http://www.articletrader.com/ Articles at ArticleTrader en-us http://www.articletrader.com/health/medicine/the-many-uses-of-trifluoroacetic-acid.html http://www.articletrader.com/health/medicine/the-many-uses-of-trifluoroacetic-acid.html Sat, 22 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0500
Trifluoroacetic Acid is obtained through electrofluorination of acetic acid. This is a process that uses the Simons Method in order to act upon the acetic acid with electrochemically generated in situ fluorine. During this process, the Trifluoroacetic Acid is created. The Carboxylic group in the Trifluoroacetic Acid must remain intact in order for it to be used successfully. This is done by having the anodic reaction of the electrolysis take place with hydrogen fluoride and acetic acid, but having it take place at a voltage that is below the voltage where one would find elemental fluorine developing. Keeping the voltage low allows the carboxylic group to remain intact, therefore creating the type of Trifluoroacetic Acid that can be used.

There are many uses of Trifluoroacetic Acid to be aware of. The first and most frequent use of Trifluoroacetic Acid is in organic syntheses. This is the main use of Trifluoroacetic Acid because the compound has a combination of the best properties needed for this type of work. One of these properties includes stability. Trifluoroacetic Acid is extremely hard to destroy.

Other properties also include solubility in organic solvents. Trifluoroacetic Acid can be mixed with organic solvents to create other compounds or to alter the organic solvents in some ways. In fact, when it comes to solvents, Trifluoroacetic Acid is by far the best to be used with organic compounds.

Trifluoroacetic Acid is also not as oxidizing as sulfuric acid. This allows it to be used more commonly than sulfuric acid when being used in synthesis. The compound Trifluoroacetic Acid is also more readily available in the anhydrous form than hydrochloric acid is. This allows it to be used more commonly than hydrogen chloride, which can be harder to find and to obtain.

The only complication that is found in using Trifluoroacetic Acid in organic synthesis is that it forms an azeotrope with water when the boiling point of 105 degrees C is reached. This means that the Trifluoroacetic Acid cannot be used in the types of synthesis that require water to be heated past this temperature.

Trifluoroacetic Acid is also very handy in liquid chromatography. In this process, it is used as a buffer. The buffer is important during the liquid chromatography phase because it allows for the separation of organic compounds. It is especially useful in separating peptides and small proteins. Trifluoroacetic Acid is also found to be an incredibly versatile solvent for NMR Spectroscopy. This is also due to the strength of the acid and the many ways that it can be mixed in order to bond to several other compounds.

Most of the time, Trifluoroacetic Acid is used along with a derived acid. This is the acid anhydride, or [CF3C(O)]2O. The Trifluoroacetic Acid is used along with the acid anhydride, and therefore a trifluoracetyl group can be introduced into a chemical compound, solvent, and synthesis process.

Trifluoroacetic Acid is very useful when working with organic synthesis. These are important processes because many researchers and technicians use the information that they learn during these processes when developing new products, new drugs, and new research.

--
Stephanie Larkin is a freelance writer who writes about issues and topics pertaining to the use of chemicals such as Fluorochemicals | Agricultural Chemicals

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/health/medicine/the-role-of-fluorochemicals-in-agriculture.html http://www.articletrader.com/health/medicine/the-role-of-fluorochemicals-in-agriculture.html Sat, 22 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0500
Despite the attempts to ban their use, fluorochemicals are used in industries and in agriculture around the world. So what exactly are fluorochemicals? What role do they play and why are so many people crying out against their use?

Meet the Element

Along with chlorine, bromine and iodine, Fluorine is part of the Halogen family. It is one of the 92 known naturally occurring elements (number 9 on the periodic table), and the most chemically reactive and electronegative. In other words, it reacts violently to almost every other element, organic or not, and is almost never found alone in nature. Its pure form is a yellowish-brown corrosive and highly reactive gas.

Fluorine is usually found in combination with other elements like metals to form compounds known as fluorides and with the element carbon to form fluorocarbons or fluorochemicals. Fluoride, often added to drinking water, is made possible by combining elements with opposite charges as a base to its acidic properties. Fluoride is still added to the drinking water in many areas of the world, and it is a major ingredient in toothpastes. In both cases, the intent is to protect teeth against enamel decay. Fluorochemicals are Freon, industrial solvents and stain-repellents.

Unfortunately, fluoride tends to accumulate in the body rather than being flushed out. The accumulated fluorides can reach harmful or toxic levels, especially when it is highly concentrated or in produce grown where fluoride-based pesticides are used. Fluoride binds with other elements very easily, and it may carry along other elements like lead and arsenic.

In Agriculture

Fluorochemicals have many different uses and roles in agriculture. The most common use is to protect crops in the field as an ingredient in pesticides and herbicides. It has nearly taken the place of bromomethane, a pesticide that came under fire for its toxicity to the environment. Fluorine provides a viable and valuable alternative to bromomethane in pest-control products, and its introduction has led to the development of new and more active ingredients for pesticide purposes.

Fluoro compounds also may be added to soil to sterilize it before specific crops are sowed into it. As a soil sterilizing agent, fluorine can neutralize any growth by crops other than those intended to be grown there. By reducing the growth of anything other than the target product, fluorine can help ensure that there are enough nutrients in the soil for that one crop.

In addition, fluoridation helps decontaminate water that might otherwise be useless for irrigating crops. The water fluoridation process is integral to watering and sustaining the crops, and of course, in providing water for cattle and other animals.

Chemicals derived from fluoride are used as fumigants to reduce pest infestation of stored grains and other food products. Sulfuryl fluoride, derived from fluorine, is used in gas fumigants to reduce the incidence of rats, mice and other pests that invade food storage and transportation structures. Unlike other pesticides, sulfuryl fluoride has a minimal impact on the germination of seeds and grains, making it a better choice for eliminating pest infestations in grain elevators, warehouses, mills, dried fruit and nut storage and stationary transport vehicles.

New processes in processing are producing fluorochemicals that are less toxic to the environment and deliver more advantages in agriculture. As the industry continues to grow, they will continue to find ways to make these chemicals more productive and safer to use.

--
Stephanie Larkin is a freelance writer who writes about issues and topics pertaining to the use of chemicals such as Fluorochemicals | Agricultural Chemicals

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/health/medicine/the-difference-between-ethanol-and-trifluoroethanol.html http://www.articletrader.com/health/medicine/the-difference-between-ethanol-and-trifluoroethanol.html Sat, 22 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0500
Chemistry Make Up of Ethanol and Trifluoroethanol

Ethanol is also known as drinking alcohol or grain alcohol, or ethyl alcohol. It is a flammable and colorless chemical compound. The alcohol in beverages with alcohol is also known as ethanol. Many times, Ethanol is referred to simply as "alcohol", although that distinction is not always quite correct. It has the molecular formula of EtOH, CH3CH2OH, C2H5OH, and is also known by its empirical formula of C2H6O. Ethanol is classified as being an alcohol. This means that the carbon that is attached to its hydroxyl group is a carbon which has at least two hydrogen atoms that are attached to it also. Ethanol has a hydroxyl proton that is weakly acidic, even more so than water.

Trifluoroethanol, on the other hand, is an fluoro organic compound. It has the formula of CF3CH2OH. It is also known as TFE, and is sometimes called trifluoroethyl alcohol. It is also colorless, but is a liquid compound that is water-miscible. It is often confused with Ethanol because Trifluoroethanol smells similar to Ethanol. Trifluoroethanol is extremely acidic, much more acidic than ethanol. It is therefore able to form stable compounds with other heterocycles, through hydrogen bonding.

Creation of Ethanol and Trifluoroethanol

Ethanol is created by the fermentation of sugar. This is almost the earliest organic reaction that is known to man. In fact, this organic reaction, and the intoxicating effects that consuming Ethanol have had on the body, have been known since ancient times. Ethanol is also used in industry, and this type of ethanol is produced from petroleum refining.

Trifluoroethanol, on the other hand, is produced industrially. It is formed by the process of hydrogenation – or the process of the reduction of hydride derivatives of esters or acid chloride. These derivatives of trifluoroacetic acid are what produce Trifluoroethanol. Trifluoroethanol can also be produced by hydrogenolysis of certain compounds. These are the compounds of the genetic formula CF3-CHOH-OR.

Uses of Ethanol and Trifluoroethanol

Ethanol has been used for many years as a solvent for substances that are intended to come into contact with humans. This includes lots of different things, such as scents, flavorings, medicines, or colorings. It is also a solvent in chemistry. This is because it is extremely versatile – meaning that it can be mixed with water and many other organic solvents. Some of these include acetic acide, benzene, acetone, chloroform, carbon tetrachloride, diethyl ether, glycerol, ethylene glycol, pyridine, toluene, and nitromethane. It can also be mixed with aliphatic chlorides. These include trichloroethane, and tetrachloroethylene.

Ethanol and water mixed together create several unusual phenomena. It is able to reduce the surface tension of water. It also forms an azeotrope or constant-boiling mixture when it is mixed with water.

However, most notably Ethanol is used as a fuel for internal combustion engines. It is used for motor fuel, and also for a fuel additive. This happens all over the world, but Brazil has the highest percentage of Ethanol that is found in fuels. 20% of the fuel is ethanol. In the United States, a mixture of 85% Ethanol has been introduced as a fuel for cars. Cars must be created with the ability to use this fuel.

Trifluoroethanol, on the other hand, is used as a solvent in organic chemistry. Most notably, Trifluoroethanol is used in oxidations of sulfur compounds that use hydrogen peroxide. Trifluoroethanol is also used in biology. It is a co-solvent in the protein folding process that is used with NMR spectroscopy. This is because TFE can solubilize proteins and also peptides. It has a very strong effect on the structure of proteins, which is a three dimensional structure. This effect allows Trifluoroethanol to be used in these situations and to be used to create solutions with proteins. Trifluoroethanol is also used industrially. It is used in these situations as a solvent for nylon. This allows the nylon to be changed and molded. Trifluoroethanol is also used in several applications in the pharmaceutical field.

Although Ethanol and Trifluoroethanol smell the same, and are both used as solvents, they are actually quite different. Understanding this difference allows companies and researchers to use both of these compounds to their greatest overall potentials.

--
Stephanie Larkin is a freelance writer who writes about issues and topics pertaining to the use of chemicals such as Fluorochemicals | Agricultural Chemicals

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/be-ready-uses-for-an-electric-home-power-generator.html http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/be-ready-uses-for-an-electric-home-power-generator.html Sat, 22 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0500
Considering and listing what uses you might have for an Electric Home Power Generator is the very first step before purchasing, planning, installing and actually using one of these emergency energy providers. The size, type of engine, level of output and even physical location will be determined by what we will need to ask of it, in complete safety and peace of mind. Do you entirely know what yours will be required to do for you?

Short-term Uses

Home owners faced with a particularly large and diverse land, or simply quite adamant in doing every home-related work independently, will need a wide range of powerful equipment to be used on the spot for a short period of time. Added to the eventual power-failures and other emergencies, a portable model of generator, to be moved and called upon at a moment's notice, might be the way to go to undertake the following uses:

• Landscaping Work: Mowing the lawn, blowing the leaves, trimming the hedges and other gardening ordeals are more and more done with electrical equipment for a green-thinking household. It might also be convenient for pools to drain, clean and even fill up.
  
• Renovations and Tough jobs: Big jobs on and around the house (as small ones) often require some specific tools, like power drills, skill saws, sand belts and the likes. Even more convenient when actually BUIDLING the house in question - where could power be taken from otherwise? Same for building a backyard shed, patio deck or any other out-house installation.
  
• Recreational Activities: Summertime and winter can both call for a familial or social gathering, or any sports and recreational activity when basic lighting will be needed, along with some music, a spot of industrial cooking or even a little heat.

Medium to Long-Term Uses

Some homes and areas are more susceptible to frequent and lengthy power outages where a permanent secondary solution might prove to be no less than vital. Stationary or Standby models would then be a better bet, with the added advantage of offering an output for any other near-house activity or use that comes along on a frequent basis without forcing the home-owner to get his generator out of storage and fuelled up every single time. Economy of time, space and strength will get along perfectly with a power-hungry appliance.

• Emergencies: Small and medium-sized generators will ensure a vital set of “creature comforts", even if on a smaller scale, that might be more than simple luxury. Running lamps and lights, heaters and cooking appliances, providing for rechargeable devices like cell phones and laptops and running a host of small household appliances will be done quickly and without hassle to ride out the storm or event that made the power go. Larger models will also provide the ability to run the furnace and large appliances like washer and dryer as well as water heater.
  
• Reassurance When Away: Stationary models often come equipped with a stand-by to trigger an automatic start-up when power lines go out. Especially useful when owners or house dwellers are away. Freezer and fridge will keep going, preventing the spoiling of food. House susceptible to floods will also need a working water pump to drain the basement and keep personal effects out of danger. And last but not least, homes equipped with security systems will not become sitting ducks for opportunistic burglars and looters.

Be Safe & Ready

Whatever the use when obtaining a home power generator, never should it be forgotten that it is an electric power generator, thus requiring relative safety when handling and installing. Make sure to have an expert do any wiring work to patch the generator directly into the house's electrical panel, and to equip your entire home with toxicity alarms if the basement or garage is chosen as resting space for the gas-powered models. Ask your retailer about the level of power your purchase will provide and safety features you might need to know about. Because lest we forget, knowing is half the battle.

--
Grant Eckert is a freelance writer who writes about products for the workplace such as Portable Generator | Electric Generator

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/the-benefits-of-a-portable-power-generator.html http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/the-benefits-of-a-portable-power-generator.html Sat, 22 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0500
In such a world, from which we can't easily back away from and much less at a moment's notice, a power generator isn't really a luxury. Or it might be, if the darn thing has to stay in one single place day and night, and can never be used any other way than what it was installed for. Having such a device in portable shape and size might be doubly convenient and life-saving, since its use isn't restricted to one area or one specific and permanent set of appliances. The benefits of such a happy little helper are many, and to be considered when shopping around for an alternate or emergency source or electricity.

Benefits at Home

Size doesn't necessarily matter for a power generator to be used primarily at home; the intended use will, on the other hand. Most portable power generators today will allow for a selective output, providing from very few to many appliances with the simple press of a button. No need to pay for an expansive wood stove to keep the family warm during a blackout; a simple lamp and heater can be plugged in to keep everyone safe and sound. Food won't be a problem either since toaster ovens and other cooking instruments will still be up and running. And contrary to gigantic gas-line powered generators, portable ones don't ruin your garden view or eat up precious space; store them wherever, whenever. They'll be discreet and inoffensive to the eye.

Family safety and welfare is a powerful and influent benefit, but other emergencies might arise as well. Farms also need warmth and power to keep livestock safe and sound, and to avoid loss income when production was made impossible. Be able to carry the power source around on farm land and installations will be food on the owner's tables, then on all of ours.

Homes use isn't restricted to emergencies though. Being portable means it can be carried around to use with power tools during renovations, keep the party going with lights and music out in the yard during summer time, or anything that requires juice when the home-bound socket is just too far away. Trim the hedges, blow the leaves or do anything with a power tool that requires electrical output, and do it as far from the house as needed.

Benefits Away From Home

Small rechargeable power packs can provide substantial economy of time, trouble and money when carried along on the road. A life saver when "someone" forgot to turn off the headlights on the car, or to get some modern help during a camping trip to cook, have a little light or keep warm. Emergencies on the road are not to be dismissed either, and can turn a nasty situation to a happy ending. Charging cell phones, using a laptop, enjoying music and light on a camping trip will be as easy as if done from home. And will be done in a way that won't be harmful to the environment, since portable power packs are essentially one big battery, sometimes even rechargeable with solar power.

Bigger needs will however translate to bigger means, and portable can still be the word. Gas-powered generators also come in many different sizes, some convenient enough not to require wheels. No need for a pre-installed gas line, just bring along what fuel might be needed. Green will again be an addressed concern, as most manufacturers and turning to cleaner engines for such devices, ones that will provide only the power needed and avoid pumping bad emissions needlessly into the atmosphere. Some models will even reduce noise pollution, when built with closed-casings.

Above All

Aside from preserving life at home or away and making it easier when nothing around can be used to help, the most important benefit of a portable power generator lies in its name: it is Portable. It can be carried, displaced, brought, dragged and dropped wherever needed, whatever the time and situation. And that alone is worth the strongest of considerations.

--
Grant Eckert is a freelance writer who writes about products for the workplace such as Portable Generator | Electric Generator

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/the-best-power-generators-for-winter-conditions.html http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/the-best-power-generators-for-winter-conditions.html Sat, 22 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0500
Power generators aren't necessarily a luxury; many families' very survival is threatened when a snow storm wreaks havoc on the power lines for more than just a few hours. Heat, food and even water can often be made unavailable without currant; businesses providing essential services can't do much either. That is where a power generator can make an important difference, providing that it too will survive extreme wintertime. Before purchasing one to answer your needs, make sure you select one that can.

For Home Use

The last thing you need during a snow storm is a blackout. The last thing you need during a snow storm blackout is to go out on the hour to check the generator. Cheaper kinds of portable generators run on gasoline, and provide power for a very short time before needing a refuel. Pricier models are still portable, and thus aren't necessarily equipped to sustain harsh weather. Not to mention they have to be carried outside, plugged in, fuelled up and started each time they are needed.

Stationary generators, or "Standby", are usually encased in their own little housing for protection against the elements. Most of them work on a permanently hooked-up source, like a house's Natural Gas line; some models come with enough space inside the casing for a sufficiently sized tank. Hooking up with the house's electrical system, which requires professional handling, only needs to be to be done once, when installed. Automatic start-up is an option for many models, but requires additional hardware and expands the price tag considerably, which makes good ol' bicep-powered starters a more attractive venue. Otherwise, no need to go out and freeze on a regular basis, everything has been taken care of once already.

For External Use

Very hard would it be to carry around a standby model for external use. So if your needs are for outside work, garden parties or any such events, of course a portable generator will be the best bet. Again, cheaper models might seem better for the wallet, but only at first.

As previously mentioned, a cheaper model running on gasoline will provide shortly for your needs, and requires a large volume of refilling fuel which will have to be carried around in harsh weather, not to mention the constant refill in said winter conditions. In addition, older models will as much energy output as they can generate, often providing over abundantly for the appliances' actual need. Overcharging an appliance that already has to contend with a cold and damp environment might put it quickly out of commission, or even create hazardous situations.

More recent models known as "inverters" or equipped with clean-powered engines will discriminate in their electricity output. If only lights are needed, it will generate only enough power for the number of light bulbs needed; as more appliances are added to the load, the relative need of energy will be generated. Such engines allow for economy of needed fuel, avoiding unnecessary waste as well as being a little more noise and environment-friendly.

Don't Take Chances

Since winter throws many unexpected curves at us all, unnecessary risks should be avoided at all costs when purchasing and installing a power generator for the cold months. Making a list of what appliances and general use will be asked of your generator will help an expert guide you to the right choice. And above all, a certified electrician should be called-in for installations; we all want to save money, and feel we can do everything ourselves, but is the safety and lives of loved ones worth it? Buying the best power generator for winter time doesn't mean a thing if it isn't used in the safest and most reliable conditions. As always, asking doesn't cost anything.

--
Grant Eckert is a freelance writer who writes about products for the workplace such as Portable Generator | Electric Generator

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/home-security/common-features-of-an-emergency-response-system.html http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/home-security/common-features-of-an-emergency-response-system.html Fri, 21 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0500
The Personal Emergency Response system is intended for use by a person living alone or one who is not able to get around physically. In an emergency situation where the person has fallen and is not able to get up, help can be summoned by pressing a help button that is worn on the person. Other people who make good use of the Personal Emergency Response System are those who have medical conditions such as diabetes where there is a danger of falling into a coma. The help button may never been needed, but family members of an elderly individual get peace of mind when they know their loved one will have emergency help quickly if needed.

A Medical Emergency Response system is made up of three components: the radio transmitter that is worn or carried by the user at all times, a connection through a console at the telephone, and the center for emergency call monitoring.

The Personal Emergency Response system is put into operation when the user needs emergency help, such as the police, fire department or in the event of a medical emergency. The system user presses the help button on the transmitter, which automatically emits a radio signal that is picked up by the console. The console is pre- programmed to dial one or more telephone numbers that are selected by the user. For example, if an elderly person has fallen and injured a hip so that they can't arise, the user would press the help button. The emergency response number would be dialed in many instances. This usually can be done even if the telephone handset is off the hook or in use. Some systems have information about medical history at the call center so that they would contact an adult child or a spouse.

If the center staff can't determine what the nature of the emergency is, they will send a response team to the location and will continue to monitor the response until the emergency situation is resolved.

Transmitter

The transmitter unit is light weight and operated by battery power that must be recharged or replaced periodically. Checking the batteries regularly helps to insure that they remain operational. The transmitter has one or two buttons for calling help. The transmitter is worn on a wrist band or around the neck on a chain. They can be attached to a belt, or simply carried in the pocket. Some transmitter units reflect low batteries by means of a battery level indicator.

Dialer

The console or automatic dialing machine picks up the radio signal from the transmitter and send the alert through the private telephone line system. In the event of a telephone system with more than one extension, some special wiring or jacks may be required in order to grab the line.

Emergency Response Center

The console dials into one of two different types of emergency response centers. Manufacturer based centers usually have only one operation center nationwide. Provider based systems are found locally. They are often run by social service agencies or by regional hospitals. Because users often have the choice of renting the Personal Emergency Response System or purchasing their equipment it usually makes the difference whether the local center is available to the consumer. Equipment leased from the manufacturer is usually part of single nationwide center. Occasionally, the user can choose which type of system he prefers--manufacturer based or provider based.

Customers sometimes choose to buy the equipment but the majority rent Since most insurance companies won't pay for either the daily monitoring, the equipment or the installation of the unit. A purchased unit will run anywhere from $200 up to $5,000. The installation fee and monitoring fee will cost an additional amount. When the PERS unit is rented, the monthly fee usually includes the monitoring service. Typically, rentals or leased units are handles through hospitals, social service agencies, home health providers or other businesses.

--
Stephanie Larkin is a freelance writer who writes about topics concerning emergency planning, safety preparedness and demonstrations for emergency response such as Safety Training | Disaster Preparedness

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/home-security/how-to-mentally-condition-yourself-for-an-emergency.html http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/home-security/how-to-mentally-condition-yourself-for-an-emergency.html Fri, 21 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0500
Emergencies come in many different forms. Most of us think of natural disasters such as storms, earthquakes or fires. Sometimes natural disasters have secondary effects that can be as bad as or worse than the original cause. Another type of emergency is accidents or assaults either on the person or the property. A sudden serious illness can cause much the same response as an accident. Finally, an economic emergency can result from lost jobs or business failure.

By conceptualizing an action plan of what you would do in the event of an emergency situation, you have taken the first step in mentally conditioning yourself. Set aside some time individually or with those in your household and make a list of those types of emergency situations that you might be involved in. Sometimes, just putting a name to your fears will help you to realize that you are rarely totally helpless in the event of an emergency.

You may want to list those potential emergency situations according to whether they are caused by natural disasters, accidents, illness, economics or other factors. For example, a forest fire that is threatening your home is an external force. If your home is lost to a forest fire or a foreclosure, that would be an economic disaster. Then after each emergency situation, list items in two categories, those things that you can do something about, and those that can't be helped. It may be helpful to brainstorm about each of the items on your list. You may find that even items which you believe can't be helped could be improved or resolved with some pre-planning.

For example, if you were attacked a mugger you may think that nothing could help the results of the attack. However, what about self defense classes? How about avoiding dark streets late at night? At a minimum, you could carry a weapon that is easily accessible to you when you are in dangerous situations. Learn to use a gun if you are repeatedly in circumstances where you could be attacked.

Once you have made a list of things that you can do in the event of such an event, visualize yourself taking successful action using the action steps that you listed earlier. If one of your emergency situations that you have listed is a tornado, for example, you might make a list that includes preparing supplies in a tornado shelter. Then you visualize yourself when a tornado warning comes, calmly gathering family members or pets and moving to the shelter. You make sure to visualize yourself being calm and collected, knowing that your have done needed advance planning and preparation.

The final stage in mental conditioning for the onset of an emergency is to practice. If your community has emergency practice drills occasionally, volunteer to be a part of arranging them or even being a victim. Often part of the drills involves volunteers looking very realistically like victims. Knowing that you have practiced simulated emergencies and that you know what to do will help you to remain calm in the event of a real event.

On a more personal level, you can teach your family members what to do in the event of a fire in the home by having home fire drills. Fairly young children can be taught fire safety, lifesaving skills and even basic first aid.

While it's impossible to foresee and plan for every possible emergency that could occur, some procedures and preparation plans will help you to maintain mental calmness in the event of various emergencies. The habits that you form and the pre planning and preparation that you do will help you to focus on ways of dealing with an emergency that arises that you haven't thought about. You will be able to make use of the common ingredients and carryover techniques for handling situations to bolster your mental control.

--
Stephanie Larkin is a freelance writer who writes about topics concerning emergency planning, safety preparedness and demonstrations for emergency response such as Safety Training | Disaster Preparedness

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/home-security/how-to-prepare-for-a-terror-attack.html http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/home-security/how-to-prepare-for-a-terror-attack.html Fri, 21 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0500
Preparation for a terrorist attack must be done both at the personal and societal levels. Personal preparation in the event of an attack by terrorists must proceed to make the best possible plan for dealing with all the aspects of the attack. While it is unlikely that individual planning can cope with all the repercussions of an attack, just the act of pre planning will do much to allay the fear of the unknown which is so disruptive.

Attacks can be expected to provide maximum negative effect on the following levels: emotional, food, water, health, financial, infrastructure, leadership and the very function of society. Because it is impossible to know in advance which of these areas will be impacted most heavily in the event of a terrorist event, the best course of action is to make individual preparation in the areas where you are able to do so. For example, a supply of food that is easily stored means you aren't dependent upon stores that may or may not be available at the local supermarket.

The same thing is true of a water supply. Supplies of bottled water could be crucial in the event of contamination of the regular water supply. At a minimum, purification tablets could be stocked. Medical supplies are a somewhat different matter. Where possible, prescription drugs that must be taken on a regular basis should be stockpiled, although in most instances, this is difficult or impossible.

A terrorist attack is likely to disrupt the flow of electrical power and other utilities. Planning for such an event might result in installing some level of alternative energy sources such as solar power or wind power for your critical needs. Some individuals purchase a gasoline or diesel power generator to be used in an emergency. In this instance, a supply of fuel will be necessary, as well.

Transportation systems in large urban areas may become non operational in the event of a terror attack. Planning ahead will result in thinking about how to survive two to three weeks without the capability of operating your automobile or taking the subway or other commuter transportation. The simplest solution is to plan how to survive without relying on any outside help or services for several days.

Keep in mind that even if you have funds in your bank account, you may not be able to access them if computer systems are not working. Retail outlets may or may not be able to open. Urban water and power systems could be down. Fuel pumps run on electrical power. While hospitals and medical facilities typically have alternative power sources available, such as generators, the staff and facilities may be overburdened with sick or injured people so that medical help is operating with severe limitations.

In simplest terms, planning for a terrorist attack on a personal level would be most effective if the following minimum efforts were made.

• Take a course in first aid or CPR
  
• Have at least 2 weeks supply of food and water stored
  
• Keep some cash on hand in a secure place
  
• Install an alternative energy source in your shelter
  
• Practice safety drills regularly with your family
  
• Know evacuation routes from your city if available.
  
• Know and understand the emergency plans at children's day care centers or schools

The effort of making plans for responding to an event that hopefully will never happen can do a great deal to remove the fear associated with a terrorist action. The statement that knowledge is power is true in this instance. While the thought of an attack is frightening, and experiencing it is even more so, preparation can help to prevent mindless hysteria.

--
Stephanie Larkin is a freelance writer who writes about topics concerning emergency planning, safety preparedness and demonstrations for emergency response such as Safety Training | Disaster Preparedness

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/home-security/an-overview-of-hazardous-chemicals.html http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/home-security/an-overview-of-hazardous-chemicals.html Mon, 25 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0600
Hazardous materials must be stored and used in accordance with numerous regulations including, but not limited to, the Uniform Fire Code and local amendments.

Permits are required for any quantity of highly hazardous material, and for small to moderate quantities of other materials. (For example, a permit is required for any quantity of highly toxic or unstable material and for flammable liquids in quantities in excess of five gallons in a building).
Contact the Fire Department directly or EH&S Facility Safety office (206.543.0465) for assistance.

Rooms where hazardous materials are stored or used in quantities that exceed certain thresholds, and rooms dedicated to storing hazardous materials are required to have a National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) diamond sign on all doors. Call EH&S Facility Safety office at 543-0465 for further information and signs.

Flammable Liquids: The quantity of flammable liquids in a single laboratory stored outside of an approved flammable liquids cabinet must not exceed 10 gallons. All 10 gallons, unless in use, must be stored in approved containers as indicated in the table below.

Peroxide Forming Chemicals: Peroxides may form in some organic compounds by autoxidation. Peroxides can cause serious accidents and, in some circumstances, become low power explosives that can be set off by shock, sparks or other forms of ignition. Some organic compounds form peroxides in a matter of months under the right circumstance. Be aware of organic compounds in your lab and remember to mark the expiration date on each container and review them periodically for disposal. Ether is an example of peroxide forming chemical.

Pyrophoric Material: Pyrophoric material is a material that will spontaneously ignite when it comes into contact with air. This material is only permitted in fire sprinkler protected laboratories in very small quantities (4 pounds aggregate per zone). Potassium metal is an example of a pyrophoric material. Extreme precaution is required when working with this type of material.

Highly Toxic Material: Materials classified as highly toxic are only permitted in small quantities in University buildings (Up to 10 pounds per zone). Highly toxic gas, like Arsine, is not allowed in any quantity without engineering controls and a special permit from the Seattle Fire Department.

Incompatible Materials: Incompatible materials are materials which, when in contact with each other, have the potential to react in a manner that generate heat, fumes, gases, or byproducts which are hazardous. For quantities of greater than 5 pounds or 1/2 gallon, separation by not less than 20 feet, approved cabinets, or a noncombustible partition is required. Smaller quantities should also be isolated whenever practical. A common violation is flammable liquids stored with oxidizers.

Flammable Liquids and Basements: The International Fire Code prohibits storage of flammable liquids in basements. However, there are two general exceptions as follows that apply to the University of Washington:

Existing grandfathered Class H Occupancy rooms (i.e., chemical stockrooms design specifically for bulk storage of flammable liquids). New Class H occupancy rooms for flammable liquids are not allowed in basements.

Your waste will be picked up in two to four weeks. Please plan ahead and be patient. Each waste item must be tracked from the point of generation to incineration, and we do the paperwork for hundreds of containers of waste every week. Chemicals that are corrosive, flammable, toxic, or explosive are by legal definition "hazardous". Some additional chemicals are handled as hazardous waste because they are carcinogenic, persistent in the environment, or are not allowed in the trash because they generate dusts or other hazard. Large volumes of waste or numbers of containers may take longer to collect due to the long time it takes to process the chemicals (it usually takes an hour to process one Chemical Collection Request) and the limited space on our trucks. Routine collection requests are faster because much of the paperwork is done already. If your waste is accumulated improperly (according the above guidelines), we will stop to discuss the problem with you if you are present. We will not pick up your waste until the problem has been corrected.

All new employees as well as anyone rusty on the basics of hazardous waste management should take this training. It covers hazardous waste definitions, labeling, storage, and disposal and includes a short quiz, all of which should take only ten to twenty minutes to complete. If you pass the quiz, you may request a certificate of completion for your training records at any job that you are working at.

--
Craig Elliott is a freelance writer who writes about topics concerning emergency planning, safety preparedness and demonstrations for emergency response such as Safety Training | Disaster Preparedness

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]>