Glass is a large part of every house: sliding glass doors, windows, lamps, dinnerware, coffee tables and more. It's beautiful and useful, but each pane can pose a risk. For National Safety Month, incorporate these glass safety tips to reduce glass-related accidents.
Waco, TX (PRWEB) June 12, 2012
Glass is useful and beautiful, but unfortunately, it can be a safety hazard. It’s a major building and decorating material in every house: sliding glass doors, windows, lamps, dinnerware, coffee tables and more. Each pane can pose a risk. Keep kids safe and prevent accidents with a few adjustments.
Sliding Glass Doors
Forgetful kids or visitors can easily mistake a closed door for an open one and run into the door, causing bruises, concussions, broken noses or serious cuts.
Glass panes older than 20 years, are most likely not made of safety glass. Tempered glass, a type of safety glass, offers greater strength than normal glass. But when it does break, it shatters into small cubes, reducing the likelihood of serious injury.
Window and Door Locks
Locks for all kinds of windows and doors (including sliding glass doors) can be purchased at a local hardware store. The locks prevent kids from opening the doors and windows, thereby preventing falls and other dangerous situations. Window stops, which are screwed into the window frame and block the window from sliding open too much, are another option. Keep in mind, window screens do not prevent falls, so locks or stops are needed to ensure fall prevention.
Furniture
Glass tabletops or other pieces of furniture with glass should be made of tempered or laminated glass. These forms of safety glass don’t shatter into tiny shards like normal glass. Laminated glass is a layer of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) between two sheets of glass. When laminated glass breaks, the glass stays adhered to the PVB and does not shatter. For custom-cut safety glass, contact your local Glass Doctor®.
Some accidents are unavoidable. The key is to react quickly and clean it up immediately. Make sure kids and pets steer clear, if possible. Immediately after feet and paws are safe, sweep and vacuum the area. Be sure to put the glass in a separate bag or container and place it in an outside receptacle.
Broken glass is only part of the equation if a child is involved. Children can become emotional if they witness a glass breakage, especially if they’re to blame. Stay calm and use it as a lesson on the dangers of glass.
Teach your kids this easy acronym to remember what to do when there’s broken glass:
G: Get a parent.
L: Let the parent pick up the glass.
A: Avoid the area of broken glass.
S: Stay clear of the area until it is cleaned up.
S: Safe habits will keep you safe.
Before glass does break, make sure you have a first aid kit with antibiotic ointment, bandages and gauzes to treat minor injuries.
Copyright:
http://www.virtual-strategy.com/2012/06/12/don%E2%80%99t-break-glass-glass-safety-tips-glass-doctorr
