Building Management Hawaii December/January 2014 - (Page 10)
Sig n S & Sa fe ty
Signs Of A
Safe Building
The key to safety is understanding
that it's all about people.
By Ken Morita
S
ite managers and safety professionals have shared
concerns in a very complex industry, where it takes
years to develop the knowledge and experience needed
to do our jobs well. As we go about our daily tasks, it is
important that we remember one simple fact. Our jobs
are all about people. Whether it's making their daily lives
more convenient or safer, we work to serve people.
Safety concerns for commercial and residential
buildings can often be overlooked until an incident occurs.
The best management practices prevent accidents and
reduce insurance claims. Be sure to assess your facility,
identify safety concerns and reduce or eliminate those
concerns through engineered solutions or the use of
services and safety products that are offered at safety
companies such as Safety Systems and Signs Hawaii, Inc.
It cannot be stressed enough, that it pays to be proactive.
Create awareness! Be sure you have the appropriate signs
(Slow Down, Watch Your Step, Construction Area Keep Out).
Roof Maintenance: When maintenance workers need
to do repair and maintain equipment located on the roof,
fall protection is oftentimes required to safely complete
the work. Safety Systems and Signs Hawaii partnered with
the Engineered Services Group (ESG) of Guardian Fall
Protection to come up with engineered plans and drawings
for fall protection lifeline systems and anchor points. We
also carry the ABCs (Anchors, Body Wear/Harnesses,
Connectors/Lanyards) of fall protection.
PPE for Cleaning/Maintenance: Providing your
maintenance crew with the proper PPE (Personal Protective
Equipment) is another important area to cover. Are your
people wearing gloves and safety glasses when doing
repairs? Do they have respirators and have they been fit
tested for chemical use? Do they have the proper work
attire, such as protective coveralls, steel toe boots and hard
hats? Do they have a face shield, hearing protection and legs
chaps when doing landscape maintenance work?
Fire Extinguishers: Fire safety is one of the top
concerns for any building manager. Do you have the
right size, type and quantity of fire extinguishers? Are
they placed in a visible area that is close to an exit?
Are they being inspected on a monthly basis and is the
10
December 2013 - January 2014
BMH
annual maintenance being performed by a Certified
Service Professional? Do your people know where the fire
extinguishers are located and how to use them?
Slips, Trips and Falls: One of the most common
accidents and concerns in a building are slips, trips and
falls. Do slippery areas such as steps have non-skid tape?
Do you have Wet Floor Cones at the ready for when spills
happen? Do you have spill kits and absorbent material for
chemical or oil spills? When electrical cords are exposed
on the floor, do you have cable protectors to cover them
and reduce the tripping hazard?
Blocking Off Work
Areas: A common concern
when work is being done
in an occupied building
is pedestrians and
unauthorized personnel
entering the work zone.
Setting up the correct
products with the proper signage-cones, delineators,
caution tape, barricades, barriers, fence, and flags-can
reduce that concern.
First Aid/CPR/AED: First Aid kits are common in
the workplace but are they being maintained? How often
do you check for expired goods within the kit and make
sure that it's properly filled with products? Do you have
enough trained personnel who can perform CPR? Have you
considered placing AEDs (Automated External Defibrillator)
at your facility in case of heart attacks or strokes?
Visibility/Parking Garages: Parking garages are
common places for accidents. Are pedestrian walkways
properly striped and marked? Are traffic calming devices
such as speed bumps being utilized to reduce driving
speeds? Are convex mirrors placed in blind spots?
Power Outages: Are you prepared for when the power
goes out? Do exits have proper illuminated signage? Do
stairwells and hallways utilize photoluminescent (glow-inthe-dark) tape to guide pedestrians to exits? Do you have
emergency lighting supplies such as flashlights, lanterns
and glowsticks?
Executive vice president Ken Morita is responsible
for overseeing the four divisions of Safety Systems
and Signs Hawaii, Inc. The company's management
team has worked with the safety community for more
than 30 years, handling a diverse range of industries,
including transportation, construction, property and
building management and government sectors.
www.buildingmanagementhawaii.com
http://www.buildingmanagementhawaii.com
Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Building Management Hawaii December/January 2014
Signs & Safety How Do I Get Out Of Here?
Signs Of A Safe Building
A Sign From The Feds
Water Savings Coming Clean With Recycled Water
Water & Energy: Two-For-One Savings
Solar Hawaii’s Leaders In Solar
Waterproofing Cementious Coating Vs. Polyurethane Foam
Sky Arches
The $1 Million Mistake
Seal The Deal
Resin Injections Save Basement
Waste Management Keeping The Trash Industry Clean
Special Offer
Assistance Animals Making Room For Rover
Green Cleaning Be Green: Resources & Tips
Building Management Hawaii December/January 2014
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