Causes and impacts ofpower outages

Business depends on the everyday ability to carry out its operations. But when the electricity goes out, unplanned downtime can occur – and that can cost your business hundreds, thousands or even millions of pounds. An outage you weren’t expecting can lead to situations that might be difficult to restore. Ensuring your business has a plan to eliminate downtime in the event of a power outage will help your business reduce the potential losses that can occur due to blackouts.

What is a power outage?

Power outages can include short-term or long-term electrical power losses for certain areas. Blackouts can affect homes, businesses, or entire cities. There are several types of power outages that your business might experience:

1. Brownout: The voltage drops and causes the lights to dim. Brownout can cause damage to electrical equipment.

2. Blackout: Total power loss in an area for several minutes or in an unlimited amount of time.

3. Permanent error: Large power loss due to interference with the power line.

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Whatever type of power outage your business might experience, you must be prepared for anything. With increased electricity outages, they are an important concern for businesses. Sensible solutions include having a back-up generator. For Generator Rental, visit Newburn Power Rental

What causes a power outage?

Some power outages are planned, such as when maintenance and upgrading needs to occur. However, at other times, your business may experience unplanned outages. All of the following factors can cause a power outage:

Weather: Weather is one of the most common reasons for power outages. Weather that caused power outages could include storms, cold weather, floods, tornadoes, and forest fires. Natural disasters are a particular source of concern – they can come suddenly and cause power outages for a long time.

Animals: Animals can come into contact with fuses and transformers and cause them to stop working. Squirrels are famous for climbing electrical equipment and causing blackouts.

Vehicles: Vehicle accidents can damage the poles and power lines, causing a power outage.

Equipment failure: Sometimes electrical equipment can malfunction due to age or various other factors. Over time, salty and moist air or dust can affect engine performance. Weather and natural disasters can increase the risk of equipment failure.

Spikes: Increased power supply voltage can cause a power outage. Spikes are often the result of a lightning or short circuit.

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Monetary loss as a result of power outages:

Downtime as a result of a power outage can burden your business and cause it to lose out on a large amount of money. Power outages can affect your profits and impact everyday operations. Financial losses from downtime can differ based on industry, duration of outages, time and the amount of people.

To calculate the cost of downtime per hour, add hourly labour costs to income lost every hour. Your hourly labour costs will take into account factors such as income, number of employees, number of hours worked per week, average annual employee benefits, and the percentage of labour affected by blackouts. Lost income per stop hour will be a factor in your daily income and the percentage of your income that is affected by the outage.

5 things to consider when hiring a solicitor

So, you are looking for a lawyer to represent you. There may be many reasons why you might want to use a lawyer: perhaps you have suffered personal injury because of:

An accident at work road traffic accident clinical negligence (where a health professional has made a mistake that causes you pain and suffering). industrial diseases that you develop through your work, such as asbestosis.

Or, you might need a lawyer service that specializes in employment law – who can help you with: unfair dismissal claims settlement agreement (where you arrange how the work will end). discrimination claims

No matter what the legal problem, sourcing the right lawyer is very important to successfully resolve the problem. But how do you find the right lawyer for you?

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1. Recommendations from friends and family are not the last word

Whilst information and advice from people you know and respect are always handy when deciding on who to choose for your legal representation, you must ensure that every company recommended to you has legal experts in the field of law that are relevant to your legal issues. If not, then you don’t have to follow the recommendations.

2. Larger companies do not always mean better companies

Just because a company has many lawyers working for them, and a huge advertising budget, doesn’t automatically make them the right company for you.

3. You don’t always have to choose a company that is local to you, or to your place of business

Years ago, if you had a legal problem that needed a law firm, many people would choose firms based near them. As the only way to communicate with your lawyer was to write and receive letters, call them from a landline, or actually make an appointment to go to office, choosing a local lawyer was a wise choice in many cases. Of course, there is nothing wrong in choosing to involve local lawyers (provided they meet other requirements) For a firm of Manchester Solicitors, contact https://bridgelawsolicitors.co.uk/offices/wilmslow-manchester/

4. Check online reviews

When deciding which restaurant to go to, which hotel to go to, which Amazon book to buy, most of us depend on online reviews. Of course, not all online reviews – good and bad – are always fair, but usually inauthentic reviews are easier to recognise.

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5. Finally, go with your instincts …

How do companies respond to your questions?

Are they polite, pleasant and friendly, while displaying confidence and professionalism?

Who will handle your case if you give instructions to the company? Talking to them can be a useful basis for instinctive impressions.

Also remember that you have the right to choose the law firm that you want to act for you. You don’t have to use any company that might have been ‘assigned’ to you – maybe by an insurance company, car rental company, garage, trade union, or any other organization. That is your choice.

How would an EMP affect the country and your electrics

An EMP is an Electromagnetic pulse. It is a burst of electromagnetic energy, something that can occur in nature during a lightning strike and it knocks out nearby electronics. This is disruptive to local electronics and communications, and some companies would be unable to operate until the problem was rectified.  If your business has been affected or your at home and you are in need of an expert to come and check your utilities, wiring or devices or even install some new power points you could try an electrician cardiff company and one option is https://evergreenelectricalandbuildingservices.co.uk/.  On a small scale this isn’t an enormous problem, but if the EMP was caused by a nuclear blast it is a whole different situation…

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We know that nuclear blasts create the iconic and terrifying mushroom cloud, looming on the horizon, and that those who survive the initial explosion face a slow and painful death from the radiation sickness caused by the nuclear fallout. But an EMP causes a different set of problems. Someone wanting to wipe out the communications of a country prior to launching a full-scale nuclear attack would do it effectively with an EMP.

How would an EMP affect us?

Detonating a powerful nuclear weapon high enough in the atmosphere can potentially wipe out the circuits in all of the electronic components in an entire country – imagine the chaos that this would create – the things that we all take for granted – televisions, mobile phones, computers – would all cease to operate. Even cars would be rendered useless by the blast. Nowhere would remain untouched – essential services like hospitals, police stations and fire departments would be plunged into chaos. Imagine this across an entire country, like America, and you can see why this is an effective way to demobilise the enemy before launching any more weapons.

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How does the height of the bomb make a difference?

When the weapon has a greater altitude, the gamma rays, which are released are much more spread out, and able to wreak much more havoc than at ground level! The gamma rays hit air molecules at such a speed they accelerate particles to near light speed! The electrons are then carried along the Earth’s magnetic field in a corkscrew pattern, which lets their energy out as electromagnetic radiation creating the EMP. There are ongoing studies into how much damage can be done, but it is generally believed that a large nuclear weapon is capable of wiping out most of the circuitry in an entire country. 

Looking after your jet ski

Purchasing a jet ski is a significant investment, so you’ll want to make absolutely sure that you take good care of it and follow correct maintenance guidelines. With the wrong attitude and a lack of preventative care, you’ll soon be kissing that investment goodbye!

The maintenance of a jet ski is a long-term responsibility with regular checks being necessary to keep your craft in tip top condition for fun on the water. Here are some top considerations to keep your investment running like a dream:

  • Always read the manual

For first time owners, it’s imperative that you take the time to read the manufacturers manual and refer to it whenever you need to. Manuals contain information on every component of your machine so you can understand better how it all works. Don’t be tempted to carry out DIY repairs unless you’re a seasoned owner, or you could cause further costly damage.

  • Engine flush

Whether you ride in salt or fresh water, a jet ski should be flushed through after every ride. This helps to get rid of sand, salt, algae, shells and weeds from the engine, preventing corrosion and other damage.

Jet skis sold today come with a hose connection for interior cleansing. Simply connect a turned off hose to the connector and then start the engine. Keep the hose running for a couple of minutes, then turn off the hose with the engine still running to give your throttle a few twists to empty out the water from the exhaust.

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  • Wash after saltwater ride

Modern machines are made to be durable, but saltwater is corrosive and can cause damage in the long run. After saltwater riding, wash down with warm soapy water and a cloth to remove all the salt, keeping a hose at low pressure to remove the soapy water.

  • Cover

Getting a jet ski cover is a sensible idea for those who wish to keep their craft dry and clean in between rides.

  • Inspect regularly

Whilst durable and able to absorb minor damage, a jet ski will suffer from wear and tear just as a car does, especially if it’s kept on deck and lowered by a davit crane regularly. Ensure you have the best Davit Crane for the job from https://www.gmh.co.uk/transition-piece-davit-cranes/  You might see cracks form in the fibreglass and these should be inspected by a professional as soon as you notice them. Regularly inspect your craft as exterior damage can expose interior parts to damage.

If you’ve been riding your jet ski for a prolonged period, it’s wise to check the components straight away. When you have learned where everything is located, you should easily be able to inspect areas like hoses, wiring, throttle cables, clamps and other parts.

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  • Servicing

Some checks and repair work should only be completed by a qualified professional technician. Booking a service ensures that time-consuming and tricky jobs are carried out correctly and you can have important jobs done for you like changing engine oil, lubricating fittings and seals, changing the pump oil and making sure everything is running as it should be.

Better Weather, Bitter Lessons: Avoiding Those Warehouse Slips and Falls

The cold and wet winter weather can be extremely hazardous in warehouses, leading to an increase in slips and falls. However, this doesn’t have to have a significant impact on your business. There are measures that you can put in place to improve safety levels and prevent your employees having unnecessary accidents.

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Understand the Risk

Whatever sector you operate in, it’s imperative that you assess the risks that exist in your workplace. This will enable you to understand what additional practices you need to implement and make your employees more aware of the risks.

When conducting a risk assessment, it’s useful to work from the exterior areas first and then move inside. At each stage you should make a note of the specific risks. This will enable you to put together a plan for the different seasons so that everyone knows how the weather can impact on safety. The Health and Safety Executive’s Slip Potential Model and Trip Potential Triangles highlight the factors that could be responsible for accidents in the workplace.

Implementing a Plan

Once you’ve identified the problems and assessed how the risks can be mitigated, you need to put the plan into action. In winter this will need to include how you prevent accidents in snowy and icy conditions. It can be beneficial to cover over walkways to stop ice forming or snow building up. Equipment for removing snow and ice should be readily available at this time of year, and employees should know where it’s located.

Effective Maintenance

One of the biggest causes of slips and falls is poorly maintained warehouses. If your space has had its day then looking to a new location could be key like the ones with a Warehouse Space London company and this can be found at sites similar to http://uplands-e17.co.uk. It’s vital that walkways and floors are kept clear of obstructions and remain clean and dry.

Look Up

Employees working outside warehouses can be put at risk by ice and snow falling from roofs. After a heavy snowfall or significant cold spell, this should be removed from roofs as soon as possible.

Keep Up Inspections

Even when you’ve carried out a comprehensive risk assessment and implemented additional safety measures, you need to keep up the inspections. Problems can arise throughout the winter, and the sooner you’re aware of these, the better prepared you can be.

The many benefits of Building Information Modelling

BIM provides users with increased efficiency and many other benefits in the design and construction industry. Some of the greatest benefits are felt through the potential to reduce rework in the field. As the technology becomes more ingrained and users become more proficient, the opportunities to improve productivity will grow even larger. Here are some more of the many benefits of working with BIM: Continue reading The many benefits of Building Information Modelling

How essential oils can transform your skin

The condition of our skin is important to most people, with significant amounts spent every year on skin care products aimed at keeping it as clean, soft, unwrinkled and blemish-free as possible.

 

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The hidden nasties in skin products

It is perfectly normal to be attracted to a product by the way it looks, smells and feels, but what if this is all an illusion? Many items that people trust to improve their skin condition contain ingredients such as artificial perfumes, parabens and various chemicals that could cause you harm.

Ingredients in beauty products are not thoroughly regulated, which leaves manufacturers free, if they choose, to make them with ingredients that may harm end users. From serious skin irritation to problems with major organs and possibly even cancer, this serious concern is causing many people to look for alternatives to mass-produced skin products.

Natural and gentle skincare alternatives

Ready-prepared products such as Eucerin Aquaphor Soothing Skin Balm are a reliable non-toxic choice and can easily be sourced.

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Another option is to use essential oils. As these are concentrated solutions that need to be mixed with base oil before using, it is vital that the correct ratios are calculated and used before applying the finished product to skin.

Anti-ageing skin cream

One way to maintain young and fresh skin is to encourage new cells to generate, and carrot seed oil can do this. It is gentle enough for delicate skin, so perfect for the face, and can be used on any aged skin with fine lines or scars.  Other options include visiting a specialist where you could have Non Surgical Facelifts and these can be found at https://cathedralfacialaesthetics.co.uk/non-surgical-facelift/.

Soothing face cream

Helichrysum (everlast/immortelle) makes a great moisturiser for dry, spotty or sun-burned skin.

Irritated skin

If you have been bitten by an insect, or have developed a skin rash, lavender-based natural products will help to soothe it.

For stretch-marked skin

Pregnancy and weight gains can leave your skin with stretch marks, which the essential oil myrrh can help with. Derived from gum resin, myrrh has a long and well-respected track record of boosting the immune system and encouraging damaged skin to heal.

Using natural products and essential oils is an easy and sensible way to know for sure that you are protecting your skin and body from absorbing harmful pollutants, chemicals and other toxins.

How to Make Your Bedroom Cosy

In summer you want your bedroom to be as light and airy as possible. However, when autumn comes you want a room which is snug and cosy so you can grab a cup of cocoa and read a good book or watch TV in bed.

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Use Warm Colours on Your Bed

The easiest change is to your bedding. You’ll need to dig out your thick duvet again. The best thing is to use autumn colours such as rich golds, reds and plums for your duvet cover and bedding, while a faux-fur throw is also lovely and soft for cuddling up while reading a book. You could also use thicker curtains in matching colours to your bed linen to keep in the heat.

Check your homes heating to make sure your thermostat is set at an appropriate temperature.

Maybe look at getting a professional to come in from a Boiler repair Gloucester company to check the radiators and pipes with businesses such as https://redbridgeandsons.co.uk/heating-systems-gloucestershire/boiler-repairs-gloucester/.

 Say it with Plaid

The warm greens, reds and yellows in tartan also look fabulous in autumn. You could have tartan wallpaper as a feature wall and then use coordinated bedding using the key colours in the wallpaper. It’s best not to overdo it though. You could also find tartan rugs or typical Highland scenes to hang on the walls in keeping with your Scottish theme.

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Keep it Natural

Nature is a major source of inspiration, so you can create a natural look by using the colours you see around you at this time of year. You could create a woodland theme for your bedroom using soft rustic shades of cream and brown. A chunky cable-knit blanket or throw would add to the cosy feel. You could make leaf decorations for your room too. Wooden furnishings such as bedside tables or blanket boxes would be in keeping with this theme, along with wooden floors. Laminate flooring is easier to install than real wood and much more cost-effective. You can find  flooring in many different shades – not just brown – as well as different patterns.

A Lightbulb Moment

With these autumnal colours in your room, it makes sense to dim the lighting too. A bedside lamp with a low-watt bulb of 40 or less will create a lovely, soft glow. Make sure you pick bulbs with warm tones so they aren’t too harsh. The only problem could be your room is now so snug that you don’t want to get up in the morning!

How could the police improve body worn camera policy?

Evolving technology has shaped and improved the way we live, with body cameras within policing one such example.

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Positive policing with recording technology

The University of Cambridge’s 12-month study of around 2,000 UK and US police officers who wore body cameras found that complaints against officers dropped by an impressive 93 per cent. This is likely to be due to the awareness of the recording, both on the part of the officers and the potential offenders and accusers.

As the Avon & Somerset force discovered, this technology can also bolster confidence in policing, reduce the number and cost of legal proceedings, and improve conviction rates due to the more objective nature of recorded evidence.

Police come across lots of crimes within there day to day role and this is why body worn cameras can be very useful. Crimes can include breaking and entering which can damage your doors, windows and locks.  If you do have any problems with needing a lock replacement after a burglary an Emergency Locksmith in Cheltenham such as https://emergencylocksmithscheltenham.co.uk/ could be the right option for you.

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How can the benefits be further improved?

It is almost impossible to argue that body worn cameras are not beneficial; however, as with any new initiative, a few aspects need a little fine tuning. If it were to be implemented, these are three areas that should be addressed:

Firstly, there is the issue of when the cameras are set to record. For the aforementioned study, cameras recorded for the duration of shift with the exception of breaks and highly-delicate cases; however, the College of Policing guide on body worn video states that an officer can record at his or her discretion. While there is a pre-recording function of 30 seconds before the camera is turned on, this feature has been deemed unnecessary by the Home Office Centre for Applied Science and Technology. A pre-record of five minutes should be mandatory and definitive legislation needs to be put into place to ensure optimal recording across the board.

Secondly, it could be possible for original footage to be edited or even erased.  It should therefore be a requirement for any officer editing their own footage to be supervised to prevent this possibility, or even the accusation, of such an occurrence.

Lastly, some police forces will only store the recorded data for 31 days; others will delete it before this time; and the public is largely aware of the timescale in which requests for the footage need to be made. The length of preservation should be increased to at least 12 months to allow allegations and complaints further down the line to be adequately addressed.