Got Lint?
At left is a photo of lint buildup inside a clothes dryer vent pipe observed during a recent inspection with a Borescope camera. Lint buildup on the inside of a dryer vent can reduce dryer efficiency significantly by preventing heat from being safely vented to the outdoors. Heat buildup in the dryer and vent could result in a fire. Have your vent inspected frequently and cleaned to remove lint accumulations.
October 31, 2023
Newest member of City of Westbrook, Maine Public Safety Commission Sworn in!
North American Safety Services, LLC owner Michael Fandell was recently sworn in as the newest member of the City of Westbrook Maine Public Safety Commission on Friday February 10, 2023 at the Westbrook City Hall. Mike will serve the remaining year of a vacant five-year term by Mayoral appointment. Mike is excited to further serve the Community of Westbrook on the PSC. Mike is also a member of the Board of Directors of the Westbrook-Gorham Chamber of Commerce.
February 16, 2023
Got Clearance?
Whenever you get behind the wheel of any vehicle and set out on your journey, some of the many important things to consider is your vehicle’s physical profile, ie: length, height, and width, including any external appurtenances, like side-view mirrors, antennas, trailers with loads, etc. Make sure your vehicle will fit before it’s too late. If not, serious damage to your vehicle and any buildings, overpasses, and other objects, as well as serious injuries may result!!
January 31, 2023
Don’t be another winter driving accident statistic
Winter is upon us, and like it or not, along comes weather conditions that make driving more hazardous with snow and ice-covered road conditions, blowing/drifting snow, low visibility due to heavy snowfall, etc.
Most often you read in the news that weather conditions caused the accident. Actually, the weather and road conditions are contributing factors, but the actual cause may be traced back to unsafe driving on the part of the vehicle operator. An example would be driving too fast for driving conditions resulting in a loss of vehicle control and BAM! a vehicle accident!
Please be a safe driver and don’t drive carelessly during hazardous weather conditions! Check with the local authorities for current road conditions/advisories/warnings before setting out on your journey.
December 01, 2022
National Fire Prevention Week Amateur Radio Special Event - October 9-15, 2022
Michael Fandell, Owner of North American Services and FCC licensed Amateur Radio Operator N5QYQ, served as the “Station Owner” of Amateur Radio callsign N1F for this year’s National Fire Prevention Week Amateur Radio Special Event held October 9-15, 2022. As the Station Owner, Mike was responsible for coordinating all aspects of pre-event planning and preparation, including volunteer Amateur Radio operator scheduling, band planning, and post-event collection and consolidation of all N1F operator communication log sheets for N1F before sending to the event Coordinator. N1F operators established two-way radio communications with radio stations from around the world including the US, Canada, Wake Island in the Pacific, Grand Cayman Island in the Caribbean and many other locations, each given a helpful fire prevention tip before going to the next station contact. Many of the stations contacted were ether retired or active-duty fire and emergency response personnel. “As a Health and Safety Professional, you’re always looking for new and unique ways to convey Health and Safety information to others, and Amateur Radio is one of the most unique ways to do that.” says Mike. Mike also adds, “Amateur Radio Operators also serve the public emergency response organizations by providing emergency communication methods in the event normal lines of communication are disrupted via the Amateur Radio Emergency Services and Radio Amateur Radio Civil Emergency Services (ARES/RACES) and defense agencies via MARS (Military Auxiliary Radio Services). For more information on the National Fire Prevention Week Special Event go to https//www.hamfire.com; For more information on ARES/RACES go to https://www.arrl.org
November 30, 2022
Helping the Environment!
On Saturday, April 23rd, 2022, North American Safety Services Owner Michael Fandell, participated in the annual Friends of Scarborough Marsh (FOSM) cleanup day. Mike (with the Stetson Hat and tree saw) worked with Sean Campbell of the Maine Department of Inland Fish and Wildlife Department and Steve Pinnette (FOSM Board Member) to identify and remove an invasive species of crab apple trees. Mike’s wife, Ann (also an FOSM Board Member) participated in the cleanup. Mike and Ann are both avid birders, enjoy the outdoors, and helping preserve our environment.
April 23, 2022
Helpful safe winter driving tips
Here’s a few safe winter driving tips for you this season: SLOW DOWN! Driving too fast for slippery road conditions may cause you to loose control of your vehicle and result in serious injuries. Check with local authorities for driving conditions and alerts BEFORE you get behind the wheel. If it’s not safe to drive, Don’t. Deicing materials have effective temperature ranges that may affect their performance in cold weather conditions. Check the manufacturer supplied information on the temperature ranges and follow the application instructions for their deicing material. Once applied, it’s full deicing effect may not be instantaneous. Keep your vehicle in safe operating condition, maintain a full tank of fuel, keep some emergency supplies in the vehicle, and make sure your cell phone is charged at all times. For more detailed information and precautions for safe winter driving, contact your auto insurance carrier, local law enforcement, automobile club, driving school, or other reputable source of information.
December 01, 2021
National Fire Prevention Week Amateur Radio Special Event - October 3-9, 2021
North American Safety Services owner Mike Fandell, Amateur Radio Operator N5QYQ, will be participating in the Hamfire annual National Fire Prevention Week special event for amateur radio operators under the special event call-sign of N1F. Event radio operators make contact with other amateur radio operators around the world, log the date, time, frequency, and call-sign of the station contacted, and provide that station with a brief fire prevention safety tip. For more detailed information about this interesting and rewarding event, just click on the following link to Hamfire.com: Hamfire.com
October 3, 2021
Volunteering to cleanup our Environment
North American Safety Services, LLC owner Michael R. Fandell volunteered to Co-Chair the first Westbrook-Gorham Rotary Club River Cleanup in Westbrook and Gorham on October 2, 2021. Mike is shown in the photo at left hard at work with a pole to get hard-to-reach trash from a swampy area along side a local trail. Other volunteers worked at locations on and along the Presumpscot River. Removed were everything from beach balls, bottles, cans, shopping carts, to vehicle tires! Great work by all and the first event was a big success!
October 2, 2021
Michael R. Fandell elected as American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) New England Area Director
North American Safety Services, LLC owner Michael R. Fandell, CSP was elected to the position of New England Area Director July 19, 2021 with responsibilities for Area chapter support covering Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Connecticut, and Greater Boston. The term is for three years.
July 19, 2021
National Fire Prevention Week October 4-10, 2020
National Fire Prevention week runs October 4-10, 2020. Now is the time to check and replace the batteries in your Carbon Monoxide and smoke alarms, emergency exit lights and fire extinguishers to make sure they will continue to protect you, your family, and your business if needed! You should also review your business and home emergency plan, update it if necessary, and by all means, practice it regularly to make sure everyone knows what to do, in the event of any emergency!
Don’t have an emergency response plan? Need assistance with reviewing and updating your existing plan? North American Safety Services, LLC is ready to help you! Go to Contact Us and send us a message today!
October 01, 2020
Owner Mike Fandell elected Vice President of the Maine Chapter of the American Society of Safety Professionals
Mike Fandell, Owner of North American Safety Services, LLC, was recently elected Vice President of the Maine Chapter of the American Society of Safety Professionals. “The American Society of Safety Professionals and the Maine Chapter, offer great opportunities to expand one’s knowledge of the Health and Safety Profession and network with other H&S Professionals in Maine and around the world to improve the protection of all employees in the workplace.” says Mike.
To learn more about the ASSP and the Maine ASSP chapter and the benefits of becoming a member, please click on either of the links below:
https://maine.assp.org/
https://www.assp.org/
July 10, 2020
North American Safety Services, LLC receives recognition as an Essential Business by the State of Maine
North American Safety Services, LLC, a provider of contract Health and Safety program support to business and industry, just received a letter from the State of Maine Department of Economic and Community Development recognizing North American Safety Services, LLC as an “Essential Business” in line with the meaning of the recent Executive order issued by the Governor of the State of Maine. If you would like more information about North American Safety Services, LLC please click on the “About us” or, if you would like to make contact via e-mail, phone, or video teleconference, please use “Contact Us.” We look forward hearing from you soon and helping you keep your workplace a safe and healthy one!
Michael R. Fandell, Owner
April 1, 2020
The use of powered air hand dryers in a restroom vs paper toweling
Powered air dryers are found in many restrooms today. They are of course, enabling us to save on paper toweling, but are they safe? There are a few articles found in the news that might make you think twice before using a powered air dryer in a restroom. An article found on-line entitled
“The Dirty Truth About Hand Dryers. Some dryers spread germs instead of removing them.”
Published October 7, 2019 by the Cleveland Clinic, the article referenced a study by microbiologists that indicated a jet air dryer dispersed 20 times more viruses than a warm air dryer and 190 times more viruses than paper toweling at six different heights and 9 different distances.
The article goes on to say that paper toweling is best because it absorbs water and the friction dislodges bacteria to leave the hands cleaner.
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/the-dirty-truth-about-hand-dryers/
Note: North American Safety Services, LLC is not responsible for the accuracy/inaccuracy of the information contained in the referenced article and any questions/clarifications should be directed to the author/publisher of the article.
March 18, 2020
Avoiding transmission of potentially infectious diseases
Whenever you see an open-air self-serve coffee station where the cups and lids are not protected by a sneeze guard or other protective system, think about the potential for airborne particles containing disease causing mechanisms landing on the surfaces of the cups, stir sticks, or lids. Multiple people may handle these items without washing their hands before hand thus transferring contamination to these items, and may cough or sneeze in the immediate vicinity with the potential for transferring droplets also onto these surfaces thus contaminating them for others. If you own or operate a facility that has open-air coffee centers such as the one shown here think about how you would control contamination to keep your employees or customers safe from unwanted disease transmission. Some suggestions are: Keep the cups and stirrers in protective sleeves that will keep them from being contaminated by airborne particles, sneezes, coughs and handling by many people. Install commercially available dispensers, sneeze guards, or, eliminate the open-air coffee centers altogether, serving customers from behind the counter in a controlled environment. Make sure serves use the appropriate gloves or barriers between their skin and the items others will drink or eat from.
Please consult your primary care physician, the CDC, or other recognized health agency for further information on the various modes of disease transmission and ways to protect your employees and customers. See the links in our resources page.
March 10, 2020
Half-Face N-95 Respirator Masks with Exhalation Valve
A few important things to know about an Half-Face N-95 respirator mask like the one shown in the photo at right if you purchase and intend to use one. First, not everyone’s face is the same size and shape. Half-Face respirators often are manufactured in different sizes such as Small, Medium, and Large. Proper fit where the surfaces of the respirator seal against the face is required for maximum effectiveness. Body movements, head and facial movements, improper placement of the crown and nape straps that secure the respirator to your face, and a failure to mold the nose bridge to the shape of your nose also must be considered to get the most protection from your respirator. Facial hair where the respirator meets your face will hold the base of the mask away from your face allowing contaminated air to be inhaled through these gaps rather than through the respirator filter medium. OSHA requires a respirator user to be clean shaven where the respirator meets the face.
This particular respirator shown, contains a small rubber disk called and exhalation valve at the center of the mask. This valve closes against the port opening when you inhale and air is drawn through the filter medium. When you exhale into the mask, the respired air opens the valve (pushes it outward from the exhalation valve port and the respired air from your lungs exits through the exhalation valve port. IT IS IMPORTANT TO NOTE THAT THE RESPIRED AIR FROM YOUR LUNGS IS NOT FILITERED AS IT LEAVES THE RESPIRATOR MASK WHEN YOU EXHALE. What this means, is that if you have a disease and are wearing this mask, you may be transmitting the disease out of the mask through the unfiltered exhalation valve port with the potential for infecting other people. Consult your Primary Care Physician, your company Health and Safety person, vendor, or the respirator manufacturer for proper respirator selection and fitting guidance.
March 2, 2020
COVID-19
Follow the guidance of your Primary Care Physician, the Center for Disease Control (CDC), and any Local, State, and Federal Agencies as they apply to you and where you live and work. See the Resource section of our website for helpful links to the CDC and other sources of COVID-19 Information.
North American Safety Services, LLC is not associated with any of the sources referenced, and sole responsibility and liability for the accuracy or inaccuracy of the information and guidance provided by those sources, rests solely with the sources themselves, NOT North American Safety Services, LLC.
March 01, 2020
National Fire Prevention Week 2019
The week of October 9th is National Fire Prevention Week. This week, take the time to survey your home or business to ensure your are adequately prepared to prevent fires and personal injury. Check all fire, smoke, and Carbon Monoxide sensors and alarms and change the batteries to new ones. Perform all the required tests per manufacturers instructions. Check fire extinguishers to make sure they are in good working order and have been serviced per the manufacturer’s and your State and Local fire codes in your area. Also check all emergency exit lighting and signs to make sure they are functioning and will work if power is interrupted.
Review your emergency response plans to ensure your personnel are trained in accordance with your plan(s). Practice them at least annually or as required by Local, State, and Federal regulations.
Consult your local fire department for additional information on fire safety in your area.
If you need assistance developing emergency response plans for your business, contact North American Safety Services, LLC today!
October 8, 2019
Got fall Protection?
If you have employees working at heights, make sure they are properly protected against falls from elevations. North American Safety Services, LLC can help you develop fall prevention plans. Contact us for more information on how we can help you today!
May 4, 2019
What’s in your Air?
Have a qualified HVAC service provider check the air filters in your building HVAC system regularly to keep the air in your building healthy and keep the equipment running efficiently.
April 28, 2019
Electrical Safety - What’s in your Buildings?
When was the last time you did a comprehensive on-site health and safety review for one or more of your buildings? You might be surprised at what you find above false ceilings and in other areas. Issues such exhibited in the photo at left indicate an eight-foot fluorescent tube light fixture has become detached from its base section and wiring is exposed. It was found that the ballast was defective and very hot. The fixture and ballast were quickly repaired by a qualified and licensed electrician. The next time you do an H&S review of a building, look above false ceilings and in other hidden areas for potential hazards and get them corrected right away.
Need help with your building health and safety assessment? North American Safety Services, LLC can help! Use the Contact Us page to learn more about how we can help you keep your building safe and schedule your building review today!
April 14, 2019
National Work Zone Awareness Week: April 8-12, 2019
The week of April 8-12, 2019 is National Work Zone Awareness Week. If you are responsible for planning work zone safety, make sure you follow the appropriate regulatory requirements for setting up, maintaining, and removal of roadwork zones for the safety of your workers and the driving public.
If you are travelling on streets, roads, or highways, please obey the safety requirements posted on signs approaching the upcoming work zones to keep the workers and yourself and your family safe!
April 4, 2019
Thank You Veterans!
Thank you to all Veterans for your service to our Great Country! No matter where we are, if we see a veteran, please stop and thank them for their service! Not just today, but everyday!
Michael R. Fandell
November 11, 2018
Make Emergency Egress Lighting part of your monthly building safety checks!
Check your emergency egress lighting and signs monthly by pressing the test button on all emergency egress lighting and/or exit signs to make sure the lights come on in the event of a power loss. If the lights do not turn on, have a qualified electrician inspect and repair immediately! Document your monthly inspections and maintenance performed on all health and safety equipment!
October 11, 2018
October 7-13, 2018 is National Fire Prevention Week!
It’s National Fire Prevention Week this week! Now is a good time to check all your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, change out the old batteries for fresh ones, have a qualified HVAC technician check your furnaces and water heaters for proper operation, and have a qualified fireplace contractor inspect and clean/maintain your wood burning fireplaces and other heating devices!
Contact your local fire department for additional information about National Fire Prevention Week!
October 7, 2018
North American Safety Services, LLC joins AGCM
Michael R. Fandell, CSP, is pleased to announce North American Safety Services, LLC has joined the Associated General Contractors of Maine.
September 30, 2018
Northern New England Safety Conference 2018
North American Safety Services, LLC’s Michael R. Fandell, led a pre-conference seminar session at the 91st Annual Maine Health and Safety Conference in Augusta, Maine on September 18, 2018 entitled: “Safety Management Culture: Are you part of the problem or part of the Fix”
Attendees learned how to identify and deal with different types of Corporate cultures, Company politics, and the most frequent comments received about safety organizations intended to help safety professionals improve personal performance in the workplace.
Post-seminar comments received included: “Your presentation on Safety Management Culture – Are you part of the problem or part of the fix was very well received by our attendees.” “For me, the class came exactly when I needed it.” “Great instructor”, Great breadth of experience, Thank you!”
September 18, 2018
How do you Beat the Heat?
It's HOT outside, and the more time we spend outside, the harder we work, the more susceptible we become to the various stages of Heat Stress.
Some simple steps to prevent heat stress are: First, consult your Primary Care Physician regarding your individual susceptibility to heat stress while working or playing in HOT conditions indoors and out. Always follow their recommendations. Second, consult your company Health and Safety person for guidance on the proper PPE, clothing, and work-rest regimen appropriate for the conditions. Third, Pre-hydrate with plenty of fluids before beginning your work shift. Continue to hydrate throughout the work shift and make sure you maintain proper electrolyte levels. Fourth, adjust work schedule to perform work during cooler periods such as early morning or evening. Finally, do NOT leave children or pets in enclosed vehicles in hot weather!
June 1, 2018
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Ice, partially melted away from the red sumac at left, reminds us that warmer weather is right around the corner. We hope that one of your new years resolutions was to make North American Safety Services, LLC your valued health and safety go-to source for quality health and safety program support!
If you haven't already done so, go to the "Contact us" page, complete and submit the information form to set up an appointment to find out how North American Safety Services, LLC can help your organization achieve, and maintain, quality health and safety sustainability today!
January 22, 2018
Falling ice and hard snow pack from roofs may cause injury!
Whether at home or work, be aware that the potential for falling ice and hard snow pack from roofs can put folks walking in the drop zone at risk. Be sure to take the appropriate steps to prevent ice and hard snow pack from developing on roofs and awnings, and safely maintain your roofs and awnings free of potentially hazardous snow, ice, and icicle build-up. Do not stand directly under the ice and snow while attempting to remove the build-up - stay out of the danger zone!
December 11, 2017
Happy Holidays!
North American Safety Services, LLC would like to wish you, your employees, their families, and the communities in which they live, the happiest and safest of Holiday Seasons. May 2018 find you safe, in good health, happiness, and prosperity for all.
Michael R. Fandell, CSP
President and CEO, North American Safety Services, LLC
December 11, 2017
Want to know if a toy is potentially unsafe?
Check out the Consumer Product Safety Commission web site for guidance on potentially unsafe toys this year! Click on the bold type and the link will take you to the CPSC site. Look for the article on "Don't play with toy safety."
December 10, 2017
Keep your Christmas Safe
Keep your home, family, and Christmas safe from potential tree fires! Click on the bold type to learn more about Christmas tree safety from the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
December 09, 2017
Before you build, do you know the site occupancy history?
During excavation of an existing parking lot for new construction, some dissimilar soil materials (Dark and light gray material in the photo at right) were encountered just below the surface. A little research and some laboratory analysis indicated the dissimilar materials happened to be fly ash from a former explosives manufacturing plant from long ago that had long since been demolished. The dissimilar materials contained a variety of heavy metals. Knowing previous site occupancy history before purchasing and beginning excavation, can help avoid unexpected and potentially expensive remediation and safety costs for the project, and also help safety personnel develop the appropriate safety precautions to protect personnel from the potential hazards presented by the materials in the soil.
December 06, 2017
Don't put yourself on thin ice!
Creek, river, pond, and lake ice may not be be safe to walk on and can give way under your weight at any time. Wind and wave action can cause sudden, unexpected shifting/collapse of ice, putting you in imminent danger as the photo at left of lake ice along the Lake Erie shoreline of Presque Isle during the winter of 2016 shows.
December 03, 2017
Don't let power tools and equipment throw an injury your way!
Lawn mowers, weed whackers, snow throwers and other power tools or machinery can pick up and throw objects over a considerable distance with great force! Always perform a thorough pre-use safety inspection of the power tool or equipment prior to use, and do not use it if it is not safe to do so. Make sure you have a clear path to safety by first surveying the area for objects that could be picked up and thrown before you use the power tool or machine and clear your path for safety. Keep people from entering the operating envelope around you and the power tool or machine you are using while in operation. Make sure all point of discharge guards are in place and never point the discharge of an operating power tool or machine in the direction of yourself or others. Wind can cause dust, particles, and other forms of debris to strike the face, eyes, and other body parts. Always wear the appropriate ANSI approved eye, face, and body protection. Never leave the power tool or piece of equipment energized or running while unattended. Turn it off, disconnect the power source, lock it out, remove the key, etc. to ensure it cannot be re-energized by others. Always operate the power tool or piece of equipment in accordance with the manufacturers safe use, care, maintenance, and operating instructions.
The piece of rock in the photo was thrown approximately 75 feet.
December 03, 2017
It's Getting Cold Outside!
Brrrrrrr! Its that time of year when the air is colder and the potential hazards posed by hypothermia, frostbite, slips/trip/falls on ice, and hazardous driving conditions needs to be considered! Make sure you dress appropriately for cold weather conditions, limit your potential for exposure, keep walking/working surfaces free of snow and ice accumulations, make sure your vehicle is winter ready, and drive defensively!
December 02, 2017
Did you include the Gators and Poisonous Snakes?
More often than you would expect, the hazard recognition process used to develop Job Safety or Job Hazard Analysis, does not consider the hazards posed by indigenous forms of wildlife in the work environment. Some of the hazards on this pipeline project in Louisiana included Alligators, Water Moccasin Snakes, Cane Snakes, and Copperhead Snakes, to name just a few. When you are developing your hazard analysis, don't forget to include wildlife. While these hazards may be common knowledge for local folks, folks coming in to work from outside the locality would be at increased risk and therefore would need this knowledge to stay safe.
Need training on hazard recognition, control, and risk ranking? We can do it! Just complete the information card under the "Contact us" tab and we'll set up an appointment.
December 02, 2017
OSHA extends deadline for filing the Form 300
OSHA extends the deadline for submittal of the 2016 300 form to December 15, 2017. For more information, go to the OSHA web site at www.osha.gov.
December 02, 2017
NASS Joins the Portland, ME Regional Chamber of Commerce
In November of 2017, North American Safety Services, LLC became a proud member of the Portland, Maine Regional Chamber of Commerce
November 01, 2017
Recognition
August 2017 - Michael Fandell received recognition by the US Army Corps. of Engineers for helping the Grissom Air Reserve Base Hydrant Fueling Project achieve the 100,000 man-hours milestone without a reportable injury through his efforts as the Rockford Corporation (Prime Contractor) Site Safety & Health Officer (SSHO). Mike joined the project team as its new SSHO in June of 2016.
October 15, 2017