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PestSure Blog

Jul
12

Catalytic Converter Theft on the Rise

What is a catalytic converter?

An integral part of all modern gasoline powered automotive engines, the catalytic converter's job is to reduce tailpipe emissions by catalyzing exhaust gasses into compounds that are safer for the environment. Hopefully everyone remembers Chem 101.

Why is it valuable? 

Catalytic converters for gasoline-powered auto engines contain precious metals: platinum, rhodium, and palladium. A catalytic converter contains just a few grams of each, but that is all it takes to drive up the value from $300 to $1500+ depending on age and what vehicle the catalytic converter was taken from. An experienced thief only needs minutes to perform the necessary work to steal the converter and the return can be quite lucrative. However, the value can plummet to less than $100 if the thief can't sell the catalytic converter to a legitimate recycling company and instead has to sell as scrap metal. This typically happens when legitimate recyclers detect the catalytic converter was stolen and refuse to buy for fear of knowingly buying stolen goods.

Although modern diesel engines also use a catalytic converter, they do not use the same precious metals that are required by gasoline engines. These vehicles are much less susceptible to catalytic converter theft.

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  537 Hits
Apr
13

OSHA Allows Suspension of Annual Respirator Fit Testing

On March 14th, OSHA released a memo allowing employers to suspend Annual Respriator Fit testing due to a shortage of fit-testing kits and masks themselves. Until further notice the following guidance has been given by OSHA:

OSHA field offices shall exercise enforcement discretion concerning the annual fit testing requirement, 29 CFR § 1910.134(f)(2), as long as employers:
 
◾  Make a good-faith effort to comply with 29 CFR § 1910.134;
◾  Use only NIOSH-certified respirators;
◾  Implement CDC and OSHA strategies for optimizing the supply of N95 filtering facepiece respirators and prioritizing their use, as discussed above;
◾  Perform initial fit tests for each HCP with the same model, style, and size respirator that the worker will be required to wear for protection against COVID-19 (initial fit testing is essential to determine if the respirator properly fits the worker and is capable of providing the expected level of protection);
◾  Inform workers that the employer is temporarily suspending the annual fit testing of N95 filtering facepiece respirators to preserve and prioritize the supply of respirators for use in situations where they are required to be worn;
◾  Explain to workers the importance of performing a user seal check (i.e., a fit check) at each donning to make sure they are getting an adequate seal from their respirator, in accordance with the procedures outlined in 29 CFR § 1910.134
◾  Conduct a fit test if they observe visual changes in the employee’s physical condition that could affect respirator fit (e.g., facial scarring, dental changes, cosmetic surgery, or obvious changes in body weight) and explain to workers that, if their face shape has changed since their last fit test, they may no longer be getting a good facial seal withthe respirator and, thus, are not being adequately protected;
 and,  
◾  Remind workers that they should inform their supervisor or their respirator program administrator if the integrity and/or fit of their N95 filtering facepiece respirator is compromised.

There are other changes highlighted in this articles by Safety and Health MagazineOSHA allowing all employers to suspend annual respirator fit testing

  1060 Hits
Mar
11

Ladder Safety Month - Week 4

The most important part of ladder safety education is giving our ladder users the tools they need on the jobsite to make certain they can climb safely if the task requires that they climb at all. There is a free ladder safety application for mobile phones that will put many ladder safety practices in the hands of your employees in the place they need them most; On The Job.

This week, take time to discuss the use of this application, communicate with your ladder users on how to use this tool and review your program and practices surrounding site-specific ladder safety.  Have each ladder user in your company download the app to their mobile phone and practice using the safety components it provides such as ladder selection, ladder inspection, ladder set up and proper use reminders.

NIOSH - Informational PDF

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  875 Hits
Mar
05

Ladder Safety Month - Week 3

Within our industry there are some common mistakes that occur that result in injuries to our people.  Here is a list of some of the most common mistakes so that you can discuss these with your team.  Below  the list of common mistakes is an example of a very good reason to always be diligent about safety when using a ladder.  

  1022 Hits
Feb
27

Ladder Safety Month - Week 2

Every year, more than 300 people die in ladder-related accidents, and thousands suffer disabling and/or debilitating injuries. Without better training and continuous innovation in safety planning and product design, we will continue to see far too many fatalities. National Ladder Safety Month will heighten awareness of safe ladder use, reinforce safety training and educate homeowners and working professionals. The American Ladder Institute shares these ladder safety tips during week 2 of National Ladder Safety Month.  Please share these resources with your team.  Every year, more than 300 people die in ladder-related accidents, and thousands suffer disabling and/or debilitating injuries. Without better training and continuous innovation in safety planning and product design, we will continue to see far too many fatalities. National Ladder Safety Month will heighten awareness of safe ladder use, reinforce safety training and educate homeowners and working professionals.

Main Ladder Safety Tips:

  • Three points of contact: Always maintain three points of contact when using a ladder. Keep either two feet and one hand or one foot and two hands on the ladder as you are descending or ascending. When working, in addition to your having both feet supported on a step or rung, brace yourself into the ladder.
  • Climb slowly: Climbing slowly and deliberately ensures you don't make any sudden movements that could contribute to a fall.
  • Maintain a center of gravity: Keep the center of your belt buckle/stomach between the ladder's side rails when climbing and working. Do not overreach.
  • Pay attention throughout the entire climb: Devote your full attention to the climb and descent until you are safely off the ladder. Simple mistakes and oversight can have severe consequences.Here is a video from American Ladder Institute on Ladder Selection, set-up, and common mistakes.

Below is a video from the American Ladder Institute on Ladder Selection, set-up, and common mistakes:

 

  989 Hits
Feb
21

Ladder Safety Month - What is Ladder Safety?

In the next four weeks we will be posting about ladder safety includeing reminders, tools, and topics to help you focus on both work and home safe ladder use, with your teams.  Please join us by sharing the information we send and bring focus to this important topic.https://www.laddersafetytraining.org/
 
Are you using ladders safely?
 
This free ladder safety training is a tool for the proper selection, care and safe use of all ladders, including stepladders, single and extension ladders, articulated ladders, and mobile ladders. Provided by the American Ladder Institute, this training outlines safe ladder practices in all applications, such as construction/painting, building and custodial services, warehousing, power, manufacturing, chemical and petrochemical, oil and gas, and at home.
  1. Register for FREE! The ladder safety training is 100% free. If you are a Training Manager you can register employees within your organization as well.
  2. Select A Ladder Type Choose from the American Ladder Institute’s library of safety training modules. Take a pretest to see what you know.
  3. Watch and Learn Watch media-rich training videos that demonstrate safe ladder practices.
  4. Take the Safety Test Successfully complete the final safety test to earn your certificate of completion. Share your scores with your friends or Training Manager.

Please see video below regarding ladder safety from the American Ladder Institute:


  1259 Hits
Feb
19

Submit your 2019 injury data by March 2, 2020

Establishments covered by the OSHA’s electronic recordkeeping requirements must submit their completed 2019 Form 300A using OSHA’s Injury Tracking Application (ITA) by Monday, March 2, 2020.  Here is a link to find the Tracking Application. 

https://www.osha.gov/injuryreporting/

  803 Hits
Sep
20

2019 Safety and Loss Prevention Meeting

PestSure's Loss Prevention team conducted our 2019 meeting last week in Tucson, Arizona. With over 100 guests and 50 PestSure companies represented, it was a great time to learn about the latest safety topics in the pest control industry. If you weren't able to make it this year, you can find the presentations in the Members Only section of the website. 

  979 Hits
Jun
22

Gree Recalls 13 Brands of Dehumidifiers Due to Serious Fire and Burn Hazards

Fire-Damage1LARGE_0 Dehumidifier Fire Damage

Gree Reannounces Dehumidifier Recall Due to Serious Fire and Burn Hazards; More Fires and Property Damage Reported

On September 12, 2013, Gree, in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada, announced a recall on dehumidifiers manufactured by Gree Electric Appliances of China and were sold from January 2005 through August 2013. The dehumidifiers can overheat, smoke and catch fire, posing fire and burn hazards to consumers.

  1961 Hits
07 March 2024
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