How To Stain Kitchen Cabinets
January 19, 2012 | 
Author Staining kitchen cabinets, and how you prepare to stain depends on what you are starting with.
Are you building your own cabinets?
Are your cabinets unfinished in your garage waiting to be installed?
Are your cabinets new and already installed, but in need of staining?
Are you stripping your cabinets and then re-staining and refinishing them?
Or are you going to try your hand at re-facing?
You will prepare and stain a bit differently for each of the above situations; however, there are some basic steps and supplies that are universal when you are staining kitchen cabinets.
List of Basic Supplies You Will Need:
a good stain (I like a good oil-based stain, like a Sherwin-Williams oil based wiping stain)
stirring stick
sand paper (150 to 320 grit)
saw horses or work bench to stain on
drop clothes/cardboard
cotton rags
carpet pieces or other tool to apply stain (the right carpet really works well to get into those nooks and crannies)
clothes/shoes you don’t mind getting dirty (the stain won’t come out – it’s a good idea to invest in a body apron that you don’t mind getting ruined)
dust mask/respirator face mask
latex or rubber gloves
lacquer thinner or acetone (to remove stain off of where you don’t want it – like hinges or the floor; if you don’t have these, you can use finger nail polish remover, most contain acetone)
well ventilated area to work in
area to set wood to dry
Step #1 – Remove Doors, Drawers, Hardware and Lay Flat
If you are building your own cabinets, staining them is simply a step in the building process. You can stain everything, and put finish on it too, before you ever put anything together.
If your cabinets are pre-built, try to remove as much hardware as possible (handles and hinges). It is much easier to put the hardware back on than to try and clean it later. If you can take the hardware off, number each piece, then also put that same number on the wood where the hardware sits – making sure it is inconspicuous.
You should also remove the doors and drawer fronts before you begin staining kitchen cabinets, if you can, so you can lay them flat. Again, if you remove hinges, etc., do so and number so it won’t show on your finished product.
The advantage of having an item lying flat while you are staining kitchen cabinets is that the stain and finish won’t run all over and create a look you don’t want – sloppy. Who wants to put a lot of work, time, and effort into staining kitchen cabinets, just to see the finished product look sloppy and completely unprofessional? Learning how to stain kitchen cabinets means ending up with a stain job that looks beautiful and professional and says to the world that you know what you’re doing. You want your cabinets to look like you paid a fortune, even if you didn’t.
Step #2 – Look Your Pieces Over and Sand If Necessary
When first staining kitchen cabinets, look over the pieces you want to stain. Do they need to be sanded first? Most likely they are already sanded well, and you’ll just have to sand out small scuff marks which resulted from handling them or installing the cabinets.
Use a fine grit sandpaper, 150, 220, or even higher. Once you begin staining kitchen cabinets, any marks you’ve missed in sanding will jump out at you. You can always sand out marks and scuffs after you’ve stained your kitchen cabinets, but that takes more time and energy, so try to do a good job of sanding initially.
Step #3 – Setting Up The Area Where You Will Be Staining Kitchen Cabinets – Remember Safety First!
It is a good idea to stain items on saw horses if you have them, or on any sturdy table or bench that is about waist high. As you learn how to stain kitchen cabinets, you will be glad you used a drop cloth or cardboard on your floor or on any area that you don’t want stain on. You can use lacquer thinner or acetone to wipe up stain, but it doesn’t always work (like you can almost never get stain out of clothes). Also, lacquer thinner or acetone might melt or ruin what the stain is sitting on. If you don’t have lacquer thinner or acetone, use finger nail polish remover. It has acetone in it. Don’t inhale the fumes of such products, or get them on your hands.
You’ll also need to mask off any parts of the cabinets you don’t want stained, such as the interiors.
Wear clothes and shoes you don’t mind getting dirty, and/or a full body apron.
You should also wear latex or rubber gloves and safety glasses when you are staining kitchen cabinets. These precautions are not only for when you are learning how to stain your kitchen cabinets, but are necessary even if you become an expert. Safely is of the utmost importance.
ALERT: BEWARE OF DANGEROUS FUMES. Wearing a dust mask won’t do any good against fumes. Only wear a dust mask if you are in the sanding process. You will either have to invest in a respirator face mask for your safety, or ensure that you are in an extremely well ventilated area, such as your garage with doors wide open, or both. Fumes from the chemicals used while you are staining your kitchen cabinets are extremely dangerous, not only to breathe in, but, if concentrated enough, they can cause an explosion. And, don’t be fooled by water-based products. They can give off fumes and hazardous odors as well. Each product’s danger level is different, but error on the side of caution. Knowing how to stain kitchen cabinets means knowing how to do it safely.
Step #4 – Applying The Stain
Once you know where you are going to be staining kitchen cabinets, and have yourself and your area prepared, open your stain can and stir well. This cannot be overstated enough. When the can sits for any length of time, the stain will separate and sediment (color) will sit at the bottom of the can. If you do not stir well, the stain you use from the top of the can will be much lighter than the stain you end up using at the bottom of the can (and at the end of your project). These results will not look good. The things you stain first will be much lighter than the last pieces you stain.
To apply the stain, one of the easiest tools to use are old carpet remnants. Cut them into approximately 4 x 3 inch rectangles. Dip one end of the carpet into your stain, then rub the carpet onto your wood. It doesn’t matter if you go with the grain or against the grain at this point, you just want to make sure that you cover all surfaces. If you are doing intricate work, such as doors with groves or raised panels, be sure to get stain into corners. Over staining at this point is a good idea, because the excess will be wiped off. This is where the drop clothes and wearing an apron come in handy, because it can get pretty messy!!
After you apply stain to your piece, look it over to make sure you didn’t miss any spots. Areas that are commonly missed in learning how to stain your kitchen cabinets include: grooves, door edges, drawer edges, or any corners – like where the raised panel corners meet the door frame.
Step #5 – Wiping The Stain Off – A Very Important Multi-Step In Ensuring Your Piece Looks Great
As you are first learning about staining kitchen cabinets, I suggest you wipe the stain off immediately. Most cans of stain suggest leaving the stain sit for 10 minutes, then wiping off the excess. I’ve found that this does not usually change the color, so why wait? Also, if you are staining kitchen cabinets that are already installed, or already built, and you can’t lay pieces flat, your stain will run all over if you let it sit for any length of time. You will want to wipe it up as soon as possible.
If you want a darker piece of wood, purchase a darker stain color. The only time that waiting to wipe excess stain off will actually darken your piece significantly is if you can let it sit for over 30 minutes. This is really a false darkening, and the problem with it is that your stain is usually so dry by then that it’s difficult to remove smudges and wipe off the piece properly. The stain ends up sitting on top of the wood, not soaking in. Use your own judgment. If you decide to wait the 10 minutes, do it on every piece to ensure consistency.
Actually wiping the excess stain off in itself is a two step process.
First, have several cotton rags at your disposal. Put a rag in each hand. Never touch your wood with bare or gloved hands alone after it’s been stained, as it will leave a smudge mark. Wipe off the bulk of the excess stain. At this point it doesn’t matter if you are going with the grain or not, you just want to get the big spots of stain wiped up.
The second step is a finishing type step in staining kitchen cabinets. Take another clean rag. Go back over your piece of wood, this time with the grain. The second rag takes more stain off, preventing smudge marks. The biggest enemy in staining is leaving smudge marks.
Following these two steps and not being afraid to use rags as needed will ensure that you don’t leave any smudges. Look your piece over. If you have left any smudges, wipe off gently and blend color in with your cotton rag.
Step #6 – The Final Step In Staining – Set Your Pieces Aside To Dry
Now that you’ve learned how to stain kitchen cabinets, set your pieces aside to dry (or just let them hang there if they are already installed). You can lay your piece on a flat surface if only one side is stained. If your piece has multiple sides that are stained, you can lay it flat on something that allows for air circulation to the back, such as saw horses, or if you do enough staining, purchase a professional staining rack. One caveat: where the saw horses or rack touch the stained piece, smudge marks may be left. Before you finish a piece that has dried on such equipment, you may need to touch up that side.
You can also lean your piece against a wall to dry. When your stain is drying, it is best to let air get to as many sides that you have stained as possible. It’s also okay to let fans run in the area where you are drying your piece. This helps it to dry faster and doesn’t hurt the end result; however, never let fans run on a a piece that you’ve put finish on.
How long your piece has to dry depends on what type of stain you are using. Read the label and act accordingly.
ONE FINAL AND IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT SAFETY AS YOU LEARN HOW TO STAIN KITCHEN CABINETS
Remember to hang your rags to dry, ensuring air movement around them as well. Too many times, bunched together wet staining rags have caused a tragic explosion resulting in fire and even death. Please be careful!!
You Are Now Ready For The Next Step – Finishing
Congratulations!!! You have learned how to stain kitchen cabinets and have completed your staining project!
After your pieces are completely dry, you are ready for the next step – putting a beautiful, clear finish on your beautifully stained kitchen cabinets!
And remember – HAVE A HAPPY KITCHEN!!!
The Role and Responsibilities of a Supervisor
Introduction
Supervising is like parenting. These are two of the most important jobs any one can do, but few people are adequately prepared or trained to do them. Most people learn by trial and error with varying degrees of success. But both jobs are far too important to be left to chance and the good news is that you can learn with some help and guidance how to be successful in them. This article will help you to be a more effective and efficient supervisor.
Supervisor’s Role
In one sentence, write down what you think your main role as a supervisor is.
A role is a main activity or two that you are charged with undertaking
The answers could be:
· Provide leadership and collaborative direction to my staff;
· To be a team leader
· To ensure my staff have the human and physical resources to undertake their work in an efficient manner
Supervisor’s Responsibilities
Learning Activity
What are your main supervisory responsibilities in your present job?
List them on a separate piece of paper (you should have 8 to 12). It is sometimes easier to think of these under two main headings: (a) job related and (b) people related.
Once you have a list, then rank them in order of importance.
When you have completed this activity, look at the examples other examples of supervisory responsibilities provided by the author.
Job Related
· Cost Control
· Equipment
· Goals
· Materials
· Plans
· Procedures
· Productivity
· Quality
· Standards
· Training
People Related
· Coaching
· Communicating
· Delegating
· Disciplining
· Leadership
· Managing yourself
· Motivating
· Supervising others
Learning Activity:
Current Obstacles & Challenges
What obstacles do you personally face now that makes it difficult for you to fulfil some of these responsibilities? They may stem (1) from you, (2) from your unit or (3) the organization as a whole. List then and then rank them in order of importance:
New Ways of Supervising
Over the years, the role of a supervisor has changed significantly from being a top down, autocratic order-giver to a team leader, coach and motivator.
· from ordering to asking; and consulting.
· from telling to listening and asking questions.
· from policing to coaching.
· from each person for himself to teamwork.
· from fear to mutual respect.
This change has come about, not because people are becoming “soft-hearted,” but because it is now very clear that people are more productive if they are happy, motivated and upbeat. This takes place in an employee-friendly environment. The change is one of enlightened self-interest on the part of managers who decide what training is appropriate for their supervisors. They know that happy employees are productive employees.
Review and discuss about briefly the following chart “Leadership Styles”
Guidelines for Supervisory Behaviour
Without having a clear idea of what is acceptable behaviour for a supervisory, you are likely to model your behaviour after some role model in your life: a parent, a teacher, a boss. This could be good; but it could be disastrous if any of these people is dictatorial and demanding, or weak and indecisive.
A major benefit of this supervisory training program is that it provides you with guidelines about what is acceptable supervisory behaviour, and what is not. It also provides you with the skills to bring about this behavioural change. Once you know this, you will be more confident in what you do, as you won’t be wondering whether you are taking the right action. Also, if you train with other people, you will all learn the same skill set and you will be able to help each other in the future when challenges arise.
Supervisor’s Self-Assessment Survey
The Self-Assessment of Supervisory Knowledge, Skills and Attitudes survey below may look formidable but it effectively outlines the areas that you need to eventually master in order to become an outstanding supervisor. Don’t be dismayed, you don’t have to master all these areas in a month or two. It will take time and you will need to systematically work away at one or two areas at a time.
Most supervisors get promoted because they are “good on the job.” They are hard working, productive. Hopefully, they are also loyal to the company and a good team player. While this is a good start to being a good supervisor, there are other skills they need to develop in terms of leadership: how to inspire, motivate, coach, delegate, discipline, plan, team-build etc. This is what this program is about.
Self-Assessment Survey Directions
Read through the list below without marking it up, then the second time around, Put a YES, NO or MAYBE to record what you think your skill or knowledge level is. This will give you a good idea where your strengths and weaknesses are
Supervisor’s Self-Assessment Survey
Leadership
I have a clear understanding of the Company’s goals and objectives
I understand how my role fits into the goals of the Company
I have a clear vision of the objectives of my area
I communicate the Company and area goals to the people under my supervision (my team) on a regular basis
I give frequent feedback to the people in my team to encourage their development and the achievement of their goals and objectives
I recognize and celebrate the successes of those in my team
I feel that the people in the Company are our most important assets
I believe that I treat others as I would like to be treated myself
I consciously work at setting an example of effective leadership
I am actively working on developing a positive self-image
My own enthusiasm is increasing the desire of my team to do better
Goal-setting
I have a written annual plan and personal performance goals which have been agreed upon by me and the person to whom I report
I work with my team regularly to help them set SMART goals that support their workplace development
I break down my annual goals into shorter-term goals
I review the progress of my goals regularly
I have a method for measuring and keeping track of my goal achievement
I ensure that the members of my team know on a regular basis the status of the Company’s goal achievement
My goals for myself as a Foreman and for my team tie into the Company’s goals
I set goals that stretch and challenge me
I achieve a high proportion of the goals I set
I enjoy challenges, and see them as opportunities for growth
Personal Productivity
I clearly understand my priorities
I spend only a small portion of my time in crisis management
I delegate work to others in an effective manner
My area of responsibility runs smoothly when I am not there
I accept personal responsibility when I make a mistake
I ensure that meetings I run have a clear agenda and start and finish on time
I plan my work in advance and work the plan
I rarely procrastinate or leave things to the last minute
I keep others informed, in advance, when I cannot meet their deadlines
Motivating Others
I give feedback on a timely basis
I know the people on my team well enough to understand what is important to them
I believe in the abilities of people on my team and communicate my confidence in them
I provide (or am instrumental in obtaining) training for the people on my team that they need to develop the skills necessary to do their job well
I ensure clear goals and expectations are set with those people who report to me
Morale in my department (team) is high
I always share credit for success
I ensure that people on my team are clear about what their responsibilities are
I ask questions and encourage people to find out answers to their concerns
I listen to the ideas of others
I am flexible in how things get done, providing the results are satisfactory
When things go wrong, I question what I could have done differently. I share responsibility.
Coaching for Success
I coach my people to help them achieve success in what they do
I provide one-on-one sessions with each person who reports to me
I ensure that during coaching sessions the other person(s) talk more than I do
I really listen to understand the concerns of others
I help others to be self-aware of the areas in which they deed to improve or develop
I support the goals set by individuals on my team
I help members of my team to be accountable for their goals and performance
I deal openly, constructively and promptly with any negative performance issues
I encourage and ask for feedback on my own performance from my team
Communications and Building Relationships
I listen to understand the other person’s perspective before I give mine
I always wait until others have finished talking before I speak; I don’t interrupt
I spend time planning important communications, written or oral
I develop strong business relationships with the people on my team as well as with suppliers and customers
When people bring to my attention my own negative performance issues, I respond in a non-defensive manner
I speak calmly to people, not raising my voice, regardless of the issue at hand
If I have an issue with someone, I always deal directly with them, I do not talk behind their back
I observe others’ non-verbal communication to assess how they are really feeling
I maintain an open mind in most discussions
I seek and consider other people’s opinions
Dealing with Performance Issues
I deal with performance issues on a timely basis
I allow others to explain their viewpoint before coming to a conclusion
I see dealing with negative issues as an opportunity to train and develop people
I make sure that clear expectations are set and agreed upon with the individual after a performance issue discussion
I am willing to accept that my perception of an issue may not always be right
I avoid argument, accusation and sarcasm
I encourage others on my team to be open about their mistakes so that we can make corrections and learn
Team Building and Synergy
I see my position as Foreman as being a team leader and that those I supervise are all members of my team
I ensure that my team and it’s members have clear goals and expectations
I am willing to delegate responsibility to team members
I give regular feedback to the members of my team; not just about negative issues but I also regularly tell members of my team when them have performed well
Others see me as a team player
I follow through on commitments I make to team members
The results of team efforts are shared with members of the team (e.g. I do not take all the credit for my team’s successes)
I actively promote team spirit and positive interpersonal relationships amongst the members of my team
As team leader, I move promptly to discourage behaviour by individual(s) in my team when such behaviour has a negative impact on team-building (e.g. “turf wars,” “inner circles,” “behind-back gossip” etc.
Managing Stress
I am aware of what causes me stress on the job and I manage those situations
I notice when team members are under stress and help them to deal with the situation
I discuss my concerns and problems with the person to whom I report
I do not take my work problems home, nor do I bring my home problems to work
I use small amounts of stress as a motivator
I enjoy most of the work I do
I strive to maintain a good balance between my workplace life and my home life
I eat a balanced diet
I exercise regularly
Enhancing Future Results
I am continually upgrading my skills
I am aware of areas I need to improve
I ask advice from people with more experience
I admit when I do not know something
I invest time in training or coaching others
I spend time weekly to study or read
I ask others regularly how they think I could improve
That is the conclusion of this article which I hope you have found helpful and informative.
Do check out my website too although it is not directly related to this subject, you may also find it interesting
http://www.ehomebiz.org
5 Great Ways To Lower Blood Pressure Quickly
For people with high blood pressure, medication sometimes is not sufficient to lower it to healthy levels. Consequently, they have to find additional ways help lower their blood pressure. Uncontrolled and prolonged high blood pressure can lead to serious complications; including, kidney failure, heart attack, and stroke. That is why you need to do every little bit you can to bring it under control. Here are some natural ways to lower your blood pressure that are easy to incorporate into your daily routine.
1. A Piece Of Dark Chocolate Will Keep The Doctor Away.
According to recent report in the Hypertension: Journal of the American Heart Association, eating a small piece of dark chocolate everyday contributed to chemical changes in the body that help dilate blood vessels and lower blood pressure. Several research point to the conclusion that the antioxidant-rich compound found in dark chocolate known as flavonoids, have a healthy effect on blood vessels as well as glucose metabolism.
Even better news for chocolate lovers is the fact that dark chocolate contains more flavoniods than any other food; including green tea, red wine, and blueberries. A little dark chocolate is good for you, but a lot of it is not because chocolate is high in calories. Also, to obtain the blood pressure lowering effect of dark chocolate, you need to look for one that has at least 70 percent cocoa content. Dark chocolate is delicious but sometimes, it may be a bit bitter so, you may have to try different brands until you find one that you really like.
2. Potassium: A Magic Mineral.
Potassium is a key nutrient in maintaining the electrolyte balance which regulates heart and muscle contraction. It also plays an important role in maintaining proper fluid exchange. A study conducted at Duke University shows that daily intake of Potassium supplements can significantly reduce high blood pressure. African-Americans showed the biggest drop. Their blood pressure went down almost 20 points, causing the speculation that this sub-group might be particularly sensitive to the blood pressure lowering effects of potassium.
It is recommended that you try to get your potassium from food. Dietary sources of potassium include apple juice, apricots, avocado, bananas, legumes, beets, cantaloupe, carrots, oranges, pears, white and sweet potatoes, raisins, salmon, sardines, watermelon, and winter squash.
3. Water: Nature’s Miracle Medicine
When your body is in a state of dehydration, your blood pressure will increase dramatically. In fact chronic dehydration is the cause of chronic high blood pressure. Dr. Bathmanghelidj, the author of You’re Not Sick, You’re Thirsty, says that when the body is lacking water, it attempts to hold on to the available water supplies by retaining salt. When the body starts to retain water instead of letting it flow normally, blood pressure rises. However, this increased water retention is simply a preventive measure the body uses to protect the vital cells within it from becoming totally dehydrated. Water is one of the most effective ways to lower blood pressure.
Adequate water intake, and a bit of good pure natural salt such as Himalayan Crystal salt, will balance the fluid intake inside and outside the cells. This may sound contradictory to what you havebeen told, but salt is essential for life, we cannot live without it. However, there is a big difference between the common processed salt most people are accustomed to, and pure natural Himalayan salt which contains 85 trace minerals that your body needs. Intake of Himalayan Crystal salt will regulate the water content throughout your body, and promote a healthy PH balance.
Make drinking adequate amounts of water a daily habit. Not only will you be lowering your blood pressure, but a lot of other body functions will improve. You will feel more alert and energetic, less depressed, your skin will glow, and those nagging aches and pain will go away.
4. Breathe Deep For Your Heart
New research indicates slow breathing may lower blood pressure, even if practiced for only a few minutes per day. Take a slow deep breath, expanding the diaphragm, and the abdomen then, exhale even slower making sure you empty all the air from the lungs. The goal is to develop a rhythmic slow, and deep breathing pattern of less than 10 breaths per minute.
At first, you may find it difficult to develop a rhythmic pattern, but as you continue to breath in, and out slowly, you will eventually develop a healthy breathing pattern. Breathing that slowly for a few minutes several times throughout the day is another way to lower blood pressure that many people find very effective.
5. Walking Is Good For You
Many of us live a very sedentary lifestyle. We sit down all day at work and then, we spend our time at home sitting down. Over time, this inactivity can lead to many health complications caused primarily by excess weight. The ongoing day-to-day strain that excess weight puts on the entire cardiovascular system is what causes blood pressure to reach dangerous heights. Exercise plays a key role in lowering high blood pressure; however, many people find it difficult to engage in a regular exercise program because of lack of time. The good news is that you’re not required to do prolonged, and strenuous exercise to benefit from it.
A recent study published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health revealed that as little as 30 minutes of walking three times a week, even if it was broken into 10-minute walks throughout the day, was enough to have a significant effect on lowering blood pressure, and weight loss.
The above 5 approaches are proven ways to lower blood pressure. However, consistency is the only way to benefit from them long term. Make them part of your daily lifestyle routine for a healthy heart, and normal blood pressure.
Non-Lethal Weapons – Police Technology Targets Enhanced Safety
In movies like “Bad Boys” and “Lethal Weapon”, renegade cops commonly race through the streets firing off round after round in hot pursuit of the bad guys – usually while simultaneously tossing off one-liners and demolishing everything in their paths. In real life, such actions often have more grim and serious consequences. Fortunately, non-lethal technologies are emerging to make apprehending suspects easier, and less dangerous for all involved.
One example is the StarChase system, an invention designed to take some of the peril out of high-speed pursuits. In the more than 100,000 chases that take place in the U.S. every year, risk levels are extremely high – for officers, suspects, drivers and pedestrians. StarChase technology helps to diminish such risks by replacing the need for a chase with a safer way to catch suspects. The system consists of a compressed-air launcher with laser targeting that mounts inside the grille of a police car and shoots out a homing device (containing an internal GPS receiver, transmitter and power supply). The homing device sticks to any vehicle it hits, and sends its location to dispatch. From there, a dispatcher or other trained professional views the vehicle’s real-time movements on a digital roadmap and develops a strategy to intercept it. The StarChase system also automatically records all data, creating a historical record of the event.
While the StarChase gives police the ability to opt out of a dangerous chase and still nab the suspect, another new technology in the works could have a similar benefit – but for officers on foot. The LED Incapacitator could help officers keep weapons in their holsters. Developed in collaboration with the Department of Homeland Security, among others, the LED Incapacitator comes from Intelligent Optical Systems Inc. (IOS) – a creator of cutting-edge technologies in optical sensing and instrumentation. Similar in appearance to a flashlight, an officer shines the device in a suspect’s eyes. Using extremely bright, strobe sequences of light in different colors, the invention flashes in a pre-defined pattern that the human brain cannot immediately adjust to. This creates a “wall of light” that blinds and dizzies the suspect and fogs the officer’s location – giving the law enforcement agent a brief window of time to subdue the suspect. Despite its power, the LED Incapacitator does not have a high enough intensity to actually harm a suspect’s eyes.
Both the StarChase and the LED Incapacitator are garnering interest from law enforcement as the movement toward non-lethal technologies continues to gain momentum. The StarChaser is currently available for police departments to purchase from representatives throughout the United States, while the LED Incapacitator is still in development with IOS. Unfortunately, while both inventions could potentially help make real-world streets safer in the near future, they’ll probably do nothing to stop those loveable movie cops from obliterating entire city blocks and mindlessly unloading their weapons on suspected perps.
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Tags: Enhanced, NonLethal, Police, Safety, Targets, Technology, Weapons | 
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Balloon Safety – How to Keep Your Kids Safe
When you are planning your child’s birthday party, its a big chance buying balloons will be a big part of the plans. After all, balloons are perfect for any type of party. They are fun, exciting and can warm just about anyone’s heart. They make the perfect decorations for any party. And though they are great, there are still a few things you should know when it comes to having balloons at your child’s birthday party.
The first thing you need to know is that anyone under the age of three should be kept away from the balloons. Actually, every child should be supervised, but especially the really small children. Its not safe for them to be around them. Un-inflated balloons or broken balloons are very dangerous. A child could easily choke on one if they are not properly supervised. Another thing to watch out for are the ribbons on the balloon. It your not careful a little kid can strangle themselves. Also make sure you keep foil balloons on the ground. Add a weight to them if you have to.
Listen, I am not writing this to scare you. I’m writing this to educate you. At the end of the day its all about taking the proper steps to ensure a safe environment for all involved. Balloons are great. They can bring happiness to any birthday party. Children love them so you don’t want to eliminate them from the party. Just make sure you have enough eyes watching and making sure everyone is safe and having a good time.
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Car Fire Extinguisher – A Car Safety Device
Like domestic fires, car fires are considered as one of the most typical causes of damage in property. In the United Kingdom, though car fires are not prominent, the rising number of arson cases has become a point of concern among property owners. Most of the car fires and related cases in the United Kingdom are said to be deliberate, as the cars involved are mostly stolen. Statistically, it is estimated that out of a thousand vehicles, two of them are damaged due to fires and related incidents.
One of the best ways to lessen if not prevent the damages, would be through the use of a car fire extinguisher. If you happen to own a car or drives one on a regular basis, it is best to have a firefighting device in place. Surprisingly, a motor vehicle is considered a fire-magnet, due to the presence of potential risks and dangerous elements. Prime examples of which would be oil and gasoline. In addition, a motor vehicle also consists of combustibles like car upholstery. The car’s electrical wiring can also be a cause of car fires, due to possible short circuits. Another point of concern would be fuel leakages, as brought by faulty and defective fuel lines. The car’s batteries can also be considered potential hazards, due to probable release of battery acid. And if you are thinking of electric and hybrid cars as fire-proof vehicles, think again. Hybrid and electric cars are also susceptible to risks because of their battery’s components. The batteries which are mainly composed of lead-acid or Li-ion, are also susceptible to explosion and leakages.
On the other hand, many cars have built-in features in them, making it less prone to fires and accidents. Safety features like smoke detectors and temperature sensors have been incorporated within these vehicles to ensure safety. However, fire safety devices like a car fire extinguisher also provide additional protection. These types of extinguishers are also considered practical and handy, given the urgency of fires and related incidents. The device does not only guarantee a person with initial protection, but it also lessens eventual damage to property. More so, several car fire cases show that the use of this device actually gives the passengers enough time to get out of the car and head their way toward safety. Besides, most fires initially occur in the engine compartment, therefore the use of extinguisher somewhat increases the passenger’s chance to survive if not her chances to seek necessary help.
In times of emergencies like car fires, it is advisable to consider the following procedures and steps. First, if you are driving and your car accidentally caught fire, it is best to pull over, turn off the engine and get out of the vehicle immediately. It is also best to notify authorities at once and call the emergency services for help. Be mindful of the extent and severity of each fire-related situation. Be careful in extinguishing fires as this may lead to further injury if not done properly. Do not try to extinguish a seemingly uncontrollable fire, since such incidents require the assistance and action of professionals and fire authorities. You may also want to take note of possible toxic fumes and emissions, as these often lead to toxic inhalation. In the end, preparedness will always save us from harm, especially if we are armed with proper equipment. It does not only reduce the risks but likewise gains us an advantage, which is to live and be free from fire-related dangers.
American Bulldog Puppy Supplies
American Bulldog puppies are beloved by many owners of American Pit Bull Terriers. The breeds are close cousins and share similarities in size and overall appearance. Because American Pit Bulls have been banned in many places, American Bulldogs have become a popular replacement breed. Though Bulldogs were once bred to be aggressive, the breed does not have the bad reputation of the Pit Bull.
American Bulldogs are also related to, but completely different than, French and English Bulldogs. The Bulldog almost became extinct after Britain passed the Cruelty to Animals Act. Bulldogs were no longer allowed to bait bulls or fight other dogs and their usefulness was diminished. Fortunately, European fans of the breed mixed Bulldogs with Pugs to breed dogs down to lap dog size. French and English Bulldogs are popular family pets and often used as characters in film and television due to their expressive eyes, comical mugs and large personalities.
European immigrants brought Bulldogs to America. An American, John D. Johnson, bred these Bulldogs to retain the size and strength of original Old English Bulldogs-an extinct breed. American Bulldogs puppies are bred in many countries today.
Buyers of American Bulldog puppies have John D. Johnson to thank for the very existence of the breed, and his protégé, Alan Scott, also helped maintain the existence of the American Bulldog. These two men split and bred two separate types of American Bulldogs, Scott, or Standard, American Bulldogs and Johnson American Bulldogs. Scott/Johnson hybrids are also popular among American Bulldog breeders. Buyers should be experienced dog owners before purchasing a breed such as the American Bulldog. This breed requires attention and discipline from the beginning and an inexperienced owner will not have the skills needed to raise successful Bulldogs.
For experienced buyers, American Bulldogs can be found by asking local breeders or visiting websites that advertise National Kennel Club or United Kennel Club certified breeders. Because of the volatile nature in the breed’s past, buyers should never buy American Bulldog puppies with questionable ancestry or pedigree. Only well-documented, certified puppies should be purchased and puppies should immediately receive discipline and training.
Before purchasing American Bulldog puppies, buyers should stock up on necessary Bulldog puppy supplies. Buyers can also inquire of breeders what necessary items should be bought. American Bulldogs are medium-sized dogs and will require more food, grooming supplies, and training than toy or small dogs. Good American Bulldog breeders can provide buyers with a list of items needed to care for American Bulldog puppies. Some of these items include: proper brand and amount of puppy food, chew toys, housebreaking supplies such as pee pads, leashes, kennels or crates, training schedules, developmental timetables, grooming supplies, and medicine.
Besides getting puppy supply tips from breeders, buyers should also make sure that their breeder is well informed about the breed. Breeders should be able to answer all questions buyers have about caring for and raising American Bulldog puppies. Breeders should be able to provide puppy medical records including immunization history and screening results for common genetic disorders, pedigree and certification, and a warranty or guarantee against illness.
Frameless Glass Fencing Supplies
Frameless glass fencing supplies are the number one choice for your garden when you want to have a totally unobstructed view. As well as that, frameless glass fences are modern and stylish, providing a suave, aesthetically pleasing look to your garden. The technology involved in frameless G F supplies has come far since the idea was first conceived, and now there are quite a few different options for mounting your frameless fence to suit applications of every kind.
There are three different ways that frameless glass fencing supplies are commonly fixed, each of them varying in price and coming with various pro’s and con’s. To decide what is best for your garden, read on!
The first method is the spigot fixed method. It is also the most popular way. When fitting glass in this way, we use only the best quality spigots that are made from high grade stainless steel, which is available in a choice of different finishes and styles. An example of these styles of fencing supplies is round-shaped “bullet” clamps, or stainless steel with a mirror finish. The standard glass used in this kind of frameless fence is 12mm thick and especially toughened to resist all the wear and tear it will undoubtedly sustain. All the edges are polished to a fine finish, while the glass itself conforms to the most stringent of frameless glass fencing supplies standards.
The second most popular style of frameless glass fencing supplies is the button fixed or pin fixed method of installation. This style is widely used for balustrade applications, where aesthetic and architectural reasons, as well as the optimization of available space will always prevail. Frameless glass fencing supplies that are installed according to this method offer an extremely high quality and sturdy frameless G F. The glass will be extended below ground level to a depth of 5-10 inches, before being fixed in place using 50mm diameter stainless steel pins which are bolted through the pre-made holes in the frameless glass panels. One of the best qualities of these pins is that they can be fixed into position in a great many different kinds of material, and they come in mirror or satin finishes. The glass on these fencing supplies is always toughened 12mm, with polished edges.
Finally, slot or channel frameless glass fencing supplies are growing in popularity each year. This style is very pleasing to the eye, appearing as if the glass emerges directly out of the ground, as if it’s growing there naturally. If your frameless glass fencing supplies are to border a swimming pool or drive way, you may need to prepare for this during its construction, as slots will need to be left in the concrete form work before the concrete is laid. The alternative is to fix in place a strong channel for the frameless glass fencing supplies, so that the glass can be grouted into its correct position. Again, the glass used in these frameless glass fencing supplies is 12mm, clear and toughened and comes with all its edges polished.
Each of our standard frameless supplies fixing methods are able to be fitted with fence gates in position, in order to comply with local laws and pool fencing safety standards. We offer a range of different gates and fittings, from magnetic latches and glass hinges to the brand new magna hinge.
Due to changes in the Australian law about fencing supplies standards, the use of our fencing for balustrades has altered somewhat. The law now requires that an interlinking rail is in place, atop the glass, for safety purposes. Therefore, we are now able to offer a range of different handrails to go with your supplies that will both enhance the aesthetic appeal of your frameless glass fence and provide you with a safe environment.
If you want to your garden to stand out and become the envy of all your friends and neighbors, it’s time to give us a call and see what our supplies can do for you.
Food Safety Standards
When when it comes to food safety standards, most people think of it in terms of restaurants. But the truth is that they apply to any establishment that serves food to people, and that includes hotels.
Here are some important things to remember when dealing with food safety standards in a hotel.
Personal Hygiene
This is one of the biggest things that is going to affect a hotel’s food safety standards. The people who are working in the hotel need to remember to practice good personal hygiene. This doesn’t just mean washing hands after using the bathroom and before and after touching food. It also means covering up cuts and restraining and covering hair, making sure that the clothing is clean, and covering of the nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing before the hands are washed again.
Disinfecting and Cleaning
The second way to have good food safety standards is making sure that the areas where food is prepared and the utensils which are used to prepare the food are disinfected and cleaned well. This includes things like stoves, knives, stirring items, machines for grinding, juicing machines and ovens. Disinfecting and cleaning the items will prevent the growth of bacteria.
Pest Control
The third big issue in food safety standards is making sure that pests are controlled. There are many different kinds of food pests that might come into contact with food and contaminate them, such as flies, mice, and roaches. The hotel needs to be frequently checked by a exterminator to make sure that there aren’t any pests that can pose a health issue to guests and employees.
Preparing Food
A fourth issue when it comes to food safety standards is ensuring that the cooks are preparing the food right. They should dispose of any foods that have expired, that have fallen to the floor, or that have touched a surface that is dirty. They also need to cook the foods very thoroughly unless the client is requesting it to be done another way.
Inspections
The final issue when it comes to food safety standards is the results of random inspections that are being made by the health department. When the health department representative comes around, they are going to check the items that are listed in this article. If they aren’t happy with the results of the inspection, they have the right to shut down the kitchen.
Hotels, when they serve food, are going to need to make sure that they are adhering to the proper food safety standards for the safety of their guests and for the good of the business. If the hotel is lax in ensuring that the standards are being followed and met, they may lose a lot of money because the4y won’t be able to serve food anymore, not to mention the fact that they may be shut down completely if guests become ill.
For the good of the business and the guests, be certain that your hotel is meeting the standards set for food safety.
Swimming Safety
Keeping a first aid kit or first aid kits by the swimming pool is not enough to protect people from the dangers of swimming. There are about 3,600 unintentional fatal drownings in the United States every year. That means that across the entire United States there are more than 10 deaths by drowning or drowning related causes every day. Of those drownings in the United States, more than one in four of those people were children younger than 14. More than four times that number had to be taken to the hospital for injuries related to swimming accidents. Even when people don’t die from drowning, they can receive serious long term brain damage including learning disabilities, memory issues, and permanent vegetative state.
Though there are a lot of deaths due to drowning in this country every year, there are factors that make someone more likely to drown. Identifying these risk factors can help us set up safety precautions to prevent deaths due to drowning in this country. Supervision is one of the most important things to ensure that children do not drown, as well as a lack of barriers preventing children from reaching water. The youngest children who drown usually drown in bathtubs, toilets, or buckets. Most toddler aged children who drown do so under the supervision within five minutes of being out of their sight. A barrier like fencing around the pool is the safest way to ensure that these supervised accidents do not occur. The older children and people get, the more likely they are to drown in natural water settings like lakes, rivers, ponds, or the ocean. Boating accidents are usually linked with drowning incidents, as improper or unlicensed use of water craft results in 3,500 boating accidents with injured boaters a year. Use of alcohol is one of the reasons for more than half of adult and adolescent deaths due to drowning and water related incidents, because alcohol influences coordination and balance as well as judgment. Seizures are the highest risk factor for drowning related incidents in bathtubs.
Preventing these injuries and deaths can be quite easy. Having a responsible adult designated to watch younger children, whether those children are in the swimming pool, in the bathtub, or around any body of water. Swimming with a swimming buddy can be safe for everyone no matter what age they are, or make sure there is a life guard on duty wherever you are swimming. Avoiding alcohol before or during water related activities like swimming, water skiing, or boating and avoiding consumption of alcohol consumption while supervising young children can prevent many deaths related to drowning or water. Learning to swim, as obvious as it seems, can be a lifesaver, but it is not recommended as a primary means for drowning prevention for younger children. Learning CPR can save people’s lives, because most people drown and die before paramedics reach the scene. Using floating toys instead of personal flotation devices is a bad idea because they are not designed to keep you safe on the water.