ISSN 2225-9562

Newsletter, January Issue 2016

The health and total wellness strategy WUC values a healthy workforce for productivity • Yearly medical screening compulsory for all employees

Meet Mr Dithemo Jonas ‘In the face of WUC’ “We are what we repeatedly do, excellence then is not an act, but a habit.” SEDIBENG NEWSLETTER | January Issue | 2016

Water is a basic commodity of life, something that we become lifeless without. contents Those that are mandated with its provision can Water is life. Share every drop and save the future. be viewed as having the If we all play our part as individuals, our efforts can go a long way and lighten the burden associated with water shortages. Play your part consistently and make water conservation a way of life. 4 The Health and Total Wellness Strategy lives of people in their WUC values a healthy workforce for productive Editorial hands. 6 Sedibeng Wishes You a Prosperous Year Mmoloki Ntjidzi Ntesang Happy 2016

8 Amphibious Technology Pivotal It is my hope that you This is as a result of in Maun Water Supply. 8 all had a wonderful reduction in demand Vision 9 Taking You Through the Basics: Festive Season to bid as schools and other Communicating through Exhibitions and Trade Fairs farewell to the year institutions, factories, Amphibious Technology pivotal “To be a world-class 2015 and at the same businesses were closed 10 The Power of the Intranet in Maun water supply. The Amphibious Technology has time ushering the year for the holidays. Celebrating Talent 12 passed the ultimate test as a 2016. As is always water utility” the case, water had to The drop in the city’s mode of transport. Mission 13 Wedding Bells keep flowing to homes population because Mr and Mrs Semahedi. during that time, so residents went away on “To provide sustainable quality water and

14 In The Face of WUC many thanks to those vacation also contributed wastewater management services in a cost who remained on duty to stability in water 15 Engineering Corner: to keep it flowing. supply. We expect the effective and environmentally friendly manner Projects Brief rise in water demand to the economy” 16 Waste Management 2016 is another year as the industries and where the Corporation schools reopen. Values 18 Occupational Hygiene pledges to utilize the Respiratory Protection 366 days in fulfilling We, however, expect the Botho Batho Pele/ Therisanyo/ Botswerere/ Kgetsi ya Tsie/ We display a People First Consutlation Quality Teamwork 9 the mandate of water water supply situation to 19 Health and Total Wellness strong work We understand We value We provide We believe provision nationwide. remain stable since the ethic and and exceed open and free high quality in working Guided by our Core treatment of the Bokaa respect for expectaitions exchange of products and together to Taking you through the basics: people. by putting the views and service accomplish Communicating through Values of, Botho; Batho Dam water has resumed. cusotmer first. ideas. delivery to our more. Exhibitions and Trade Fairs. customers. The health and total wellness strategy Pele, Consultation, WUC will continue to Even in this modern age of Quality and Team Work, monitor the situation WUC values a healthy workforce for productivity technology, the value of Mmoloki Ntjidzi Ntesang - Chief Editor (Senior Communications we will strive to give and advise the public EDITORIAL and Public Relations Officer) | Khumo Mugibelo - face-to-face communication 4 • Routine annual medical extermination our customers the best accordingly. (Senior Communications and Public Relations Officer) cannot be underestimated. TEAM service. Lorato Phuthe (Corporate Communications and Public Relations) compulsory for all employees Having said that, water Mareledi Selabe (Corporate Communications and Public Relations Concerning the water conservation remain key Officer) Tshegofatso Bakgaleng (Senior Environmental Officer) • Compulsory medical screening ascertains supply situation in hence all water users are the health status of employees Gaborone and the Greater urged to conserve water SEDIBENG IS A MONTHLY NEWSLETTER PUBLISHED BY at the time of entry into the organization, Gaborone areas, water at all times. CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS SECTION WATER UTILITIES CORPORATION during their employment and at the supply has improved P/BAG 00267 GABORONE time of exit. significantly since the TEL: +267 3604400/4500/4484 FAX: +267 3973852 beginning of the Festive This enables management to make Season. EMAIL: [email protected] informed decisions about medical Facebook.com/waterutilities assistance. 18 DESIGN, LAYOUT AND PRODUCTION BY THE DIALOGUE GROUP

Occupational Hygiene Respiratory Protection 2 What is a respirator? 3 A respirator is a protective device that covers the nose... SEDIBENG NEWSLETTER | January Issue | 2016

Recently WUC took a stance healthy organization. that the medical examination The medical results have shown should be compulsory, what a high prevalence of high blood prompted that? pressure, overweight and obesity at 34%, 33% and 21% The Corporation decided to make respectively. annual medical examinations compulsory for the following What are the key health reasons: conditions that the health examination look at? • To ascertain the health status of employees at the time The medical tests that are of entry into the organization, conducted are for blood pressure, during the employment body mass index, vision, period and at the time of exit. cardiovascular, hearing, urine, This enables management to lung function, liver function, make informed decisions stool microscopy culture and about medical assistance. sensitivity and full blood count. A total of 10 medical tests • To avoid a situation whereby are performed basing on the employees who fall sick occupational profile of each after exiting the Corporation employee. come back and claim that their ill-health is work related and In the event of occupational demand compensation. health disease what is the Corporation stance? Were there some compulsory medical exams for some In the event an employee employees even before it contracts occupational health became compulsory to all and disease, all the costs of medical why? services are borne by the Corporation, thus a 100% cover. Yes, some employees in the core It has been 10 years since the Water Utilities Corporation’s Health in this case we refer to the Occupational functions, thus, Distribution and What are the key initiatives in The health and total (WUC) Health and Total Wellness Strategy (HTWS) was Health and the Primary Health. Occupational Supply who handle water were place to educate staff about formulated. The strategy advocates for good employee Health looks at health hazards arising from the compelled to do the medical the importance of medical health where the physical, mental and emotional being employee’s occupation and or workplace, while the examinations. The reason being exams? wellness strategy of employees are key. A number of programs have been Primary Health looks at all other health issues not that as they get into contact developed under the strategy to ensure the achievement arising from the employee’s occupation such as with water, they are likely to Staff briefings are held prior of set objectives. lifestyle diseases (high blood pressure, diabetes and contract waterborne diseases to commencement of annual WUC values a healthy workforce for cholesterol). or pass on the waterborne virus medical examinations to inform The strategy advocates for good employee health where into the water in the event they staff about the importance of productivity the physical, mental and emotional being of employees are The objective of the Health and Total Wellness have them. the exercise. The message is key. A number of programs have been developed under the Strategy is to have a healthy and productive also communicated through Article by Mmoloki Ntesang strategy to ensure the achievement of set objectives. workforce and an accident free working environment. From the just ended medical staff notices and at the Monday screening what medical prayer sessions. • Routine annual medical extermination To understand the HTWS the Employee Relations Manager To achieve this there are a number of programs professionals and or body did (Health and Total Wellness) Ms Kate Motlatlawe takes us under the HTWS that address general health and compulsory to all employees you engage? In conclusion, what is your through the strategy: wellness such as occupational health and safety, word of advice? • Compulsory medical screening ascertains the compensation claims, medical aid, pension disability Lenmed Health Bokamoso health status of employees at the time Briefly define the WUC Health and Total Wellness and life insurance, HIV/AIDS and the financial risks Private Hospital. The hospital Employees are encouraged not Strategy and its key objectives. posed by health and wellness issues. was awarded a 3 year contract to wait for the annual medical of entry into the organization, during their to provide annual medical examinations but to visit their employment and at the time of exit.. The Water Utilities Corporation’s Health and Total It has been 10 years since the Strategy was in examinations from 2013 medical doctors as and when This enables management to make informed Wellness Strategy is an initiative that was put in place place, are there any recent reviews? to 2015. The project team necessary. This will assist in in 2006 with the main objective of improving the health comprised 1 doctor, 2 nurses and identifying and treating ill-health decisions about medical assistance. and performance of the Corporation’s employees. Total All Health and Wellness policies have been reviewed 1 physiotherapist. problems at an early stage. Wellness is an intrinsic component of the Health Strategy and we are now in the process of reviewing the programs and the strategy to include current health With reference from the related issues that were otherwise not there 10 previous examinations report, years ago. The project will be completed by end of are we a healthy corporation? the current financial year, 2015/16. The past medical examinations have revealed that we are not a 4 5 SEDIBENG NEWSLETTER | January Issue | 2016

INTRODUCTION OF WASTEWATER TARIFF

The Water Utilities Corporation will introduce a wastewater charge for charge in December 2015. The programme will be gradually rolled out to all customers connected to the central wastewater system with effect other areas in the country. The charge is stepped and calculated based on from the 1st of December 2015. Customer bills in Gaborone, Francistown, the amount of potable water used per month as follows: Letlhakane, Selibe Phikwe, Palapye and Serowe will carry the wastewater

WASTEWATER TARIFF EFFECTIVE DECEMBER 2015 Minimum Charge 0-5,000 L 5 -15,000 L 15 -25,000 L 25 – 40,000 L 40,000 L None P0.50 P2.00 P3.00 P4.00 P5.00

Sample of Water Bill

Committed to:PROVIDING A QUALITY WATER SERVICE

WATER UTILITIES CORPORATION TAX INVOICE VAT REGISTRATION NO: C03895701113 SEDIBENG HOUSE PRIVATE BAG 00276 GABORONEI nvoice Date: 30.11.2015

Date Printed: 25.11.2015 CUSTOMER DETAILS A. N. NAME Customer No: 123456 Invoice No: 002020716035 Sedibeng Plot No: 1234 Customer VAT REG. No: TRANSACTION DESCRIPTION AMOUNT ( Pula)

Consumption charges for the period: 03.11.2015 - 02.12.2015

Utility Contract 0000511132: Plot: 1234 Security deposit: 250,00 Wishes you a prosperous From To Meter No. Prev. MR New MR Cons(K1) 03.10.2015 02.11.2015 C-TAB6858 584 589 5.0000

Water Charge For Consumption Period:03.10.201502.11.2015 - 70.70 Late Payment Charge: 0.00 Sub-tot: 70.70 VAT @ 12%: 8,48 FromContract: 012345 Plot:To 1234 SecurityMeter Deposit no. Prev. MR New MR Cons (Kl) 03.11.2015From To 02.12.2015Meter no. Prev.123456789 MR New MR Cons7,483 (Kl) 7,483 New Wastewater 03.11.2015 02.12.2015 123456789 7,483 7,483 WastewaterWastewater Charge Chargefor Consumption for Period:03.11.2015Consumption - 02.12.2015Period:03.11.201512.99 - 02.12.2015 Charges Late Payment Charge: 0.00 Late Payment Charge: VAT @ 12%: 1.56 VAT @ 12%: TOTAL AMOUNT DUE INCLUDING VAT 93.73 Balance B/F Payments Current Charge Total Due 87.18 100,00 93.73 80.91

IMPORTANT INFORMATION NOTE: All outstanding balances on your bill must be settled within 30 days of the invoice date. If not paid, your water service may be disconnected without further notice and a late payment charge of P88.00 will be charged to your account. Please be informed that we subscribe to the Credit Bureau and we reserve the right to list any payment defaulters and 'refer to drawer' cheques with the Credit Bureau. Payments may be made in cash, by cheque or EFT/POS at any Water Utilities Revenue Office.

6 SEDIBENG NEWSLETTER | January Issue | 2016

Amphibious Technology Pivotal Taking You Through in Maun Water Supply the Basics: Article by Mmoloki Ntesang Communicating through Exhibitions and Trade Fairs

Even in this modern age of The Water Utilities Corporation like It is also an opportune moment for technology, the value of face- other organisations and companies gets public education on internal processes This is a technology where high performance boats various invitations to participate in such and procedures of an organization to its Amphibious Technology has are equipped with tracks, giving them the ability to to-face communication cannot medium of communication in the form of valued customers. emerge from the water onto dry land and vice-versa. be underestimated. exhibitions and trade fairs. passed the ultimate test as To enhance understanding on process To reach water sources deep in the lagoon island It has since become increasingly For many years, the Corporation has and procedures, the Water Utilities within the Western part of the Okavango Delta, the important for organisations to take part been participating in selected trade fairs Corporation usually demonstrates a mode of transport and still Water Utilities Corporation resorted to using the in Exhibitions and Trade Fairs as it is like the annual Gantsi District Show, the the use of models which explains the amphibian boats because they are able to move in one of the most growing and important Gaborone International Consumer Fair, process of water distribution from source remains key in the provision water, muddy clay and on dry land. mediums of communication used by and Business Botswana Northern Trade until the water reaches the customer organisations to present their products Fair in Francistown as well as the district premises. and services to both internal and shows throughout the country. of water supply in Maun and Sexaxa and Kunyere well-fields are some of the external stakeholders. Leaflets, magazines, brochures and other areas where one has to cross rivers and drive Communication through exhibitions published literature are also teaching surrounding villages. through lagoon islands to refuel, repair or such other Exhibitions provide a platform to and trade fairs creates room for direct aids distributed to customers and work. promote the organisation’s products interaction with different customers and stakeholders during the exhibitions and and services to a broader group that stakeholders where they raise questions trade fairs. The amphibian has done a lot to ensure an may have little or no knowledge about and queries. uninterrupted water service in the area which would it. It is therefore important to sieze Compiled by Lorato Phuthe otherwise not have been possible without it. the opportunity to participate in such Source: Handbook of Public Relations methods of communication. Sixth Edition by Skinner Von Essen 8 Mersham 9 SEDIBENG NEWSLETTER | January Issue | 2016

The Power of Intranet

It is still quite a challenge No more short beaks to converge in one They have to constantly do the selection place for information dissemination. ‘The and filtering of information that goes on in some organizations click of a button’ through the intranet in the intranet. when communication has sends messages to employees even during a busy day. However, the intranet does not have to take place throughout to carry only job-related information it Nowadays, employees want quick and can also include public issues like health the day’s work because easy access to information. Intranet is and financial information which affects employees are to be therefore considered one of the most employees in general. powerful internal communication tools in assembled in one place the workplace. The availability of intranet in the for the message. It is time workplace have also proved to build It effectively allows both top-down and confidence and trust between the consuming and hampers down-top strategic flow of information employer and employees because of efficiency. hence gives employees access to just- timely flow of information about the in-time communication. Indeed the organization. In this era, communication digital world of intranet has changed through the power of and enhanced communication within the Intranet has now become akin to workplace. electronic bulletin boards, as a large intranet is done in a number of employees work at computer This has helped to increase efficiency terminals and often begin their way that enhances the and speed, as well as to reduce the cost workdays by checking it for any news or company or organisations’ of communicating significantly. It is activities that have taken place. therefore the responsibility of corporate success. communications practitioners to Compiled by Lorato Phuthe manage and optimally use such internal communication tools such as the intranet Source: www.webopedia.com/TERM/I/ at the same time monitoring it to guard Intranet.html against misuse.

10 SEDIBENG NEWSLETTER | January Issue | 2016

CELEBRATING TALENT The Wedding Bells Fa o seyo botshelo Metsi Metsi Metsi

ga bo yo Modimo wa mawatle, matamo, An intrinsic… a God given… and or O montsha letsapa le lenyora Ngaka kgolo ya didiba le dinoka born with talent. O motimola menko ya lefatshe Wena o ratwang go tswa batho, ditlhare Bonno ja KOLOTI, tlhapi, Latameto Let us celebrate Kelebetseng botlhaba, botsheka,bokoni le le Leruarua Ralepape’s poetic talent as she bophirima le diphologolo recite poem entitle Metsi/Water makgabisa naga O wa godimo ole pula o felela ole LEBOKO LA METSI Metsi Metsi Metsi THOTHI O a galalela, Metsi Metsi Metsi Tiro tsa gago di tlala ka diatla oa phatsima, o O retwa jang go sena yo o Oa nowa, oa nosa, oa nosetsa, gobinang Ka itaya mpipimpi a tlhoka lebadi O tsamaisa le jone loko ja setho kgatlhisa leitlho Kare ka setamparela sa ntswa ka O fodisa ditlhogo di opa. O tima phatlha tsa menwana melelo Metsi, Metsi mminwa ke molelo Polokakgolo ya lefatshe monowa Sa wela fatshe sa tlogela ke botlhe le bone banwi ba motlhala Oa tlhatswa,o thapisa banna le KGAOLA KGODUMO YA basadi ba sale bare SWEU!!! digalagala ba diboka bare metsi!! METSI! Seeledi segolo sa lefatshe Kgaola motho yo montle Naga ke kgabile ke talafetse fa go gatang wena [… The Poem to be continued in the next Sedibeng Newsletter Metsi Metsi Metsi publication] O sekgantshwaneWedding sa lefatshe. Bells Word from the word TheThe spiritual nourishment Spiritual nourishment by Mmoloki Ntesang

Happy New Year and many more blessings in the 366 days of 2016... what a gift from God Jehova. As the year begins many people have set plans and goals Newly wedded: towards realizing their vision….and that is indeed a Join Sedibeng in congratulating noble idea. WordWord Mr Basimane Semahedi, Pipefitter at To your plans, set goals and have vision this is what Gumare who recently tied a knot in the Word has to say from Habakkuk 2 verse 2, holy matrimony to Then the Lord answered me and said: Ms Tapisego Saretiyo. Many more blessings, happy New Year to you Mr ofof “Write the vision and Mrs Semahedi. And make it plain on tablets, That he may run who reads it.” GodGod Amen and once again complements of the year 2016.

12 13 SEDIBENG NEWSLETTER | January Issue | 2016

Mr Dithemo Jonas ENGINEERING CORNER: In the face of WUC Projects Brief “We are what we repeatedly do, Seronga/ Gudigwa Rural Village Water excellence then is not an act, but Supply Project a habit”- Aristotle. ‘In the face of

Water Utilities Corporation’ Sedibeng Name: Dithemo Jonas briefly features Mr Jonas, a man Position: Water Works Superintendent - Francistown Briefly Introduce yourself PROJECT DETAILS AND PROGRESS whose habit for the love of work and I joined Water Utilities Corporation in 2003 as a excellence speaks a lot about him. Water Works Foreman in Mahalapye, the position 1. Parties to the Contract I held for seven (7) years. I was later promoted to Employer: Water Utilities Corporation the position of Water Works Superintendent and Contractor: Unique Construction and Bango Trading JV subsequently transferred to Francistown where I am currently based. 2. Project Objective To provide adequate potable water to Seronga/ Gudigwa Give us an overview of your job profile community As a Water Works Superintendent my key responsibilities are, but not limited to the following: • Operation and maintenance of the water Item No Event Date / Deadline distribution network for the Francistown Management Centre. Ensuring minimal water 1 Commencement Date 27 April 2015 supply interruptions by employing preventative maintenance tasks such as replacement of worn- 2 out valves and pipes • Connection of new customers 3 Project Completion Date : Section 1 27 may 2017 Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years, 6 Accepted Contract Amount (Pula) 137,854,271.50 professionally and personally? Running a successful engineering related business just watch the space.

What are the three things you cannot live 4. Work Sections 5. Major Works 6. Progress without? The project locations will cover the • 80kilometers Transmission line The physical progress is at 14.7% My family; freedom;, meat…not that I am food areas of: of 375mm diameter class 16 against planned 14.6%. monger! • Seronga, UPVC pipe and reduced to 6.7km of pipeline have been laid • Teekae 260mm diameter class 16 UPVC and excavation at the treatment Now to more relaxed, and personal question, • Gunitsoga • Water treatment plant, plant have been completed tell us one place you would like to visit in the • Ndorotsha, • Booster station at Gudigwa and presently laying reinforcement. world and why? • Eretsha • 7 storage tanks I have been to Sweden before, and would like • Beetsha • Distribution network to go there again. I was mostly fascinated • Gudigwa by the fauna and flora there! Their environment is not polluted and their natural heritage is still intact.

What really makes you happy? When duty Calls- Mr Jonas (second from right) The natural habitat, I relax in natural and the team after the successful fixing environments for example at Game Parks of a major pipe burst. and where there are rivers and animals around.

Your favorite quote? There is no easy walk to freedom 14 15 (Nelson Mandela), mohuhutso wa phatla. SEDIBENG NEWSLETTER | January Issue | 2016

WASTE ORIGIN RESPONSIBILITY LEGAL ACTS STORAGE AREA CLASSIFICATION WASTE DISPOSAL / METHOD OF METHOD DISPOSAL

Grease, oil and Workshops MM Waste Certified hazardous H; class 4 (3) Waste Disposal Site oil rags Management substances carrier Waste management Medical waste General All Section Heads Waste Certified hazardous H; class 6 (1) Contractor Management substances carrier for incineration

Spent/ Laboratory/ WQM/WSE Waste Certified hazardous Hazardous Supplier/ Redundant Treatment Plant Management substances carrier Disposal site Chemical Reagents and water pipeline Flocculants

Dry Sludge form Water and WSE Waste Controlled and Non hazardous Landfill site Article by Tshegofatso Bakgaleng Water and Wastewater Plant Management demarcated Wastewater Plant

At WUC, various sections/sites generate different types The table below brings clarity to such a confusion, Gas cylinders Laboratory WQM Waste Certified hazardous Non hazardous Supplier of waste from their activities, the most common being it includes source of waste, person responsible for Management substances carrier paper, cans and plastics. Sometimes methods of storage disposal, storage and disposal methods and classification Scrap Metal General WSE Waste Controlled area Non hazardous Auction/Black drum and disposal are not known by the WUC personnel and of waste according to how risky they are. Management this brings about confusion on how to get rid of the Empty Chlorine Treatment Plant/ WSE Waste Controlled and H; class 2 (2) Supplier waste. cylinders Dosing House Management demarcated

Domestic waste Kitchen HRAM Waste Controlled area General Black or silver drum Table 1.0 Types of Waste Generated at WUC and Proper Method of Disposal Management

Used oil Workshops MM/ SHEQM Waste Certified oil carrier H; class 3 2) Green drum WASTE ORIGIN RESPONSIBILITY LEGAL ACTS STORAGE AREA CLASSIFICATION WASTE DISPOSAL Management company / METHOD OF METHOD DISPOSAL Paint or Paint Civils MM Waste Controlled areas H, Class 4 (3) Red stripe drum drums / tins. Management Batteries Standby generators FM,WSE, Waste Temporary stored in a H; class 6 (2) Supplier or Public and UPS and Solar MM Management controlled area. Auction Soils Boreholes, WSE,LM, SHEQM Waste Certified hazardous H, class 3 (3) Soil excavated power supply, WUC This refers to a concrete Contaminated Workshops, Fueling Management substances carrier and treated before vehicles and alarm floor area with a bund with oil/fuel Fueling points, disposal or chemicals Stand by generators systems and CB wall and roof. tripping units This must be fenced for Redundant Network and WSE Waste Controlled area and H, class 6 (3) Auctioned security reasons. Public Health Distribution Management demarcated pipes and Building Refuse General PM Waste Controlled area Non hazardous Black skips and rubble and rubble Management disposed of at local landfill site Asbestos pipes Old buildings and PM,SHEQM Waste Certified hazardous H, Class 9 (1) Appropriate landfill Recyclable Offices HRAM Resource Waste bay provided Non hazardous Green stripe drum and material pipe mains Management substances carrier waste such as Conservation paper, glass Classification key: and cans H =Hazardous Rating Old tyres WUC w/shops from FM Resource Controlled and Non hazardous Contractor or Public vehicles Conservation demarcated area Auction Class 1 =Explosives 1 = Extreme Risk Class 2 =Gases 2 = High risk Domestic Waste General HRAM Waste Domestic refuse drum Non hazardous Black or silver drum Class 3 =Flammable liquid 3 = Moderate risk Management at source, e.g. offices, Class 4 =Flammable solids 4 = Low risk etc. Class 5 =Oxidising substances Class 6 =Toxic and infectious substances Empty chemical Water Treatment WSE/WQM Waste Controlled area Hazardous Red stripe drum, Class 7 =Radio-active substances containers Management Plant & Laboratory Supplier Class 8 =Corrosive substances Electric globes Offices and General MM Resource Tube breaker in a 200l H; class 6 (2) Red stripe drums Class 9 =Miscellaneous dangerous substances and fluorescent Conservation drum. Certified (globes) with a tube Non Hazardous =General waste tubes hazardous substances breaker where carrier applicable “Knowledge on waste management is art most important to every individual as it reduces current and potential impacts to the environment and guards against high costs of rehabilitation. “

16 17 OCCUPATIONAL HYGIENE SEDIBENG NEWSLETTER | January Issue | 2016 RESPIRATORY PROTECTION

When do employees need to wear respirators? OCCUPATIONAL Employees need to wear respirators whenever engineering and work practice control measures are not adequate to prevent atmospheric contamination at the worksite. Strategies for preventing atmospheric HYGIENE contamination may include enclosing or confining the Health and total contaminant-producing operation, exhausting the contaminant, or substituting with less toxic materials. RESPIRATORY Respirators have their limitations and are not a wellness substitute for effective engineering and work practice controls.

PROTECTION When it is not possible to use these controls to reduce airborne contaminants below their occupational 4. top smoking everything. • You probably know that smoking exposure levels, such as during certain maintenance and tobacco makes you more likely to get repair operations, emergencies, or when engineering heart disease. What is a respirator? controls are being installed, respirator use may be the It’s time to learn about Marijuana is also bad for your heart. best or only way to reduce worker exposure. A respirator is a protective device In other cases, where work practices and engineering heart tips that covers the nose and mouth controls alone cannot reduce exposure levels to below the occupational exposure level, respirator use is or the entire face or head to guard essential. the wearer against hazardous The heart – the body engine Stay active throughout the day. Where respirators are required to protect worker • As you go about your day, you • A workout at the gym is a good start. atmospheres. health, specific procedures are necessary to ensure the probably don’t think much about the • When you’re at work, build in breaks equipment’s effectiveness. organ that makes it all possible: from being still. Respirators may be: YOUR HEART. • It pumps for you all day long, and it’s How can you ensure proper protection? your hardest working muscle. Learn the fine art of chilling out. • Tight-fitting - that is, half masks, which cover the mouth and Employers are required to establish and maintain • Stress happens! When you are under nose and full face pieces that cover the face from the hairline to an effective respiratory protection program when pressure, your body ramps up adrenaline, which can overwork below the chin; or employees must wear respirators to protect against workplace hazards. Different hazards require different our hearts. • Loose-fitting, such as hoods or helmets that cover the head • One way to help is to hop on the • Get up and get your limbs moving and completely. respirators, and employees are responsible for wearing treadmill or roll out your yoga mat. your blood pumping. • In addition, there are two major classes of respirators: the appropriate respirator and complying with the • Exercise trains your body how to • Air-purifying, which remove contaminants from the air; and respiratory protection program. handle stress. • Atmosphere-supplying, which provide clean, breathable air • If stress gets to be too much, talk to someone, whether it’s a trusted friend from an uncontaminated source. As a general rule, atmosphere- How do you choose the correct respirator? • You can help keep it going for years to come with these six must-do steps or a professional counselor. supplying respirators are used for more hazardous exposures. Go old-school with food. Choosing the right equipment involves: • The tried-and-true classics are still your best choices: Why do employees need respirators? • Determining what the hazard is and its extent, • Considering user factors that affect respirator 1. Exercise. • Fruits and vegetables • Whole grains, like brown rice and other performance and reliability, and • Engage in any physical activity When employees must work in environments with insufficient unrefined carbs • Selecting an appropriate certified respirator. that keeps your heart rate up for oxygen or where harmful dusts, fogs, smokes, mists, fumes, gases, 30 minutes or 20 minutes if it’s high • Nuts, seeds, and legumes, such as vapors, or sprays are present, they need respirators. These health intensity 5 days a week. chickpeas and beans hazards may cause cancer, lung impairment, other diseases, or death. Equipment must be used in line with the specifications. Where toxic substances are present in the workplace and engineering When selecting respirators, employers must consider the controls are inadequate to reduce or eliminate them, respirators are chemical and physical properties of the contaminant, necessary. as well as the toxicity and concentration of the Shut down. hazardous material and the amount of oxygen present. • Sleep is when our body reboots and Other selection factors are nature and extent of the recovers. That’s important for all Some atmosphere-supplying respirators can also be used to protect aspects of our health, not just the against oxygen-deficient atmospheres. Increased breathing rates, hazard, work rate, area to be covered, mobility, work requirements and conditions, as well as the limitations heart. accelerated heartbeat, and impaired thinking or coordination occur Examples: • When you’re asleep, your heart rate more quickly in an oxygen-deficient or other hazardous atmosphere. and characteristics of the available respirators. • Running. and blood pressure go down. That • Biking. Complied by Mmoloki Ntesang gives your heart a much-need break. • Rowing • So make it a priority to be well-rested. Even a momentary loss of coordination can be devastating if it Source: occurs while a worker is performing a potentially dangerous activity • https://www.osha.gov/Publications/OSHA 3079/ such as climbing a ladder. osha3079.html • http://www.hse.gov.uk/respiratory-protective- References: equipment/docs/stay-healthy-notes.pdf https://www.goredforwomen.org/ 18 STAY TUNED. 19 • http://ehstoday.com/news/ehs_imp_34984 home/live-healthy/prevent-heart- disease/