Most folks think that chemical hazards are strictly limited to manufacturing or other industrial sites. The fact that there are potential chemical hazards in the safe confines of their homes often comes as a surprise.
A surprising number of residential fires are caused by the spontaneous combustion of stain application materials. When an oil-based stain is applied to furniture or flooring, the oils react with the oxygen in the air to form very large polymer chains. The process of the liquid stain turning to solid barrier is called curing (it is not drying via evaporation) and the reaction is oxidation. This reaction generates heat. On the floor or chair, the heat dissipates into the room without an issue. That same oxidation reaction is occurring on the brush, towel, sponge, or rag that was used to apply the stain. If those materials are piled in a corner or in a trash can, the heat cannot dissipate. If there is enough product present, enough heat can be generated to Read More
In 2023, the new European Machinery Regulation was published which replaces the 2006 Machinery Directive. The 2023 Machinery Regulation is slated to be entered into force and application on January 20, 2027. A number of changes and/or clarifications are included in this new Machinery Regulation, not the least of which is the definition for “substantial modification.” Read More
Slip and falls occur when there is an unexpected loss of traction between a person’s foot and the walking surface, causing them to lose balance and fall. This type of injury is common and can occur in any setting where people walk, including homes, workplaces, and public areas. Slips can result in serious injuries, particularly for older adults.
The human gait cycle consists of four phases: the Read More
Every spring, the United States shifts the clocks forward one hour creating an extra hour of light in the evenings. However, this shift may be linked to a slight increase in fatal traffic accidents immediately following the time change. It is theorized that the increase in fatal traffic accidents is due to two things: people losing an hour of sleep and the low illumination conditions of morning commuters. Read More
One of the more innovative products to emerge on the plumbing scene in the past 20 years or so (in my opinion) is the flexible supply connector. A lot of people have seen but probably not paid much attention to them under their sink or perhaps from the toilet supply valve to the toilet tank. Most have Read More
Depth perception is an essential aspect of interacting with and navigating the world for people. Depth perception is the ability to perceive the world in three dimensions (3D). It allows people to judge how far away objects are, how they relate spatially to one another, and how they can successfully interact with them. Depth perception is a critical aspect of vision that enables activities like Read More
The United States Department of Energy (DOE) finalized energy efficiency standards for residential gas furnaces in late 2023. These new standards are slated for implementation in late 2028. The last time the DOE raised the efficiency rating of gas furnaces was in 2007, when the minimum efficiency for gas fired furnaces was raised from 78% to 80% efficient.
Let’s look at what efficiency means in this context. In simple terms, Read More
As we ring in the new year 2025, a significant change is coming for several heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVACR) systems that are currently used in both residential and commercial applications. The 2020 American Innovation & Manufacturing (AIM) Act is bipartisan legislation that was signed into law. The AIM legislation empowers the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to reduce the production and consumption of hydroflourocarbons HFCs by 85 percent by the year 2035. Read More
When we step out onto the road as pedestrians, most of us assume that we are easily visible to oncoming drivers. However, research shows that pedestrians frequently overestimate their visibility, especially at night or in low-light conditions. This overconfidence can lead to dangerous situations, contributing to accidents and fatalities. Understanding why pedestrians overestimate their visibility is crucial for improving road safety and preventing accidents. Read More
Trick-or-treating is a fun and festive activity, but it comes with certain hazards that can pose risks to children and even adults. In addition to vehicle and pedestrian collisions and accidents, tripping and falling while trick-or-treating is a common hazard, especially for children navigating unfamiliar and dimly lit areas at night.
Children and adults can face tripping hazards on walkways while trick-or-treating.
Tripping hazards can be mitigated through compliance with walkway safety standards such as ASTM F 1637-2021: Standard Practice for Safe Walking Surfaces. ASTM F1637 is a standard that provides Read More
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