Paragliding in Strong Wind – How to Escape to Safety and Avoid The Rotor

The day is glorious when you arrive. You step to the edge. You launch. Presently, you are high above the valley, gliding here and there, watching the other pilots drift forwards of the ridge. Clouds begin to cover the sky. You watch pilots tuck their wingtips in and head for the valley. You wonder what is going on. Then you see your shadow, far below. You are going nowhere. You are trapped! The wind is howling, pushing you back, and you drift backwards, towards the looming mountain ridge behind.

1. Get away from big obstacles

Fly upwind of any mountain as fast as you can – hands up off the brakes, and check your penetration (forward speed over ground). The glider can be accelerated in smooth air by at least 25% by pushing the speed bar. If your glider lacks a speed bar, pull down on the A and B risers (it’s tiring). Some paragliders fly faster with the wingtips tucked in than with them inflated. Test that on your next flight, before you need it.

2. Get down

Wind usually increases as you get higher, especially in pre-frontal conditions, when the airflow is laminar. Quite often you can escape the wind by descending towards the ground, where the wind-speed is less. Use ‘big ears’ (tucking in the outer A-lines of your canopy to collapse the wingtips underneath). Do not spiral or use a B-line stall, as both of these manoeuvres will cause you to drift downwind. Narrow valley systems (like the Alps) constrict the air below, which can cause very strong valley-winds. If you are presented with a narrow valley below you, it may be best to try and slope-land, or to land near a wider part of the valley.

3. Do both

It is quite safe to tuck the ears first, then to push out on the speedbar as well. This increases your forward speed and increases your rate of descent, and the glider remains very stable.

4. Recognise that you’re going over

The earlier you can do this, the better your chances of taking action. Analyse your flight path after trying the first three steps. If you are going backwards rather than forwards, and are drifting back towards the mountains, you need to make a decision. Tuck bigger ‘big ears’. Is there any way in which you can safely slope-land low down on the windward side of the mountain? Better to have a windy slope-landing in constant airflow than to land in the rotor turbulence behind the mountain.

5. Up, up and away

Make the decision quickly, don’t fight a glider all the way down into the compression on top of the ridge to work out you are not going to make it. Get as much height as you can in the situation. As the wind blows over the mountain, it is forced upwards in places. Wherever there is lift (cliffs), the horizontal component of the wind will be less (it’s going up, not sideways), so you will have improved forward speed. You may be able to climb in the lift for some time, building up more height and safety.

6. Go for the gap!

Manoeuvre yourself towards the best-looking crossing point. Conical peaks are great when they have large drop-offs on all sides. Any area where there is a ‘bite taken out of the ridge-line’ will have a venturi effect and increased wind speed. These are good areas to run through, as the airflow is usually smoother – less prone to rolling rotor turbulence. Climb, climb, and as soon as you reach the top of the lift band, you must turn and run.

7. Air space

Having acquired the most height possible, you now want to increase your ground clearance. Fly at an angle across the wind, away from the peaks. Thus you avoid the worst of the rotor, and race away with the wind. As the ground falls away beneath you, you have more and more space in which to fight the beast.

8. Run

If the route is clear, run downwind. To get your best glide angle, fly off brakes but don’t use the speedbar. It is more effective to stay as high as possible for as long as possible, while the wind pushes you from behind. After some time you will enter the sinking air at the back of the mountain. Be ready to catch any wobbles and thumps on the brakes. Pray.

9. Rotor!

Most paragliders are designed to stabilise, so be prudent with your brake-input. Let the glider fly, but fly actively – dampen out the wild surges, keep the wing as much above your head as possible. And keep heading downwind.

10. Touchdown

If at any point during the escape, you find yourself close to the ground, turn into wind. A downwind landing into rocks is deadly. Even into wind, the landing will be unpredictable. Neutralise your glider, by front tuck with the A-lines (which requires good timing in strong wind. Practice it on a field.) Unclip from your harness immediately after landing! Gusts of wind can tear you away down the slope, even though your landing was fine.

11. A round of applause

Whoa! You made it through! Congratulations, you’ve got one big story to tell the guys in the pub. I hope that this is the last time you need to go over the back, for this is one game where it is better to score a One than a Ten. Those guys that landed out in the valley earlier on? They were the real winners today.

12. A note on reserve parachutes:

You may have noticed that I have not mentioned throwing a reserve. The reserve is your last chance: you know you are going to die, so you throw your reserve. It may prevent a hard landing, although in rotor this is unlikely. But you will be dragged far and fast on the reserve, and slammed into anything in the way. It is difficult to collapse most reserves. I recommend having quick-out buckles on your harness.

September 3rd, 2010 by 12oclock in Safety Harness Articles | No Comments

Looking For a Lightweight Double Buggy Alternative?

Do you think you’ve found the perfect double buggy for your family? Have you browsed brands like phil&teds, MacLaren, BOB, Graco, and Kolcraft, narrowing down which style of twin stroller you’d like to buy? Comparing different stroller models can be quite overwhelming. Storage, accessories, safety…these are all things to consider. However, there is one thing that many parents don’t consider before making their purchase-the weight and size of the stroller.

Double strollers vary in size but many are really heavy! If you do a lift test before deciding on a stroller, you might be one of the families that end up leaving the fancy stroller at home! Many double buggies can weigh up to 40 pounds, and that’s NOT including the extra diapers and other supplies you’ll probably be carrying along in it. Make sure you are able to fold the stroller, lift it up, and handle it fairly easily. You also need to make a note of the stroller’s size and dimensions, because some car trunks are too small to fit certain models!

Have you thought about getting a “sit-and-stand” stroller? These strollers have been designed with a regular stroller seat in the front, and a small bench seat and standing platform in the back. They are a good lighter-weight alternative for families with one baby and one toddler.

If your toddler is rambunctious, this stroller style might not be the best choice for you. The design requires the toddler to be relatively compliant and might not work if a child hates sitting still. There is usually a harness to strap the child in the seat, but it’s not quite as encompassing as a normal buggy seat.

If you frequently run a lot of errands and your children like to sleep in their strollers, this might also not be your best option. Because there is only one regular seat, only one child will be able to sleep. This is one of the things that standard tandem and side-by-side double buggies accommodate that the sit-and-stand strollers do not.

While many double buggy models weigh in around 30 or 40 lbs, sit-and-stand strollers can be a lighter choice because there is only one full seat. This makes the stroller easier to transport and can help moms that have trouble moving heavier strollers in and out of the car.

If you do your research and compare the different double buggy brands, you should be able to look up specifications for each model and note their weights. Keep your back happy by finding a twin stroller that’s easy for you to lift. You’ll be cruising along with the family no time!

August 24th, 2010 by 12oclock in Safety Harness Articles | No Comments

Pampered Pooch – The Best Small Dog Carriers

In today’s on the move society carriers for small dogs are becoming a must-have accessory for both you and your dog. If you hate the thought of leaving your favourite pooch at home alone all day you will want to choose a carrier that looks great but will keep your dog comfortable while you’re on the move.

Don’t put style over comfort

There is no end of styles to choose from when you’re buying a pet carrier; from backpacks and strollers to purses and messenger bags, you should be able to find a style that you like.

You might want to sport the celebrity look with an over the shoulder carrier but bear in mind that if your dog is heavy you will find it uncomfortable to use such a carrier. If you have a tea cup breed then you can pretty much take your pick, but if your pooch is heavier than 10 pounds you need to think about a carrier that is sturdy, durable and comfortable.

Prices range from $20 to $400 so there is something for every budget.

Size matters

You need to think about the size of your dog when choosing a carrier. Too large and they won’t feel safe, too small and they won’t be able to stretch out. If your dog is going to spend a lot of time in the carrier you should make sure that it is a warm, cozy and friendly place for them.

Keep them clean and safe

Think about how easy the carrier will be to clean when you’re choosing which one to buy. Don’t forget that your dog might get excited when you’re out and about so keep him safe by looking for a carrier that has a safety harness or clips that attach to his collar.

Think about how you travel

The way you travel is an important part of your decision too. If you’re a frequent flyer then you will want to buy a carrier that meets airline safety standards. If you spend time in the car then you should consider a booster sear so that your small dog will be able to see out of the windows. For keen cyclists you should look for carriers that fit across your bike handlebars.

Safety not vanity

Some people might tell you that putting your small dog in a carrier is cruel but he’s much safer in a specially designed bag that’s full of creature comforts than on the pavement where he risks being trodden on.

August 23rd, 2010 by 12oclock in Safety Harness Articles | No Comments

Eyeglass Selection For Children

Selecting a pair of children’s eyeglasses always requires more time and skills. Some parents are quite confused by the various types of children’s eyeglasses. Actually, there are many different kinds of spectacle frames that are specially designed for those kids. With this wider selection, parents are more likely to get confused that which frame is exactly suitable for their kids. One requirement is clear that a kid should feel comfortable with his or her glasses.

For those kids, eyeglasses are needed because they have visual problems such as nearsightedness or farsightedness. Without proper eyeglasses, they can only see distant objects or things close up. And the severity of a specific visual problem determines how long a kid should wear the eyeglasses. With slight refractive errors, some children only need to wear their glasses part time, such as studying. Some others may have to wear their eyeglasses all the time. They remove eyeglasses only before going to sleep. In most cases, the doctor suggests the wearing period for a specific kid. But the selection of eyeglass frame needs opinions from the parent, child and the optician.

Safety should be given the top priority while choosing eyeglasses for children. Children’s eyeglasses always deserve the best fit, which is neither too tight nor too loose. In addition, children always need a pair of eyeglasses with an arm that is long enough to go behind the ear. Spring hinges are particularly necessary for children, because they can protect glasses from easy breakdown.

For children’s eyeglasses, enough space between the lenses and the eyes should be set aside, in order to allow the air to come through smoothly. Eyeglasses for kids can be made from both plastic and wire. In addition, most male kids prefer glasses with a double bridge while a girl always opt for the ones with a single bridge. Another interesting phenomenon is that some children like eyeglasses equipped with styles that are originally designed for their parents.

In the early years of the development of children’s eyeglasses, plastics were most widely used because they are more durable. However, a lot of metal frames are also available for the majority of children. For instance, nickel alloys are commonly used now. In some cases, more than one pair of eyeglasses is needed by a kid.

August 18th, 2010 by 12oclock in For Children Articles | No Comments

Managing Risks – How to Avoid Accidents?

One of the best techniques of preventing accidents at a large

project site is to let the contractor supervisors ponder over

the jobs to be done and then putting them down in writing.

It’s a common fact that workers coming together in a large

construction project have different levels of experience and

training. The key persons for preventing accidents are the

supervisors.

By getting the supervisors to put their work steps and

procedures in writing, safety personnel can use this method

to reduce incidents of workers taking shortcuts in safety.

The way to do this is to have a form for the supervisors to

fill. This is called the site incident prevention plan or SIPP.

It’s just a form that informs the safety officers their work

plan. A good description of the work plan will include the

following:

1. A sequence of work that starts with informing the project

manager or supervisor before starting work. The work will then

have a description of the potential hazard if this was not

carried out. Having made aware of the potential hazard, the

person writing the work plan will also write down the

countermeasures that he will take to eliminate the hazard. An

example of this control measure will be seeking approval from

the safety officer and conducting tool box meeting with the

workers before starting work.

2. The next sequence will most likely be mobilization of tools

and materials to the work site. The potential hazard could be

personal injury or messing up of the work area. To reduce the

hazard, the supervisor may require his workers to wear safety

gears like helmet and safety shoes.

3. The job itself will also be stated in the work plan.

Depending on the location, the potential hazard could be

personal injury, falling from height, or possibly causing a

fire. So the supervisor will have to state all the control

measures that he will have to take. An example could be for

the workers to wear safety personal protective equipment, in this case,

safety harness to prevent falling from heights. Applying for hot

work permit could be another control measure.

The hot work permit itself is a separate form to be filled. This

is applicable for hot work that can possibly cause a fire at the

site. The hot work permit may require the applicant to make

ready fire extinguishers, remove combustibles, use torches and

burning equipment that are in good working order, etc…

There may be other control measures to be taken. It depends on

the job. One control measure might require that workers do not

step on the existing piping. Another control measure might be to

erect barricades…

4. The last item in the SIPP could be housekeeping after the

completion of the work. The potential hazard could be fire or

tripping hazard. The control measure – cleaning up, removal of

debris from the site and sweeping the floor after work

completion.

In this work plan, the supervisor will indicate his name, the

location of his work, the company name, and the work to be done.

Depending on the complexity of the form, he might include a site

map with the location of his work clearly marked out.

When supervisors make the effort to submit this SIPP work plan

one day before the execution of the work, they are able to

control the work hazards to prevent accidents. It all happens

when thoughts are put into writing.

August 12th, 2010 by 12oclock in Safety Harness Articles | No Comments

Buying a Kids ATV on Your Son’s Birthday

When you intend to buy a gift for your child at his birthday, lots of ideas travel around your mind. However, you can come across many ideas like you may watch your neighbor’s son driving an ATV with all fun and pleasure. How about that idea? This can be a real exciting gift when you surprise your kid with a Kids ATV. Hence, a Kids ATV will be by far the best choices for a gift but you need to learn about the features of these bikes, then only you can buy a durable bike for your kid.

There is yet another thing that could give you some worry. The safety factor! You may be more worried about the safety of the child rather than the offers and the discounts on the cost while buying ATV. Therefore, let’s harness on some of the safety factors of the Chinese ATVs.

There is a special device known as speed restrictor that is attached with almost most of the available kids ATV. One of the best parts is that you can adjust and set the maximum speed between 5 to 10 mils per hour and so the kids will be totally protected when they learn riding the Chinese ATV. Although it is not required to buy it is always advisable that you should fix on headlight with even a cheap ATV because that will help you in emergency. You also need to ensure that all the braking system of Kids ATV should be perfect and then only the kids will give an enough control over the machine.

In most of the ATVs especially designed for kids there is an option of immediate engine cut off switch that will be helpful in case of emergency. You can even attach a long chord or a string to the emergency engine and cut off control. This will help to pull though the chord that completely stops the engine immediately.

One of the next things is the shock absorber. While buying Kids’ ATV there remains a mono shock absorber that intends to be the best option. It allows with lots of cushioning and for balancing the kids.

Another important feature of Kids cheap ATV for kids is to try and buy those machines which are less noisy, that have an electric start, an automatic transmission and are easy for handling. All the safety measures for the kids ATV should be perfect because they are amateur drivers and they are highly susceptible to dangers and accidents.

If you intend buying ATV online then one of the most important factors is being highly comparative. In various online stores you will get various types of ATVs but you should look in for all the safety measures when you are buying ATVs for your kids. On the net you will get some attractive deals that will offer with some best available options for your kid.

The Kids ATV will surely be one of the precious gifts for your kid on his birthday and he will definitely cherish this gift as a wonderful childhood memory forever.

August 9th, 2010 by 12oclock in Safety Harness Articles | No Comments

Top 10 Gun Safety Tips

You can never be too careful with certain things. Guns are one of those things. If you aren’t careful enough with guns you own and with guns you’re using, accidents can happen, and they can result in serious injuries, or even death. What can you do to prevent such horrible accidents? Here are the top 10 safety tips for preventing gun accidents.

10. Wear eye and ear protection when you can. If someone breaks into your house and threatens you or your family, it is understandable that you might not take the time to find and put on eye protection and ear protection, but when firing at a shooting range, there is no reason not to have this extra protection.

9. Only use the ammunition that your gun is designed to use. Using the wrong ammunition can cause the gun to become inoperable, or worse. Guns are designed with certain ammunition types in mind, and disregarding that could cause the gun to fire in unexpected ways.

8. Be sure that the gun you are using is in proper working order. A gun that fires when it shouldn’t, doesn’t fire when it should, or even simply jams on occasion can be useless to you when you need it and dangerous to you and others when you are using it even for recreational purposes (a shooting range, for example).

7. When storing your gun, be sure to unload it. It is scary for any adult when their child or a friend’s child finds and picks up a loaded gun, especially if the child doesn’t understand what the gun is or how to use it safely.

6. Pay attention to your surroundings, not just your target. Accidentally hitting something or someone that you didn’t mean to is not a fun experience.

5. Keep the gun out of reach of children, preferably locked away. No one wants their child to accidentally use a gun on something or, even worse, somebody.

4. Store the ammo in a different location then the gun, also locked away, and also out of reach of children. A gun is much less dangerous without ammo.

3. Avoid alcohol, drugs, and even over-the-counter medicine when firing a gun. The repurcussions of a misfired weapon are simply too monumental to risk firing a gun under the influence of any kind of drug.

2. Teach your child gun safety. If your child understands how to safely use a gun, or at the very least, what to do if they find a gun, then they are far less likely to accidentally injure themselves or others.

1. Don’t hold your finger over the trigger until you are ready to fire. Very little is more devastating to a gun owner than accidentally injuring or killing someone because they fired when they didn’t mean to.

Following these tips could prevent an injury or an accidental death. Don’t let an accident ruin the enjoyable experience of owning and operating a gun in a safe manner.

August 7th, 2010 by 12oclock in Safety Harness Articles | No Comments

The Importance of Exercise For Children

It is estimated that today about 1 in 3 kids are either overweight or obese. This statistic is a direct result from the increasingly sedentary lifestyle that children are leading. Kids younger than 6 years old spend about an average of 2 hours a day in front of the television screen, and when computer and video games are included that time skyrockets to over 5 ½ hours a day. Kids who are in front of a screen for more than 4 hours a day are much more likely to be overweight than children who don’t. The epidemic of obesity amongst children presents problems that are so much more serious than just being overweight. There are an abundant amount of significant health concerns that are linked to inactivity and childhood obesity.

Physical inactivity is a major cause for health complications like coronary artery disease. It also significantly increases the risk of major cardiovascular problems such as high blood pressure, low HDL (”good” cholesterol), and diabetes. There are also several psychological problems that children can endure, such as low self-confidence, low self-esteem, and a high risk of bullying all due to weight issues from physical inactivity. The American Heat Association recommends that children get at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity everyday. Increasing physical activity will increase life expectancy, decrease risk of cardiovascular disease, and will produce psychological and social benefits.

Exercise will lead to stronger muscles, bones, and a leaner body all because it controls body fat. Not only will the health risks decrease but a child will have a better outlook on life and be able to better handle the physical and emotional challenges everyday life has to offer. Aerobic movement is a great way to promote endurance for children by making them breathe hard and their hearts beat faster. If done on a regular basis, aerobic-like activities will strengthen the heart and improve the body’s ability to deliver oxygen to all of its cells. Exercise and a healthy lifestyle should be encouraged to children at young ages and it should be designed to be fun, not as a chore.

For adults, exercise brings to mind gym memberships, expensive never-been-used workout equipment stored in the garage, and a burden that requires precious time no one can afford to offer. Luckily for children exercise can be the equivalent of “playtime.” Instead of spending playtime in the virtual world, children should be encouraged to go outside and engage in aerobic pursuits like riding their tricycle. Riding tricycles (and bicycles for older children) is a wonderful way to increase your child’s physical activities and help guard against the health problems that are becoming more and more prevalent for inactive children.

Kettler Tricycles offers some of the best tricycles in the world for your little one. Kettler has been leading the pack in quality and innovation for children’s tricycles for over 50 years. Kettler Tricycles provide some of the safest trikes around, so rest assured that as your child is participating in a healthy lifestyle, they will be on one of the safest made tricycles on the market. Kettler has many different models of tricycles, designed perfectly for personal preference but there are many features that come standard for all of their trikes. All Kettler Tricycles come with a limited turn radius, using an internal mechanism that restricts the handle bars and front wheel from turning more than 45 degrees left or right. This combined with the low center of gravity design radically reduces the possibility of tipping. Also included is a push bar that makes steering for mom or dad much easier, while at the same time saving their backs as the child becomes accustomed to steering on their own. Kettler Tricycles can additionally grow with your child with seat and frame adjustments, so a child will never be without an opportunity for physical activity.

Exercise is very important for both the physical and psychological well being of a child. Little things like limiting sedentary activities such as television watching and video game playing, and increasing playtime activities such as riding Kettler Tricycles can greatly improve your child’s life.

August 1st, 2010 by 12oclock in For Children Articles | No Comments

Child Safety Decks

Child safety decks are essential when one uses a family pool. It is particularly important for young children below 5 years of age because as per studies, 350 children drown to death in the USA each year. It has been found that 77% of these children were missing for less than five minutes and 70% of them were not supposed to be near the home swimming pool at the time of the accident.

The problem lies in the fact that children are attracted to pools, so they may use the pool without adult supervision. This can be prevented by making the pool less enticing (by removing decorations and toys), less accessible by erecting barricades and installing alarm systems to curb unauthorized access. Child safety decks in particular limit the visibility and accessibility of the pool for kids. A barricade wall can be raised using a pulley system when the pool is not in use, thereby preventing access to the pool. The barricade can be lowered once it’s time to swim. Its success lies in the fact that since kids are unable to see the pool, they may not force the adults to go in until they find a supervisor. However, adult supervision is indispensable to complement the utility of the safety decks.

Additional installation may include child deck shield netting which prevents them from slipping and falling while moving on the balcony. The netting is generally made of plastic, and should be UV resistant in order to survive in the sun for a long time. The netting is tied to the deck posts made of fiber glass using cable ties. Child safety gates may also be installed which prevent children from entering or leaving a room. These can be easily assembled-disassembled by an adult. This is particularly important for infants who have just started crawling. These have a 2 feet high gate and netting on the sides so that children don’t grab anything across the fence.

A new product is the child safety harness which is tied to the upper body of the child. It’s generally short in length so as to restrict the child’s movement in any direction. Finally, alarms may also be installed coupled with infrared sensors to alert the adults in case of unexpected usage of the pool. It’s important to check the batteries regularly otherwise the alarm is of no use. All these small investments ensure the safety of your child.

July 28th, 2010 by 12oclock in Safety Harness Articles | No Comments

Safety 1st Designer Infant Car Seat

An infant car seat must not be only safe, but also easy to carry around. That is why Safety 1st is paying great attention to the design of their infant car seats.

Having the Safety 1st Designer Infant Seat in your car is not only for the safety of your child, but also for looking great. Your kid will get used with fancy things since the beginning of his life.

Don’t think that safety was left behind when this product was designed. As the name of the company shows, Safety 1st doesn’t make any compromises when it comes to the security of your kid. That is why the Safety 1st Designer Infant Seat comes with the Side Impact Protection technology. Why side impact? Because four out of five traffic accidents are side crashes. This kind of accidents also cannot be controlled by you. You never know when someone hits you from one side or another. That is why the car seat must be fully protected in this kind of situations.

The Safety 1st Designer Infant Seat also comes with an infant head support, ensuring the best position for your child. This is important because the effects of bad spine positioning can be seen a lot later. Also the carry handler is very comfortable for you.

The harness of this car seat can be adjusted in four positions. Also the car seat can be placed in the car in three different positions. I don’t need to say that this car chair exceeds all the security standards. Also these standards are not imposed, being more like guidelines, Safety 1st always makes sure that this condition are met and exceeded for the maximum protection of your kid.

The design of this fancy car seat is also unique. It is very simple to carry and also light. Don’t think that this design makes it an expensive product. Find this product on Amazon.com, along with other incredible products.

As your kid grows, you should also think about purchasing other kinds of car seats. Convertible seats from Safety 1st might be the solution for you, and also a booster car seat for your toddler.

Any product you would choose from, you will be sure to get the best that you could find. Stop searching for a cheap chair, because your kid’s safety is more important. Also a chair being expensive doesn’t guarantee you that it is also safe. Always look for safety regulation standards when looking for a chair

Read the manual carefully, as you might find important hints about your Safety 1st Designer Infant Car Seat. Get your friends to know about this product, as their kids also need comfort and safety. Watch for the upgrades and new accessories that Safety 1st might release. You will be considered a special client, as the company highly regards its clients. Look at Amazon.com for the Safety 1st products anytime you need something new for your kid. Who knows? Maybe one day they will also need these products for your grandchildren.

July 17th, 2010 by 12oclock in Safety Harness Articles | No Comments