Month: November 2017

Comptroller purchase bulletproof safety vests

The municipal comptroller Esteban reported that he formally initiated an audit of the procurement procedure for bulletproof safety vest with Forties, which was approved by the Procurement Committee for this year.

 

However, he ruled out that the oversight body will initiate an investigation into other procurement procedures that the same Committee has approved for the security area, and where there would be suspicion of purchases directed to certain suppliers, as last week the receiver Carlos Medina denounced.

 

In an interview with the media, Esteban said that the audit of the purchase procedure of the bulletproof vests with reflective tape is a subject that was already programmed within the audit program carried out by the Comptroller’s Office, as well as the review that was made of the same procedure in 2016.

 

Even, he said, the results of the latter are already in their final stage, so they will soon be announced. He added that so far the Procurement Committee has not requested that it initiate a review of the bullet-proof vest purchase procedure or of any other acquisition related to security.

 

“It is not necessary for the secretary to make the information available to us, we will request at the time the information that is necessary to make the review that we are planning and that we will start today,” said the Comptroller regarding the statements made Last Friday, the Municipal Public Security Secretary, Luis Enrique, about presenting to the inspection body all the information regarding the procedure to purchase bulletproof vests with reflective strips, to rule out any irregularity.

Reminder of the importance of the safety lifejacket

Since the beginning of the year, on the Atlantic coast, the sea has taken away many lives of seamen, professionals or boaters, who have fallen into the water without a lifejacket. Without a safety vest, the chances of survival are very low, even if help arrives quickly in the area.

 

While the summer season will begin and be accompanied by a sharp increase in the practice of water recreation, the Atlantic Maritime Prefecture reminds the importance of wearing the lifejacket or a PFD (integrated buoyant suit).

 

The vest saves life.

In 2016 and 2017, no person who fell into the sea and wearing a lifejacket lost his life.

 

Reminder of safety instructions:

– To prevent accidents:

Check his equipment and safety equipment.

Check the weather, the tidal coefficients and the strength of the currents.

Do not overestimate your abilities.

 

– To be an actor of his rescue:

be able to alert the rescue: VHF (VHF 16) or telephone (196: direct number to the CROSS), have informed his relatives of the expected time of return, do not leave alone and have a team member to give the alert.

 

Be able to wait for rescue: wear a lifejacket or PFD.

To be seen: to wear brightly colored reflective clothes and equipped with signaling equipment for the night (flash lamp …).

 

 

 

Safety equipment for cyclists to ride safely

From November 6 to 9, there will be a national awareness campaign for cyclists “Cyclists, shine! About the theme of lighting – It’s about convincing aficionados of the 2 wheels to equip themselves properly at night to ride safely.

 

Without a lighting device, the cyclist substantially increases the risk of being the victim of an accident. The recall is far from futile because many cyclists neglect their lighting or think they are well equipped when it is not. At night, “you have to see and be seen”.

 

From Monday 6th to Thursday 9th November, Amiens, in partnership with the Prefecture of the Somme, the Municipal Police of Amiens, the prevention service of Amiens Metropolis and the agency launch the operation “Cyclists shine”: Tips on best practices, attitudes, and safety equipment suitable for cycling at night will be on the program of the event.

 

Stands will be set up in the city for the occasion, with an information point on the mandatory equipment of the cyclist, a repair workshop, the distribution of free vouchers for a technical control at the agency, visibility kits (reflective vest, reflex reflectors, fluorescent armbands, lamp set, etc.).

 

Light cycling: “cyclists, you must shine”

As 60-year-old Sylvain, a member of Better Cycling (MDB), several practitioners of the Little Queen went on a nocturnal walk to raise awareness of the need for light.

 

“Nobody rides on the bike if he does not have a high visibility vest and reflex reflectors on the wheels,” warns Nicole, 61. Associations Les Urbanites, Better to ride a bicycle (MDB), organized this Tuesday a “light walk” in the streets. The appointment was given to the metro Agnates. “The goal is to educate bike enthusiasts to be visible at night. Friend’s cyclists, you must shine, “says Sylvain, member of MDB, equipped with a thin light garland.

 

And in this matter, Nicole, over-equipped from head to toe, is an expert. Flashing red lights around his neck, at the front and back of the bike, fluorescent vest and bracelets, white helmet with brightly drawn stars … “At least,; the cars see me and I feel safe, she says, with a singing accent. To ride a bike, you have to be careful! ”

 

Precautions that Mohammed, 70, takes “for a long time”. “I have my little dynamo, my rear light, and my vest: everything is fine! He says with a big smile. His neighbor Noelle, 68, came to accompany her for the occasion; she is a novice in the field. “I never ride at night, it’s too dangerous! Even equipped with a safety vest, motorists do not see us, “she says. Without any equipment, Noelle will not escape the general distribution of lights and reflex reflectors by the MDB association before departure.

A new step towards the safety of field workers

Priority for many construction companies, safety found itself at the heart of collaboration between Air Liquid, Bourges Construction, CEA and Suez. Grouped together in a collaborative innovation laboratory, the aptly named “Ideas Laboratory”, they have developed a range of connected equipment. The goal: to adapt to the new uses of the operators, while guaranteeing their work safety in the best conditions.

 

While it is certain that craft companies are still lagging far behind in deploying the Single Document, employee safety remains a priority for all. The Institute for Research and Innovation on Occupational Health and Safety had also published at the beginning of the year an awareness guide for the attention of small and medium-sized businesses in the construction industry.

 

Going even further, four partners unveiled April 28 the result of two years of work. In fact, at Ideas Laboratory, the Air Liquid gas specialist Bourges Construction, CEA (a technology researcher) and Suez, an expert in resource development, have developed a set of connected safety equipment intended for operators in the field.

It is thanks to collaborative work and the pooling of knowledge that the various partners have been able to develop new connected sleeves. In addition, these devices are attached to the forearm and interact directly with their wearers.

 

The terminal allows “to guide, inform and accompany employees in real time on the ground,” as indicated by the four partners. Stakeholders “thus benefit from an innovative device to communicate, collaborate and optimize their efficiency, while keeping their hands free, whatever the weather conditions”.

 

The group also specifies that the sleeves connected have already been tested and that the employees of the various partners should gradually be equipped. At the same time, Air Liquid, Bourges Construction, CEA and Suez are also thinking about the design of other tools such as “a reflective vest equipped with sensors for analyzing the air”, “glasses with an integrated camera”, or still “safety shoes for relocation”.

 

 

Warm and safe with Trevor’s safety jacket

For navigation within 2 miles of a shelter, a life jacket of 50 nektons is sufficient for regulation. Trevor launches, for this purpose, the Izeber50 flotation jacket, which offers both thermal insulation and buoyancy equivalent to a vest of 50 Newton (Certified according to ISO 12402-05). It does not replace a lifejacket for upper navigation categories (coastal, mid-shore and offshore). The floatation jacket reduces the risk of drowning, but does not guarantee rescue, as the user must swim and keep his head out of the water, on his own. It can be used during water activities, by people who can swim and in sheltered waters or in calm seas, with help nearby. The Izeber50 jacket is ideal for jet-skiing, canoeing, paddle boarding, windsurfing or light sailing, less than 2 miles from a shelter.

 

The buoyancy of the safety vest is achieved through closed-cell polyethylene slides containing air and micro beads. This flexible and lightweight component guarantees comfort and freedom of movement during maneuvers. Reversible, the neon orange side with integrated reflection strips on the shoulders makes it easy to see. Trevor’s Izeber50 jacket protects against wind and cold while remaining free of movement, without feeling like a buoyancy aid. On the other hand, it is water repellent and allows the fabric to stay light, breathable and warm. On both sides, two zip pockets are useful when the vest is used as a jacket, on the color side. To prevent the jacket from rising when you’re in the water, a subcutaneous strap goes between the legs to hook on each side of the vest, in a loop.

 

Although the Trevor Izeber50 safety jacket is still a bit imposing, it can be used both on land and at sea. Wearing it on the color side, it can be used as a sleeveless jacket to keep you warm while being stylish.

 

 

 

 

 

Too many cyclists circumnavigate their safety

In winter, it is not only cold, but dark. At the time of going to work or college, the sun is not always up and at night, at the time of debauchery, it is sometimes already lying down. This early December was therefore the ideal time to carry out the operations that took place Thursday and yesterday before the colleges.

 

The police station had put the package by hiring a dozen officials under the command of Major Luray, head of the public order and road safety unit, as well as officials of the municipal police of these three communes.

 

And the result is edifying: on the two days of this operation of road safety very targeted, since concentrated on bicycles, 60% of the 62 cycles controlled, were not in conformity. The drivers of these two-wheelers have all received convocation for a subsequent presentation of their bikes after compliance. All except one, who won the pompom, since it was verbalized for crossing red lights in the red phase, on a non-compliant cycle, with a phone held in hand. “The total …” sighs Major Luray frowning.

 

“I am surprised by the lack of information from these two-wheelers. So we gave them an explanatory leaflet to drive safely, but also yellow vests for the purpose of being seen by other road users. These control operations will be renewed periodically “, warns the police still reassured by the” very good reception reserved for the agents by the schoolboys who understood that our operation was made for their security “. As for the heads of institutions, they applauded with both hands this intervention beneficial for all and could see that in the corridors, the students spoke only about that…

 

Mandatory equipment

Reflectors (retro reflective devices): red in the back, white in the front, orange on the sides and on the pedals. Wearing a certified retro-reflective vest is mandatory for all cyclists (and passengers) traveling outside the city, at night, or when visibility is insufficient, especially in the event of fog like the one that envelops Agent in recent days. The Code la route applies to cyclists and other users. Each offense is punishable by a fine.

 

 

 

Well-equipped vehicle and safety vest protected employees

Among the equipment required by the Act is the fluorescent safety vest that can be seen by other motorists, day or night, in case of emergency stop on the roadway or its surroundings. This vest must be CE approved and placed in a location easily accessible by the driver in the vehicle.

 

Another obligation: to have a warning triangle. As a reminder, it must be placed at least 30 meters from the vehicle or obstacle to report. In case of absence of the vest or the triangle, the employee of the company is liable to a fine of up to 750 €.

The case of the ethyl test is slightly different: chemical or electronic and imperatively standard NF *, it is also mandatory…. Except that the non-respect of this obligation is not sanctioned. After a period of shortage in the promulgation of the law, it is now possible to find pharmacy, tobacco shop, Total service stations including and insurance companies.

 

Anything that can contribute to employee safety is paramount. That is why it is strongly recommended to equip each company vehicle with a spare wheel and the reflective equipment to install it. In case of absence of spare wheel, the puncture-resistant bomb can be very useful. Beyond a precautionary principle, note that in case of control, the bad condition of the tires can be sanctioned by a fine of 750 € maximum doubled of immobilization of the vehicle.

 

The same sanction is applied, with a fine of “only” 450 €, in case of deficient or out of order fires. In the register of this small equipment that can render great service figure the lamp, preferably dynamo to prevent battery failure. To find your keys fallen on the ground at night or to guide you in the dark, it is always advisable.

 

Also include small wipes to wipe your windshield from the inside if your vision is disrupted, or special “plastic wipes” to maintain dashboards and door interiors. If employees have to transport customers, as much as having a clean vehicle … and then you always feel better in a well-maintained car.

 

More rarely mentioned but so important in case of a serious accident to carry first aid: the pharmacy kit, the survival blanket, the hammer glass breaker, the belt cutter and the fire extinguisher. For victim drivers and their passengers, or to help another vehicle, this safety equipment can be simply vital. Note that this equipment is on sale in the shops of the vast network of Total gas stations in France and abroad.

Work takes precedence over child safety

Twenty parents of students donned their yellow waistcoat in the cool early morning Wednesday, December 14. They were in front of the entrance of the nursery and elementary schools of the Sources to protest the glaring insecurity around the settlements. A few meters from them, the works, which will give a new face to downtown, began a few days ago.

 

No lights and lack of protection

To join their class, children must take a small path and reflective tape along the site. “They are not safe, despairs Sandy Tense, mother of three children in school and member of the association of parents of students. The diggers run right next to the playground. Mud and pebbles managed to get in! In addition, the public lighting was removed to allow the launch of the work. “In the evening, it is dark early, and we have to walk on this path where the holes are numerous,” says another mother. The mistresses must distinguish us from afar, in the dark, so that our children can go out. The single exit is also a concern in the event of an incident in the school, or as part of the plan.

 

A door that does not close and the children are outside

The big problem is precisely in terms of security. At first, the pupils had to return to the schools, the time of the works, by an adjacent gate… which did not lock. “Children have been found outside of school,” continues Sandy Tense. At this age, they are not aware of the danger, so do not wait for an accident to happen, the reflective vest is necessary. The problem was finally solved this Thursday, December 15…

 

The academic inspector came to the institutions to try to understand the situation. And his recommendations are simple: obligation for the site manager to close the approaches to schools by the beginning of the school year in January, otherwise the work will be halted. Open to discussion, the site manager will also try to stop the machines during the hours of entry and exit in the establishment, and to shift the activity on the site during nap time of children.

 

 

Should Safety jacket be made obligatory?

It’s a vital choice! The survival time at sea can be multiplied by ten thanks to the safety vest. Should we then make it mandatory in the manner of the car seat belt and the two-wheeled helmet?

 

Nearly 100% of the people killed by a lifejacket this summer along the French coastline have been saved. If the topic is regularly discussed within ministries, the project to make the wearing of this safety equipment mandatory is postponed from year to year. In 20 years, wearing lifejackets for boaters or professional buoyancy clothing has more than doubled. Awareness campaigns, sensitized generation, improved ergonomics, equipment prices down. The number of equipped users has steadily increased. While mentalities have largely evolved on the subject, there still remain brakes and recalcitrant. Especially on sunny days or festive outings, where group dynamics tend to dissolve good habits. Overall, the maritime authorities observe during their regular checks at sea more than half of boaters equipped and relatively little total absence of safety elements on board. But the right vest is the one you wear on your back, not the one who sleeps in the inaccessible trunk!

 

Is it necessary to make its use obligatory? Some boaters who took the fold do not see any problem. “The seatbelt has been successful in bringing down the number of people killed on the roads. Why would not it work at sea? The gendarmes are not behind any motorists either… “Another story from Admiral Frederic Maurice, delegate departmental SNSM in Finisher.” The wearing of the reflective vest is obviously a good thing (especially during trips in the appendix) but we must trust the marine sense of users,” tempers him. “The sea remains and must remain one of the last spaces of freedom on earth. Should we try to over-regulate it? France does not have the means to enforce this obligation at sea. So let users enjoy the sea as they see fit! “.

 

On the other hand, no ambiguity for the volunteers of the SNSM perfectly equipped with each of their interventions. It is still among practitioners sailing that the vest is sometimes desired. But for fishing, no visible evolution, always as many pro fishermen with nothing on their backs, out of habit, feeling safe not too far from the coast. However, the regulation is without appeal concerning the fishermen-sailors, since a decree of 2007. “The wearing of the integrated buoyant garment (adapted to each type of fishing) is obligatory during the fishing operations, for the work on the bridge of at night, in reduced visibility and bad weather, by way of an annex and if the commander so requires according to the circumstances “, remembers the regional fisheries committee.

 

On the side of state action at sea, the subject is in the hands of the mission of boating and water recreation. The three maritime prefectures of the French seaboard have already expressed their wish to make the wearing of lifejackets or buoyancy safety clothing compulsory. But the measure is hard to impose, even if the rescue operations remain free and the search time at sea of a yachtsman not equipped is incommensurable.