Heavy Equipment Safety : Toolbox Meeting

Company Name __________________________ Job Name __________________________ Date________

HEAVY EQUIPMENT SAFETY

Operation of heavy equipment such as excavators, loaders, graders, rollers, and bulldozers, should always be done by highly skilled operators who have demonstrated the ability and necessary skills to operate safely. Ground-based workers should be trained in how to work safely around the equipment, and how to stay clear. Unsafe practices by either the operator or those around the equipment can create very dangerous situations. Serious injuries can occur if the equipment strikes a worker, or if the equipment is rolled over.

Here are a few common safety rules for operators and ground based workers to consider:

1) Good communication is essential. A standardized set of hand signals should be used by the operator and signal person. Operators should always know exactly where all ground based workers are located, and the wearing of high visibility vests will help the operator to locate them quickly. The equipment should have a back up warning alarm that can be heard by all nearby workers. Two-way radios are also valuable communication tools.

2) Heavy equipment must have a rollover protective structure (ROPS) meeting OSHA requirements. The ROPS is designed to protect the operator if the machine tips over. A seat belt must be worn so that the operator will not be thrown out of the seat during a rollover or upset situation. If working on slopes, try to avoid moving across the face of the slope. Try to operate up and down the slope face if possible. Use extreme caution when operating near open excavations.

3) Wear hearing protection when required. If it has been determined that noise levels around the equipment could potentially cause hearing loss, always use protective plugs or muffs when working on or around the equipment.

4) Never jump onto or off the equipment. Operators should always use the three-point contact rule when climbing onto or off heavy equipment. The three-point rule means having both feet and one hand, or one foot and both hands in contact with the ladder access at all times.

5) Inspect and service the equipment regularly. Complete equipment service in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendation. Periodic safety inspections on all components of the equipment should be done regularly by qualified personnel. Inspect the steering system and brake systems carefully. A pre-shift walk around inspection by the operator is highly recommended.

Injury accidents involving heavy equipment on construction sites have a higher probability of resulting in a fatality than many other types of accidents. It is critical to follow all of your company's safety rules and procedures when operating or working around heavy equipment.

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Tips For Bike In Amsterdam

Biking in Amsterdam is a quintessentially Dutch experience and by far the most popular (and most efficient) form of getting around. But Amsterdam's frenzied flow of traffic and confusing streets can intimidate visitors on two wheels. Before you hop on your cruiser, read these tips for keeping you and your bike safe.

1) Know Where to Ride

Amsterdam's 400 km (249 miles) of bike lanes and paths

(fietspaden) make city cycling safe. Use them. They usually run along the right sides of streets (some two-way lanes are on one side only) and typically feature white lines and bike symbols painted on the road or reddish-colored path.

Amsterdam traffic uses the right side of the road -- this includes bikes. Some streets (many in the historic center and along canals) don't have bike lanes at all. Here, just ride with traffic, or stay to the right to let motorists pass. Large cars and trucks will usually follow behind you.

2) See the Signs

Amsterdam has many signs and signals designed especially for cyclists. Some important ones include:

Bike Traffic Lights: These lights shine red, yellow and green in the shape of a bicycle at most major intersections. Obey them. Trams and other traffic have their own lights that don't always correspond. When a bike light doesn't exist, use the traffic lights meant for cars.

Designated Bike Path/Route: A round sign with a blue background and white bicycle indicates a bike lane or route.

Bikes/Scooters Excepted: A sign with the word uitgezonderd ("except") and bike/scooter symbols means that bikers are the exception to the otherwise posted traffic rule. For example, a round, red sign with a white dash means no entry. Bikers are allowed entry if the white, rectangular uitgezonderd sign is also present.

3) Give Right of Way

Always give right of way to trams, from any direction. Listen for the distinctive clanging of their bells.

The rule for all other vehicles and bikes: give right of way to traffic approaching from the right. So, traffic coming from your left should give you the right of way. Taxis and buses often push the limits on this rule, so err on the side of caution when they approach.

4) Forget the 'When in Rome...' Adage

Local Amsterdam bikers tend to ignore red lights. They tote friends on the backs of their bikes. They ride on the sidewalks. They zip past fellow bikers without warning. They don't use lights at night (which is required by law). They chat on phones while weaving through crowds. They're not to be mimicked!

5) Use Your Hands

Use hand signals when changing course. Just point in the direction you want to go. Doing this will let motorists and other bikers know to yield or not to pass you on that side.

When in doubt at intersections, dismount. There's nothing wrong with getting off the bike and walking it through busy areas (see tip no. 9).

6) Don't Get Stuck in a Rut

Steer clear of tram tracks, which are just the right size to swallow bike tires. If you must cross the tracks (and you will have to at some point), do so at a sharp angle.

Try using suggested bike routes (see tip no. 10), many of which are tram-free.

7) Be a Defensive Biker

You may know the road rules, but that doesn't mean everyone does. The most abundant obstacles you'll encounter on a bike are pedestrian tourists. They unknowingly walk in bike lanes and cross streets without looking. Watch for them and and use your bell to get their attention.

Much to my dismay, scooters are always in and out of the bike lanes. They speed by, scaring the you-know-what out of cyclists. When you hear them coming with their piercingly loud exhaust systems, stay to the right and let them by.

8) Lock it When You Leave It

Never leave a bike unlocked, not even for a minute. Bike theft in Amsterdam is a problem, but it can be avoided.

Lock your bike to a permanent structure (a bike rack, pole or bridge) with a heavy chain or U-lock. Always put the lock through the frame and the front wheel. Also lock the brilliant little device that immobilizes the back wheel (most rental shops provide both).

Look for signs that say Hier geen fietsen plaatsen ("Do not place bicycles here"). If you ignore them, your bike could be confiscated.

9) Keep It Movin' and Clear the Way

Try to keep pace with fellow bikers. You may ride two abreast, as long as your pace doesn't hold up traffic.

Never come to a complete stop in the bike lane or on the street. When walking with your bike, do so on sidewalks or pedestrian areas.

10) Use a Map

Not all Amsterdam streets are meant for cyclists, so "winging it" without a route plan can be inefficient and dangerous. Use a map.

Most rental shops have basic city maps/routes, but these are a bit limited. I highly recommend the € 4 Amsterdam op de fiets ("Amsterdam on the bike") map, available at Amsterdam Tourist Offices. It shows suggested bike routes, areas closed to cyclists, bike repair shops (important for flats), tram lines and even museums and popular attractions. It covers all of Amsterdam, from northern islands to southern suburbs.

Safety Tips: Holiday Shopping / Safety Shopping

Shopping during the holiday season can present unique danger. Taking a few prevention measures can help keep your holiday season joyous.

The holiday season is a time when busy people can become careless and vulnerable to theft and other holiday crime. The following tips from the Los Angeles Police Department Crime Prevention Section can help you be more careful, prepared and aware during the holiday season.

• Shop during daylight hours whenever possible. If you must shop at night, go with a friend or family member.
• Dress casually and comfortably.
• Avoid wearing expensive jewelry.
• Do not carry a purse or wallet, if possible.
• Always carry your driver's license or identification along with necessary cash, checks and/or a credit card you expect to use.
• Even though you are rushed and thinking about a thousand things, stay alert to your surroundings.
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
• Pay for purchases with a check or credit card when possible.
• Keep cash in your front pocket.
• Notify the credit card issuer immediately if your credit card is lost, stolen or misused.
• Keep a record of all of your credit card numbers in a safe place at home.
• Be extra careful if you do carry a wallet or purse. They are the prime targets of criminals in crowded shopping areas, transportation terminals, bus stops, on buses and other rapid transit.
• Avoid overloading yourself with packages. It is important to have clear visibility and freedom of motion to avoid mishaps.
• Beware of strangers approaching you for any reason. At this time of year, con-artists may try various methods of distracting you with the intention of taking your money or belongings.

Source: LAPD Crime Prevention Section

Safety Tips: Car Seat Safety For Baby And Child /Seo Safety

We all know that the roads are a hazardous place for children (and grown ups, for that matter) but how much attention do you pay to what's going on in your car?

In 2004, 24 children aged 0-11 were killed and 372 seriously injured while travelling in a car. The largest group within this were the 0-4's of whom 15 were killed. Another 2,077 were slightly injured in cars, and yet the number of products on the market for in-car safety is mind boggling, as are the strict standards that car seats must meet.

Despite this array of products, a survey conducted by the Transport Research Laboratory in 2004 showed that 5% of 0-4 year olds were not restrained in any way in the rear of cars.

Police Spot Checks As of 2006, it is now illegal for any child under the age of 12, or less than 135cm tall, to travel in a car without a booster seat. Since the new laws came into force, Police have been carrying out spot checks on children in cars and if they are not securely fitted following the legal guidelines, the driver can be given an on the spot fixed penalty fine of £30 with a maximum fine of £500.

Where do they carry out these checks? Outside schools. The morning and afternoon school runs are perhaps unsurprisingly the peak times for injury to children in cars. Often parents are parked illegally for a start so the element of rush and 'just get in, will you' creeps in.

For more details of the new laws regarding child car seats, please check out the article aboutNew Car Seat Laws for 2006 on our sister site www.safekids.co.uk.

You can protect your children by using a properly fitted, purpose made child car seat which meets the current safety standards and is appropriate for your child's weight and height. Try before you buy and get a trained professional to demonstrate how to fit the seat. Most of the large motoring accessory outlets like Halfords have trained fitters. Related on Safe Travel...

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When fitting a child car seat in your car, always follow the manufacturer's instructions thoroughly and allow plenty of time; it isn't always a quick process and you will find yourself climbing all over the car, but it is worth it to have a securely fitted seat. The same applies when it comes to strapping your baby or child into the seat - make sure you check the straps and that the seatbelt locks when you give it a jerk.

Remember to make sure your child car seat is properly fitted every time you use it. Seat belts and straps have a habit of loosening when a child has been wriggling around in it for several journeys. Always keep a copy of the fitting instructions in your car.

Which Seat and When? Child seats are designed for various weights of child. As a general guide:

Baby seats are for babies weighing up to 13kgs (birth to 9-12 months) or until they can support their own head. They face backwards and are fitted into the front or rear of the car with a seat belt. They should never be used in the front where the front seat is protected with a frontal airbag.

Child car seats are for children weighing between 9 and 18 kgs (aged nine months to about four years) and have their own straps. They face forwards and are usually fitted in the back seat of a car with a seat belt.

Booster seats are for children weighing 15 to 25kgs and up to 135cm in height (aged about 4-11). They are designed to raise them so they can use an adult seat belt safely across both their chest and hips.

Booster cushions are for children 22kg (3st 6lb). These are similar to booster seats, in that they raise the child up enough so that they can use an adult seatbelts safely.

Also, try not to get distracted by your children in a car. Many on-road accidents involving women are caused because they were turning round to talk to children who were playing up. If things get out of control in the car, find somewhere safe to pull over and deal with it.

Try and limit toys to non-missiles i.e. things that can't easily be thrown at you and ideally, put them in a bag and if they need distracting, put the radio on.

What if my child is travelling in another car? Then take the seat you use out of your car and fit it into their car - properly. Don't be tempted to rush or not bother, even if it is a short journey.

A Checklist

By law, you have to wear a seat belt if one is fitted. Children under 12 are not allowed to sit in the front seat unless they are properly restrained and using the correct child booster seat. Children over the age of 12 (or taller than 135cm or 4ft 5in) can only do so if wearing an adult seatbelt.

To learn more about the new laws - see our article New Car Seat Laws for 2006 Never place a rear-facing seat near an active frontal airbag. Forward-facing restraints should be as far back from the airbag as possible. Always check the car handbook.

Never modify a child car seat or seat belt to try to make it fit. Check the advice in your car handbook and the advice from the child seat manufacturer. If in doubt call the manufacturer's helpline or speak to your local Road Safety Officer.

Lap and diagonal belts are safer than lap-only belts.

safety: Train Travel /safety google community

A lot of people criticise train travel, and say it's not what it used to be. But it can still be a fast, often inexpensive form of transport, not only between cities, but between countries. Like anything else, though, you need to think a little to keep yourself safe in the station and on the train. However, by putting a few simple rules into practice, you can ensure a pleasant, trouble-free journey.

At The Station

Pay attention to the timetables. They can often change without warning, and trains can be delayed. Stay on the main concourse or in the waiting room until it is close to the time for your train. Not only will it be warmer than a draughty platform, with more people around, it'll be safer. Try never to be alone on a platform, especially at night. These days all stations are equipped with CCTV, but it's better not to take chances. Keep your luggage with you at all times in the station. That might seem obvious, but all too often people walk away to check something, return and find their belongings stolen. All your important papers and cash should be kept on you, and should be secure. A wallet in a back pocket can quickly become a pickpocket's target. Women should make sure their handbags are closed or zipped, and if the strap allows, carry them across your body. Finally, if you see unattended luggage, or anything that might seem suspicious, report it immediately.

On The Train

Most trains these days feature extended coaches. Sit in one where there are other people (likewise, if your train has compartments, don't sit alone). Whenever possible, stow your luggage on the rack above your seat, where you can keep it close. If your case is too big, use the luggage rack at the end of the coach, but first remove anything important or valuable.

Never try and open the outside doors when the train is moving. That's especially true if you're travelling with children. Don't allow them to wander unaccompanied on the train at any time, even to the buffet cart. If you leave your seat for any reason, always take all your valuables with you. Taking every piece of luggage if you need the toilet might be impractical, but at least you can safeguard the really important items. The advice about pickpockets is just as valid on board, too; don't assume you're safe once the train starts moving. Safeguard purses and wallets at all times. That's especially true if you're crossing international borders where you'll have to present your passport. Also, make sure your ticket is readily accessible. There's nothing worse than having to dig through everything when the conductor arrives!

Leaving

Be sure you take everything with you. Be particularly careful when alighting from the train, especially if you have a large piece of luggage; the step down can be awkward and dangerous, especially for the elderly. Outside the station, be aware of your surroundings, especially at night. Walk on busy, well-lit streets. If you're being met, wait in an area with good lighting and plenty of people. Taxi ranks can always be found directly outside the station. Always use one from there, a proper licensed vehicle rather than a minicab, whose fares could turn out be a nasty, expensive surprise.

Air Travel During Pregnancy

Air travel is usually considered safe during a pregnancy up until about the eight month or 32 weeks. This is just a generalisation however, and pregnant women should always speak to their health professionals prior to flying in order to find out if they have any specific restrictions. During the boarding process, take advantage of pre-boarding procedures and during the flight do some basic “exercise” to promote circulation and make sure you stay hydrated.

Speaking With A Health Professional

• Before flying, pregnant women should speak with their GP or midwife and explain their travel plans. Give details of:
• The length of flight (in hours) How many flights will be taken and how close together

A health professional may give specific instructions for in flight activities and some may advise against flying if you have a condition such as severe anaemia, a clotting disorder or placental insufficiency which could make flying dangerous. Depending on which stage of pregnancy you're at, an airline may also require a doctor’s note. If you fly frequently, whether as a passenger, cabin crew or pilot, should also let your GP know in case the cosmic radiation levels at altitude are deemed a threat to the foetus.

Take Advantage of Pre-Boarding

Many airlines offer several minutes of “pre-boarding” prior to a flight and invite those travelling with small children or with limited mobility to take advantage of this less hectic time to find their seats. Pregnant women who find their mobility impeded (particularly in the second half of a pregnancy) may want to take advantage of this time. Not only will you feel less rushed, but with fewer people around there is also less risk of being jostled or involved in an accident.

Exercises To Promote Circulation

When flying during pregnancy, take great care to “exercise” and promote circulation. There is a risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) so keeping your feet and hands moving and get up every 30 minutes or so to walk around the cabin (when allowed), flexing the feet, circling the ankles and bending from the knees .

Stay Hydrated

Dehydration often leads to fatigue. Since many pregnant women find themselves fatigued anyway, staying hydrated during a flight is imperative to fight against the dehydrating effects of a low humidity plane cabin. Water is the best option for pregnant women while flying and should be consumed throughout the duration of the flight, not just with meals. Fruit juices and teas may also help hydrate, though sugary soft drinks should be avoided.

Follow General Safety Procedures

Like all other passengers, pregnant women should follow the general airline safety procedures to ensure a safe and comfortable flight. Wearing a seat belt (under the abdomen) at all times and holding onto seat-backs if standing or walking are two very easy ways to stay safe. Ask a member of cabin crew to lift your bag from the overhead luggage compartment.

Diffent Types Of Air Filter

Air filters are devices that remove particles, such as dust and dirt, form the air. Applications that require high air quality or are air-sensitive often use air filters. However, because application requirements vary there are several types of filtration methods available. Ionic, HEPA, carbon, and UV light air filters are commonly used in the industrial, commercial, and medical sectors.

Ionic Air Filters Also called air ionizers, ionic air filters rely on voltage to charge air molecules. Typically, they produce negatively charged ions, also called anions, which then attract particles in the air, in much the same way as static electricity. As the particles make contact with the anions, they are deionized and removed from the air stream. Ionic air filters are commonly used in commercial air filtration.

HEPA Air Filters HEPA (high efficiency particulate absorbing) filters are stronger and more effective than ionic air filters, and are therefore preferred by sensitive applications—HEPA filters can remove up to 99.97 percent of airborne particles, making them extremely effective air sanitizers. The filters are primarily comprised of fiberglass fiber mats, which trap particles as an air stream flows through. How effective a HEPA filter is largely depends on the diameter of the fiber and the filter’s thickness.

HEPA filters trap particles using several different approaches. First, they intercept particles as the air flows through the filter, and particles within close proximity to a fiber are caught and trapped. In addition to interception, increasing air-flow and curving the air stream can instigate impaction, as the particles directly collide with the fibers and are caught. Diffusion is a process that uses gas collision to separate the smallest particles, slowing them down as they pass through the filter and increasing their chances of getting caught by a fiber. Because of HEPA filters’ high level of efficiency, they are commonly used in the medical sector to remove bacteria and prevent contamination, and are often used in clean rooms and highly sanitized hospital wards.

Carbon Air Filters Carbon can be treated with oxygen, which opens the carbon’s pores making it highly absorbent. After this treatment, carbon is said be activated because it can readily be used to absorb particles and trap odors. Carbon air filters use activated carbon to trap chemicals and gases, and can also filter cigarette smoke. As the air passes through the filter, the activated carbon absorbs the odors and gasses and neutralizes them. For seriously odiferous fumes, activated carbon can be impregnated or enhanced so as to absorb the given gas. Activated carbon filters are well-suited to environments where chemicals must be removed from the air.

UV Light Air Filters Ultraviolet light air filters use a reaction that occurs when titanium dioxide is exposed to UV light. As the air stream encounters the photochemical process, harmful particles, such as mold and bacteria, are neutralized. High intensity UV (240-280 nm) is strong enough to break down most carbon based organic compounds, making UV light air filters a good companion to HEP filters in medical applications. How effective UV light filters are is contingent upon the length of exposure (how long the air stream is subjected to the light) and the intensity of the light itself.

How Gas Detector Work

How Gas Detectors Work

Gas detectors measure and indicate the concentration of certain gases in an air via different technologies. Typically employed to prevent toxic exposure and fire, gas detectors are often battery operated devices used for safety purposes. They are manufactured as portable or stationary (fixed) units and work by signifying high levels of gases through a series of audible or visible indicators, such as alarms, lights or a combination of signals. While many of the older, standard gas detector units were originally fabricated to detect one gas, modern multifunctional or multi-gas devices are capable of detecting several gases at once. Some detectors may be utilized as individual units to monitor small workspace areas, or units can be combined or linked together to create a protection system.

As detectors measure a specified gas concentration, the sensor response serves as the reference point or scale. When the sensors response surpasses a certain pre-set level, an alarm will activate to warn the user. There are various types of detectors available and the majority serves the same function: to monitor and warn of a dangerous gas level. However, when considering what type of detector to install, it is helpful to consider the different sensor technologies.

Gas Detector Technologies

Gas detectors are categorized by the type of gas they detect: combustible or toxic. Within this broad categorization, they are further defined by the technology they use: catalytic and infrared sensors detect combustible gases and electrochemical and metal oxide semiconductor technologies generally detect toxic gases.

Measurement of Toxic Gases

Electrochemical sensors or cells are most commonly used in the detection of toxic gases like carbon monoxide, chlorine and nitrogen oxides. They function via electrodes signals when a gas is detected. Generally, these types of detectors are highly sensitive and give off warning signals via electrical currents. Various manufacturers produce these detectors with a digital display.

Metal Oxide Semiconductors, or MOS, are also used for detecting toxic gases (commonly carbon monoxide) and work via a gas sensitive film that is composed of tin or tungsten oxides. The sensitive film reacts with gases, triggering the device when toxic levels are present. Generally, metal oxide sensors are considered efficient due their ability to operate in low-humidity ranges. In addition, they are able to detect a range of gases, including combustibles. 

Measurement of Combustible Gases

Catalytic sensors represent a large number of gas detector devices that are manufactured today. This technology is used to detect combustible gases such as hydrocarbon, and works via catalytic oxidation. The sensors of this type of detector are typically constructed from a platinum treated wire coil. As a combustible gas comes into contact with the catalytic surface, it is oxidized and the wiring resistance is changed by heat that is released. A bridge circuit is typically used to indicate the resistance change.

Infrared sensors or IR detectors work via a system of transmitters and receivers to detect combustible gases, specifically hydrocarbon vapors. Typically, the transmitters are light sources and receivers are light detectors. If a gas is present in the optical path, it will interfere with the power of the light transmission between the transmitter and receiver. The altered state of light determines if and what type of gas is present.

Common Gas Detector Applications

Although detectors are an essential application for home and commercial safety, they are also employed in numerous industrial industries. Gas detectors are used in welding shops to detect combustibles and toxics and in nuclear plants, to detect combustibles. They are also commonly used to detect hazardous vapors in wastewater treatment plants.

Gas detectors are very efficient in confined spaces where there is no continuous employee occupancy. Such spaces include tanks, pits, vessels and storage bins. Detectors may also be placed at a site to detect toxins prior to occupant entry.

Additional Gas Detector Information:

Although gas detectors are generally a reliable technology, with some models capable of lasting up to five years, their proper function is generally dependent on user maintenance, battery inspection and calibration. Calibration is a safety procedure executed to ensure that detectors are measuring the correct level of gas. In addition, the life-span of gas detectors also often depends on the amount of gas vapors to which they are exposed. Contaminated sensors may not register dangerous gas levels, which is why frequent calibration is essential.

How Radar Detector Work

Radar detectors are small devices that help identify the presence of radars, such as those used by police to locate cars driving over the speed-limit. Certain types of radar detectors also identify the presence of laser-speed guns, which may be useful for those looking to avoid speed traps that traditional radar detectors may miss. In order to understand how exactly a radar detector works, it’s helpful to understand the manner in which basic radars operate.

Radars are frequently used to identify distance and speed, such as how far away an object is or how fast it is moving. A radar device emits a radio wave, which moves at the speed of light, and bounces back to the radar device when it encounters an object in its path. Based on how long it takes for the radio wave to hit the designated object (for example, a tree at an undetermined distance) and how long it takes the wave to bounce back, the radar device can figure out the distance between the device and the tree.

When a radar is used to detect speed (for example, the rate at which a car is moving), the radio wave frequency of the returned signal is altered because the car is moving. If the car is moving toward the radar device, the return signal has a shorter distance to travel and the radio wave frequency increases. The radar device can then use the change in frequency to determine the speed at which the car is moving. In laser-speed guns, waves of light are used in place of radio waves.

A simple radar detector identifies radar devices based on the radio waves it emits. Essentially, radar detectors simply act as radio receivers, picking up specific frequencies used by radar devices, specifically radar guns used by police to identify and catch speeding cars. Because radar devices used by police cast a wide net of radio waves but only track one specific target, radar detectors in moving cars often pick up on radar radio waves before the car comes within close enough range of the police car to be tracked.

Other, more advanced radar detectors not only detect police radar, but can essentially throw off the reading a police radar receives. In these types of radar detectors, a radio transmitter emits a scrambled signal (called a jamming signal) which takes the original detected signal and adds additional radio signals. When the scrambled signal reaches the radar, the police have trouble getting an accurate speed reading. A similar system exists for laser-speed guns (called lidar) where in the laser detector emits a scramble beam of light. 

Of course, there are different kinds of radar that a radar detector must be sensitive to. An x-band radar has a low-frequency and a high out-put, making it relatively easy to detect from 2 to 4 miles away. However, devices other than police radars generate x-band signals, including garage door openers and microwave towers. K-band radar is most commonly used by police, and has a small wavelength. A k-band police radar can conduct an accurate reading from .5 to 2 miles away, making it difficult for radar detectors to pick up on the wavelength beforehand because of their small wavelength.,

Motion Light Sensors

As technology becomes more stylish and unobtrusive, with increasingly compact phones and computers offering an expanding number of features, other industries have followed suit. The desire to accomplish more with less has extended into security systems, where devices such as motion light sensors provide high levels of security while taking up little space and using less energy than older security systems. The technology itself, however, isn’t anything new—the detection of infrared energy, the primary mechanism in a light sensor, has been used in numerous other applications prior to its application in security devices and in-home lighting systems.

How Motion Light Sensors Work

The process by which a motion light sensor detects motion and triggers a response is contingent upon a passive infrared detector (PIR or PID). The word passive indicates that the sensor doesn’t emit infrared, rather receives infrared data—a PID picks up on the infrared energy (light) emitted by an object, such as a person. The difference in temperature, as detected by the PID, is the primary element in triggering a response.

A PID motion sensor is typically composed of a printed circuit board with a pyroelectric sensor chip, housed within a mounting structure, which is placed in a location where the sensor is completely unobstructed. The printed circuit board serves as the decoding device, and interprets the signals the pyroelectric chip receives. The chip responds to temperature, and when the amount of infrared surpasses a pre-set limit, the pyroelectric chip will release a signal, thus activating a light or an alarm.

In order for infrared light to reach the chip sensor, a small window is built into the mounted structure, directly exposing the sensor to the designated, monitored area. If a person enters the given area, the change in infrared as a result of their body temperature is detected by the sensor, through the small window. The window is transparent for infrared light, so it doesn’t block any signals, but it also helps protect the device form dust and bugs, both of which can trigger a false response.

In order to further avoid false responses, care must be taken in selecting an installation area. Avoiding contact with air vents, such as HVAC vents, can help prevent fluctuations in air temperature from activating the sensor.

Motion Light Sensor Applications

A motion sensor light triggers a response when motion is detected. They can be installed indoors, on walls, ceilings, and in doorways, or outside, on the exterior of buildings and homes. Some kinds of motion sensor lights, called occupancy sensors, operate by turning off lights in unoccupied rooms and spaces. When motion is detected, the sensor triggers the light; when motion stops being detected, the sensor shuts off the light. Occupancy sensors are one low-maintenance method for cutting down on electricity bill charges from lights left on when no one is home or in a room.

Occupancy sensors can be controlled and adjusted to meet the user’s needs. Typically, two forms of control are offered: sensitivity and time delay. A sensitivity setting enables the user to adjust the magnitude of motion that must occur to trigger the sensor. If properly set, a person walking in a room with a motion sensor should trigger the sensor, but a fly passing through shouldn’t result in turning on the lights. A time delay setting allows the user to determine how long the lights should remain on after the sensor is triggered, if no further motion is detected.

Motion light sensors can also be used in external applications, on the outside of homes and buildings, to sound an alarm or to turn on an outside light to announce a person’s presence.

Seosafety Digital Multimeter

A multimeter is an electronic calibration device thatcan measure multiple different units, such as voltage, current, and resistance. Multimeters are also known as multitesters, and the larger models, which are more sensitive and accurate, can sometimes be used to calibrate other items. Not only do multimeters range in types of measurement they can perform, they also range in size from hand-held devices to larger bench-top models—the smaller the device the less sensitive it is. Depending on the application at hand, one of two kinds of multimeters is appropriate: analog or digital.

Digital multimeters are more modern and more accurate than analog multimeters and carry several distinguishing characteristics. They display data, or output, as a digital numerical feed, which means they can be highly specific in their results and are easy to read. Of course, depending on the type and unit of measurement (voltage, current, or resistance) the manner in which a digital multimeter processes signals will be different. The correct function can be selected on a dial on the front of the multimeter. In hand-held systems, this is easily adjusted to select a particular type of measurement. Additionally, the dial enables the user to select the range of measurement by deciding upon the placement of the decimal point. In turn, this decision determines how precise the resulting reading will be. The reading’s precision is also known as resolution.

The range of measurement will vary according to different units of measurement—for example, the range for monitoring voltage is different than the range for monitoring current or resistance. Generally speaking, the lower the range, the more precise the reading. However, if the range is set too low and the voltage is actually higher, the range will need to be adjusted. To change the range, simply move the decimal point over or back a space. (A range set with the highest reading of 15V would become 150V.)

Of course, using a multimeter to test voltage is different than using a multimeter to test current. Each type of measurement involves a different process for gaining accurate results. When it comes to voltage, it’s important to determine whether the test is for AC or DC voltage: this will influence how you set the dial before beginning testing. If testing AC voltage, the dial should correspond with the “V_” setting. If testing for DC voltage, the dial should correspond with the “V” setting. Determine the appropriate range, setting the range slightly higher than the expected result to ensure the data doesn’t overload the multimeter. AC voltage testing often yields a fluctuating result, but the data will settle as the reading is taken. Be sure to consult a manual before connecting test leads to the circuit.

If you are using a multimeter to test current, it is helpful to apply a clamp meter or a clamp meter adapter. With a clamp meter, simply install the head of the meter around a conductor. Once the head is completely closed, take the measurement. With a current clamp adapter, the measurement will be converted into voltage, so set the function as if conducting an AC voltage test and set the range to millivolts. Then proceed to take the reading, applying the clamp in the same way as previously described.

When it comes to testing resistance, it’s important to make sure that the power is turned off in the object being tested, so as to avoid potential damage to the multimeter and inaccurate results. After setting the dial for resistance, connect the leads and conduct the reading.

Using a multimeter to test for continuity is a simple process. Set the dial to the appropriate continuity function and connect the lead. A beep will indicate solid continuity; no beep indicates no continuity.

Testing frequency is also straightforward, but requires that you have a set frequency with which to compare results. Set the dial to hertz (Hz) and then connect to the circuit. When the results are registered, compare them to the standard frequency for the given component.