Cleaning Store Sort Out Part 2

A Reorganised Cleaning Store

So I have been continuing my project to sort out the cleaning equipment. In my last post, I did say that I was going to tackle the corner where the cardboard was.  The cardboard box was full of signage we are not using at the moment, so I got Ahmed to help me and put it on top of the lockers. I then swept the area and put my Tub Vac there. There were a few other bits and bobs which needed a new home, but that wasn’t too much of a problem.

Once I had swept out the area, I was able to put my tub vac in it’s place. I also emptied a couple more of the caddied and bought those up, so now I have a place for my spare mop heads. Of course this means now that my mop heads can be kept clean and are not just lying about. Bethan is so impressed, that she is sending a picture of what I have done to the Area Manager: Kath, who will be really impressed when she comes in November.

I also, as mentioned in my last post…. Got rid of the broken pole for the Tub Vac. It is now feeling very sorry for itself, feeling cold and lonely in the bin shed. I also found a old Socket Mop, which has a removable head. I grabbed that and I removed the head. I have put the head in a carrier bag and the mop head will get washed tonight and returned tomorrow.

Code Purple, Collapsing Displays, BIFFA Blues and Windyblows Playing Up

I ended up doing my nut TWICE.

BIFFA are in my Bad Books!

The 1st time was with BIFFA, who decided to plonk our empty bins in front of the Fire Exit, meaning that we could not open it. I had to walk round the outside and go and move them. (While up in the stock room and deffo where customers could not hear me!) I had a few choice words for the Bin Men. There is a clear sign, which says FIRE EXIT – KEEP CLEAR. Yet BIFFA still decided to obstruct our Fire Exit. We would have great fun evacuating, If we had of had a fire at the front of our shop, because of the blocked fire exit.

(Actually, I would of yanked the arm of one of the mannequins and used that to break the window, if I had to and I am sure my Kath would ask MSL to charge BIFFA for the window. Thankfully we could sort it quite quickly, but it still shouldn’t of happens in the 1st place.

Code Purple… Code Purple…

Code Purple is our radio call sign, where cleaning is required. So if someone spilt a drink on the floor, (which happened the other day) You would radio: “Aaron to Shop Floor – Code Purple”. I would then know I am needed for cleaning duties on the shop floor.

Then someone left the toilet a mess, even though there is a sign that clearly states that the toilet should be left clean. I was not happy. I know who did it, but I can’t really say much about it, which is frustrating.

When Window Displays collapse.

Then Maria called over the radio, as a window display had collapsed and ended up with myself and Lucy attending, using a mallet to fix i! This was because the arms of the shelf had been bent, so it required a good wallop with a mallet to bed the lugs into shape. Thankfully no customers were hurt, when the display collapsed.

The Computer Says Noooooo! (Cough!)

When I got home, Windows decided to play up all through my show, so I was unable to use the cart player. Also the Internet was painfully slow. The machine was egging for a reboot, but I was not having it! I managed though, as I was able to just ad-lib and rebooted after the show. The Computer seems to be better now, as I have also installed Advanced System Care, which helps to keep my system on a even keel!

Diva Moment… “It’s All A Load Of Hocus Pocus!”

Diva Moment – Me in Heels!

So I am dressing up for Halloween at work. I am going as Whinny from the Film Hocus Pocus. She is the head witch in the film. I have ordered a costume, which comes with a green dress and wig. Thanks to the magic of Charity Shops… I managed to find a pair of shoes that go with my costume. These pair of bright red heels, will go with my costume and make me look the part.

I shall be serving customers as Whinny and will really get into character. “Would thou like a carrier bag?” I might even burst into song and start singing I’ll put a spell on you!

Whinny Sanderson Portrayed by Bette Midler

This is who I will be on Halloween. Whinny is played very convincingly by Bette Midler and is the older and the most evil of the 3 Sanderson Sister. Bette’s portrail of Whinny, was brilliant and that is why I chose to be her, this Halloween. – In the words of Kara – “Diva!”

I might just have to jump on my mop and fly around the shop too! (I can’t fly on the Henry can I!?)

If you have no idea what I am on about, go onto Disney Plus and watch Hocus Pocus. It is a really funny Halloween film. Especially the Kiln Scene. “Hello, I want my book…. Bonjour…. Je veux mon livre!” 😂😂

Busy Day

It has been another busy day down the shop. Myself, Ella and Pat, were the only ones in. So, it was a battle to keep the ship afloat! It didn’t help that all the clothes were in the wrong order, so we spent ages sorting the clothing out. I managed to get the stock room hoovered, spray mopped the shop floor and the hourly toilet checks! Hooray!!!!! (With so many volunteers in and out, our poor toilets get a right bashing, thus the hourly checks.)

I’ve been having yet another sort out!

New new and improved cleaning supplies caddies

One of the jobs that really needed doing, was the reorganising of the cleaning equipment I have caddies under the counter in the kitchen, which wasn’t really the best place for it. Most of the equipment is kept in the Wash Room, so I thought that this would be the best place to keep everything. (The cleaning chemicals have their own dedicated cupboard BTW, which is very neat and tidy)

To enable this, I needed to move stuff out the caddies downstairs. These were full of all sorts and need properly sorting out. However, this is a job for another day…. I emptied what was in the caddies and put the contents into stack and store boxes, which got put into the “Junk Room”. Don’t even get me started on the junk room… That is a right “dumping ground”, for all sorts of stuff and you can’t hardly get in there. There is just about room, to get inside the door! This is another project and something I need to tackle. However, I have no idea what we are going to do with all the stuff piled in there. I think I will have to speak to Bethan on Tuesday and try and work out with her, what we are going to do and how we are going to do it. I think some of the stuff came from the old BHF Furniture and Electrical Store, which was just a few doors up and had to close, after the Nail Bar next door burnt down (on Boxing Day 2022) and caused severe damage to the BHF Store.

It may require us to get a man and a van to shift it, when we have a mega sort out. However, that’s going to be expensive, so I don’t know how we are going to sort it. It could be classed as a fire hazard, so I will highlight it to Bethan and see what she suggests. I am sure if we put our heads together, we can find a way to get it sorted. If we can sort it, the other caddies and the downstairs tub vac, could be put in there.

Back to the sort out…

I was able to get sorted, once I had freed a couple of caddies. These came up to the washroom. The Toilet Rolls, Blue Paper Towels and the Hoover Bags, used to live in it’s own plastic box by the sink. However, with the sink right by it, the loo rolls used to get rather soggy. Now the blue rolls, cloths, toilet rolls and hoover bags, all have their own caddy, which keeps everything so much more orderly. It means we can quickly access something, if we need it, without having to take everything out the box. Plus, the loo rolls and the blue paper rolls, cannot get wet any more. 🙂

Lucy will be impressed with what I have done, when she comes in tomorrow morning.

As a continuation of this project: I want to get some clips put on the wall, which will hold the mop and vel mops against the wall. I also want to get in the corner, where the cardboard is. This has various bits used in the shop and can be moved to on top of the lockers, with the other signage. I will have to lift of everything that’s on top first, to be able to do this, but it’s doable. I will be able put my tub vac there, once the corner is cleared. I also need to seal the fate on our broken hoover pole and send it to one of the massive BIFFA Bins. If there’s space, I may also put the ladder at the side of the lockers too. However, the Tub Vac needs to also fit in there, so that may not be possible. A Plan B for this,is to lean the ladder against the wall outside the toilet. This is where the mop and bucket used to live. (But it now lives behind where the tub vac currently is)

Once this was done, I was able to scrub the floor, where the old caddies were and put the bins back under the kitchen counter. It looks much better and the floor is much cleaner too. While I was at it, I attempted to remove a stain from the carpet in the walkway, using the steamer. Whether it worked or not is another question – I will find out tomorrow.

The final job, was to drag the wheelie bins out. This meant donning a High Viz Jacket and dragging the bins from our shed, into the yard at the back. BIFFA come tomorrow to empty the bins, so I will wheel them back in in the morning.

The end of the day was fun. I left and forgot my phone and then Ella and I almost spent the night in the shop, as her key jammed in the lock and it wouldn’t turn! Only kidding about the all night thing… I could of gone out the fire exit at the back, should we not of been able to get the key out. I will give the lock a spray with WD40 tomorrow!

A Guide to Fire Alarm and Emergency Lighting Testing

Fire Alarm and Emergency Lighting Tests must be done on a weekly basis, to make sure that systems are working correctly and that equipment operates. In this guide, we will look at testing both systems and what steps need to be carried out.

This is a LEGAL REQUIREMENT, (under The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005) in all Commercial Premises, Hospitals, Care Homes, Schools, Places of Worship, Offices and buildings open to the public. Also in Blocks of Flats, where there is a wired fire alarm system, Government Buildings and even Pubs and Clubs to name a few, are covered by this legislation.

Your company should have a dedicated form or a Fire Alarm Log Book, where these tests are recorded, It is important to record all tests each time

These tests should be carried out by a competent person, who has been trained to do so. I am a competent trained person, so I assist my manager with these tests.

Emergency Lighting Tests

The Emergency Lights, are designed to come on automatically, when the power fails. This fail safe equipment, is also designed to activate, when the circuit breaker trips, making sure that there is adequate lighting at all times, for whatever the reason why the normal lighting fails. They work, by using an Automatic Transfer Switch, which switches the power over to the batteries, when the mains power fails. They should always gave a green LED lit, to indicate they are charging properly. Call in an Electrician, if the green light turns red, or if the green light is not illuminated. -This normally indicates that the batteries are not charging.

Emergency Lighting Test Key

 To test the Emergency Lighting, you will need a fish plate key. You need to insert the fishplate key into the test plate on the wall and push the key downward. This should cause the emergency lighting to activate. You will then need to walk about the area you are in and make sure the emergency lighting properly activates. Report any emergency lights that do not illuminate.

Remember to put the switch back in the off position after testing, otherwise the emergency lights will stay on and this will drain the batteries!

Fire Alarm Testing

If your Fire Alarm System is monitored, it is important to let the Monitoring Centre know you are doing an alarm test. The Fire Service may be called, you fail to let the Monitoring Centre know you are testing the system!

Usually, this is a automated system, which will put the system onto “test” for a short period of time and will not send an alert to the motioning centre. After a short period, the system will go back into monitor mode automatically.

Fire Alarm Call Point

Now we need to test the Fire Alarm itself. Testing from the Panel is not a permitted way of testing. You should activate the nearest call point. On the older units, you need to insert a key into the bottom, which drops the glass. On newer units, activate as normal, by pressing the black button. Make sure that the alarm sounds throughout the building. To reset, push the bottom of the alarm upward, which will reset the call point. Now you will need to go to the Fire Alarm Panel and reset that. (Ours requires the key and then pressing silence then reset.)

If for what ever reason, you need to sound the alarm again, (You might see smoke, fire or something smouldering) operate the nearest fire alarm call point, by breaking the glass.

You should perform the fire alarm test at the same time every week, by activating a different call point, each time you test the alarm. I helped Bethan do the test today and we tested the call point on the shop floor, which I activated.

Depending on how your system is setup, this should activate the Fire Bells, the Electronic Sirens, Voice Modules, (which will announce something like: “The Fire Alarm is sounding… Please leave the building via the nearest exit”.) or the flashing Alarm Beacons. In our shop, the electronic sounders also have flashing beacons integrated into them, which flash when the sirens so off.

Remember to record the test and which call point was activated. Report any issues with the fire alarm immediately.

You should also make sure your Fire Alarm System is serviced Bi-Yearly, by a BAFE Accredited Fire Alarm Company.

Automatic Fire Doors

You should make sure that your automatic fire doors close, when the alarm goes off. These doors, use a magnet which keeps the door open. When the fire alarm sounds, the magnet de-energises, which causes the door to automatically swing shut, thus preventing a fire from spreading. You should make sure that any automatic doors shut, when you do your fire alarm test.

These doors, should never be propped or be held open by any other means. (Such as the use of a door wedge, propped open with a fire extinguisher,  or held open with string.  This can stop the auto-closer from working, which could cause a fire to spread. This is separate from the auto-closer you might see on some doors. These will automatically close the door, each time. However, they cannot be permanently held open. Automatic auto-closer can be kept open at all times, as the magnet holds the fire doors open.

Report any auto-closer , which fail to operate, when the alarm activates.

I Love My Job At BHF

I just wanted to write a post on why I love my job at the British Heart Foundation. I may only be a volunteer, but without us “volis”, nothing would get done. That is why thousands of people up and down the country, give up their time to volunteer at the charity.

I enjoy volunteering at the shop, because it gives me something positive to do. I also get to work with a brilliant team, especially Bethan, my “work wife” – Maria, Pat and the many others that are the literal ‘beating heart’ of the shop.  We have plenty of laughs, we, we work hard and we help to raise money for vital research into heart related illnesses.  No day is ever the same and our shop is vibrant and welcoming.

Vinnie and Renee – Charity Shop Workers in the BBC Sketch Show: The League of Gentlemen

We also have plenty of fun, especially when Maria and I get on our Walkie Talkies) We often call each other over the radio and can be rather silly at times, but serious when we need to be. there is a real sense of community, where you are never alone. As Volis, we support each other, no matter what live chucks at us. We have a Whatsapp Group too for many of our shops, so you will always be in touch with your local shop team. (No Tubbs and Edward do not work at our shop, neither do Vinnie and Renee!)

This is a reference to The League of Gentlemen. (Which is one of my favourite sketch shows) “Nooooo need to be rude dear!” (I can do a brilliant impression of Renee btw!)

If you want to come and join a brilliant team, (which cares about each other and have a lot of fun while we are at it) Come and join the BHF. Our Shop Teams are made up of volunteers from all walks of life, different ages and skills. You will be made most welcome, get plenty of brews along the way, get training in your role and get a cheeky 25% off when you buy something from one of our shops. (Even if you are on holiday and visit another store!)

There is so much you can do at your local shop. You can sort donations that come in, do what I do and help keep the shop clean and tidy, work on the shop floor – serving customers, (yet another thing I do) You can put stock out and dress windows, sort out books and brica-brac and so much more.

If your interested in volunteering at your local shop, go online to https://www.bhf.org.uk/how-you-can-help/volunteer or pop in and speak to one of our lovely Managers. Most towns have a BHF Shop, either Clothing and Brica-Brac, electrical and furniture and much more. You can find your local BHF Shop, by clicking here.

Time for bed, I am back in our store tomorrow, working with Bethan, Maria and Pat. It’s going to be another fun but knackering day, I am sure. However, I like days when I come home tired, because those are the days, I know I have made the most difference. 🙂

Before I go to bed, I must mention that I have been watching Shameless. I love Shameless and it’s thanks to my neighbour Steph, that I got back into watching it. Below is the intro to the show, if you have never seen it before.

Good night xxxx

Fire Safety in the Workplace

Fire Safety in the workplace is everyone’s responsibility. In this guide, we will look at how you  can keep yourself and others at work safe.

Fire Risk Assessment

Your employer should have carried out a Fire Risk Assessment. A fire risk assessment is crucial to the fire safety process, you unable to correct and control what you’re not aware of. These risk assessments are performed by the qualified person of responsibility to find potential fire hazards and risks in a building or area.

A fire risk assessment includes identifying what could potentially cause a fire and control measures to reduce the risk of a fire occurring. This may include installing sprinklers or smoke detectors and making changes to wiring, appliances, and storage areas. They are conducted at any time of the year and should be done regularly as part of any routine inspections.

The government recommends that risk assessments should be carried out by suitably competent fire professionals. This Fire Risk Assessor is competent at the prescribed level and can carry out a fire risk assessment of a premises. Many assessors work as specialists in a very particular sector, such as hospitals, construction sites, manufacturing, etc., but they also have a very broad understanding of different industries as well.

Identifying Risks and Hazards, during your Fire Risk Assessment

The number and type of hazards will vary from place to place and sector to sector. However, there are some common hazards that you can identify, and mitigate against.

Diagram illustrating various potential fire hazards.

  • Electrical Equipment: Overloaded circuits, lack of maintenance can cause equipment to become faulty. Make sure all electrical work is carried out by qualified electricians and ensure that all portable appliance testing (PAT) is up to date.
  • Heating / Cooking Appliances: For cooking appliances, keep things clean. A build-up of materials can catch fire. Take care if wearing loose clothing, and NEVER leave cooking unattended. For heaters, keep them away from clothes, curtains and furniture and never use them for drying clothes.
  • Inappropriate Storage of Combustible Materials: Empty bins regularly and keep evacuation routes clear of any flammable materials.
  • Flammable Liquid Storage: Glues and other solvents are another source of fires as they are likely to combust if not stored correctly.
  • Smoking: Keep designated smoking areas away from the building and provide proper ash bins for disposal near these areas.

Fire Alarm Test

A manual call point should get activated to test the operating effectiveness of the Fire Alarm System to safeguard the persons on work premises. They should be checked weekly once and recorded in your site logbook. Simply activating the alarm at the fire alarm panel, is not acceptable.

Emergency Lighting Test

Every Emergency light, should be tested weekly. This should be logged on the appropriate form. Emergency Lights that do not work, should be fixed, as soon as possible.

Fire Extinguishers

all Fire Extinguishers should be located in a reachable spot. As soon as an employee can identify them, the employees must know which type of extinguisher they are using. Fire Extinguishers should be maintained by a repeatable company, every 6 months.

Keep your Fire Exit Clear

Fire Exits must be kept clear at all times. This means making sure that exits are kept clear from obstructions and exit doors should be well maintained. Panic Bars \ Pads should be easily operable and where Emergency Egress Buttons are  present, these need to be tested every week, to make sure they release the doors.

Fire Drills

Fire Drills, should be carried out, either yearly or half yearly, depending on your Fire Risk Assessment. You should aim to evacuate in less than 2 minutes, during a fire drill.

PEEP (Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans)

If your workplace has disabled people, PEEPS must be in place. This should include what help a disabled person requires when evacuation and any reasonable adjustments are needed. This may include escorting someone out of building, special equipment, (such as a EVAC Chair) or providing Refuge Areas.

That is the basics of Fire Safety… More information can be found on the HSE Website.

 

 

Karaoke Capers @ Peek-A-Booze

Just had to share this  before bed. I know my “Work Wife” (Maria) is going to  kill me for posting this tomorrow !!! 😂 (Not literarily btw!) Bethan will probably say it’s sweet that I sang Maria a song. (And probably laugh!) 😂

So I was in Peek -A-Booze, which is a LGBT Cabaret Bar, here in Blackpool and as it was Karaoke, I decided to go down and sing Maria a song. ❀ I did send it to her via WhatsApp btw! 😂 😂 😂

I love Peek-A-Booze, as it is such a fun bar and Ash is a brilliant Bar Maid! (Such a laugh!)

A Guide to Asbestos

 Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring fibrous minerals that were once widely used in building materials for insulation and fire resistance. Asbestos is is a health hazard when its fibres become airborne, which can happen if it is disturbed or damaged, leading to serious lung diseases. Although banned in the UK in 1999, buildings constructed or refurbished before 2000 may still contain it, and its handling is now strictly regulated. It may hide in cement, floor tiles, insulation, walls and pipes.

Asbestos in your home can be dangerous if disturbed. If licensed professionals encapsulate it, or it remains in good condition and undisturbed, the risk is lower. But as asbestos ages, wears down or is disrupted, the risk increases. No amount of exposure to asbestos is safe. Prolonged or repeated exposure can cause mesothelioma, lung cancer and other asbestos-related diseases. Asbestos fibres can get stuck in tissues in your body. These fibres in your body can cause irritation that over time can lead to the development of Mesothelioma. This aggressive cancer forms tumours on the lining of the lungs, abdomen or heart.

Asbestos is a natural mineral known for its strength and heat resistance. Toxic asbestos fibres were mixed into construction materials like cement, floor tiles, insulation, walls and pipes. Many older homes, particularly those built before the 1980s, still contain these legacy asbestos products. If you’re DIY-ing renovations like taking down walls, removing popcorn ceilings or replacing floor tiles, use caution. Asbestos fibres can be released into the air and inhaled.

There may be a wide range of asbestos products in your home, including paint, insulation and floor tiles. Vintage consumer products in your home such as ovens, heaters, clothes dryers and refrigerators can also contain asbestos.

Older Products in Homes That May Contain Asbestos

  • Appliances
  • Cement asbestos board siding/ undersheeting
  • Insulation (attic, furnace, pipe, wall)
  • Felt backing (flooring, roofing, wallpaper)
  • Popcorn ceilings
  • Textured paint
  • Cold Water Tanks
  • Fire Surrounds

Common Exposure Scenarios

Asbestos exposure in your home can happen in a few ways. Examples include DIY renovation, drilling through drywall, replacing an old pipe or removing popcorn ceilings. These activities can release tiny asbestos fibres into the air, contaminating the room. If fibres settle on your clothes, hair, skin or shoes, you can carry them through your home, spreading the risk to others in your household. Attic insulation in older homes may contain asbestos that could fall through ceiling cracks.

Attic Renovation

Risky scenario: While remodelling the attic of your 1960s home, you find piles of brown pebble-like insulation. You decide to replace the old insulation with new fiberglass. This would save money in the winter months. You scoop the loose insulation into some garbage bags and install the new material.

Safe scenario: You suspect your attic is insulated with asbestos-containing vermiculite. You don’t want to disturb the material, which would spread asbestos fibres into the air. You leave the insulation alone and have it professionally tested for asbestos.

Drilling into Asbestos in Drywall

Risky scenario: You decide to renovate your home and remove part of a wall to open up your kitchen. You use tools to cut and remove the drywall, which generates a lot of dust.

Safe scenario: You suspect your older home was built with asbestos-containing drywall. You’re concerned if you take down the wall, asbestos fibres from the drywall will escape into your home. You opt for testing for asbestos before starting renovations  Loose vinyl tiles can expose asbestos-containing adhesive.

Removing Vinyl Floor Tiles

Risky scenario: You’ve just bought a 1950s fixer-upper in your hometown. Your first project is to upgrade the master bathroom. You decide to remove the vinyl floor tile. You remove the existing tiles with a scraper and install the new tile.

Safe scenario: You’re aware that asbestos was a common component in vinyl floor tiles in the 1950s. You know that using a scraper to remove the old flooring can release dangerous asbestos fibres. You consult an expert about testing and safe removal of the old tile or installing new tile over the asbestos-containing tile. Scraping a popcorn ceiling containing asbestos can be hazardous without proper masks and ventilation.

I have Asbestos Cement in the floor tiles in my bedroom. I leave my floor well alone, as I know how dangerous damaging the tiles can be.

Popcorn Ceiling Removal

Risky scenario: You’re tired of the popcorn texture on the ceilings in your home. You know many popcorn ceilings can contain hidden asbestos, but you decide to scrape it off and repaint with a smooth finish anyway. After putting on eye protection and a dust mask, you grab a ladder and go to work. After lots of scraping, a little sanding and some careful painting, you’re finally done.

But scraping the ceiling released tiny asbestos fibres into the air. These fibres easily got past your dust mask. This elevates your risk of inhaling asbestos fibres, which can cause mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases.

Safe scenario: You know that if untouched, popcorn ceilings are generally considered safe. But if you try to remove it, asbestos fibres can become airborne. You also know looking at a ceiling likely won’t help you determine if it contains asbestos. Testing is the only way to know for sure. And DIY asbestos test kits are available, but they aren’t recommended.

So you hire licensed professionals to test for asbestos. These well-respected asbestos experts have the correct equipment for the job and know how to remove asbestos according to regulations and safety measures. They safely remove the asbestos-containing popcorn ceiling for you. Asbestos insulation around pipes is not uncommon, and cutting the insulation could disperse asbestos fibres.

Cutting Insulation on Pipes

Risky scenario: When fixing up the basement of your late-1800s Victorian home, you notice the insulation around some of the hot water pipes is starting to deteriorate. To keep heat efficiency, you cut the old insulation with a utility knife. Then, you replace it with new fiberglass insulation.

Safe scenario: You know that many old plumbing systems have asbestos insulation. The insulation may pose an exposure risk even before starting the project. But cutting the damaged material would release even more fibres into the air. You hire an asbestos professional to safely remove or seal the insulation.

What Can I Do About Asbestos in My Home?

The Health and Safety Executive recommends testing your home for asbestos if the building materials are damaged or you plan on disturbing them. Testing is recommended if you have damaged drywall or insulation. It’s also needed if you’re planning to remodel.

Disturbing these materials can release asbestos fibres into the air. Generally, you can’t tell which materials contain asbestos unless they’re labelled. If the building materials are in good condition or if you’re not planning a home remodel, testing is generally not required.

If you find something in your home that you suspect is asbestos, don’t touch it. Even if the material is in good condition, the best option is to leave it alone. If you do disturb something you think is  Asbestos, seal off the room and call a professional trained in dealing with Asbestos.

How Can I Tell if a Material in My House Is Asbestos?

It’s extremely difficult to identify asbestos just by looking at it, so you need to send samples to a lab for testing. It is not recommended to collect samples yourself. It’s safer to hire a trained asbestos professional for the job. They know what products to test and how to collect samples.  Search for “asbestos inspection” online to find a licensed expert in your area.

What About In The Workplace?

There should be an Asbestos Register, if your workplace has Asbestos present. It should list the locations of Asbestos Containing Materials, (ACM’s) what sort of ACM it is and any other relevant information. Your workplace should also have a Asbestos Management Plan, to keep you and other employees safe. This includes a procedure for accidental exposure. You can ask your Employer to show you this information, if needed. At our shop, it is in a Polypocket, on our Kitchen Notice Board.

What Does Asbestos Look Like?

  • Asbestos ore in its natural form may appear in a range of colours, including white, green, blue and brown. When asbestos is processed it breaks down into fluffy fibres.
  • Asbestos in household products is hard to spot by sight. But you may see asbestos fibres in damaged materials that contain asbestos.
  • When damaged, asbestos materials may show small, fuzzy fibres. They may look like frayed fabric. However, seeing fibres protruding from a product does not mean it contains asbestos. Only testing can confirm the presence of asbestos.

How Much Asbestos Exposure Is Harmful?

In general, it takes a lot of repeated exposure to asbestos for related conditions to develop. It is rare for someone to get sick from asbestos products in their home, but it is possible. Most people with asbestos-related diseases were exposed to asbestos at work for years. About 20% of heavily exposed asbestos workers end up developing a related condition.

Asbestos Safety Dos and Don’ts

If you own an older home, take every precaution to avoid damaging materials that may contain asbestos.

Do

  • Avoid any contact with dangerous asbestos materials.
  • Take every precaution not to damage any materials that may contain asbestos.
  • Get a survey, when buying a home. If you are renting, ask if there is a Asbestos Inspection Report and ask for a copy of it.
  • Only hire trained professionals for asbestos inspections, testing, repairs or removal.
  • If you plan to demolish a building, contact your local Council and get a demolition survey done.

Don’t

  • Don’t saw, sand, scrape, drill or disturb materials that may contain asbestos.
  • Don’t sweep, vacuum or dust debris that may contain asbestos.
  • Don’t collect asbestos samples for testing without proper training.
  • Don’t perform any work on or near asbestos materials unless you’re trained and certified.
  • Don’t remove asbestos unless repair or concealment is impossible, and there’s a high risk for exposure.
  • Don’t dispose of asbestos materials with normal household waste.

Even if a repair seems minor, you should hire a professional when asbestos may be present. Improper handling of safely managed asbestos can create a new risk of exposure.

What do I do if I am Exposed to Asbestos?

If you are concerned that you were exposed to asbestos, start by speaking to your GP. (Do not attend A&E) Your GP can arrange tests, to see if asbestos is present in your lungs. However, it can take some time for these signs to show, so you may not be able to find out instantly. However, it will get put on your health care record that you have been exposed.

Sources

Managing Body Fluid Spills

Today, I had the unfortunate job of cleaning up body fluids. I won’t say what sort of body fluids it was, (or name and shame the individual) but lets just say it was RANK and that person should of known better! đŸ€ą It needed full PPE to clean that mess up. It lead to a a new radio keyword for cleaning emergencies. If you are in the shop and hear “Code Brown”, you know something needs cleaning.

Put it this way, a strongly worded notice has gone up!

Anyway, lets talk about cleaning up body fluids.

Body Fluids can mean several different things: Urine, Blood, Semen, Saliva and Feces. (Poo) Of course, this is not an extensive list, but you get the idea These body fluids, pose a real risk to our health and should be cleaned up, using the correct procedure.

Think Health and Safety: Always wear the appropriate PPE, when dealing with body fluids. (Apron, gloves, protective eyewear)

The Basics

The basic principles of blood and body fluid/substance spills management are:

  • standard precautions apply, including use of personal protective equipment (PPE), as applicable
  • spills should be cleared up before the area is cleaned (adding cleaning liquids to spills increases the size of the spill and should be avoided)
  • generation of aerosols from spilled material should be avoided.

Using these basic principles, the management of spills should be flexible enough to cope with different types of spills, taking into account the following factors:

  • the nature (type) of the spill (for example, sputum, vomit, faeces, urine, blood or laboratory culture)
  • the pathogens most likely to be involved in these different types of spills.
  • the size of the spill – for example, spot (few drops), small (10cm) 10>
  • the type of surface – for example, carpet or impervious flooring
  • the location involved – that is, whether the spill occurs in a contained area (such as a toilet) or in a larger area, which is open to the public. (For instance, a classroom, or a shop_
  • whether there is any likelihood of bare skin contact with the soiled (contaminated) surface.

Standard cleaning equipment, including a mop, cleaning bucket and cleaning agents, should be readily available for spills management. It should also be stored in an area known to all. This is particularly important in clinical areas.

To help manage spills in areas where cleaning materials may not be readily available, a disposable ‘spills kit’ could be used. (See Below)

Equipment

You will need the appropriate equipment, for dealing with body spills

  • appropriate leak-proof bags and containers for disposal of waste material
  • a designated, sturdy scraper and pan for spills (similar to a ‘pooper scooper’)
  • about five sachets of a granular formulation containing 10,000 ppm available chlorine or equivalent (each sachet should contain sufficient granules to cover a 10-cm diameter spill)
  • disposable rubber gloves suitable for cleaning (vinyl gloves are not recommended for handling blood)
  • eye protection (disposable or reusable)
  • a plastic apron

Procedure for cleaning up Body Fluids

Small Spills

Spots or drops of blood or other small spills (up to 10 cm) can easily be managed by wiping the area immediately with paper towels, and then cleaning with warm water and detergent, followed by rinsing and drying the area. Dry the area, as wet areas attract contaminants.

A strong anti-germicide disinfectant, should always be used.

Larger Spills

Where appropriate, close off the area. (Where large spills (more than 10 cm, or where a spillage have occurred in a ‘wet’ area, such as a bathroom or toilet area) I normally use my closed for cleaning floor sign for this. The spill should be carefully washed off into the sewerage system using copious amounts of water and the area flushed with warm water and detergent.

Where the spill is on the floor: Use a spills kit, to contain the spill. A scraper and pan should be used to remove the absorbed material. Use blue paper towels to scoop up the the granules, which should be put into a yellow clinical waste bag. The area of the spill should then be cleaned with a mop, and bucket of warm water and detergent. The bucket and mop should be thoroughly cleaned after use and stored dry.

Large blood spills should be contained and generation of aerosols should be avoided.

The Use of Bleach

It is generally unnecessary to use sodium hypochlorite (Bleach) for managing spills, but it may be used in specific circumstances. It is recognised, however, that some people may feel more reassured that the risk of infection is reduced if sodium hypochlorite is used. There is no evidence of benefit from an infection control perspective. Hypochlorites are corrosive to metals and must be rinsed off after 10 minutes and the area dried.

However, in many places, a blanket is in place, prohibiting the use of sodium hypochlorite, so it may not be possible to use bleach, depending on the policies n your workplace. We at BHF, are not allowed to use bleach, so a strong anti-germicide disinfectant, is what I will use.

Spills Kits

While spill kits are designed for certain spills, all spill kits usually consist of the same three elements: PPE, sorbents, and clean-up items.

Spills Kits include the following:

  • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Whether the kit is designed for oils pills or a battery acid spill, there is always some type of PPE included in a spill kit. The most common types of PPE used for spills are eye and face protection, gloves, booties/shoe covers, and chemical spills usually require the use of a disposable lab coat, respiratory protection, and a corrosive resistant apron.
  • Absorbents: These are items like mops, cloths, sponges, loose powder, etc. that are created out of material capable of absorbing and containing a spill. Absorbents in put in kits based upon the type of material they are designed to soak up. For example, all-purpose absorbents are placed in universal spill kits, but a battery acid spill kit is much more likely to contain and absorbent with a chemical neutralizer.
  • Clean-up materials: Spill kits should have a dust pan or scoop to soak up the spill. Kits will also almost always include plastic bags for used PPE items to be put in for disposal. The kit itself should come in a container large enough for the potential spill. In addition to having appropriate supplies to clean the pill, the kit should include disposal materials and instructions for the worker. By properly disposing of spills and the clean-up of spills, it reduces/eliminates the potential for an environmental or public risk hazard.

Sources:

Yet Another Day at the BHF

It’s been another busy day at the shop. Today, has been mixed duties, between cleaning and working on the shop floor. Between 2 – 3 was the busiest period on the shop floor and I had a queue of customers, wanting serving. However, the lovely Pat was on hand to give me some help.

Between that, I have tried to unblock the hoover. However, it’s a non starter, as the head does not come off the pole and taking it apart doesn’t help. Plus the tub vac is missing it’s poles and hose is missing, so I am going to see if we can get a replacement. I could really do with a upright for the stock room and stairs. The kitchen and toilets got there usual clean and I managed to get round to sorting the back lobby out and with the help of Ella, took out all the cardboard and emptied the bins.

I didn’t get round to doing the stairs, but that’s a job for tomorrow 🙂