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