Archive for April, 2010
In certain locations of the world, it is crucial to build buildings to withstand the massive shock and damage associated with earthquakes. Unfortunately, science has not yet developed an early warning system that can give immediate notice when an earthquake is imminent. Thus, we are completely at nature’s mercy to survive an earthquake, and steel buildings must be built to withstand an earthquake at any time.
Much research and study has been devoted to learning which types of structures fare best in an earthquake. Generally speaking the consensus is that metal buildings fare better than concrete.
However, one might ask: does this mean that all metal buildings can withstand an earthquake? The answer is no. Just because a building is metal does not mean it will automatically fare better in an earthquake.
Metal structures are more likely to survive earthquakes because they are more ductile – they can bend and flex without breaking. This characteristic is very important in a serious earthquake.
The most common type of metal used to build earthquake-safe buildings is steel rebar. Steel rebar has the ductility that is critical to absorbing an earthquake and is very strong, making it the best and most effective option for building in an earthquake zone.
Steel rebar has proven to be an excellent building material that can withstand earthquakes, but it is not fool-proof in and of itself. It must be applied with the correct engineering and architectural principles to maximize its effectiveness.
If you are considering using steel rebar to build an earthquake-resistant structure, be absolutely sure your plans and methods are on target, or hire a builder who is familiar with such structures.
Other types of metal buildings are far less resistant to earthquakes, and can be quite unsafe in earthquake-prone areas. Many metal modular homes are not constructed to withstand the tremendous shock of an earthquake. These types of buildings would be very unsafe in an earthquake zone. Also, sheet metal buildings are very fragile and highly likely to collapse during an earthquake.
Researchers do not recommend either of these types of structures to be placed in an earthquake zone. Some zoning laws forbid them altogether.
Another very critical factor that influences whether a building will survive an earthquake is the distribution of weight. A building that is top-heavy is more likely to fall than a building that is lightweight at the top. An earthquake-safe building not only should be constructed with steel rebar but it should be framed with lighter materials in the upper floors and have a heavily reinforced lower section.
The most important factor to take from this article is that just because a building is made of metal doesn’t necessarily mean it is earthquake proof. To be fully safe from earthquakes, a building needs to be built with the correct materials (like steel rebar) and be built according to the correct standards.
If you are building a commercial building, you owe it to yourself, your customers, and anyone who uses the building to use the best materials and techniques available to you. You want to get the most out of your investment, so give it the attention it merits… construct a steel building.
MiDAS is the Minibus Driver Awareness Scheme, organised by the Community Transport Association U.K. (CTA) which promotes a nationally recognised standard for the assessment and training of minibus drivers. It is a membership based scheme that has been designed to enhance minibus driving standards and promote the safer operation of minibuses.
Who is it aimed at?
MiDAS training is applicable to any organisation operating or using minibuses. Member organisations range from small voluntary organisations operating one vehicle, to local authorities operating large fleets of minibuses as well as schools, colleges and universities.
How does MiDAS work?
MiDAS operates on a “cascade” approach. CTA has appointed a number of training agents, who provide training for minibus Driver Assessor/Trainers (DAT’s) nominated from member organisations.
A DAT can then assess the competence of other minibus drivers, and provide them with training on how to safely use a minibus.
What’s involved in becoming a DAT?
In order to register as a DAT, a person has to undertake a thorough driving assessment (it is essential that they are able to drive to an “above average” standard) and participation in a course lasting three days for standard minibuses and a further day for wheelchair accessible minibuses.
What’s included in the DAT’s Training Course?
The course gives information and practical experience on how to undertake a minibus driving assessment in an objective and consistent manner, how to structure on-road assessments, provide “classroom based” safety training, and refresher training.The safety training, which can be delivered on a group or individual basis, uses key learning points from a number of areas:
Legal Responsibilities of a Minibus Driver Passenger Safety Child Passenger Safety Defensive Driving Manual Handling Awareness Health & Safety Awareness Accident & Emergency Procedures Personal Safety for Drivers
Each DAT is given a comprehensive trainer’s manual which includes all the information from the course, along with audio visual material needed to run the safety training sessions. DAT’s certificates are valid for two years after which refresher training will be required.
What do drivers get out of this?
Drivers who successfully complete the MiDAS assessment and training programme will receive a nationally recognised certificate valid for four years, as well as the option of obtaining the comprehensive “MiDAS Driver’s Handbook”.
This article was brought to you by CRH transport Training, a UK leader in transport training services, including LGV/HGV Training, PCV Training, MiDAS Training, ADR Training and more.
After undertaking IOSH Managing safely in construction course candidates should be able to:
- Understand relevant health & safety legislation & specific legislation, codes of practice, guidance notes, its impact on managerial responsibilities & sources of information, advice & guidance on compliance;
- Distinguish between the duties & responsibilities of the employer & employee, client, contractor & sub contractor;
- Be able to verify the competence of contractors & sub-contractors;
- Have an understanding of risk assessment & risk control, risk rating systems identifying common & specific hazards relative to the industry;
- Describe the concept of unsafe acts & unsafe conditions;
- Be able to select workplace precautions relative to the hazards & record results of risk assessments & carry out reviews;
- Understand the principles & statutory requirements of accident/incident investigation, reporting & recording;
- Know the importance of continuous active monitoring;
- Explain the importance of consultation with employees or their representatives & identify training needs.
IOSH Training is available for a number of other areas which give you a rang of other certified skills. Protect Life are a health, safety and protective goods superstore. They offer all the above and much more.
Good vendors of this type of training are hard to find. Perhaps the best approach when selecting a supplier is to approach the HSP (Health Safety and Protective) Superstores, they can usually sasitisfy all your health safety and protective training needs. They pridictably have 4 primary training services which we can be delivered locally, nationally or internationally:
- Defining requirement – Help you to evaluate or review your training requirements and deliver a adaptable plan for training which will be flexible enough to work in your organisation;
- Planning – Helping you to present and implement a clear and transparent plan which addresses training for all your health and safety needs ;
- Deliver one-off or periodic training for individuals and/or groups . With a number of our courses you have the option of training being delivered face to face, via video, via interactive computer based training or a combination of these methods;
- Your training function – they will usually have a management function that can manage all your training issues for you. Remember HSP training does not have to be expensive or restricted to any specific time . Some of our courses can be taken any time of the day and any day of the week. You can even stop the training and resume when the time is right for you.
Educate yourself on the Steps To Copy Celebrity Hairstyles
However before I continue, be warned that not every hair care products and hair styles fit anyone. To attain the “red carpet” look any hair style you sport plus the hair length ought to go with the shape of your face. You must determine initially your face shape then match that and the tresses to celeb hair styles that you like. Your aim all things considered is having the look and feel you prefer minus the disaster. Now when the shape of your face is oval, don’t choose hair styles which are perfect for square shaped faces otherwise you veer far from the goal. Next determine if you are able to afford a certain style. The style you have in mind also needs to fit right into your timetable. In case you are the busy type, decide on hairstyles that requires much less effort and time to accomplish.
Listed here are tips that may help you recreate large Hollywood curls, one of the most popular celebrity hairstyles that celebrities sport – so that you could look just as classy as these celebs are. But before that, prepare these first: a hair straightening iron, heat-protection spray, and hairbrush.
- Have the tangles of your hair thoroughly combed out and more importantly clean before you start styling because lighter hair is more likely to curl. Also start with semi-straight or straight hair. If need be, you can use flat irons to straighten your hair first.
- An excessive amount of heat damages the hair shafts so you must always apply heat-protection to your hair prior to using a hair iron. Then part your hair into sections. If you’ve less number hair sections you will have tighter curls and vice versa.
- Clamp the straightener at the very top section and as you pull it down turn or twist around. If a tighter curl is needed, clamp harder and pull harder. After curling a part, use another hair clamp to position completed portions loosely together.
- Duplicate the recent step a few more times until you finish curling all hair sections. Then make use of the fingertips to tease the hair and then spray on a shine spray as a final touch.
Celebrities will often go to their favorite salon and have conditioning treatments for their hair. You can also recreate this at home for a fraction of what you will spend in the salon by buying street products that are suitable for use at home. There are plenty out there at reasonable prices. Be sure to read the label for ingredients because more chemical ingredients will mean more harm for the hair. Lastly, choose organic products. They may come off as expensive but try to compare and perhaps you will also come to realize that the benefits outweigh the disadvantages.