Page 8 - Workplace Blog

British made Security Cages - Ideal for Gas Cylinders and more

Posted on July 17, 2013

Our security cages are a little reminiscent of what you might find at the 'Guantanamo Bay' detention camp although they are not designed to have quite such a high level of security! The most popular use of our cages is for the safe housing of cylinders and chemicals. Gas cylinders containing inflammable gas are legally required to be kept in well-ventilated areas, preferably outdoors, and on a flat, dry surface. They also have to be kept separate to areas with other uses and stored away from places that are vulnerable to impact hazard. (see Health and Safety Executive website for more details). As a consequence of these safety issues, the security cages are the perfect place to keep gas cylinders. Where are Cylinder Cages used? Businesses or organisations that use a lot of gas cylinders include hospitals, manufacturing companies (especially welding and engineering), petrol stations, DIY stores, Pubs, laboratories and caravan parks. Cages containing gas cylinders are a common site in all...

Gas Cylinder Trolleys – Moving and Storing them Safely

Posted on July 17, 2013

See our range of Gas Cylinder Trolleys here This article is aimed at anyone who owns or uses gas cylinders – whether you are self employed or an employer, there is a legal duty to have a safe workplace and to use work equipment safely. This article targets businesses or organisations which use a lot of gas cylinders including hospitals, manufacturing plants (especially welding and engineering), laboratories and caravan parks. In July 2013 three south east firms were fined £685,000 after a plumber died and six other workers were seriously injured after incorrect storage and inadequate risk assessment. The accident happened when a gas cylinder toppled over and set off a chain reaction with other cylinders and the resulting high pressure cylinders were propelled at up to 170mph across the workplace. According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), the six main gas cylinder hazards are: - manual handling injuries - blast impact of a gas cylinder explosion or rapid release of compressed gas...

How To Choose The Best Art For Your Office

Posted on July 05, 2013

With the majority of modern workers busying themselves in an office environment, it's important to choose the right art work to evoke the best atmosphere and mood. Morale will be boosted, work will be done, and time will fly - as long as you have the best art work to decorate your office. Choosing the right artwork for the workplace is essential. A well placed piece of art can help to create a great first impression. Get it right and you can make a visual statement that compliments the office and inspires the workforce. If you get it wrong, you’ll get grimaces and even the odd headache complaint! Follow these office-based, art-selecting handy hints and you can’t go wrong. Think Of Others When deciding what to hang on the walls, it’s a good idea to gather some opinions - especially if you share a work space. Consult your co-workers to find out what they would like to see on display. Remember, they will have to see it every working day too. A piece of art offers another focus, a break...

Why You Should Have Plants in Your Office

Posted on June 25, 2013

Ever wondered why the office feels so stuffy after someone’s been churning out reams on the photocopier all day or why more people take sick leave during winter? It’s because the pollutants from office equipment produce the kind of low humidity levels usually only found in winter. Now, you could get together and insist your boss spend a fortune on humidity creating equipment. Problem is—these new-fangled machines harbour bacteria and can be noisy. No, you’d be much better off petitioning your boss to introduce a few plants. If he refuses, try pointing out that improving office air quality is proven to reduce sick leave and the introduction of plants has the added benefit of increasing productivity. Indeed, more plants means improved concentration levels and an altogether happier work force, but your employer should be aware that going overboard could have negative effects. Don’t be surprised if you walk into the office one day and find Nutty Norma chatting to Simple Simon about Graham the...

Trucks and Trolleys Now Guaranteed for 10 Years

Posted on June 13, 2013

Good news for buyers of workplace trucks and trolleys – we are extending our guarantee on the Fetra range of trucks and trolleys from 5 to 10 years. This is valid from today. Steve Miller, Managing Director of The Workplace Depot commented, “Extending the warranty highlights the excellent calibre and durability of our trucks and trolleys. For a product that gets robust and heavy usage in the workplace, quality is very important. Our trolleys are built to last and nothing says this more than a 10 year guarantee.” The reason The Workplace Depot are able to make such a strong guarantee is because Fetra's transport equipment is now manufactured at cutting-edge production facilities and with the most highly efficient equipment. As well as precision manufacturing, products are powder-coated and undergo extensive pre-treatment by shot blasting. This extends the life of the product as well as maintaining a permanent, attractive finish (see pictures below of the advance production facilities). Beware...

Guide to Putting up a Plastic Chain Garden Fence

Posted on June 11, 2013

Everything you need to make a plastic chain fence can be purchased on this website - see our range of plastic chains and posts. Please note that the following does not apply to freestanding posts. What you will need: Plastic chain – this is sold in 24 metre bags Mounting posts – either a spike or socket version (see our video for details) Plastic chain S-hook - to link the post and the chain together, and/or Rubber connectors - used if you want the chain to be mid-post (also need S-hooks with this option) How many posts and chains will you need? Take measurements and sketch out the area the area, bearing in mind the following: Posts (Spacing): The spacing of the posts is a little subjective - somewhere between 1.5 metres to 2 metres apart is standard for a run of 5 posts; if you have a run of say 25 posts then a wider spacing will look better although you should not go above 3 metres apart for the lightest chain. Also the thickness (weight) of the chain is an issue in the maximum distance...

Cleaning up Workplace Cable Mess

Posted on May 23, 2013

Cable management is not going to be the highest priority for most people, but there are a few business benefits to keeping cables neat and tidy in the workplace. The most obvious advantage is aesthetic – no one can say that a rats nest of cables hanging off the back of every employees computer plus wires trailing everywhere is an attractive look. An office with tidy desks and a minimalist feel will generally be seen by customers (and staff) as being an efficient working environment and portray a good image of the business. Another advantage of good cable management is safety. A mass of cables bunched up behind desks can be a fire hazard through the generation of heat and the possibility of damage to cables leading to short circuits. Sometime you see power cable wrapped up in a tight coil which is bad practice as it can generate heat and lead to fires. In the case of things like aerial or Ethernet cable, if it is too tightly coiled it can effect the signal. On the other hand if the cable...

COSHH - How to Control Substances Hazardous to our Health

Posted on April 26, 2013

What is a substance hazardous to health? Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) covers substances that are hazardous to health. Substances can take many forms and include: - chemicals - products containing chemicals - fumes - dusts - vapours - mists - nanotechnology - gases and asphyxiating gases - biological agents (germs) What is COSHH for? COSHH's objective it to prevent, or to adequately control exposure of substances that are hazardous to health. This can be done by: - Using control equipment such as total enclosure, partial enclosure or local exhaust ventilation (LEV); -Controlling procedures, e.g. ways of working, supervision and training to reduce exposure, maintenance, examination and testing of control measures; -Worker behaviour, making sure employees follow the control measures. COSHH Assessment Before your start your COSHH assessment, you need to think about what do you do that involves hazardous substances? How can these cause harm? And how can you reduce the risk...

Which one are you? First-Aider, Employer or Employee?

Posted on April 24, 2013

When you think of first-aiders, what do you think of? High-vis jackets, highly qualified personnel? What about the person sitting next you in the office? Many people do not realise that a first-aider can be one of your colleagues within your workplace. Training courses are provided to those who would like to become a part-time first-aider, which is safer and less time consuming than ringing a paramedic or visiting the doctors. There are three roles within a the workplace, first-aider, employers and employees. Which one are you? Are you a...? First-aider A first-aider is a person who has undertaken training and has a qualification that the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) approves of. They should hold a valid certificate of competence in either: - First aid at work, issued by a training organisation approved by the HSE - Emergency first aid at work, issued by a training organisation approved by the HSE or a recognised Awarding Body of Ofqual/Scottish Qualifications Authority. Employers...

Kitting Out an Office

Posted on April 22, 2013

Not many offices have the luxury of open spaces, especially if a large number of staff are working in a small space. One of the problems with not having a large office is the storage space, whether it would be for personal or department use. You are given a desk to work at and no personal storage or space. Although it is important to consider the available space in the office, you need to ensure that the needs of your staff are met otherwise productivity could be reduced. When kitting out an office, think about what are the most important aspects: - The staff - Space - Making it look professional Let's start with the basics – desks. The type of desk you choose will be the star of the show – so to speak. They take up most of the space but they have to look great. Depending on your preference you can have wooden or plastic desks. In this case, we are going to choose wooden desks because they are stylish, professional and add a lot more light to the room. The Impact Rectangular Cantilever...

How to Handle and Store Gas Cylinders Safely

Posted on April 19, 2013

Accidents involving gas cylinders can cause serious injury or even death. Having the correct support and guidance on how to handle gas cylinders in the safest way possible. The Health and safety Executive (HSE), offers guidance and support to anyone who manufactures, owns, fills, repairs or uses gas cylinders. The generic and legal term that covers gas cylinders is 'pressure receptacle' which also covers other types of 'pressure receptacle' such as tube, pressure drum, cryogenic receptacle, bundle of cylinders as well as gas cylinders themselves. Hazards of gas cylinders Gas cylinders are known for transporting and store gases under pressure which are used for many different purposes including, chemical processes, medical and laboratory uses, fuel for vehicles, heating and cooking and lots more. The problem is, that there are hazards that come with the cylinders. Some of the main hazards include impact from rapid release of compressed gas, a fire as a result of escaping flammable gases...

Ramp up Your Accessibility Efforts

Posted on April 15, 2013

Some of you may have seen the new ITV prankster show 'Off Their Rockers', if not, watch it! The show is about a bunch of old aged pensioners being let loose into the big wide world and playing pranks on the younger generations. We normally see old dears out and about the place either slowly walking down the street or racing about in their mobility scooters, looking rather down and quite frankly complaining about most things, but these elderly folk will have you rocking with laughter. How can we make the reality a better place for the older generation? Have an 'Old Aged Pensioner' lane on the path? Give them free vegetables for a year? Or do we given them a way of accessing areas easily and safely? I say yes we do! We have a list of products from The Workplace Depot that will help in creating a more accessible place for the people who cannot move as easily as they used to. Let's start with a Disabled Grab Rail. Grab rails can help an elderly person when climbing up some stairs or help...