Designing With Feng Shui in Mind

Designing With Feng Shui in Mind Feng shui (pronounced fung shway) is a learned and intuitive art of understanding the energy of elements. The goal of this Chinese philosophy is harmony and balance, which some people have compared with the Western Classical ideals of symmetry and proportion. Feng is wind and shui is water. Danish architect Jà ¸rn Utzon combined these two forces of wind (feng) and water (shui) in his Australian masterpiece, the Sydney Opera House. Seen from this angle,  says Feng Shui Master Lam Kam Chuen, the whole structure has the quality of a craft with full sails: when the energy of the Wind and Water move together in certain directions, this ingenious structure draws that power to itself and to the city that surrounds it. Designers and decorators claim that they can feel the surrounding, universal energy called chi. But architects who incorporate the Eastern philosophy are not guided by intuition alone. The ancient art prescribes lengthy and complex rules that may strike modern homeowners as quirky. For example, your home should not be built at the end of a dead-end road. Round pillars are better than square. Ceilings should be high and well-lit. To further confuse the uninitiated, there are several different ways to practice feng shui: Use a compass or Lo-Pan to establish the most beneficial placement of roomsDraw on information from the Chinese horoscopeExamine the surrounding land forms, streets, streams and buildingsUse high-tech equipment to examine environmental health hazards, such as electromagnetic radiation and toxic materialsUse feng shui principles to help sell your houseUse some variation of a tool called the Ba-Gua an octagonal chart outlining the most favorable placement for roomsManipulate surrounding chi with appropriate colors or objects like a spherical sculpture Yet even the most baffling practices have a basis in common sense. For example, feng shui principles warn that a kitchen door should not face the stove. The reason? A person working at the stove may instinctively want to glance back at the door. This creates a feeling of unease, which can lead to accidents. Feng Shui and Architecture: Feng Shui teaches us how to create healthy harmonious environments, says Stanley Bartlett, who has used the centuries-old art to design homes and businesses. The ideas date back at least 3,000 years, yet a growing number of architects and decorators are integrating feng shui ideas with contemporary building design. For new construction, feng shui can be integrated into the design, but what about remodeling? The solution is the creative placement of objects, colors, and reflective materials. When the Trump International Hotel in New York City was remodeled in 1997, feng shui masters Pun-Yin and her father Tin-Sun installed a giant globe sculpture to divert the roundabout traffic energy from Columbus Circle away from the building. In fact, many architects and developers have enlisted the expertise of feng shui masters to add value to their properties. Everything in nature expresses its own energetic force, says Master Lam Kam Chuen. Recognizing this is essential to creating a living environment in which Yin and Yang are balanced. Despite the numerous complicated rules, feng shui adapts to many architectural styles. Indeed, the clean, uncluttered appearance may be your only clue that a home or office building was designed according to feng shui principles. Think of the shape of your house. If its square, a feng shui master may call it Earth, child of Fire and controller of Water. The shape itself expresses the supportive, secure, and stable quality of Earth, says Lam Kam Chuen. Warm tones of yellow and brown are ideal. Fire Shapes Master Lam Kam Chuen describes the famous triangular design of the Sydney Opera House in Australia as a Fire Shape. The irregular triangles of the Sydney Opera House lick the sky like flames, observes Maser Lam. Master Lam also calls St. Basils Cathedral in Moscow a Fire building, filled with an energy that could be as protective as your mother or as fierce as a mighty enemy. Another Fire structure is The Louvre Pyramid designed by Chinese-born architect I.M. Pei. It is a superb Fire structure, writes Master Lam, drawing down intense energy from the heavens- and making this site a prodigious attraction for visitors. It is perfectly balanced with the Water structure of the Louvre. Fire buildings are generally triangular in shape, like flames, while Water buildings are horizontal, like flowing water. Metal and Wood Shapes The architect shapes space with materials. Feng shui integrates and balances both shapes and materials. Round structures, like geodesic domes, have the energetic quality of Metal moving consistently and safely inward- the ideal design for shelters, according to Feng Shui Master Lam Kam Chuen. Rectangular buildings, like most skyscrapers, express growth, expansiveness, and power typical of Wood. Wood energy expands in all directions. In the vocabulary of feng shui, the word wood refers to the shape of the structure, not the building material. The tall, linear  Washington Monument may be described as a wood structure, with energy moving every which way.   Master Lam offers this assessment of the monument: Its spear-like power emanates in all direction, affecting the Capitol building of the Congress, the Supreme Court, and the White house. Like a mighty sword raised in the air, it is a constant, silent presence: those who live and work within its reach will often find themselves subject to internal disturbance and their ability to make decisions blocked. Earth Shapes and the Smudgers The American Southwest is an exciting juxtaposition of historic pueblo architecture and what many people consider tree-hugging modern ideas about ecology. A vibrant, local community of ecothinkers- people whose environmental thoughts direct their behaviors- have been associated with the area for decades. Frank Lloyd Wrights Experiment in Desert Living is perhaps the most famous example. It seems that this region has an unusual number of architects, builders, and designers committed to ecoversity- energy-efficient, earth-friendly, organic, sustainable design. What we call Southwest Desert Design today is known to combine futuristic thinking with a profound respect for ancient Native American concepts- not only building materials, like adobe, but also feng shui-like Native American activities such as smudging being incorporated into everyday life. Bottom Line on Feng Shui: So, if you are stuck in your career or have trouble in your love life, the root of your problems may be in the design of your home and the misguided energy that surrounds you. Professional feng shui design suggestions can only help, say practitioners of this ancient Chinese philosophy. One way to get your life in balance is to get your architecture in balance. Learn More: Feng Shui Handbook: How to Create a Healthier Living and Working Environment by Master Lam Kam Chuen, Holt, 1996The Architecture of Happiness by Alain De Botton, 2006Understanding Architcture by Robert McCarter and Juhani Pallasmaa, Phaidon, 2012 Sources: Feng Shui Handbook by Master Lam Kam Chuen, Holt, 1996, pp. 70-71, 33-37, 79, 90; Meet Donald Trumps feng shui master by Sasha von Oldershausen, The Guardian, September 13, 2016 [accessed January 14, 2017]

Free Essays on Pennies

Pennies†¦ who needs em? When was the last time you put some extra pennies in a charity bin at Dairy Queen? How many do you have saved in that old piggy bank or jar sitting in your closet. Pennies are a waste of copper, they are a waste of time, and they are worthless. First of all, they are a waste of good copper and zinc. The two metals could be used for something useful like lawn ornaments or those neat sprinklers that spin around. One other good thing about them is you can put them in hydrochloric acid and they will become hollow which is pretty cool. But otherwise, I don’t think they should be in circulation. Next, they are a waste of time. I was buying a coke at 7-11 the other day with my friend. The clerk gave me 2 quarters 1 nickel and 4 pennies. I threw the pennies away and my friend said, â€Å"why do you throw good money away?† I replied, â€Å"Pennies are not money, they are a waste of time. Years ago, a penny had value. When you could go to a Dodgers game for 50 cents and candy bars costs 4 pennies. But lets face it. It’s the 21st century and they are simply a waste of time. Last, they are completely worthless! Instead of giving you 7 cents back.. 2 pennies and nickel, they should give you a nickel back because all you were going to do was throw them in the street for some toddler to find. They need to round everything to the nearest nickel.. why were at it, lets do it to the nearest dime. We are just going to surpass that in a few years anyway. Within a few decades, well drop the whole coin concept completely. Well do everything in either bills or we will have some kind of universal credit card. The only role pennies have is to appease our financial obsession for accuracy. That’s what happens when you let accountants run the world. Look at it this way, if you had 300 dollars of pennies in a barrel, it would probley cost you 400 dollars just to hire a forklift to drag it to the bank. Then when you get to the ban... Free Essays on Pennies Free Essays on Pennies Pennies†¦ who needs em? When was the last time you put some extra pennies in a charity bin at Dairy Queen? How many do you have saved in that old piggy bank or jar sitting in your closet. Pennies are a waste of copper, they are a waste of time, and they are worthless. First of all, they are a waste of good copper and zinc. The two metals could be used for something useful like lawn ornaments or those neat sprinklers that spin around. One other good thing about them is you can put them in hydrochloric acid and they will become hollow which is pretty cool. But otherwise, I don’t think they should be in circulation. Next, they are a waste of time. I was buying a coke at 7-11 the other day with my friend. The clerk gave me 2 quarters 1 nickel and 4 pennies. I threw the pennies away and my friend said, â€Å"why do you throw good money away?† I replied, â€Å"Pennies are not money, they are a waste of time. Years ago, a penny had value. When you could go to a Dodgers game for 50 cents and candy bars costs 4 pennies. But lets face it. It’s the 21st century and they are simply a waste of time. Last, they are completely worthless! Instead of giving you 7 cents back.. 2 pennies and nickel, they should give you a nickel back because all you were going to do was throw them in the street for some toddler to find. They need to round everything to the nearest nickel.. why were at it, lets do it to the nearest dime. We are just going to surpass that in a few years anyway. Within a few decades, well drop the whole coin concept completely. Well do everything in either bills or we will have some kind of universal credit card. The only role pennies have is to appease our financial obsession for accuracy. That’s what happens when you let accountants run the world. Look at it this way, if you had 300 dollars of pennies in a barrel, it would probley cost you 400 dollars just to hire a forklift to drag it to the bank. Then when you get to the ban...

PEDE Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

PEDE - Essay Example Ethical decision making is the very cornerstone of the Professional Mission Statement and may very well be the guiding principles of the entire document. As you progress through the OLS program of study, you will increase your knowledge, crystallize your beliefs and expand your skills. Therefore, you will keep modifying and perfecting your mission statement during the next few months and years. A mission statement should enable you to attain unsurpassed excellence, inspire you to lifelong honesty and ethical behavior, and serve as your continuous guidepost during difficult personal and professional times. Many leaders put their mission statement on their business cards, display it in their offices and/or keep a copy in their homes. The first step in writing your mission statement is to do some reflecting, soul searching, and imagining. This is often called harnessing the potential of your creative imagination and mobilizing allied forces of concentration. The sequence is: The first step in the process of developing a Personal Mission Statement is to outline your various roles in life and describe how you desire to be in each of those roles. You have roles in maintaining total well-being, in your family, at work, with friends, in the faith community, in lifelong learning, and in your community. It is important to maintain â€Å"life balance† in these areas. How you define each of your roles is up to you. The life roles are in the left hand column and the question about how you would like to be described in each role is in the right hand column. Please complete this worksheet: After defining your roles in the seven areas, it is time to expand on your personal and professional role. The answers to the following questions may serve as the basis for the development of your mission statement: I want to become supportive and at the same time a participative kind of

Describe the differences (and any similarities) involved in the Assignment

Describe the differences (and any similarities) involved in the following contracts - Assignment Example In this case the contract can be said to be implied because no prior arrangements were made to make agreements but it is implied that the owner of the vehicle will pay for the parking service provided. Boilerplate or bank card holders’ agreements are standard form contracts by virtual of bearing the characteristics of standard form contracts. For this reason, boiler plates are standard form contracts because like many other standard form contracts such as insurance contracts the cellular provider has total authority over the contract with the subscribers that they can either take it or leave it and often contain fine detail details that form part of the contract terms (â€Å"Types of contracts† n.d.). Similarly, the bank has total control in its contract with the credit card account holders. They can either choose to agree to the terms and conditions or forfeit owning the cards altogether (â€Å"Types of contracts† n.d.). This is an implied or verbal contract. As demonstrated in the contract, the benefit of having the order taken by the waiter is enjoyed but it cannot be considered as a gift because it will have to be paid for implying a consideration has been given. Therefore, given a contract is formed and there is no written evidence or terms for service, the contract is implied or verbal because the order is orally made (â€Å"Types of contracts† n.d.). A formal contract is a written agreement, which follows the prescribed format and incorporates standardized conditions and provisions in its body, therefore making it legally enforceable. This kind of contract could mainly be a contract under seal where the seal is a symbol of total acceptance of its legal effect and consequences by the parties involved (Gale, 2007). The contract can also be regarded as a period contract since it is valid for a given duration of time as agreed by the involved parties (â€Å"Types of contracts† n.d.). Contracts B and D are contracts which must be in writing and are

Database Inventory Computer Sciences Research Paper

Database Inventory Computer Sciences - Research Paper Example The types of interactions can be categorized into four main groups. These are; data maintenance, data definition, data retrieval, as well as data control. So many factors are at play when choosing which type of database system to use when developing a system. The article we look at highlights some of these factors; which will form the basis for the discussion on database systems of this paper. EXPLANATION OF PAPER Database Buyer's Guide Conclusion: Which Database Is Best for You? (2011, October 27). Retrieved March 4, 2012, from Database Journal: http://www.databasejournal.com/features/which-database-is-best-for-you.html This article is a form of guide to be used by customers looking to find the best database to use or to implement a system on; it highlights the pros as well as the cons of the different types of relational database management systems. From the pros and the cons, the customers are able o gauge which relational database management system best suits their needs as well as preferences as far as database management system is concerned. It lists a complete range of database management systems; from web enabled database management systems, desktop DBMSs, cloud DBaaS, and other open source database management options. There are server options as well. ... It then went on to provide a summary of the pros and cons; the advantages and the disadvantages of having or opting for the certain types of the given types of database systems in the market today. The beginning of the article highlights desktop databases and the people who use them. As indicated in the article, this type of databases are mainly popular with small enterprise businesses. This is because they are cheaper than the other types of database systems and are also suitable for the non-interactive, and also the single user batch processes for web applications. The main players in this niche of the databases market are Lotus Approach, FileMaker Pro, and lastly, Microsoft Access. The advantages of these types of database systems is that they are not expensive; they are estimated to cost somewhere in the hundreds of dollars. This is much unlike the other types of database systems which go for as much as thousands of dollars. Additionally, they have graphical user interfaces for e asy interaction with the users. They are also easy to scale in the future; if the need ever arises. As for the cons, they are said to be lacking in security, they do not also work well when users become many; they are easily overloaded and crash under this kind of pressure. Next, the article looks at the pros and cons of server databases. These are the heavy-duty type of servers. These work well with applications like electronic commerce sites. These are multi-user applications. Microsoft and Oracle databases companies mainly sell these types of database systems. They are Oracle databases, and Microsoft SQL Server. The main advantage for this category of databases is that they store a huge chunk of data; as much as millions of terabytes of data. They

Robin Hood Case Study Essay Example for Free

Robin Hood Case Study Essay 1) Create a basic organization chart for Robin Hood and his men. Robin Hood organization has a centralized top-down management style structure. Robin Hood is the CEO of the organization; his four lieutenants are directors of specific departments which are responsible for providing research and gathering information, finances, training, and provisioning. 2) What problems does Robin Hood have? What top 4 issues need to be addressed? * Misalignment of goals of the top executives and the subordinates (Robin Hood’s primarily goal is the personal vendetta with the Sheriff, while the main purpose of the majority of Merrymen is to reallocate wealth from rich to the poor or simply to gain profits) * Obsolete strategy to generate revenues (Travelers started to avoid the forest not to have their goods confiscated) * Food shortage (the growing band started to exceed food capacities of the forest) * The growing strength of the rivals (The Sheriff was growing stronger and becoming better organized) 3) Do Robin Hood and the Merrymen need a new mission and plan? Is continuing with the present course of action an option or is that now obsolete? The old mission of the Robin Hood has become obsolete due to certain changes in the internal and external environment. The old ways to generate revenues do not yield the expected results any longer as the travelers started to avoid the forest. There is mounting evidence that the old strategy is not working as the organization is facing a financial crisis. The declining vigilance and discipline of the Merrymen represent a growing problem that need to be addressed immediately. The shared enmity against the Sheriff which united the Merrymen of the organization has become of secondary importance to the new members leading to misalignment of goals. Therefore, Robin Hood and Merrymen need a new mission in order to respond to both internal and external changes. 4) Do you think make sense to impose a fixed transit tax to counter the decline in revenues? Why or why not? Imposing a transit tax on the travelers as a part of a new strategy of the organization can yield numerous benefits to its members. The flow of customers will increase as rich members will prefer to pay a tax and reach their destination faster going through the Sherwood Forest. They will not be afraid to have their goods confiscated. Transit tax will help to generate constant revenues and provide sustainable income to the group. The problems of insufficient funding and scarce resources will be solved. In order to convince the Merrymen that it is a good idea and not to lose farmers and townspeople as the allies, tax collection should be given a good cause. The part of the imposed taxes can be donated to raise the ransom for popular king Richard. 5) What is your opinion about expanding the band’s operations to a larger area around Sherwood Forest as a way of solving these problems? Why or why not is this a good idea? Expansion of the raiding area is a good tactical move as it can solve some problems associated with financing, scarce recourses, and even discipline. Since travelers are avoiding the forest, the scope of the operations needs to be extended outside of the forest in order to generate revenues. The gang needs to be broken down into smaller units in order to cover the extended area. Consequently it will be easier to train, organize, an enforce discipline in smaller units of Merrymen supervised by managers. 6) Should they try and end the campaign by killing the sheriff? Why or why not? Killing the Sheriff would only satisfy the thirst for Robin Hood’s revenge; however, it is unlikely to solve all the problems that organization faces. In fact it could also worsen the matter. The Prince would appoint the next Sheriff who would be just as bad if not worse. The friends and allies of the Sheriff would seek revenge and put more efforts into capturing Robin Hood. One of the common goals that united Merrymen which is the shared enmity and hatred against the Sheriff will be lost with the death of the Sheriff. 7) What are the pros and cons of accepting the offer of the Barons to assist in securing King Richard’s release from prison? There are numerous advantages in accepting the offer of the barons: * The gang will be granted amnesty and will not face persecution from the authorities any longer. * Robin Hood and Merrymen will eventually end the campaign against the Sherriff. * If the rescue is successful, they will return their law abiding life, become national heroes, and will enjoy the benefits of the new position such as generous rewards and protection from the new king. * By putting a fair and intelligent king on the thrown, Merrymen will help to improve the socio-economic conditions of the population of England. However, accepting the offer is a dangerous and risky venture. * Robin Hood and Merrymen will face a very powerful rival, Prince John, who has an army of trained soldiers, numerous spies, and abundant recourses. * In case of failure of the new campaign, the revenge of t he Prince John can be detrimental and can put an end to Robin Hood and his organization. 8) What course of action of the above choices would you recommend to Robin? Be specific about why you chose this and how it addresses the problems you identified in question 2. Robin should accept the offer of the barons to help to rescue King Richard. As mentioned above the new strategy of the organization will provide numerous benefits and help to solve many existing problems. New mission will align the goals and objectives of the top executive and other members of the group, ensuring consistency in overall strategy. Imposing a transient tax to raise money for the ransom will help to achieve financial strength of the organization. The travelers, farmers and townspeople who are interested in overthrowing Prince John will be willing to help Robin Hood and provide them with provision and financial resources, resolving the problems of the food shortage. Forming strategic alliance with the baron will help to gain competitive edge over the rivals. 9) How should Robin implement your recommended strategy? Make a list of the top five specific action steps (tactics) that he needs to take in order to implement this plan. * Meet with the barons (Inform the barons about accepting the offer, obtain details about King Richard captivity) * Enforce security within the organization (Stop recruiting new agents and improve internal control over Merrymen not to let the spies of Prince John find out about the new plan) * Send spies to Prince John’s court to be aware of rivals’ actions * Introduce a transient tax in order to raise money for ransom * Form a team that will deliver ransom and free King Richard 10) Show a new organization chart for Robin Hood and his men, based on whatever new course of action you recommend in question 8.

Health And Safety In Spa Environment Management Essay

Health And Safety In Spa Environment Management Essay Evaluate the health and safety risks associated with the Spa/ Salon environment All staff have to take responsibility for health and safety and understand the implications if it is not followed. As an Operations Manager, you will have key duties and responsibilities for the health and safety of the spa and you will have to perform various assessments to comply with legislation. For your assessment, you are required to build a portfolio documenting all of the relevant health and safety checks and procedures that you have conducted within a commercial spa. Once you have completed all of the forms, an action plan needs to be designed based on an evaluation of your findings. As a minimum requirement, the portfolio should include: a detailed risk assessment for all areas of the spa, a COSHH assessment manual handling assessment electrical assessment pool testing (spa only) Assessment guidelines When planning your portfolio consider the following: Pay particular attention to the portfolio format. Introduce the portfolio. Make suitable references throughout to back up your statements and assessments. End with a summary or conclusion. Above all remember that your portfolio should demonstrate the following learning outcome Evaluate the health and safety risks associated with the Spa environment. In each section, you will have accessed official documents and websites. PLEASE REMEMBER THAT THESE NEED TO BE REFERENCED. Poor referencing will have an impact on your grade for this assignment. To each section you may want to add: Photographs to demonstrate hazards or good practice Web links for references Documents such as your completed risk assessment form (it may be better to attach this as a PDF) The main headings are: Introduction Introduce yourself and your workplace. Introduce your current role in relation to health and safety. Risk Assessment A risk assessment has to be carried out as specified in the Management of Health Safety at Work Regulations What is risk assessment? The first part is to look at all situations within the area and identify all hazards. Who might be affected by these hazards? Staff and public. Can these hazards be eliminated, reduced or isolated? Are there currently control procedures in place? Are they effective? These assessments should be recorded and reviewed every year or sooner if there is a major change in the working environment. Identifying risks gives you a Risk Factor. What is the chance of occurrence = Probability Factor. These two RF PF = Assessment Factor. The higher the assessment factor the greater the need for action to be taken, whether it be changing procedure, issuing PPE or stopping activity altogether. Each area should have its own risk assessment carried out by a competent employee. Each hazard should be identified and then eliminated or isolated by control measures. Each of these assessments should be recorded and monitored at regular intervals. They should be available to all staff. All incidents should be recorded that occur in the area and these should be cross referenced against risk assessments to ensure that the control measures in place are being followed and if inadequate procedures are reviewed. Risk assessment should be carried out by a designated competent person, preferably having that one person doing all so that consistency is maintained in all risk monitoring. You can download the risk assessment form here. Once you have completed it you can add it to your blog in this section. COSHH Assessment Here you will conduct a COSHH assessment of the products and materials you are using. You may already have a COSHH assessment that you are able to refer to. Dont just replicate the information here, think about the issues and concerns that it raises you need to demonstrate that you understand the implications of this assessment. You can find out more about COSSH assessment here Manual Handing Assessment What do you know about manual handing procedures and do you apply them? Here you need to look at how you and your colleagues go about your work on a regular basis and discuss issues and concerns. You can find out more about manual handing procedures and risk here Electrical Assessment What checks need to be done in relation to electrical safety? Are you happy with the standard or electrical safety? Here is a comprehensive guide prepared by the HSE. Pool Testing As a day spa you may not have a pool, but these regulations apply to spa pools too. If you have neither a pool or a spa pool you will need to demonstrate that you understand the basic safety guidelines and that you could competently support health and safety when using a pool or spa pool. For those of you with a pool, you will already have a set of regulations to follow, consider these regulations, are they followed? Do they need updating? This is a good website for additional information Summary, conclusion and recommendations (approximately 1000 words) Having studied all these area of health and safety, you need to draw some conclusions about the regulations already in place, whether they are sufficient or need updating, whether you are your colleagues follow these regulations and if you have any specific concerns. You will also need to reflect on your time in the environment and make recommendations for improvements to working practice. For any concerns it is useful to write a SMART action plan. Detailing the issues and when you would like them to be resolved. Bibliography Reference List Please include a complete bibliography with your portfolio. A sample portfolio has been provided for you to look at in the study materials area. HEALTH AND SAFETY PORTFOLIO 1.Introduction   Before 1974 approximately 8 million employees had no legal safety protection at work. Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 (HASAWA 74) provides the legal framework to promote, stimulate and encourage high standards of health and safety in places of work. It protects employees and the public from work activities. Everyone has a duty to comply with the Act, including employers, employees, trainees, self-employed, manufacturers, suppliers, designers, importers of work equipment. (Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, 1998) Any company with more than five employees is legally obliged to possess a comprehensive Health and Safety policy.   (Safety Policy UK, 2006) The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 (HASAWA) aims to:    ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   To provide and maintain safe and healthy conditions, with the legal requirements defining the minimum,  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   To provide training and instruction to enable members to use the facilities safely and efficiently,  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   To make available, as necessary, safety devices and protective equipment and to supervise their use,  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   To maintain a constant and continuing interest in Health and Safety matters including Accident Prevention and Safe Working Practices,  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   To impress a Duty of Care on all members. (Dr Ian Plummer, 2004)     I carried out my Health and Safety assessment in  XXXXXXXXXX. It is a club Spa located in Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, United Kingdom. The Spa has a  strong focus on Sports Therapy; they also offer a range of treatments such as Swedish massage, Deep Tissue Massage and Beauty Therapies. XXXXXXXXXXXXX  carry out their Health and Safety Assessment bi-annually or after a substantial change in the work area as well as after a notifiable or near miss accident as required by the The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. Please find attached the completed risk assessment form.RISK ASSESSMENT FORM.doc On the whole I found that (apart from some minor safety issues that we addressed straight away in the spa) the spa was identified as a low risk area. During my evaluation I took several pictures of issues that I thought were possible health and safety issues.   Here you can see that a candle has been left on some towels, although the candle was not lit, it was still warm and there was a potential for the wax to be spilt. Note that these pictures had to be resized before I could upload them. After taking the pictures and saving them as jpeg, I used paint to resize the pictures down to 10% otherwise the pictures would have been too large to upload. Here you can see that the shower head has been left on the floor. This is a potential for both slipts and trips.   In this image you can see that a cotton compress has been left on a radiator. Firstly, this is un hygenic as the heat will encourage bacterial growth, secondly, it is unadvisable to put anything on radiators.   In this final image, you ca see that a rug has been lifted but not replaced properly. This is a potential for trips. Any hassards like this need to be spotted straight away and dealt with by therapists to ensure the safety of their clients. 2.  Risk Assessment   A risk assessment is simply a careful examination of what, in your work, could cause harm to people, so that you can weigh up whether you have taken enough precautions or should do more to prevent harm. Workers and others have a right to be protected from harm caused by a failure to take reasonable control measures. (Five steps to Risk assessment, 2006) I assessed all areas of the Spa as it is not big, and after the assessment i was able to identify the following overall factors:   Risk Factor = number of persons who experienced accidents                 (Lenn Evan Goodman (2003), Islamic Humanism, p. 155)                                                                                          Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   number of persons ro risk                            = 16                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       Ã‚   100 ( average number of people who regularly visit the Spa)                            = 0.16 Probability Factor = number of persons who experienced accidents                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       number of risk occurence                                          =   16                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           5                                       Ã‚   =3,2 therefore,                      3.2                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   100   ( 3 out of 100 people are at risk)                                       Ã‚   = 0.032 Assessment Factor = Risk Factor + Probabilty Factor                                              = 0.032 + 0.16                                              =0.192 From the Assesment factor  I am able to deduce that the need to take action against the Risks within the Spa is considerably Low, because the lower the Assessment factor, the less need to take action.   Please find attached a COSHH assessment for a cleaning product that we used in the spa.  COSHH_Assessment.docx Whilst conducting my assessment I noticed that a tub of chlorine tablets had been left on a table without the lid on. I could smell the chlorine and therefore I believed that it had been left open for a while. I replaced the lid and stored the chlorine tablets away in the store cupboard. Chrlorine is a respiratory irritant therefore the lid must be replaced as soon as the product has been used. Therapists should be cautious about breathing in the chlorine fumes. 3. Control  of Substances Hazardous  to Health Regulations  (COSHH) Assessment Using chemicals or other hazardous substances at work can put peoples health at risk, causing diseases including asthma, dermatitis or cancer. (Health and Safety UK, 2006)The COSHH regulations require employers to control substances that can harm workers health. The management must ensure that, before any work using a substance hazardous to health is begun, a suitable and sufficient assessment is made of the risks to health created by that work and of the steps that need to be taken to meet the requirements of the  COSHH Regulations, and that the assessment is recorded. (University of Leicester COSHH assessment, 2008). COSHH covers chemicals, products containing chemicals, fumes, dusts, vapours, mists and gases, and biological agents (germs). If the packaging has any of the hazard symbols then it is classed as a hazardous substance.  (Health and Safety UK, 2006) However, it doesnt cover lead, asbestos and radioactive substances because these have their own specific regulations. (Health and Safety UK, 2006) The  following   link consist of  various COSHH symbols:   http://www.proshieldsafetysigns.co.uk/signs/4452_Warning_signs_COSHH_symbols.html   4. Manual Handling   Incidents associated with manual handling activities account for 34% of all UK workplace injuries which lead to absences from work of 3 days or more.  The annual national cost to employers from manual handling accidents is estimated at  £90 million.  The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 was introduced to ensure that employers took steps to reduce the risks of manual handling injuries, require that hazardous manual handling is avoided whenever it is reasonably practicable to do so. (Manual Handling, University of Kent, 2005) In the Spa industry manual handling is as important as any other workplace, because the work involves lifting and moving stock. Also working at poorly designed workstations may cause back injury or muscular strain. Therefore, on a regular basis the Spa Staff:   Ã‚            must avoid lifting items which are too heavy,   Ã‚            must use Trolley and lift   Ã‚            must be  trained in proper lifting techniques,   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   and also  chairs which can be adjusted depending on the size of the  client and therapist is provided (XXXX Spa Therapy Manual Handling, 2009) My only concern with  XXXXXX Spa is that workstations should be designed to ensure staff have sufficient room to move around when working as the space is confined within the Spa. 5. Electrical Assessment   No matter where you work, under the law, therapists and their employers have a number of health and safety responsibilities especially where electrical equipment is concerned. Therefore it is essential that all spa equipment is tested and serviced annually. In return, an electrical compliance certificate for insurance purposes; extended warranties; and effective and safe treatments is received (Electrical engineer-Malcolm Clark, 2005).   Ã‚  5.1  Equipments required to be tested and inspected   Portable appliances   Movable equipment   Hand-held appliances or equipment   Stationary equipment   Fixed equipment Appliances/equipment for buildings Information technology equipment (business equipment) Extension leads (Sasha Lill, 2008)   Ã‚  5.2 Tests requires by the regulation Electrical and mechanical safety Insulation Earth continuity Isolation from mains power sources Control systems and devices Correct fusing Intermittent faults Connection of plugs, leads and electrodes Calibration where equipment produces an output the regulations requires this is serviced  and calibrated in accordance with the manufacturers original specification. (Sasha Lill, 2008) PAT testing needs to be done annually in a Spa as part of the requirements set by the IEE (Institute of Electrical Engineers), according to Electricity at Work Regulations (EWR) were introduced in 1989. PAT is the abbreviation for Portable Appliance Testing an electrical device that tests appliances and equipment for electrical safety. There are three stages to PAT testing:   The first test checks the appliance is securely earthed inside the equipment, mains plug and cable known as earth continuity. The second test sequence checks the electrical insulation of the appliance. A fault can often occur inside equipment (such as vaporisers and appliances like kettles). (PAT testing advice Centre) The third test sequence measures the load or consumption of the appliance, indicating any possible fault/s. Faulty equipment may take more or less current than it was designed to do. ( PAT testing Advice centre, 2003-as amended) The Electrical check in Relax body therapy club spa is carried out annually and all equipments are services annually in compliance of Health Safety At Work Act 1974,and the electrical safety within the spa is satisfactory. 6.  Ã‚  Pool Testing   Swimming pools are a popular facility within the Spa industry and provide an added attraction for Spa users.   Poor maintenance of the pool may lead to low levels of disinfectant (chorine) and clogged filters that may place swimmers at risk for diarrheal diseases and skin, ear, and upper respiratory infections.   (Swimming pool health and safety presentation, Gary Barnes RS, 2000) Follow the following link for guidance of Pool maintenance and testing.   http:// http://www.zodiac.com.au/testing-your-pool-water.aspx It is therefore essential that swimming pools are operated and maintained in a safe manner, not only to prevent these incidents but also to provide a defence, particularly in these days of litigation, and in order to comply with the relevant sections of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.  ( UK Health and Safety-Devononline,2002) Whilst each swimming pool has to be taken on its own merit, certain aspects are common to all. A swimming pool should satisfy the following criteria: Provide a lifebuoy and rescue pole. Provide and display suitable safety notices and depth markings. Provide an adequate means of supervision or control. Provide a means of raising the alarm. Formulate operating and emergency procedures. ( UK Health and Safety-Devononline, 2002) The Basic safety guidelines may include:  Ã‚     Ã‚           SUPERVISION- Adult supervision is a key element in getting the maximum, safest enjoyment from your pool. Never let children under the age of fourteen swim         unsupervised in a pool. Setting pool rules and sticking them is also very important.   Ã‚           SWIMMING ABILITIES-Always find out whether or not guests can swim. Supervise guests who cant swim the way you would a child.   If youre uncomfortable with  someones swimming abilities, make sure they stay in the shallow water area and watch them closely.   Ã‚           MEDICAL PRECAUTIONS- Keep these basic safety items by the pool at all times: i.e. Life preserver, First aid kit including written instructions on how to  administer  Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)   Ã‚           Trained staff in CPR should monitor the swimmers.   Ã‚           WATER CLEARITY Clear water aids in identifying soakers and swimmers in distress, helps swimmers avoid collisions and is an indicator that the sanitizer,  circulation, and filtration systems are functioning.   Ã‚           Safety doors should be installed in all pool cleaner wall suction lines. (Pools Safety Guidelines, 2008)   7. Summary and Conclusion To sum up, a Health and Safety Policy is the essential framework for the successful management of the health and safety function. Successful management of health and safety is a vital  requirement for any business. Having a clear policy, with strong management, commitment, staff involvement and competent people should be a very high priority. Failure can be extremely costly in human, financial, and reputational terms. (Health and Safety Briefing No.8, 2009) Considering the fact that XXXXXX Spa   is reasonably small, with less than 10 employees and not more than 100 clients per month, the Health and Safety regulations in place  are easily followed and well  adhered to both by the staff and the clients. The regulations are also well managed. However, these need updating as far as Risk assessment   for disabled persons and clients with conditions like claustrophobia  are concerned. Confined Space within the Spa does not accommodate wheelchairs and it also put Claustophic people at high Risk. Therefore, I recommend the Spa to replace unnecessary bigger furniture with Smaller and portable furniture; I also recommend that they  move their workstations opposite each other instead of next to each other thus creating more space within the Spa. The above mentioned changes can be made effective at the beginning of the Spas next financial year, without incurring a great financial cost. 8. Bibliography and Refrencing     Ã‚  8.1. Health and Safety UK. (2006). Health and Safety Policy. [online].London. Profesional Health and Safety consultants. Available from http://www.hse.gov.uk/business/policy.htm.         [Accessed: 05 November 2009]   Ã‚  8.2   Label Source. (2008). COSHH Signs. [online]. Cardiff. Available from:  http://www.labelsourceonline.co.uk/scripts/prodList.asp?idCategory=87. Accessed: [11 November 2009]   Ã‚  8.3 PAT testing advice center. your guide to PAT testing and portable appliance testing. London. Available from:  http://www.pat-testing.co.uk/. Accessed: [16 November 2009]   Ã‚  8.4 Sasha Lill (2008). Health and Safety: Electrical Equipment. [online].   Derby. Available from:  http://www.healthandbeautysalon.com/blog/health-safety/. Accessed: [16 November 2009]   Ã‚  8.5   University of Kent (2005). Manual Handling. [online]. Kent. Available from:  http://www.kent.ac.uk/safety/mhpolicy.html. Accessed: [21 November 2009]   Ã‚  8.6   Zagers pools and Spa (2008).  Pool safety Guidlines. [online]. Holland. Available from:  http://www.zagerspoolspa.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?      Screen=CTGYStore_Code=ZPASCategory_Code=SAFETY. Accessed: [20 November 2009]   Ã‚  8.7   Devon-online (2003). UK Health and Safety. [online]. Devon. Available from:  http://www.devonline.gov.uk/index/information_and_services/environmental_health/eh-healthandsafety-      intro/eh-hs-guidance/eh-hs-swim.htm. Accessed: [20 November 2009]   Ã‚  8.8 Gary Barnes (2000). Swimming pool Health and Safety. [online]. Available