Author Archives: Poppy Salting

Long Term Storage

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Essential Tips To Note About Long Term Storage in Melbourne

There is a huge difference between long-term storage and short-term storage. Therefore, there are several tips you need to keep in mind when you want to store your belongings for an extended period. These are explained as follows:

What amount of stuff do you want to store?

When coming up with a decision on what to do with your belongings while you’re away, your needs is the first thing to consider.

Ask yourself if you want a small unit to store the unsecured outdoor belongings while you travel.  Check if you’re ready to eliminate paying rent for your apartment by storing all the belongings.

You’ll realise that the storage units are of various sizes as per different circumstances. However, it is essential to ensure that you’re choosing a unit that makes sense.

In case of any doubt, you seek advice for the size estimator on the size of space that is in a position of fitting your belongings comfortably.

Pack the items properly

It is always essential to ensure that your long-term belongings are packed properly. Proper packing and storing play a significant role in ensuring that the items remain secure while you’re away.

Therefore, consider taking enough time to pack the items. Pack the breakables items properly, and ensure that you have stacked all your boxes properly.

It also recommended keeping the furniture and boxes off the floor. Remember that improper storing of the items can lead to unnecessary stress and damage even for the case of cheap storage in Melbourne.

Climate-sensitive items should be stored in a climate-controlled storage unit

For the climate sensitive items like wood furniture and electronics, consider storing them in a climate-controlled unit.

However, you must be ready for additional costs. But these costs are essential since they bring peace of mind as you know the belongings are not subjected to extreme temperatures while you’re away.

A climate-controlled unit is the best option, especially when planning for a long travel holiday.

Consider purchasing travel and storage insurance

This is another essential tip to keep in mind. Looking into insurance for your belongings in the store while you’re away is an added layer of security.

Before doing this, it is essential to research the current policy guidelines to check if there is any additional insurance needed while renting the unit. This is essential in ensuring that the insurance policy covers the items stored within a long-term storage unit and off-site.

Appoint someone who will be checking the items now and then

It is always vital to appoint a local individual who will be visiting the storage unit on your behalf in case the need arises.

Other than this, the person will be in a position of shipping an item from the storage unit whenever you need it while you’re away.

The person should be in a position of giving immediate responses whenever a problem that needs an address at a given moment arises.

This should not be an unavoidable step, especially when storing your car for only a few months. If the car has the battery and tires in place, consider taking it for a spin. This is a great decision you can make since it plays an essential role in warding off premature damage from sitting.

What does White Smoke from an Exhaust Mean?

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The fact that you are actually searching for white smoke coming from the exhaust means that you could already be facing this problem with your automobile. Even if your car is not flashing any warning signals, smoke coming from the exhaust is itself a sign that your vehicle is in distress and there could be something definitely wrong with it. Choosing to ignore any such signs would only lead to more costly repairs for your car in the future. Be vigilant and keep an eye out for all of the following problems.

The white smoke could be coming off from the engine for any of the following reasons:

  • If the white smoke is thin and vapour like in consistency, you dot have to worry a great deal about it. It’s just probably a result of condensation and can happen a great deal especially when the weather tends to turn cooler.
  • However, if the smoke has a thicker consistency, it could be due to the engine burning down some amount of coolant. This is indeed a cause of alarm and one which should be looked into immediately. A small leak in the coolant can cause copious amounts of smoke rising from the engine. It is something which should be ignored because it might lead to several critical issues with your vehicle.
  • If your car runs on diesel you might have to consider the kind of smoke coming from the exhaust. If any time you start the engine and white smoke starts coming out it means that the fuel pumping engine timing is not working properly. As a lay person you won’t be able to handle checking the engine on your own. For that you need to call in help from professionals.
  • Keep in mind that if the smoke is due to a leaking coolants it wouldn’t start coming off as soon as you start the car. It would only start once the car is on a steady run. This might also be an indication that your car is low on coolant and is burning up the gas in the exhaust which is somehow released while the car is running. Making the car run when it’s low on coolant could result in dire consequences for your engine.
  • White smoke could also be an indication that something is wrong with the cylinder head or the gasket head of the car. Most people tend to ignore these warning signs. Choosing to ignore these warning signs can lead to a great deal of problems.
  • Any leak or rust in the gasket can cause the smoke to come from the exhaust. It’s something which you could check on your own but repairing it should only be left to a professional auto mechanic.
  • It is crucial that you find the right auto mechanic to deal with any problems in your vehicles. Find someone who is within your locality so you can access them with ease.
  • For more information please check: costeffective.com.au/2017/03/05/diesel-smoke-tells-you-a-story/ for the most up to date information.

What To Note About Journey Management

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Journey management is defined as the process employed by the companies to control the risks linked with the traveling people. It ensures that the traveling workforce remains safe while planning to travel, during travel, and after travel. As a result, journey management takes away most guesses such as the employee arrived safely to the intended destination, they landed safely in a foreign country, or they were alone during the travel.

Activities associated with the journey management plan

Generally, journey management entails monitoring the travel arrangements of the employees consistently through forms and spreadsheet. Therefore, it does not help the management to locate precisely what is happening in this field when the members are offsite. But, the whole process is now controlled through an online platform as one way of reducing administrative processing. The main activities associated with journey management are:

  • Journey logging
  • The journeys can either be long or short depending on the requirements
  • What is the mode of transport? Uber, car, helicopters, commercial aircraft, private aircraft, etc.
  • More about the mode of transport. Flight number, vehicle registration number, etc.
  • To send safety reminders to the travellers at particular check-in posts
  • In the case of the missed safety check-ins, an immediate alert is made to the management
  • Audit history about all logged communication and journeys
  • Travellers report to the management to incidents by hitting the incident button
  • Assessment of Travel Risk. Travellers complete this one before traveling, and it entails:
  • Whether the drive is ready
  • Whether the traveler is ready
  • Fatigue analysis
  • Conditions of the road and weather
  • Location of the asset
  • Automatic travel approved or deny function. It depends on the response given by the travelers to travel risk assessment
  • The ability of the community employees to check-in safe arrival directly from home
  • Ability to search for the employees in the event of a disaster, also, to identify the specific individual in the affected area

Journey management can be seen to be essential to anyone engaged in the mobile workforce, and it plays a vital role in considering the safety of the traveling employees.

Effective journey management must be in a position of answering the following questions

Is travel necessary?

It’s true that there are variables that you use to communicate with patients, employees, customers, suppliers, and clients, and get the whole work done without your presence. The following are the main tools you put into practice to avoid travel: emails, online meetings, working from home, delivery service, telephone, and video-conferencing. By putting these tools into practice, you will realise that there are minimal chances for one to get involved in a vehicle accident while attending an online meeting.

If traveling is necessary, what are the available alternatives to driving?

If you have to travel to the intended location, you should consider choosing a traveling mode that does not require you to drive. By doing this, you will avoid driving-related hazards.  Here, you will find options like taxis, planes, cycling or walking, and public transit buses.

What are controls to put in place to reduce associated risks if driving is necessary?

Make this possible by identifying the potential hazards, deciding what to do to minimise exposure, and then build the trip plan.

Exhaust Insulation Blankets – Uses and Purpose

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The sound from exhausts can be significant, this can result in sound pollution emanating from machinery and engines. In order to combat this deafening sound, industrial silencers are used to prevent the noise from travelling to other parts of the industry.

The silencers in an exhaust system absorb the heat and require some form of insulation. Insulation blankets for exhausts can help lower the temperature of the silencers thus leading to lower temperature in the surroundings. These blankets are essential for the physical well-being of everyone who works in the factories. These help create a safe working environment in the presence of high heat and high decibel equipment.

  • A variety of exhaust insulation blankets are available for specific applications. Insulation blankets are used for machinery made up of different style and models. The measurement and design patterns of insulation blankets is available for a variety of exhaust systems.
  • For industrial exhausts a typical design compromises of one piece or two piece body insulation blankets with circular end caps.

Why use customised exhaust insulation blankets

The insulation blankets are often required to fit exhaust systems of different shapes and sizes. This is why customised insulation blankets are often the best solutions for exhausts of different types and sizes. In case of customised exhaust insulation blankets there is an option of custom built cut outs which support brackets and other protrusions ensuring a snug and proper fit.

Customers are provided with a drawing form where they are supposed to mention the presence of brackets and protrusions so the blankets can be designed according to the specific design and shape of the exhaust system.

Exhaust insulation blankets can be used for all of the following exhaust systems

  • Gas and diesel exhaust systems
  • Portable generators
  • Vehicle exhaust systems
  • Hot oil and steam piping exhaust systems

Features of exhaust insulation blankets

An exhaust insulation blanket has all of the following features which include;

  • All insulation blankets have a stainless steel mesh exterior
  • The exterior is coated with Teflon
  • The system is designed for complete enclosure while allowing space for anchor and wires
  • Resistant to corrosive material
  • Equipped with sound dampening features
  • Are designed according to the safety ratings

The best art about insulation blankets for exhaust systems are that each of these blankets are high temperature resistant. These offer a weather resistant insulation blanket for exhaust systems on the go especially those of industrial vehicles. Also insulation blankets are removable and reusable. These are UV stable and also weather and water resistant.

When selecting exhaust insulation blankets for your machinery make sure you choose one which has been designed by a reliable manufacturer. Instead of choosing one with the lowest price go for insulation blankets which combine quality with affordability.

The major benefits of insulation blankets for exhaust systems is that these help prevent the loss of heat and thereby help prevent the utility bills from going sky high. Also it can help create a much cooler temperature around the settings. Plus offer the necessary protection for the employees as well.

Recycling Take Away Coffee Cups

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Doing your bit for the environment

For most people the best part of the day is their daily cup of morning coffee. It’s almost as if you look forward to the fresh aroma and the delicious flavour. However, with the rise of coffee drinkers and the various little coffee shops around every corner, it’s no wonder that you would see the streets littered with take away coffee cup. Have you ever thought the amount of waste produced each year by just coffee cups only? Well if you are on a guilt trip and thinking about being mindful of the environment then it’s high time you start recycling those take away coffee cups.

You can use paper cups for a variety of projects and each of them are interesting enough to keep adults and children engaged for hours. If you have children, its one way of creating some peace at home during the holidays. Children love to create things and what better way than to allow them to use that stash of take away coffee cups. The following are some interesting projects which would put the take away coffee cups to good use.

Using the take away coffee cups as planters

These paper cups make great seedling starters. All you have got to do is get your hands on a few seeds, just about any would do. If you would like to start a small project like having your own vegetable garden in the backyard, these can come in pretty handy. Just plant a few tomatoes, asparagus and whatever other vegetable you can think of. Once the seed have sprouted, just transfer those planters along with the cups and all into the soil. Once that’s done just wait and see the fruits of your labor. It would bring you a great sense of pride and achievement and if you have kids involve them in the project as well. It’s a great way of teaching them to be mindful of their environment.

Arts and crafts activities

With holidays around you must be wondering how you are going to keep your kid busy. Sending them to camp sounds like a good idea but not everyone can afford those expensive camp. You could in fact keep your little ones at home and ensure they have a great time as well. How? Simple, just let them get away with being creative. Children are energetic and they have a natural desire to make things with their own hands. Those take away coffee cups can be a real blessing. Just give your children loads of old newspapers, some acrylics and arts and crafts material, a small space and there you can have them being busy for an hour or so. Whatever mess is created can easily be put away by making it a combined winding up effort.

There are several ways you can recycle those take away coffee cups. Just scour the internet and you would be presented with loads of ideas which are easy yet fun.

Fire Protection Services

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Sydney Fire Protection Experts – Let Them do the Work for You

Fire Protection is the Number One Priority

For both commercial and residential customers, Sydney offers the highest quality companies to take care of fire safety requirements. One of the first things to worry about is to find a company that has a range of options for quality fire protection solutions that fit every need. Whether for a residential customer or a commercial customer, cost-effective solutions can be found. Some of the products offered are these:

  • Evaluating and ensuring that equipment is reliable, free of malfunctions
  • Verifying that equipment is in the correct position for superior effectiveness
  • Replacing old equipment or updating existing equipment
  • Repairing and cleaning alarm systems to ensure high-quality performance
  • Advising customers on how to use all fire protection equipment
  • Using function tests on equipment with artificial smoke
  • Replacing batteries as needed during regular maintenance visits

Other things to look for is what kind of experience the companies reviewed has, as well as using referrals for the decision-making on who to hire. You’ll also want to verify that the fire protection company that is in compliance with certification requirements before hiring them to install the new system. With residential customers, it is likely that only fire detection and alarm systems will be needed. With commercial customers, the needs may require more inclusive equipment, simply due to the size of the property. Here are a few examples of commercial fire protection system options to choose from:

  • First-rate fire sprinkler system for all areas of the building or buildings
  • Fire hydrants with a hose reel system for each building
  • Gaseous fire suppression equipment to compliment the sprinkler system
  • Fire and smoke detection that is easy to understand
  • An easy-to-reach fire extinguisher that is in compliance with Australian expectations
  • Emergency evacuation information
  • Average response time to expect when calling with problems

Affordable Systems for Any Budget

Another priority to focus on is to verify that the products purchased and the system chosen is right for the customer. There is no need to “oversell” customers, especially for residential customers. Making sure that the system that is recommended is proper for all customers should be the top priority, simply for the sake of good customer service.

Here are a few things to consider when making a decision on which company will be able to best serve your needs:

  • Maintenance of equipment on a regular schedule
  • Certification of all products being used for the customer’s needs
  • Making annual inspections to keep current compliance
  • Applying design and consultation to make the most of each system
  • Verifying that all products are cost-effective and fill customer requirements
  • Determining product placement that will best suit customer needs
  • Offering guarantees on equipment and service
  • Efficient and effective service covering all components of the system that is installed

Sydney fire protection service providers should be able to accommodate any customer’s needs in a competent and understanding manner. Customer service needs to be tip-top in quality. When making a decision on which company to use, consider referrals and online information where possible. Also, be sure to discuss what guarantees are given in case of fire protection system malfunctions should any problems arise.

 

6 Ways You Can Save Water In The Bathroom

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Water is life, and it is also a finite resource. Every day, more and more demands are put on the world’s limited water supply. Is there anything individuals can do to conserve precious water and keep it clean? Luckily, personal water conservation is entirely possible and extremely effective. In this article, we will explore six smart ways you can begin conserving water just in your bathroom. Read on to learn more.

1. Stop flushing gallons of water away!

Old fashioned toilets (10 years old or more) use as much as four gallons of water per flush. New, water saving models use a little less than one-and-a-half gallons per flush. It’s easy to see that replacing your old toilet with a new one is a smart choice that can reduce your water bill, increase the value of your home and save precious water. This single, simple step can save over 16000 gallons of water annually.

2. Don’t let gallons of water drip down the drain.

If you have a leaky faucet, fix it or replace it. A faucet that leaks a drop per second can waste well over 2000 gallons of water annually, so it’s well worth it to replace a washer and stop that drip! Replacing the entire faucet can be an even better idea. Upgrading your faucets is a great way to make your bathroom more attractive, and new fixtures add value to your home.

3. Save water when you shower.

Of course, it’s wise to take short showers so that you are not just pouring gallons and gallons of drinkable water right down the drain, but you don’t have to switch to a 90 second “Navy shower” to do it. Invest in a new, water saving shower head to save water and get a more enjoyable shower. According to https://waassett.net.au/ by changing your shower head, you can reduce your water use by 40% or more. Modern shower heads offer a wide selection of spray experiences ranging from gentle rain to deep massage. Some models even offer fun and practical options such as a digital speaker, music programming and/or a timer to keep your shower on schedule and save even more water.

4. Don’t bathe: shower instead.

With a low-flow shower head, you will use about twenty gallons of water in a ten minute shower. When you take a tub bath, you will use between 30 and 42 gallons of water.

5. Install a Japanese soaking tub.

If you simply must soak from time-to-time, consider adding a small soaking tub to your bathroom. These tubs use about half the amount of water a traditional western tub does. This type of tub is intended for relaxing more than for bathing. You would typically use it to take a relaxing soak after your quick shower.

6. It only takes a cup of water (or less) to brush your teeth.

Don’t leave the water running while you brush your teeth. If you leave the water running while you brush, you are wasting about two hundred gallons of water every month. Instead, just run the water to dampen your toothbrush and fill a cup. Brush your teeth and rinse your mouth with the water in the cup.

We only have so much water on our one-and-only planet, yet there are more and more people in the world each and every day. If we are going to be able to sustain life on earth, conserving water is one of the most important things we can do. Follow the tips presented here to upgrade your home and improve your habits and save water in the bathroom.

The Relationship Between Climate Change and Skin Cancer

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Over the years the world has witnessed a gradual change in weather patterns a condition that has been identified as climate change. Though climate change can occur through natural processes such as tectonic movements, volcanic activities among other natural causes, the main trigger has been human activities such as the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation.

These processes have led to massive production of carbon dioxide (CO2) and chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), greenhouse gases responsible for global warming and the depletion of the ozone layer (a shield in the stratosphere which absorbs harmful UV rays from the sun). As a result of ozone depletion, these harmful UV rays are reaching the earth’s surface causing a profound harm to the human health- skin cancer is at the top of the list.
Skin Cancer and Ultraviolet Radiation.

According to My Skin Centre studies have shown that exposure to ultraviolet radiation is a risk factor for three different kinds of skin cancer including, a form known as Squamous Cell Carcinoma abbreviated as SCC, Malignant Melanoma, and BCC also known as the Basal Cell Carcinoma.

Malignant melanoma is the most serious of the three types of cancers causing more than eighty percent of mortality among skin cancer patients. Research shows that this trend has been on the rise over the last two decades with all indicators pointing to increased exposure to UV rays. Fair skin, family history, dysplastic naevi syndrome are other known risk factors for melanoma. Research has shown that malignant melanoma is common in the equatorial region where UV rays are intense compared to regions further from the equator.

Basal cell carcinoma also referred to as rodent ulcers, on the other hand, arise around the areas of the body which are frequently exposed to the sun like the neck and the hands. Basal cell carcinoma is common among fair skinned people and it is known to cause a burning effect other than tanning on exposure to sunlight. These burns have a tendency of causing extensive tissue damage to the skin. Medium ultraviolet radiation wavelength is the highest risk common factor of basal cell carcinoma and recreational activities which involve exposure to direct sunlight such as sunbathing are also known risk factors among teenagers and children.

Squamous cell carcinoma is caused by gene mutations induced by sunlight. The incidence of occurrence of this form of cancer is more common along latitudes with long hours of sun exposure such as the African continent and Australia. This is because this cancer affects almost exclusively the parts of the body which are sun-exposed.

It is important to note that most skin cancers are non-melanocytic and the most common form of them is the basal cell carcinoma and melanoma is ranked the third most common form of skin cancer among people aged between 15-39 years of age.
Other effects of climate change due to global warming such as heat waves, flooding, droughts, hotter summers, very cold winters, shifting of climatic zones among others will continue to be felt not unless measures to reduce carbon emissions such as reforestation, planting of trees where none existed and adoption of green energy are taken seriously.

Tips For Constructing an Environmentally Friendly Home

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So, you are considering venturing into environmentally friendly real estate because you know they consume less energy, are constructed with sustainable materials and present a friendly and healthy environment for the owners or occupants. In addition to this, the prices of such home in this modern age are quite affordable. Not long ago, building an eco-friendly house required a premium of 11 to 25 percent. Today, however, that is no longer the case as people now only pay three to five percent. That said, here are some of the things to consider when buying or constructing an environmentally friendly home.

Colonial brick house with beautifully landscaped front yard and mature oak trees

One of the first things you’ll want to do is consult a real estate agent who specialises in eco-friendly properties or is a designated eco-broker. Working with the right professional in this field of real estate will give you the right information and help in selecting a home that has all the green features you want. If you want to build one from the ground up, you will ideally want to consult an architect or a eco-friendly home builder in Perth

To ensure that you are looking at an environmentally friendly home, you will want to look at houses with a ‘Green’ rating. This rating system is still relatively new, and so, it might be hard to locate houses that have ratings. Even if you can’t find a property with ratings, it’s still imperative to know what features define a green home.

Look for functional windows. Low E rated windows are ideal for keeping the harmful UV rays at bay. This can also help keep your home cooler. Windows that help with natural cooling are a plus. Ceiling fans are also beneficial for cooling homes. You should also pay attention to insulation as it plays a key role in heating and cooling the home. As for the attic space, it should have proper space to pave the way for hot air elimination. The roofing materials, on the other hand, should be light coloured as dark ones tend to absorb sunlight which increases heat in the household.

You should also check out the landscaped areas of the home as it also plays a role in solar heat gain reduction. Planting beds near the house tend to minimise heat build-up. Also, check whether there’s a drip irrigation system as it’s one of the best ways to save water naturally. If the property’s location does not get much rain, you may want to keep a small lawn area that won’t require too much water.

Ensure that the windows are located in the north and south regions of the house. Positioning the windows properly can help prevent your house from being heated by the sun. As for appliances, you may want to ensure they have Energy Star Ratings. Such appliances tend to consume less energy and help lower utility bills.

Speaking of energy consumption, it is also a good idea to look for a home that has a solar system. This is one of the best ways to ensure that a home is environmentally friendly. Solar energy is renewable and clean. Utilising this type of energy will help reduce electricity consumption as well as your carbon footprint.

Environmentally friendly homes also take advantage of winds for natural cooling. As such, you may want to give attention to the home’s orientation. Windows positioned on opposite walls tend to give excellent cross ventilation.

3 ways you can reduce your landfill waste

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We throw various items in our garbage every day. At the end of the day, they get dumped in landfills. The pile of garbage is growing and if we don’t do something about it, our environment will be affected badly. Here are some of the ways you can reduce your landfill waste.

Donate used things

If you have any clothes or other items that you have used and wish not to use anymore, then donate them instead of throwing them away. There are many charity stores where you can donate them. If you have too many things to donate then you can have a sale at your garage as well.

Don’t waste food

When we have dinner or lunch, we often throw away leftovers in the bin. You should take the amount of food that you will be able to consume. Don’t waste food, else they will end up in landfills. If you have pets, you can give your leftover food to them. If you have untouched some of the food, then you can give them away to the poor people.

Don’t use plastic water bottles

You should stop using plastic water bottles. These bottles cause lots of damage to the environment as they are not fully degradable. Instead, you should start using reusable bottles like glass.

You shouldn’t buy anything for use or consumption more than you need. If you buy things extra you may need to throw them out. So, evaluate your needs first before shopping. You should focus on recycling products so that they don’t get accumulated in landfills and cause pollution.