General Safety Measures for A 'Safe' Home and Workplace

A razor , a knife , a knitting needle or a pair of scissors mishandled can pierce or cut the skin , eyes or any other part of the body and may result in fatal injury too , especially if the item happens to be rusty which may lead to deadly tetanus. All these things should be strict kept out of the reach of children , the aged , the infirm and those who are mentally unfit, depressed or prone to violent anger and emotions . Even matchboxes , cooking gas lighters , cigarette lighters etc. need some precautions. some children have this hobby of collecting matchboxes of different types from different countries, hotels etc. but the adults should ensure that matchsticks of these should be discarded under the supervision .
While climbing a ladder , make sure another person is holding it at the bottom to prevent it from slipping . This person will be very helpful in case you get an electric shock or suddenly encounter a lizard , a monkey , a strong wind etc. and need to make a quick descent escape.
Make sure that the ladders , stool , chair or a table you use to reach things placed at some height in the house are strong , have a stable base and do not fold easily. Always stand in the middle to prevent topping over and never climb on  a folding chair.

STAIRS

Keep stairs well lit dry , clean and clear . Always ensure that  no door swings over the steps of the staircase , especially the top stop as someone could be knocked down if  caught unawares by the opening of the door . Do ensure enough headroom over each step .
Loose carpenting on the stairs can cause people to trip and fall. It should be kept in good shape .
There should be railings or handrests on both sides of the stairs , even if there is a wall on one side . The railings give support to children as well as to the old and infirm.
Everyone in the house should make it a point to wipe a staircase dry if a wet patch is found . If this cannot be done then post a sign to warn users that the stairs are wet , or block entry to the stairs.
Do not slide down the bannisters of a staircase . A fall may result in severe head injuries.
Children can fall from trees and from roofs which are unprotected by a high parapet wall . They should not  be allowed to climb or fool around them .
No one should sit or stand on a window sill , balcony railings , terrace parapet etc as even slightest distraction may result in a fall .
Provide enough natural or artificial light in corridors , hallways and passageways between rooms and upon the stairs so that it is safe to walk and no obstacle should be provided in the bedrooms and corridors.

POWER CUTS 

If the power failures are frequent , one should keep a torch in each room and keep candles and matchboxes handy but out of the reach of young children
In case of power failures, turn off power appliances such as electric irons , toasters , ovens , mixers etc . Should the power come on when you are away or asleep , a fire could result if any of the appliances were left switched on . Personal computers should be turned off when power fails since a sudden restoration of power may damage the disc or delete the data.


CEILING FANS 

Whenever a ceiling fan is installed for the first time or after repairs let it run at the highest speed for several minutes . Any defect in the roof or hook or in the fan bolt that might cause th fan to fall will show up . During the test , no one should sit in the region where the fan might fall while spinning.
Pedestal and table fans should have a grill in the front and the rear , small enough so as not to allow a child to put his finger through the blades . Children should be warned of the dangers of the rotating blades of a fan .

REMEMBER PRACTICAL SILLY JOKES ARE DANGEROUS ?

Never pull a chair from underneath a person trying to sit on it . The unexpected fall from even about a half metre (18 inches) could fracture his thigh bone and also injure the spine, neck or head if he hits a piece of furniture or a wall nearby.
Never put a pencil or anything sharp underneath a person trying to sit on  a chair . It can lead to serious bleeding and may require an emergency operation
Another item of personal safety concerns the clipping of nails . While pressing the nail-cutter, one should close the eyes momentarily till the nail is clipped and lands on the ground .Sheared nails act as very sharp, tiny missiles which can badly injure the eyes . They travel very fast and do not generally give the eyes a chance to close .
After using a needle , keep it threaded . Such a needle is easy to handle and should it fall down , it will be easy to retrieve and locate.
Besides kitchen forks, knives , scsissors , can and bottle openers , etc . there are other items in the household that are sharp and can hurt , if not properly handled . Some of these are razors , sewing needles geometric instruments , and dissection instruments used by biology students .
Other potentially dangerous household tools are hammers , chisels , screwdrivers etc. Add some of your gardening equipment and one has a virtual arsenal in the house ! Children should be properly taught which of the above things to use and how to use them . Sharp toys like bows and arrows , darts etc also need special attention .
Keep all toxic consumer products in their original containers . Keeping them in cups , milk , bottles , mineral water , soft drink bottles , etc. can result in their accidental ingestion which may prove harmful.
Plastic bags are everywhere nowadays . These are used for packing and carrying items , waste bags etc . and come in all sizes . These should be kept away from children as they can suffocate , if they wear plastic bags over their heads and faces as hoods . Tiny tots may even put them in their mouth and choke .
Close all cupboard doors and table drawers after the job is done ; otherwise children running around and elderly persons with impaired vision, can get severely hurt.
Keep walkways approaching the house , and the steps outside the house as well as all open courtyards , free of slippery area caused by wetness or algae growth .
If there is a full length clear glass doors in the house , put some decoration on it so that people know that it is a door and not an open passage to walk through .
Repair any frayed or worn out edges of rugs/carpets and other floor coverings so that no one trips over them.
If you serve alcoholic drinks at a party , do not leaves bottles outside . Empty all partly closed consumed glasses immediately after the party so that children cannot get to them . Even a small amount of alcoholic drink can cause brain damage and may also prove fatal to a small child..
Firearms and their ammunition should always be kept under lock and key . This is absolutely necessary so that children, intruders, and irate , impassioned family members cannot get to them .

BATHROOMS

Place a non-skid bath mat near tubs and showers to keep the bather from slipping in the wet area.
A dry mat is advised just outside the bathing area (shower or bathtub) , so that after a shower , the person steps on it and not on a wet floor where he may slip.
Buy shampoo , hair , oil etc in non-breakable plastic bottles . However , if breakable bottles have to be used , store them properly so that they will not be easily knocked over even when handled with soap in the eyes, especially by the children.
Tiny tots can drown in a bathtub or a bucket containing water. They will try to hold on to the rim to pull themselves up and then lean forward to play with the water. A child in this situation is likely to fall into the bucket and drown before anyone notices the accident. Hence, either bathtubs or buckets should be emptied immediately after use or , if buckets are used to store water , they should be kept in a locked or secure kitchen/bathroom or on a higher shelf.
Do check the temperature of the water in the bathtub before putting a child in it . Ensure that the child will not turn the hot water tap on by himslef when in the bathtub .
Handbars should be installed on the walls adjoinign the bathtub and toilet for children and the very old/sick to provide support .
Electric heaters should be wall or ceiling mounted . Electrical connections should be at adult height.

CLEANSING AGENTS

If a cleansing agent (acid, alkali , ammonia, any other chemical) has been used to clean the toilet, sink , bathtub , floor etc and the cleanser has to be left for a while to have its proper effect, then lock the place for the duration of cleaning. Merely bolting the door or putting the warning signs will not do . This is because people are so used to their bathroom that they will simply not look at notices but will enter them blindly from sheer habit. Children are more likely to think that they will stay clear of cleansing agent and yet may touch it inadverently or slip in the treated xone on a  wet floor .
Most cleansers have a corrosive and harmful effect on the body and even prompt medical treatment does not always remove all the scars caused by the chemicals . Appropriate safety items like gloves , safety goggles , shoes etc should be worn at the time of their handling . Fresh water and a clean cloth should be kept handy to wipe off any spills on your body.
Many times drain cleansers suddenly erupt out of badly clogged drains probably due tho the gas generated by the action of cleanser on the material clogging thedrains, taking the person cleaning the drains by surprise can seriously injure his face , eyes , hands etc. So keep away form drain opening toward off such a mishaps when cleansers are used. You must have read in the newspaper that people have died while cleaning manholes or gutters.
Wash several times thoroughly to get rid of of even the last traces of cleansers , after finishing your job . Shoes or bathrooms slippers worn during washing must also be washed thoroughly to avoid cleansers being carried into other rooms of house . Acid or chemicals used for cleaning the toilet or bathroom must be kept in a locked cabinet , properly labelled .
Children should be strictly kept away form the vicinity of area where strong chemicals are in use or accessible as the child can spill it all over himself or taste it and cause himself a serious injury ,while you go to answer a phone or  a door bell or nature call.
Avoid smelling as the mode of identification of a chemical because several chemicals could smell alike or your sense of smell could be numbed by a cold or other illness.

SAFE HANDLING OF TELEPHONES

Avoid using telephone in the bathtub , shower , swimming poo;l or in the rain as any contact with water could give an electric shock.
Do not use the phone during any thunder or lightening storms , as far as possible because any electrical surge through the phone wires could cause a shock.
Avoid using telephone near a running computer as it may malfunction due to electrical signals from telephone.
Use a phone located away from a gas leak area, as the telephone's electrical contact could create a tiny spark where you dial which might ignite the gas and cause fire.

KITCHEN SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

A kitchen commonly has sharp knives that can hurt , boiling water or hot food that can scaled , water spills or fruit peels upon which an unsespecting person can slip or fall . Inflammable materials such as gas , kerosine , matchboxes , cooking oil etc are also stored in the kitchen making it potentially the most danger prone area in a house .
Playing with kitchen knives can cause injury to kids , carelessness can cause while using electrical appliances .

• Do not allow young children to use the kitchen as a play area even when no cooking is being done . 
• Kitchen should be well lit . 
• All kitchen appliances should be of a good quality , properly grounded electrically and their instruction sheets , warranty papers and purchase reciepts should be kept in a file properly .
• Kitchen wiring should be extra heavy to carry the excessive load required by grinders , toasters, ovens , mixers etc. Enough electrical outlets should be provided in the kitchen so that multiple appliances do not have to be connected to one outlet only which can cause overdrawing of current from that outlet and lead to a blown fuse or even a fire tool . 
• Use cushion non-slip flooring .
• Keep a locked first aid box at hand in kitchen.
• Fit bolts that only adults can reach on doors.

GAS BURNERS AND KEROSENE STOVES

Synthetic garments should never be worn while working near a stove or an open fire as they catch fire fast and while burning stick to the body. They can not be removed without peeling off the skin and even some of the raw flesh underneath. This severely increases the hazards to which a burn patient is exposed . If at all, synthetic clothes must be worn , a cotton apron should be tied tightly on top, just like the ones worn by chefs in hotels .
Whenever you smell gas in the kitchen or house, do not turn on or off any light or any other electrical appliance. Avoid lighting a match-stick , candle , cigarette etc. A single spark can lead to fire and an explosion . Do not panic.

GAS LEAK

Your first priority must be to cut off the flow of gas.

If there is a strong smell of gas

1. Turn off the main gas tap next to the meter / cylinder .
2. Open the windows and doors .
3. Put the cigarettes or naked flames and switch off the electric appliances.
4. Get the unconscious person into the open air and put him in the recovery position .
5. Telephone your local area gas office immediately - day or night . Find it under 'Gas' in the phone book 
6. Do not try to trace the leak with a naked flame (Match or lighter).
7. Do not enter a room or area where the smell of gas is especially strong. The build-up of fumes may overpower you.

If there is a slight smell of gas

1. Trace the sound immediately . Often the pilot light on a cooker or gas fire has gone out , or a burner on the cooker has blown out in a  draught .
2. Turn off the pilot or light or burner . If the pilot light does not have a tap , turn off the main gas tap next to the meter / cylinder.
3. Put out cigarettes , extinguish naked flames ; switch off any electric equipment in the room.
4. Open the doors and windows to let the gas disperse . Wait for the smell to go .
5. Relight the pilot light or burner.
6. If the smell persists or returns , telephone your local area gas office immediately - day or night.
7. Do not attempt repair yourself.

Gas companies and manufacturers of gas burners give very detailed informative brochures on the safe use of gas cylinders. These should be followed for installation , testing , use and storage of gas cylinders in the house . The rubber pipe should be visually examined atleast once a week to see that it does not have any crack or that it has not been chewed up the cockroaches etc. It should be replaced frequently to avoid a major leak.

A good vent, exhaust fan or windows are a must for kitchen for the easy dispersal or smoke , gases , food odours and other bad smells. Sufficient fresh air conditioners should be ensured to prevent accumulation of carbon monoxide which can prove quite harmful for health.

Following safety precautions for use of kerosene stoves can prove to be quite beneficial :

1. Avoid using re-soldered burners to ensure that oil container is made of a seamless metal sheet , without any manufacturing deffects.
2. Do not overpump the stoves , lest it burst and burns people nearby . Preferably operate stoves at medium pressure.
3. Avoid overheating stoves by long and continuous use.
4. Do not try to refill them with kerosene while they are ignited or still hot.
5. Avoid placing them on the floor since they can easily get knocked over, especially by children .
6. Check the joints regularly for leaks.
7. Avoid using a cooking stove as a room heater because it can be very dangerous and fatal too.
8. Stove kerosene away from stove and other sources of heat.

The handles of pots and pans used during cooking should be turned inwards towards the walls , as hot pans may be knocked down by a child or a cook in hurry , if their handles are jutting out of cooking platform .
Keep matchboxes away from stove and burners. They could catch fire spontaneously.

BLAST INJURY 

Explosion in the industries or due ti bombs can cause many causalties. The possible injuries will be extensive burns , fractures , damages to air drums  , shock and wounds due to flying glass or other debris .

Management

• Reassure the causalty .
• Move the victim with as little disturbance as possible to a safer place.
• If the causalty's general condition and injuries allow, raise him into a half sitting position with support to his head an shoulders.
• Loosen any constricting clothing around neck , chest and waist.
• Control bleeding , wound or burns.
• Immobilize fracture , if any.
• Check breathing pulse at 10 minutes interval.
• If unconscious open his airway and complete ABC resuscitation.
• Remove to hospital on a stretcher.

ELECTRICAL BURNS

Electrical burns occur due to high voltage industrial machinery and lightening . Much damage occurs at or close to the points of entry and exit.

Management

• Do not approach the casualty unless the current has been switched off.
• Till the current switch off, be at at 20 yards (18m) away from the casualty since the electrical 'ARC' in high voltage industrial cable can jump upto 18m and kill you.
• Treat as per general burn.
• If breathing and heart actions are affected treat according with complete ABC resuscitation.
• Arrange urgent removal to hospital as stretcher case.

POISONING

A house contains many substances , such as bleach , insecticides and paint stripper, that are highly dangerous to child or anybody swallows one , get medical help quickly .

Routes

• Swallowing
• Breathing 
• Injection 

First-Aid Management

(A) If conscious:

• Do not induce vomitting
• Let him on his on his back on hard and flat bed.
• No pillow.
• Turn the head to one side.
• If excessive vomitting:

- Put to lie on his side.

- One leg stretched and other leg bent at knee and thigh .

• If breathing slow or stopped : Artificial respiration.

(B)  If conscious :

• Induce vomitting (if corrosive poisons - do not induce vomitting)
• Plenty of cold water to drink , which will delay absorption and replace fluid loss.
• Milk is good for the purpose .

COMMON POISONS

1. ASPIRIN

First- Aid :- Induce vomitting.

                  - Sodium bircarbonate : drink (one table spoonful to a tumbler of water)

                  - Strong coffee / tea.

2. ARSENIC (RAT POISON)

First-Aid :-  Induce vomitting.

3. CARBON MONOXIDE

First-Aid :- Artificial respiration.

                - Oxygen inhalation.

4. SLEEPING TABLETS 

First-Aid :- Induce vomitting ( give Mag. Sulph . 2 teaspoonfuls in a glass of water)

                - Hot Coffee/ tea

                - Keep him awake

5. MERCURY (From teething powder of mercury itself)

First-Aid :- White of egg in water.
                   Then milk
                   Then induce vomitting

6. LEAD (From hair dyes)

First-Aid :- Induce vomitting then Mag. Sulph. in water.

7. Opium and Morphia

First-Aid :- Potassium permangante with water: drinking.
                   Hot Coffee /Tea .
                   Keep the patient awake.

8. PHOSPHOROUS (Match stick head and rat poisons)

Fist-Aid :- Induce vomitting.
                - Large quantity of water.
                - Tender coconut.
               - Do not give oils as they dissolve phosphorus.

9. Prussic Acid (Used in photography and tender bamboo seeds)


First-Aid :- An emergency
                 - Start artificial respiration.
                 - Induce vomiting.

10. FOLLIDOL

First-Aid :- Induce vomiting.
                - Water or tender coconut drink.
                - Artificial respiration.

11. INSECTICIDES

First-Aid - Vomiting
                - Artificial response

12. ACID 

First-Aid - Do not induce vomitting
               - Water or sodi. bicarb. to drink.

!3. ALKALIES 

First-Aid - No vomiting
               - Water or tender coconut drinks or orange juice.

14. DETTOL & PHENOL AND OTHER DISINFECTANT

First-Aid :- Do not induce vomiting.
                 - Mag. Sulph. : 4 tsf in a litre of water.

If A Child Swallows a Household Chemical

House hold substances contain many harmful substances such as bleach, insecticides , paints etc. Sometimes children out of curiosity swallow , if those substances are within their reach . In such cases:

• Get medical help quickly.
• Try to discover what the substance swallowed is (But remember , the child may become unconscious at any time so do not waste time unnecessarily).
• If conscious , induce vomiting (not in case of corrosives).
• If corrosive and burns , give water or milk to drink.
• If conscious (apply ABC rule if required) place him in recovery position.
• Remove to hospital as a stretcher case.

Alcohol Poisoning

In alcohol poisoning the casualty will have the following warninig signs.

• Breath will smell alcohol.
• Vomitting
• Partly conscious or already conscious.
• Pulse rapid and weak.
• Breathing will be shallow.
• Eyes blood red.
• Pupils may be dilated.

Management

• Maintain an open airway.
• If the casualty becomes unconscious or having vomitting, place in recovery position so that he does not choke on his vomit. Complete ABC resuscitation if necessary.
• Remove to hospital as a stretcher case.

Industrial Poisoning

In industry some people may be in contact with dangerous chemicals or gases at their workplaces . Those are grouped as :

1. Irritants e.g. Ammonia , Nitrous fumes etc.
2. Asphyxiants e.g. Carbon dioxide .
3. Toxic gases e.g. Carbon monoxide , hydrogen cyanide.
4. Toxic vapours e.g. those given off by volatile chemicals such as carbon-tetrachloride or trichloroethylene.

If the casualty is trapped in an enclosed space , never attempt to rescue , unless you are fully equipped with , and practised in the use of breathing apparatus and life-lines.

Management

• Take the patient to open air.
• If required start ABC resuscitation.
• Transport to hospital/medicine centre.

Drug Overdose 

An overview of any drug (either an addicative drug or an ordinary medicine) is serious and requires urgent medical treatment . Symptoms of drug overdose include abnormal dilation or contraction of the pupils of the eyes , vomitting, difficulty in breathing, unconsciousness , sweating and hallucinations.

If a person takes a deliberate or accidental overdose

1. Ask the casulty what has happened. Obtain any information about the drug that you can as soon as possible . The casualty may become unconscious at any time.

• Do not try to induce vomiting . It wastes time and may be harmful.

     2. If the person is unconscious , put him in the recovery position.
     3. Telephone and ask for an ambulance.
     4. Collect a sample of vomit and any bottles or pill containers that are near the casualty . Sent                  them to hospital with the patient , as evidence to assist treatment.

SHOCK:

This is a manifestation of changes in which the circulation fails, because either the pressure all volume of circulating blood has fall into a dangerous level.

This is because the blood flowing to the vital organs is insufficient to keep them supplied with oxygen and functioning. It is a serious condition, which can prove fatal. The body reacts to shock, by diverting available blood to the vital organs (e.g. brain heart and kidneys) away from less important tissue.

What is shock?

 Prostration of body arising from sudden exhaustion of vital activities.

Causes and Management

Cause of shock 

• Injury 
• Emotion 
• Medical emergency( colic perforation appendicitis)

Types of shock

(a) Nerve shock

(b) Haemorrhagic shock

(c) Toxic shock

(A) Nerve Shock

Definition : Faintness to complete unconsciousness.

Warning Sign:

• Pallor
• Beads of sweating
• Over-breathing
• Sensation of heat

Other Sings and Symptoms

• Cold, pale and clammy skin 
• Pulse : feeble
• Breathing : irregular
• Pupils :dilated
• Muscle : loss of muscle tone

(B) Heamorrhagic Shock

Signs and Symptoms

• Face and skin : Pale , cold and clammy
• Blueness : Lips and finger tips
• Pulse : Rapid and feeble
• Respiration : Shallower air hunger
• Pupils : Normal or dilated
• Patient may be  (i) apprehensive or restless or (ii) talkative and abnormally cheerful. In either case unconsciousness may supervene.
• Pain : May not be there
• Vomiting
• Intense thirst 
• If fluid taken in , vomiting may result.

(C) Toxic shock 

What causes ? 

Poisonous substances formed , which gain entrance to the blood stream and loss of fluid from the blood into the tissues.

SPOILED FOOD 

Most cases of food poisoning occur because the food is not suspected to be spoiled as it does not taste or smell bad. So be sure about your food quality.

CHOPPING AND CUTTING

Knives, forks, scissors etc should be properly kept in the storage tray only and one should be careful while cleaning them. The cutting and sharp edges  should be on the inside and their handles on the outside in the storage tray or on the storage shelf so that they can be easily picked up by the handles.

FREEZER FOOD

If the power goes off for long time, the frozen food will thaw in the freezer. Avoid refreezing this food since harmful bacteria might germinate. If the food has thawed, cook it straightway or dispose it or get some ice to keep the food frozen continuously.

IF BURNT , POUR WATER

Do not ever try to run if your clothes catch fire. Since it will only fan the fire . Immediately drop to the floor and roll or cover yourself with a blanket to put out the fire . 

If burnt, pour water over the affected area till the pain subsides. Tap water can be used, to cool the skin surface and reduce damage done by heat Contact a doctor or hospital soon

PLASTIC AND GLASS CONTAINERS

Plastic contains numerous chemicals, solvents, plasticizers etc and in order to cut corners some dubious manufacturers use cheaper harmful ingredients in disproportionate amounts which can later badly affect food and contaminate it. They are generally good for dry food and wrapped food but not necessarily for liquids, juices, syrups etc unless they are certified by a government body for such usage. Whenever a new utensil is used for the first time, do remove all the labels and wash the new utensils in soap and plenty of hot water to remove any temporary polish on it or any traces of chemicals last used on them in the factory. Utensils with enamel coating inside should not be used for cooking since it may contain harmful Chemicals and lead which will continue to leach out i.e. get into food in small traces over the life span of utensils because of the high temperature needed for cooking and the reaction with spices, lime and other ingredients used in cooking.

(Goodwill's A Complete Guide to Family Safety and First-Aid by Dr. Ashwani Bhardwaj)