Solar energy

Solar power uses the sun to create electricity and heat, it also provides passive cooling and heating effects in buildings. There are many ways to take advantage of solar energy (similar to photosynthesis, for example), but the one that is primarily focused on is the direct conversion of radiation. This includes solar liquid heating set ups and photovoltaic panels. Larger scale solar farms can provide enough electrical and heating energy to make an entire community self-sufficient.

Nuclear energy

Nuclear power utilizes the incredible energy created from both the fusing and splitting of atoms. Some people don't consider nuclear energy an alternative energy resource. My personal interpretation is that any energy source that does not emit the fossil fuel pollutants that causes so much environmental harm is considered alternative energy. Therefore. I include nuclear power in the alternative energy collection.

Hydro and wind power

Wind energy comes from windmills that are placed in locations with an abundance of wind. Luckily, there are plenty of suitable sites in the United States.

Dams are used for hydro-power because they provide high pressure water flows that can spin turbines and create electricity. This can be done on a macro level (huge dams can be built to create state wide electrical power on some of the biggest rivers) and on a micro level (people put hydro-power generators in backyard streams and rivers).

Geothermal power

Geothermal power redistributes heat from the earth into a building or uses that heat to generate electricity. It's a very abundant resource, but it requires a lot of capital equipment and is difficult to extract. Heat pumps, like the ones found in many homes, are a source of geothermal power. This shows that geothermal power can be both effective and practical on a micro level.

Wood and biomass

Biomass is corn, mulch, sawgrass, and so on. These materials are either processed into liquid or solid fuels, or burned in their raw form. Wood is perhaps the most common biomass and is used to heat homes throughout the country.

Fuel cells

Basically, hydrogen fuel cells produce electricity from nothing more than hydrogen, which is completely carbon free. Water is the exhaust, now what could be more natural than that?

The hydrogen fuel cells combine hydrogen with oxygen to create electrical power and water. This sounds simple, and if hydrogen fuel cells pan out like some think they will, this could solve a lot of the worlds environmental issues. The technologies, however, are years away. There are also some major difficulties that may never be overcome. But a lot of development money is being invested in fuel cells and the promise remains bright.

Bio fuels

Bio-fuels, such as corn, are made of biomass products. In the United States, corn ethanol is added to most gasoline supplies. Bio-fuels allow the United States to import less foreign oil, despite the very high energy consumption in the refining process, so the political effects are desirable. Bio-fuels may be mixed with fossil fuels or be used in their pure form.

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Fire Safety Training

For any premise, may it be a business complex, shop or residential place or an education institution; it should be safe for the people who stay, visit and work in the place. And for this there are many initiatives that can be taken.

One of the most hazardous threats to safety is from fire. Fire has the potential to destroy an establishment in a matter of seconds. So, it is very necessary to one must be aware of the concerns caused by fire. It will be an added advantage if someone goes for fire safety training and helps secure the establishment and the people from this deadly killer.

For fire safety training it is also important to use the best available fire safety training machines such as the smoke machines or smoke generator which can produce effects similar to a real life situation. There are many smoke machines and other fire safety training equipment available in the market specific to industries such as aviation, manufacturing and others. So, you can choose the equipment which is suitable for your industry. It is not necessary to buy these smoke test equipment as there are many companies which offer them on hire.

When choosing fire safety training equipment care must be taken on the quality and their compliance to OH & S regulations. When choosing a smoke machine ensure that it is checked for quality in terms in its compliance with standards. There are many companies in Australia offering quality smoke machines for hire as well as to buy. You can find any good fire safety training supplier online. But before you choose a supplier ensure that the equipment is compliant to OHS regulations.

Safety Features on Electric Water Heaters

One of the most important things to look for in electric water heaters are plenty of safety features. Professionals recommend periodic safety inspections on all water heating equipment to make sure all of your stuff is in good working order. Electric water heaters come with, or can be fitted with, an array of safety features and devices.

One of the biggest hazards associated with water heaters is the risk of scalding due to overly hot water. This can be resolved by adjusting the temperature setting on your water heater. Typical safe water heater temperatures are between 104-120 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep in mind, that people with sensitive skin may still experience irritation with electric water heaters whose temperatures are above 115 degrees. Setting the temperature very high in an attempt to obtain more hot water can be dangerous if the water tempering and mixing valves aren't working properly. Water heaters at a setting of 100 degrees are highly unlikely to cause scalding on anyone.

Storage tank electric water heaters must have a pressure relief valve that is properly installed. In some places, where hard water is found, water heaters can be fitted with an expansion control valve that will further control the hot water pressure. A boiling liquid vapor explosion is a hazard that happens when pressure valves are not working properly because they have been installed wrong.

Tank electric water heaters can also be fitted with expansion tanks. These may be required for people living on a ?closed" water system. In these systems, thermal expansion can cause rapid increases and decreases in water pressure. This limits the spillage at the temperature and pressure relief valves.

In areas that are more earthquake-prone, electric water heaters can be secured against independent movement with earthquake strapping. For water heaters in cold spaces, such as garages, a good idea would be to get a bottom insulating board. This board is placed on a solid surface to eliminate the heat loss out of the bottom of the water tank.

Electric water heaters should keep their pressure below 79 psi. If, for some reason, this number is 80 or above, you will want to install a pressure reducing valve where the water supply enters the building. This is quite rare and should be addressed by a professional. Electric water heaters also need a safe amount of working space around the unit. This is especially true for units located in the garage that have the added risk of being hit by cars or items in storage. Regular safety checks are key.

If you decide to use additional insulation on your water heater, you must make sure that this is installed correctly. Electric water heaters that have added insulation can save on energy costs. However, if this is done incorrectly, it can block the pressure relief valve. Always consult a professional when addressing the insulation of water heaters. While, for the most part, electric water heaters are very safe and effective, it's always smart to make sure you follow all safety guidelines.

Electric Water Heaters

Driveway Safety for Children

Driveway safety is a very demanding responsibility for parents or guardians of young children. Even when closely watching your children, it is difficult to react quickly enough when they dart out from your driveway into the street either chasing a ball or riding a toy. Some of the most devastating motor vehicle accidents involving children occur in the driveway.

Driveway safety statistics show that children who do survive sustain severe and permanent physical and brain injuries. In fact, the driveway is the second greatest killer of young children around the home.

Driveway injuries can be prevented by:

• Having a greater awareness of the danger

• Following simple safety rules

• Being more vigilance as parents

Driveway safety is comprised of two categories

Preventing your child from:

• Being run over by a car backing out of the driveway

• Running into the street while playing in the yard

Prevent your child from being run over in the driveway

One third of children under the age of six, who are involved in motor vehicle accidents, were killed in yards, parking lots and driveways. One and two year olds are most likely to be killed or injured in home driveways. The vehicle is usually moving slowly and is often being driven by a parent, relative or friend.

A slow moving vehicle backing down a driveway can trap a child, and cause fatal crushing injuries. Children who do survive often suffer severe long-term injuries.

Small children, particularly toddlers, can be impossible to see if they are directly behind a car. Most drivers are aware of their car’s ‘blind spots,’ and studies show that there is a large “blind spot” behind most cars, particularly when driving in reverse. Even cars with parking sensors or a video camera may not notice a small child until it is too late to stop.

The greatest number of fatal driveway accidents occur on weekdays as opposed to weekends. They usually occur between 8:00am and 10:00am in the morning, and between 4:00pm and 6:00pm in the afternoon. Additionally, most of these accidents occur in good weather and bright conditions.

Safety Steps

• Always watch your children and never leave them alone while playing in the yard - especially near parked or moving vehicles

• Ensure their safety by holding their hands or keeping them close to you

• If you are home alone and need to move your vehicle, securely put your child in the car while you move it

• Use security doors, fencing or gates for areas that exit your home to make access to the driveway difficult for young children

• Walk around your vehicle before leaving an area where children have been playing

• Never allow your unsupervised child use your driveway as a place to play

• Create an alternative safe play area for your children

Protecting Your Children from Running into the Street

To deal with this driveway safety problem, many parents use their car to block the driveway or erect a temporary barrier out of wood or whatever else may be lying around the garage. Many of these barriers are not sturdy and children on riding toys can be injured if they collide with the barrier or car.

A better driveway safety solution is called a driveway safety net. It extends across the bottom of your driveway. It is a low-cost, easy-to use portable mesh barrier that acts as a deterrent by preventing children and toys from leaving the driveway and entering the street.

It also acts as a visual barrier to deter automobiles from entering the driveway where children are playing. This is especially important when cars parked on the street next to your driveway can impair a driver’s vision.

Nothing can replace parental supervision as the primary solution to child safety. Proactively watching our children can be a challenge, however it is better to meet the challenge than to suffer the consequences.

Funny Workplace Safety Training Video

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Factors to be considered when Performing work at Height

Considerations to be made when Working at Height


Height safety Equipment

Height safety Equipment is usually associated with two main types: general height safety and fall arrest, for example nets; and personal fall arrest, such as lifelines, harnesses and lanyards'. Fall arrest is usually equipment which is used to stop a fall when someone has fallen.

Fall arrest systems often will include a full body harness and connecting devices between the harness and the anchorage point. If a fall occurs, the full body harness distributes the impact throughout the body and keeps the worker in an upright position.

Personal fall arrest components including harnesses and lanyards' should be inspected before each use for the presence of mildew, wear, damage and other imperfections.

Fall Restraint

Fall arrest equipment can also be used to provide fall restraint which is where the equipment prevents the user from reaching the fall area.

There are actually numerous types of height safety equipment available in order to prevent accidents while working from heights, probably the most frequently used piece of equipment is often a fall restraint system, this includes a full body safety harness which is worn on the top of clothing and then tethered to a suitable anchor point using a lanyard and connector such as a karabiner. The length of lanyard preventing the user from falling over the edge on the structure from which they are working ; these systems may however end up being restricting (unless using an adjustable lanyard), but all the same significantly reduce the danger of falling provided that they are used properly, and where using an adjustable lanyard correct training is given.

Working at height in itself is dangerous.


Working at Height and Fall Protection Training

When referring to height safety it's typically thought that it means working from a height greater than 2M (6 feet), even so the most current regulations suggest that working from height includes where a fall can cause injury; that could include working from a low ladder, or standing on top of furniture, as we all do from time to time. To drive this point home a young woman known to the author was an expert climber of some the worlds tallest mountains. Yet it was falling from a low wall close to her home that resulted in her becoming a paraplegic, which underscores the point " at height" is the height where a fall can cause injury.

In a Fall Protection and Prevention training course, you learn about various systems employed to achieve 100% fall prevention and protection.

Working at height safety training may also qualify you to get a working at height job (providing the training company can supply you with a recognised certificate) while giving you the relevant skills necessary to make a success of it and stay safe.

Training courses should also teach safety managers how to determine the dangers of each task and the way to correctly determine what types of PPE are necessary.

The working at height regulations were put in place in 2005 to protect employees and employers when the need arises to work at height.

Regulations 5 and 6(5)(b) says You must ensure that everyone involved in the work is competent (or, if being trained, is supervised by a competent person).

Training is not merely giving employees a copy of your company safety handbook and having them read it before beginning work at height.

Rescue of a worker who has fallen at height

Rescue of fall victims should be included in all training and job planning. Rescue must occur quickly to minimise the dangers of suspension trauma. Rescue teams, regardless of whether on- or off-site, will need to be given training. The rescue plan must provide for self-rescue by workers who stay conscious following a fall, where by their equipment enables them to get to safety.

Risk Assessment and Method Statements for Working at Height and Rescue at Height

Risk assessments, method statements, etc. should be prepared and submitted before any planned work begins on site, and needs to be read by a competent person for evaluation of their relevance and to review their completeness. Risk assessment is an implicit requirement of the UK Health and Safety at Work etc. Act (HSW, 1974) and it is explicitly required by other general and industry-specific regulations.

Risk and Hazard analysis should identify the main actions to be accomplished in sequence to perform the operations. Hazard assessments undoubtedly are a essential part of all safety and prevention programs, however is your program sufficient?


Continuous awareness of and regard for fall dangers, and compliance with all safety regulations need to be regarded as conditions of employment.

10 Commandments of Workplace Safety

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