Do You Need to Protect Your Computer Rooms From Fire?

If you are in business can you honestly say that you are fully protected in the event of a fire? Discover secrets today to why you should not let fire suppression take a back seat and how it could save you going out of business.

The protection of data centres from fire is essential, however not to many business owners are aware of this.

The facts are that 43% of businesses that suffer with a significant fire never reopen for business. This begs the question, why is it an issue that in many cases it can take a back seat?

Its understandable in business there are always expenses to be considered and the cost of fire suppression is often overlooked. It is a proven fact that this is a big mistake, many business owners have realised this unfortunately after the event.

If you have a data centre of any substantial size then you will have an air conditioning system in place to control the temperature. The reason for the air conditioning is data centres create a tremendous amount of heat. In the event of the air conditioning system fails to function this could catch fire at any time, and the results could be devastating all data could be lost in just a few minutes which has taken years to build.

So what is the conclusion we have to arrive at to evade this?

Then answer is simple and that is to get protected with a fire suppression system. It's remarkable that the word fire suppression is under a misapprehension, and not many individuals have a clue in this regard.

Water and computers are not a good combination this is why the word suppression is to be taken note of. In order to restrain a fire it is essential to decrease the oxygen in the atmosphere by releasing gas through a valve using extreme pressure.

The gases used in these situations can vary from man made gasses which is FM200, this would be described as a synthetic gas Other gases used could be natural gasses such as IG55 which is made up of 50% Argon and 50% Nitrogen.

Let's consider where fire suppression would be affective and is widely used.

Primarily data centres and computer rooms are top of the list, and the main reason is this cannot be protected by water, because that would not be described as protection, all that would achieve would be to extinguish the fire when it is underway.

Further areas to be protected with fire suppression are art galleries, museums, antique centres, power generation plants just to name a few.

Many people are concerned to the safety of human life when the gas is discharged. The facts are the with regard to IG55 this is made up of the air we breath so it is perfectly safe. Having said that so is FM200 and has been in use for the past 15 years in 65 nations throughout the world in a human environment.

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Alternative Energy Initiatives - Let The Sun Shine On All Of Us

Recently, I attended an Alternative Energy Convention - one of many I attended over the last few years. It seems like these type of conventions are getting more and longer every month. My opinion is that that these conventions are held so often nowadays because the Global Warming Crisis that we are facing is growing more rapidly than scientists initially anticipated.

What worries me is that at all these conventions, the "clever" people and the "powers-that-be" agree that our needs (and "wants") are outpacing what Mother Earth can provide. They all agree that we must look into initiatives to generated cleaner, greener alternative energy sources. Some of them had ideas of using currents in the ocean, some agree that the wind is the answer and some look at the sun. The truth is that most of them went back home in there energy-thirsty 4-track vehicles, not to ever think of their noble ideas again.

A attend these conventions because I am an engineer in appliances that generatate sustainable alternative energy for big corporations - even in the oil industry. I asked many times, but not once did I get a turn to speak or to air my opinion at a convention. You see, I'm not a scientist, politician, or a chairman of an organization that wants to save the earth - I'm merely a person with an interest in doing what these meetings are called for - that is generating alternative energy.

What these "know-alls-but-do-nothings" do not realize is that alternative energy is not only limited to corporations, but that the small guy, the individual, can also contribute. The challenge is to "school" people and to promote the idea. It is not just about driving hybrid cars, and doing recycling - it is more about our own efforts to "whip" the energy, oil, and manufacturing industry (I'm convinced that many of these conventions are held by them, anyway).

Well, I already decided a few years ago that "charity" begins at home and I started to research small-sized appliances of generating alternative energy - something that any family can afford. My research lead me to the Internet and I was pleasantly surprized that many websites provide resources that teach you how to build your own appliances to generate alternative energy.

However....Since I began with my quest to find an inexpensive solution all those years ago, I've been through literally every emotion imaginable - frustration... anger... jubilation! Eventually, and after a lot of hard work, I did filter out the best resources on the Internet and ever since then I'm generating enough energy to go 'off-grid' - that's right I "whipped" the energy company - they're not getting a dime from me anymore. Now, all of a sudden, I'm also "smart" enough to be invited as guest speaker at conventions and seminars about alternative energy!

See, nowadays, trying to find the resources to make your own energy is difficult because there are so many guides, videos, and websites on the market to choose from and unless you have the time and money to test them out, you're basically going to go round in circles....and potentially lose a lot of money.

Added to my quest to "go green", I'm saving $1000s a year on energy bills! In the last year or two I focussed on small-sized energy saving appliances for the average household. I'm also often asked to do reviews of products and training material about this subject.

I came to realize that "charity" realy starts at home, and that home is Earth. I also believe that we shouldn't look or drill deep down into a hole to find our energy - let's look up - after all the sun has enough sustainable energy to shine on all of us.

Dave Richard

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Does Dry Skin Cause Wrinkles?

Many people slather on moisturizers every day thinking that they will reduce or prevent dry skin, and that, in turn they will reduce or prevent wrinkles. Is it true? Many things that cause wrinkles have nothing to do with whether or not the skin is dry - cellular aging, muscle movement, and loss of estrogen, for example. However, there are factors that dry skin and wrinkles have in common and, fortunately, they are not difficult to control. The first step is to understand dry skin, and how it comes about.

Preventing dry skin and wrinkles is dependant on both internal and external factors, but one of the most important, and the most easily addressed, is the integrity of the skin's surface. When it is not assaulted by harsh, drying chemicals and environmental conditions, the surface of the skin is a protective barrier. The list of things it needs protection from is quite extensive:

 Dry weather
 Cold weather
 Sun
 Hot water
 Chlorine in water
 Heating and air conditioning
 Almost all household cleaning products
 Almost all facial care products
 Almost all cosmetics
 Airborne bacteria, pollutants and chemicals in the environment

Each of these irritates, damages, dries, and eventually breaks down that surface barrier, causing dry skin.

Underneath the surface layer lies the structure of the skin, largely consisting of collagen and elastin. Both require moisture for proper functionality – moisture that is easily depleted through the surface of the skin when it is damaged and dry. Without the moisture, the underlying layer is damaged, and the production of collagen and elastin slows down. Basically, the structure starts to cave in. That's the wrinkle connection.

The answer is to do whatever you can to minimize your exposure to the items on the list above, and to use a shielding lotion to protect you from the things you cannot control. A shielding lotion bonds with the outer layer of the skin to form a new protective barrier that those elements destroy and, voila, no dry skin, and improved resistance to wrinkles.

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Author, Gloria MacTaggart, is a freelance writer who contributes articles on skin care for 21st Century Formulations. For more information, visit http://www.SkinMDNatural.com.

Video Source: Youtube

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What is SMS?

The application of a systematic, proactive, and well-defined safety program (as is inherent in a SMS) allows an organization producing a product or service to strike a realistic and efficient balance between safety and production. SMS is one way to contribute to this effort by increasing the likelihood that aviation companies, airport operators and government agencies will detect and correct safety problems before those problems result in an aircraft accident or incident.

Similar to other management functions, Safety Management requires planning, organizing, communicating and providing direction. A well designed SMS program provides for the Management of Safety in a systematic and proactive way. An SMS program also needs to have a formal risk management program that analyzes, assesses and ultimately reduces risk. SMS programs need not be complex and are normally comprised of four elements

• Safety Policy and Objectives

• Safety Risk Management

• Safety Assurance

• Safety Promotion

To be effective, an SMS program needs to state the safety policies and objectives so that each employee, from the CEO on down, understands that the company takes safety seriously and that each individual has a responsibility in regards to safety. This safety policy should be signed by top level management so that everybody understands the company’s dedication to providing a safe and hazard free environment.

A company also needs a risk management program. This program should identify how the company actively seeks out risks and hazards associated with the companies operations. Once these risks and hazards are identified, they will need to be added to a database and then analyzed to determine if action should be taken and what that action should be.

Safety assurance is gained by auditing your companies operations and safety procedures. These audits can be internal, external or both. Any discrepancies that are noted should be reviewed and corrected as necessary. Also the results should be published so that all employees can learn how they can specifically help to fix any noted discrepancies.

If you want your safety program to be successful, you have to do more than just write policies and procedures. You will need to train your employees on what SMS is and their specific responsibilities in regards to SMS. Safety should also be promoted through the use of safety information like newsletters, bulletins or posters. Safety promotion is also accomplished through continuous improvement. As hazards are identified, risks determined and mitigated through corrective actions, system improvements through training and revised policies and procedures, then follow-up begins the safety process over again.

SMS does not have to complicated or expensive. You just need to evaluate your company’s operations and associated risks. You then need to use this information to determine how you will meet the four required elements. Actually the less complicated your system is, the more likely people will get involved which will help to ensure the success of the program.

Safety Is High Priority in Selecting a Tour Bus Company

Whenever travel on the highways is involved safety should be a top priority. That is no less so when selecting a bus company for your tour. Several elements are involved in the issue of safety when bus tour companies are concerned. They are: The condition of the bus itself The driver The length of time a tour bus company has been in business and that company’s safety record A bus tour company’s understanding of laws and regulations A company’s involvement in such organizations as the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Its compliance to U.S. Department of Transportation and Department of Defence regulations

The Bus

One issue that is up front for you to actually see is the tour bus itself.

The age of the fleet of buses used by a tour bus company should be considered. It should be obvious that the latest models of buses should be in the fleet. The latest, the better. Many companies like USA Bus Charter says that they replace their buses after 10 years of service. They also point out that there are bus companies that own buses that are as old as 25 years. In short, you don’t want the transportation you will be using to be too old. Inquire with the bus tour company about the age of their fleet.

If at all possible, go to the tour bus company and inspect their buses. Check the interior, the exterior and underneath. Look at the tires including the tread depth and examine the seat covers, dents, bumps, scratches and cleanliness. If all of that is not up to your standards, then it is possible that the company is not concerned with safety and appearance as a top priority.

If things look good after a visual inspection, don’t be afraid to ask questions concerning things you don’t see.

And that would be how often the buses are analyzed by the company’s mechanics. It is not uncommon for well managed tour bus companies to have their mechanics inspect things every time a bus returns to the garage.

The Driver

The driver of a tour bus, not the president of the tour bus company, is probably the most important employee.

When push comes to shove, it is the skills of the driver that assures that the bus gets to its destination on time and that the trip is safe.

Of course, you would expect that the driver has experience. Industry standards call for the driver to have at least three years experience. Some companies are stricter than that and call for them to have a little more.

This could be as much as five years or more. Of course, the more experience they have, the more skilled they are in driving the bus. But they are also knowledgeable of the routes they are expected to drive and would be well seasoned to be able to find alternative routes should the need arise.

An important element in assuring that you get to the destination on time.

You will want the driver to be emotionally balanced. It’s been said that there are three types of drivers (not necessarily bus drivers): the passive, the aggressive and the hostile. Of course, you want a driver who is passive. You would expect him to keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front, not speed, slows down when it is raining, drive with caution at night, etc.

You also want the driver to be alert when he is driving and drug free. To assure that drugs are not an issue there are laws the require companies test prospective drivers during the hiring process and then to administer random drug tests.

You want the driver’s schedule to be such that it doesn’t change his sleep patterns.

Commonly, drivers are expected to drive 10 hours. A driver who has a schedule of sleeping at night should stick to that. He should not be expected to drive all night. It is better to be safe and permit the driver to either share the duties with some one who could drive at night or allow him to pull the coach into a motel where he and the passengers can get a good night’s sleep before proceeding on a gruelling trip of let’s say 1,000 miles without rest.

Making certain that the passengers of the bus – that means you -- stays on their best behaviour is another perhaps overlooked responsibility of the driver. How you act can be a safety issue. It is not a bad thing for the driver to pleasantly remind passengers of such etiquette as remaining seated when the bus is in motion, move to the restroom by holding on to overhead racks,

handrails or headrests to assure good footing, never stand up before the bus has come to a stop, and activity that could prove to be distracting to the driver be minimized if not totally avoided.

A Company’s Record

The longer a company has been in business the better chance that it will be well managed and have a good safety record. The companies that don’t have a good safety record won’t be in business for any length of time.

One entity that assists you in the research of a company’s record is the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov).

The organization’s website includes a safety and security page that provides you with all sorts of information including a safety database, a snapshot or profile of particular companies and safety initiatives.

Moreover, the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Department of Defence have regulations that tour bus companies are expected to follow. For example, the Department of Transportation requires tour bus companies to assure that their drivers are fully qualified. Companies that comply urge that their drivers have a current commercial driver’s license with a passenger endorsement, undergo a thorough physical and hold a valid medical certificate.

You can find out more by visiting the U.S. Department of Transportation website at http://www.ai.fmcsa.dot.gov/Passenger/home.asp.

The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) is involved in regulating motor coach safety because these companies are often used by military personnel and the DOD wants to make certain that their troops are safe. The DOD monitors the bus industry through the Military Traffic Management Command (MTMC). This part of the DOD implements and maintains a “pre-qualification” process.

The DOD will not allow any bus company to transport military personnel until its buses have been inspected by the MTMC. The MTMC also analyze a carrier’s performance, reliability and responsiveness. The MTMC has a rating system using a scale of 1 to 5.The best rating is 1 and the worst is 5. Companies rated from 1 to 3 are approved to transport military personnel. More on the MTMC can be found at their website.

Finally, nothing is perfect. Things go wrong. The best companies, however, provide a mechanism to make the wrong right. To assure that such a remedy can take place, you should find out who to contact in the company when something does go wrong. Some companies equip their drivers with cell phones that permit them to call the company to help solve a problem that the driver can’t. Later, if you have a complaint or a comment you can call the designated employee who you can alert to a problem and who work with you to solve it.

The mission of a tour bus company is to provide you with a service that will make your tour as pleasant as possible.

Types of Reflective Tape for Clothing

Whether a person is in a professional work environment, is out jogging at night, performing a rescue in a dangerous area, working out on the open water or is in any other situation where visibility is crucial, reflective safety clothing has been designed to protect them. In order to protect people in these situations, manufacturers around the globe have created retroreflective and fluorescent textiles which use reflective tape for clothing. This tape captures light and shines it back to the source, making the person wearing the clothing exponentially easier to see.

The History of Reflective Tape for Clothing

The earliest high visibility clothing with reflective technology can be traced back to the earlier 20th century, but the clothing was impracticable, uncomfortable and inconvenient. When clothing becomes a problem, professionals won't wear it. In order to improve safety, manufacturers needed a practical design that wouldn't hinder work performance.

It wasn't until 1970 that more comfortable designs were created, starting with belts that featured simple sew on reflective tape. In 1982, research and development into reflective technology led to the creation of reflective safety vests that used various components to improve visibility. The vests included a harness that incorporated battery-powered electrical lights as well as phosphorescent patches. Later, to reduce the bulkiness of the garments, reflective components became mainstream, including white and yellow reflective tape.

The most important goal of safety clothing with sewed on reflective tape and other reflective additions is to increase and improve visibility. How these additions improve the visibility of the clothing item is determined by both the design and the classification of the clothing. Three different classifications are used to break down reflective equipment like vests and personal protective equipment. The classification varies on both the visibility of the item as well as how much reflective gear was used in creating the item.

For those in non-professional settings such as people who go jogging or recreational walking near areas with traffic, several items exist that feature reflective tape to increase visibility. The amounts of reflective material on these pieces of clothing are generally small. Professional workers on the other hand can expect to run into a wide variety of garments that meet different classification levels such as those by the government or other institutions. These items can range from a simple coverage like a vest that's good for parking lots and other low traffic situations or highly reflective full jackets and pants with 360 degrees of visibility with multiple layers and reflective tape that is added to increase visibility from all angles.


Types of Reflective Clothing

The most common type of high visibility clothing is the vest. It's a sleeveless vest worn over clothing with a number of strips of reflective tape. There are a number of other types depending on working conditions, environment and job duties (or hazards). This can include all-weather wear, cold-performance, high-heat flame retardant protective equipment with fire-resistant reflective tape, gloves, boots, shoes, hats, packs, bands and flags - all of which feature some form of reflective tape for improved visibility. Recreational clothing, or personal clothing, is also available with similar reflective material in the form of pants, shirts, jackets and even reflective accessories (logos, zippers, etc.)

The progress for increased visibility and design improvements for reflective clothing is never ending for the manufacturers. By striving to create improved retroreflection with microprism technology, improved comfort, better performance for sewed on reflective tape, and highly-visible variations in the fluorescent backing material, manufacturers continue to make both professionals and civilians safe whenever they wear reflective gear.


When you need to achieve maximum visibility and performance without sacrificing quality of your garment line, you need to choose loxy reflective tape for clothing. Our products ensure you meet regulatory standards while producing long lasting, quality reflective clothing using sew on reflective tape that outperforms others in the industry.