Safe-Home.com

Question about the Wide Profile Black Edge Cushion by Cardinal Gates and the Boing Wide Profile Edge Padding.

Q: "Which of these edge paddings would work the best to protect an outdoor children's play area? There is a rough edged "paver" type wall that is porous. We want to coer it with a black padding to keep children from injuries. Also what is the best way to attach the padding? Thanks, Matt."

Answer: For indoor use, either brand of edge cushion padding will work. The Cardinal Gates padding sticks are the same as used for hearth guard. They come 9 to a box, each pad measuring 48 inches long and 2 3/8 inch x 2 3/8 inch on the lip.The Boing padding is 39.5" long x 2.25" x 2.25" x 1/2" thick.

For outdoor usage, we recommend using the Boing padding. It is made from what is called "skin urethane." That material is a special one-piece foam material which has both a shock absorbing "inner" foam and a  thick outer “skin” to protect from abrasion, UV rays, moisture and bacteria. It is designed for heavy duty use any where that there are sharp or dangerous edges, corners or surfaces. These uses include all types of recreational play areas, manufacturing and commercial, lLogistics and transportation facilities and equipment, military facilities, vehicles and equipment,medical and educational facilities, residential areas, etc.

Skin urethane Characteristics:

• Safety. It has passed or surpassed a variety of safety requirements including Compression, Toxicity etc. Safety testing documentation available upon request. It has anti-bacterial properties and passes ASTM G21 testing for a variety of bacteria. Our Boing skin urethane products contains no PVC, lead or phthalates.
• Not Fireproof. Does not currently contain fire and smoke retardants to meet Class A fire codes.
• Durability: Durable relative to the amount and type of use. It will last many, many years if used in the manner it was designed. Longevity will be reduced by excessive or aggressive use.
• Size tolerance: Can be up to a 5% variation in the size and density of the finished product. Skin urethane is produced in a mold - one piece at a time. The "baking" forcess that lasts 30-40 minutes can be affected by temperature and humidity which will vary by season and weather variations.
• UV resistance:  Indoor or outdoor use.  All plastic products, even those that are UV treated, will eventually fade in the sun. The stronger the sun, the faster it fades. The darker the initial color, the stronger it fades. In addition the impact absorbing characteristics are reduced in very cold (below 32F) and very hot (over 100 F) weather. These factors will vary from region to region.
• Impact absorption: impact absorbing characteristics are reduced in very cold (below 32F) and very hot (over 100 F) weather
• Best UV resistance:4 primary colors (Red, Blue, Green, Yellow. Best not to expose to direct sunlight for extended periods.
• Standard Adhesive Installing: For most installations, use “GE-Silicone I or II". The "II" version is supposed to be the improved version.
• High Adhesion Installation: For those locations with a need for very high adhesions, use 3M VHB (Very High Bond tape)
• Aluminum reinforced strips can be attached with screws (strips are pre-drilled & we provide the screws)
• How much silicone do you need? The amount will vary with the type of surface to be protected and the degree of adhesion. As a rough estimate, you can generally attach the following numbers with a single 300ml tube:
  Wall Pad - 2 to 3; or
  Corner Strip - 6 to 8; or,
  Jumbo Corner Guard - 12 to 14; or,
  Post Pad - 1 to 2 sets
• Silicone removal: scraping with a blade or craft knife ior use DAP's Silicone-Be-Gone. Oil-based solvents do require proper ventilation and gloves.Silicone can be removed by scraping with a blade or craft knife, but that can be laborious and isn't always practical.  Instead, try using a solvent that's made to remove silicone.There are a number of solvents on the market, but one of the best is Silicone-Be-Gone, a product made by DAP and developed specifically for removing silicone.  It can be used both for dissolving cured silicone and for cleaning up the area around freshly applied silicone.  The product takes several hours to work completely. It's also an oil-based solvent that has a noticeable odor, so use with proper ventilation.  It's also a good idea to wear gloves to minimize contact with your skin.  Krud Kutter, mineral spirits or rubbing alcohol also work and are safer but take more time and scraping.

Other questions about Boing Safety Pad Products:

• Can you paint Skin Urethane products? We do not offer "painting" products or services.There are some "water-based" urethane paints to which you add color pigment. You can try, for example SC115 aliphatic polyurethane coating. May require SC-80 water based primer. There is also a solvent based SC89 flexible urethane coating but it requires excellent ventilation and proper protective mask. Due to the complexity of the product,variable sizes etc, we do not get involved in the sale of such products.See www.burmanfoam.com
• How do you clean and maintain the safety padding?Under normal circumstances, little maintenance is required. Cleaning should be undertaken with normal household cleaning materials that are "non-abrasive". Limit your use of "solvent based" cleaners to the toughest cleaning jobs - follow manufacturers instructions. Unfortunately certain kinds of permanent markers like ballpoint pens and felt pens cannot be completely removed as the ink seeps into the surface layer.
• Can Skin Urethane padding be used on the floor or under playground equipment?The current shapes we offer are not designed for flooring use. The Wall Guards can be placed on the floor - but are not rated for ASTM 1292 - Safety Surfacing for Flooring.

I hope this helps with your decision. Thanks for your question

Sincerely, Barbara

Question about the Quantum Eye II passive carbon monoxide disposal spot monitor.

Q: "Why would you recommend this carbon monoxide monitor over the single color spot monitors that are much less expensive? I can buy them almost anywhere. Thanks. John, the Private Pilot.

Answer: The less expensive spot monitors show only safe (yellow) and dangerous (dark) carbon monoxide conditions. As a former private pilot, I had one of the single yellow spot monitors stuck to the instrument panel. I did not know there was any other kind. When the spot turned dark, you'd best have an airfield in sight. Carbon monoxide effects one's ability to think straight. I heard a story from an FBO (Fixed Base Operator) in Minnesota about an experienced pilot whose muffler was leaking CO into the cockpit and needed help from the FBO to find the field and land the plane. He was lucky he didn't pass out first!

The Quantum Eye II has three colors, yellow for safe, green for caution or ventilate and dark blue for evacuate. Once out of the carbon monoxide, the sensor will regenerate. Sensor life is about 18 months. Obviously, this is not for the color blind pilot.

We also sell these to forklift drivers in warehouses, truck drivers and home owners who want an extra safety device say on their refrigerator.

A better choice are the 9Volt RV or Marine units. Unfortunately, at this time, Costar/Quantum is manufacturing only 12V units. The standard home 9Volt battery units are not made for high temperatures or high humidity. There are 12V RV units available. However, for aviation use, you need to get an FAA approval to mount permanently any non-aviation approved device in an airplane.

Thanks for your question. Fly safely.

Sincerely, Barbara

Question about the Res-Q-Me Escape Tool.

Q:"I work for a major company that provides mass transportation across the nation. We've decided that giving Res-Q-Me escape tools or Life Hammers will be part of our acknowledging the safety record of one of our divisions. I need 300 units with our company logo imprinted on each units plus a brief acknowledgment of their accomplishments. We prefer the Res-Q-Me units as they can fit on our employees' keychains. Is this possible? How long does it take? Can you give me some ball-park figures on additional costs?" Thanks from Steve.

Answer: Both the Life Hammer and the Res-Q-Me can be personalized to be sold to support a school, fire department, etc. or as a give-away to employees, customers, etc. The cost is related to number of color of inks used, how quickly they are needed and whether the color you choose is in stock. The minimum for personalizing or imprinting is 100 units. At this time, April 2010, the set-up fee is $75 to $125 and the rush fee is $100 for 48 hour service just for the imprinting. What we need is a high resolution logo and/or high resolution printing. Figure on a minimum of $1.25 extra per unit at this time (April 2010) with ground shipping for one color in minimums of 100 units. Typical lead time for imprinting is 21 days to 14 days plus shipping time (4 t0 5 business days.)

For larger quantities, we do have quantity pricing available. On the Res-Q-Me, both the clip and the unit itself can have lettering or logo's imprinted. Due to the small size of the unit, larger more complicated logos might not work well. Both products have seat belt cutters and glass break devices for escape from cars, trucks, etc.

The Life Hammer has more room for imprinting due to its larger size. Currently, the colors available in the Res-Q-Me are bright orange, pink with part of each sale going to fight breast cancer, red, blue, black and yellow. The Life Hammer is now available in original bright orange, pink (part of each sale going to breast cancer research) and black.

Thank you very much for your question and your order!

Sincerely, Barbara

Question about the Scentry III GFRAB Propane/Natural Gas Home Gas Detector.

Q: "Our oil burning furnace was replaced with a propane gas furnace. Our concern is gas leaks while we away, i.e. we want protection against explosions and fires. The CCI Controls gas valve system is no longer made. How does this unit work? What components do we need? Thanks. Jim."

Answer: The Scentry III GFRAB propane/natural gas detector is only one component of this home safety system. To have a complete system, you need these additional components:

• The Scentry III Gas Valve Controller
• The Battery Back Up in case there is a power failure.
• A compatible gas valve such as this .75 inch that is CSA (AGA/CGA) Certificate number 229521-1656058 Australian Gas Association Certificate number 4235,UL Recognized File Number MH5939.
• Optional: Remote Gas Sensors. Up to 5 remote explosive gas sensors can be monitored by the Scentry III GFRAB unit.

The compatible valves are in .5, .75 and 1 inch sizes. Each valve is an electrically operated gas shut off valve that opens and closes on a demand signal from a thermostat or other controlling device. Can be used with both natural gas and LP gas at pressures up to 0.5 psi. The White Rodgers replacement is a compression spring closing and soft seat construction gas valve.

The advantage of this system is that the controller unit supports up to 5 calibrated remote sensors.

Scentry III-GFRAB Specifications:

• Case: ABS Plastic
• Physical Size: 7.6 inches by 4.6 inches
• Weight: 2.25 lbs
• Color: Gray
• Power consumption: 1.5va
• Supports up to 5 calibrated remote sensors (not included)
• Requires Scentry III-GVD gas valve (purchase separately)
• Supports Battery Back-Up (Not Included)
• Supports Gas Valve Controller for Explosive Gas (Not Included)
• Connections: screw terminals
• Input Power: 115VAC, 60 Hz
• Output Control Relays: 2 amps,
• 24 VAC Alarm Signal
• Output: 12V DC @500 ma
• Reset: manual
• Sensor Type: Tin Dioxide Semiconductor
• Alarm Points: Propane (LP) <5200 PPM Alarm Points: Natural Gas / Methane <12,200 PPM
• Manufactured Proudly in the USA for Safety First USA, Inc.
• Warranty: 1 year from date of purchase.

Thanks for your question. Just remember propane gas and natural gas are safe sources of energy if you add protective measures including alarms, shut off valves and regular maintenance of the appliances that use gas.

Sincerely,

Barbara

 

Questions about Gray Kids Edge Hearth Guard 54 Inch Pad Sticks and Gray Hearth Guard 7 Inch by 7 Inch Corners and Boing Edge Corner Strips (Pack of 4) -GREY

Q: "I am in charge of maintenance and safety in a factory that makes boxes and other packaging products. There are many sharp edges on railings, assembly lines, etc. We need wider corner and edge cushions due to the size of the edges. Are either of these products suitable? How difficult is it to install?

Answer: Both lines of product are fire-resistant, non-toxic and easily applied with contact cement if you prefer not to use the adhesive tape on the Kids Edge products. Boing recommends only the GE-Silicone I brand rubber silicone cement. A long sharp knife like a fillet knife is recommended for the cleanest cut. Lubricating the entire length of the knife with soapy water or liquid soap, then moving the knife back and forth with the blade straight will give the cleanest cut.

Gray and yellow are the more popular colors for industrial usage. If you have poles that require padding, we recommend the Boing Yellow Pole Pad if your poles have a 5 inch diameter. This brand has two halves that connect. Each half is 19.5 inches long and .5 inches thick. The other choice is the Kids Edge yellow padding which is 48 inches high and has an interior diameter of 2 1/8 inches. Two pieces can be wrapped about a pole and pieces can be added to fit. There are also matching yellow corners and wall padding for the Boing products.

Thanks for your question. Let us know if we can help further.

 Sincerely, Barbara

Question about the product 16 oz. Bottle Grip On Anti-Slip Solution SS0016

Q: "Can this be used on fingers/hands?" Carl
Answer: No, Grip-On is not for use on hands. To apply it to ceramic tile, concrete, marble, etc. to increase the coefficient of resistance to slipping, skidding, etc. , you should wear rubber gloves or be careful not to get the product on your hands.

Below is information from the Material Data Safety Sheet:

Chemical Name: Hydroxy Acetic Acid.

Physical State: Clear yellow, mild odor.

pH: 7.6.

Caution: Keep out of reach of children. Avoid eye contact. Wear rubber gloves. Use in ventilated area. Can be fatal if swallowed. Do not use on wood, vinyls or plastics.

Our feedback on this product has been completely positive. Applying the solution to my bathroom ceramic tile took only minutes. Since the product is clear and invisible after application, you don't have to worry about applying it "perfectly." I applied it over 3 years ago. It is great to get out of the shower or tub and not worry about hydroplaning with my wet feet.

Thank you for your question.
Sincerely, Barbara

Question about the product Product Code: =TD-MXS-40225, the Maxsa Innovations Motion-Activated 80 LED Security Floodlight.

Q: "Are the led lights changeable on this Maxsa Innovations Motion-Activated 80 LED Security Floodlight? What number of lumens does this light give?" Neel

Answer: No, the 80 LED's are not changeable. However, they are rated for 30,000 to 40,000 hours of on time. The lumens are about that of a 40 watt halogen lamp.

Recently, a residential treatment center in New York state chose to equip their center with these lights as a cost-saving, security measure. For this security light, you need a ladder and not an electrician to install the lights. And with solar power you save on electricity, too. The 15 foot cable to the solar panel even lets you install the light inside a building if you choose. Included is a 6V 4ah sealed lead acid rechargeable battery. This light can detect motion up to 35 feet away within a 180 degree detection area. Time, motion sensitivity and LUX (daylight sensitivity) adjustments. And the light can activate up to 360 times on one charge when on for a minute at a time.

Thanks for your question.
Sincerely, Barbara

Question about dangerous ceramic tile restaurant flooring and Grip-On .

Q: "We've been lucky so far, only our employees have slipped and fallen on our new flooring. When the new owner bought this formerly Chinese restaurant, he had all the old carpeting ripped out and replaced it with ceramic tile because he felt the tile was easier to keep clean. The tile was laid directly on the concrete slab. The water table is high since we are near the Rock River (Moline, Illinois) so moisture comes up through the tile sometimes and the floor is wet. We've tried everything to make it less slippy. Currently, the floor is cleaned every night with a degreaser followed by a detergent wash and then we pour chlorine bleach on it since we were told the chlorine would make it more slip resistant. The bleach does not help. Help!" Tina.

Answer: Reality is we stopped at this restaurant on the way back from Pennsylvania. The food was excellent. Even with my deep grip athletic shoes I was sliding on this floor as if I was on ice! It was scary to say the least. I talked with our server and Tina and the above was what they shared with me. I promised I would phone our Grip-On supplier and find out what actions the restaurant needed to take.

Here is what William shared with me:

• The janitor should degrease with Blu-It or a similar de-greaser that leaves no residue.
• Next, rinse the floor thoroughly with water. Remove all the old detergent and residue.
• Then swab the floor with Grip-On. One gallon treats about 400 square feet.
• After 20 minutes, wash it off with clear water
• Let dry.

Remember, William, said that there is grease in the air of most restaurants that will settle on the floor. The kitchen area may need mopped twice a day. The eating sections, probably once a day but perhaps more often in the grill areas. He recommended a 12 lb. cotton mop head and a clean bucket. Make sure the mop head is changed every few months.

The anti-slip quality should last about 1 year minimum if the floors are properly maintained.
I'll be faxing you the information, Tina. Hope to enjoy your teriyaki again soon!

Sincerely,
Barbara

Question about the Brown Boing Corner Strips BS-CS-48-200110 and Hearth Guard Edge Cushioning in Brown.

Q: "Our sons' bunk bed is located near to an exposed stained wooden ceiling beam. What suggestions do you have for padding the edges to keep them from hard bumps on their heads? The bunk bed is a standard twin length plus the head and foot boards. The beam is about 12 feet long. Thanks." Lynn

Answer: First, you have 144 inches more or less in length of the beam. Since it runs the entire length of the room, there is no need for corners.

If you want to cover both sides of the beam using the Boing Corner Strips, then you need to order a total of 8 strips since 144 divided by 39.5 equals 3.65 strips and you have two lengths of 144 to cover. These come 4 to a case with each strip being 39.5 inch long with a 2.25" x 2.25" lip and 1/2" thick

If you want to cover both sides with the Hearth Guard, you need to order 6 of the 54 inch strips (324 inches) or 5 lengths of 48 inches (240 inches) plus another 54 inches (294 total) just to be safe. The longest stick available is 54 inches long. This pad has a 2 3/8" x 2 3/8" lip.

The Boing Corner Strips come cases of 4 or 10 in 10 colors: Red, Orange,Yellow, Ivory, Green, Sky Blue, Indigo, Grey, Brown, and Purple. Matching corners come in 7 colors: Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Sky Blue, Indigo, and Purple. Each corner is 4 inches by 4 inches by 4 inches and about 1/2 inch thick. There are no corners to match the ivory, grey or brown.

The Hearth Guard is available in ivory, gray, brown, black and taupe. If you want to protect the edges of the bunk bed, the corner cushions that match the hearth guard are 8 inches by 8 inches. Or there are smaller corner cushions and edge cushioning to match.

Use glue or tape to attach to the beam or you can use screws. We recommend the glue as it is easier. We used the hearth guard strips in taupe to protect taller persons from bumping their heads on our stair landing.

Both manufacturers emphasize that these products are fire resistant and non-toxic.

Thank you for your question.

Sincerely, Barbara

P.S. This customer phoned later to tell us she had used screws to attach the Boing edge strips to the beams and was very pleased with the results.