EMERGENCY LIGHTS

Emergency lights are lights that are expected to come-on in case of power outages. Several emergency lights are usually positioned in such a way that they will guide the occupants of a building to the nearest emergency door and then to safety. 

In this part of the world (Nigeria) where power outages are very common, the importance of emergency lights can never be over-emphasized. There are many standards for the emergency lights. Some come in the "Green Light" category, some come in the regular "White Light" category and some are amber. However, whatever the color is, the lights must be available and regularly inspected, monthly is recommended, to ensure that the lights will work in case of an actual emergency.

Furthermore, emergency lights are mandatory requirements in emergency management systems for all occupational work environments with occupants. Also, it is good practice to have emergency lights available in homes and small offices. This may not be the standard emergency lights installed in occupational work environments, rechargeable lights can come in handy in this case. 

The important thing to note is that the rechargeable light must have a permanent location known by every member of the family and must be fully charged at all time. The light can be used for several things until power is restored. 

LABEL YOUR BOTTLE

When you take a look at a bottle like the one in the picture below, the first thing that comes to your mind is usually that it contains what you assume would originally be in the bottle; water.

More so, many Nigerians are unconscious experts at recycling the items they use everyday. Actually, bottles are recycled more than any other item in Nigeria. People use water bottles to store oil, kerosene, thinner (transparent chemical) and the like.

Furthermore, when bottles are recycled for use in occupational work environments​, they must be labeled to indicate the present content. Imagine that a painter goes off to lunch, buys and drinks a bottle of 7up and then subsequently buys the thinner his master asked him to buy in the bottle and goes right back to work. The chances that a thirsty colleague of his will drink from the bottle is high if it is not adequately labeled.

Label all containers in occupational work environments, it is the safe thing to do.

TEXTING AND DRIVING

It sounds crazy but many of us still do it. It sounds stupid even, but the truth is, many of us just can't get our itchy hands off our mobile phones for even a second.

Nevertheless, texting and driving is very dangerous. If you text and drive, you'd be exposing yourself and other road users to accidents.

The next time you have the urge, please overcome it. Texting and driving is not safe.

CHARGING AND USING A PHONE

Many of us charge our phones and use them at the same time to receive or make phone calls. Many may even argue that they have been doing so for more than a decade and nothing has ever happened to them. Well, this is luck. In safety it only takes an unlucky second for you to experience a significant incident after a million hours of no incident.
My recommendation is that you unplug your phone before using it. It could explode in your face! Be safe.

EMERGENCY DOOR

Emergency doors are doors that are dedicated for quick exit from rooms or occupational work areas in case of an emergency. This emergency is usually a fire outbreak. More so, this dedicated door should be used for all emergency situations were quick exit from a room is required.
Some safety tips on the proper use of emergency doors are:
1. Emergency doors must have a visible lable that says "emergency doors" or "emergency exit."
2. Emergency doors must never be obstructed.
3. Emergency doors must be provided with a push bar.
4. Emergency doors must be designed such that they can only be opened from inside the room.
5. Emergency doors must never be used a pedestrian doors.
6. Emergency doors must open into a safe open area.

Make emergency doors available in work areas and keep them ready for use.

HARD HATS EXPIRE

Did you know that hard hats expire? Well it does. Before I explain, allow me to explain what a hard hat is and what it is used for. This is of course for the benefit of anyone who does not know exactly what this piece of safety equipment is.

What is a Hard Hat?
A hard hat is a safety personal protective equipment that is often made of plastic. It is worn on the head and is supposed to serve as protection for the head. In other words, it protects the head from impact from objects falling from above or at height.
You will likely find contractors in construction areas using this piece of personal protective equipment.

All hard hats expires. The expiry dates vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. You can find the expiry dates on the inside of the hard hats. The hard part is, there is no standard for presenting this expiry dates. I have seen numerous methods that manufacturers use to present their expiry dates. Notwithstanding, users must know these methods. If you need help identifying the expiry date on your hard hat, you can send me a mail on eaglesgambit@gmail.com. Be safe.