Window film for Museums

In Museums and galleries around the UK and across the world the ultraviolet from daylight can be a hazard to many of the materials found within these buildings such as important art and archival collections

Ultraviolet radiation from daylight is actually invisible to the human eye but the damage it can cause is huge. UV radiation can cause the fading of colour on certain items and can inherently damage fibres and polymers. Visible light and heat from the sun are responsible for approximately 50% of fade damage to any item that is exposed to it.

Because of this damage that sunlight can cause to the important exhibits it is essential that all naturally light museums and galleries use window films on their windows to block all unwanted sunlight and therefore filter the solar radiation, preventing any damage. Protection against sunlight is a must for museums, art galleries, libraries, and retail outlets for art, books, antiques, furniture, carpets, curtains and clothing etc. to help prevent any fading caused by harmful ultraviolent radiation. These harmful ultraviolent radiation which we already know can damage human skin, also have a similar effect on wood, paper, ceramics and other media, damaging them all. Once an item has faded or cracked because of exposure to ultraviolent radiation from the sun, it is then almost impossible to reverse the damage and return them to their original condition.
Building such as museums, Art galleries, historic homes, and many other archival settings have a need to protect and preserve furnishings, draperies, artwork, panelling and floors from the damaging rays of the sun. By applying window film to the existing window glass the museums and galleries can prevent the cause of deterioration of fabrics, furnishings and paint media the sun can cause without actually altering the external appearance of the windows or affecting visibility in any way.

If you feel window film isn’t the solution to help prevent further damage to items within a Museums or galleries then you should strongly recommend using Heavy-Duty Traditional Roller Blinds. In museums, art galleries and historic houses, where reduction of lux levels is a priority but where a tinted light-reducing filter is aesthetically or architecturally unacceptable, then roller blinds are the solution.

There are many suppliers of window films and window roller blinds who have a vast offering for the commercial requirements. Working with these companies Museum and gallery owners should determine the efficacy of several different films and roller blinds and select the one that best meets their requirements for completely blocking UV and reducing visible light to the desired level without altering colour values within their own museum.
Museum and gallery owners actually have a choice of either clear energy control window film instead of the normal window film or roller blinds if they also have a solar energy control issue. By using this type of window film means they can provide a more comfortable environment for their customers and employees while still protecting their valuable goods and artefacts against fading.

solar film | solar blinds | Window Film Suppliers

Safety First Aid Kits for Work

Whether you work in an office, factory or on a shop floor you are going to be faced with hazards and risks in your workplace. It’s always best to be prepared to handle any kind of medical emergency either at work or at home. There is a wide variation in the contents of first aid kits based on the knowledge and experience of those putting it together, the differing first aid requirements of the area where it may be used, and variations in legislation or regulation in a given area.

Under the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 employers are legally obligated to provide first aid equipment, medical facilities and personnel to ensure all employees can receive medical attention if injured at work. By having the right medical equipment you can save lives and / or prevent minor injuries becoming major ones. First aid kits may be basic or comprehensive. Ready-made first aid kits are commercially available from chain stores or outdoor retailers.

Work places need to be assisted to establish whether there is the appropriate level of first aid provision available. The minimum requirement in any work place is a suitably stocked first aid kit. First aid kits are a collection of first aid supplies and medical equipment for use in giving first aid.

Commercially available first aid kits available via normal retail routes have traditionally been intended for treatment of minor injuries only. Specialised first aid kits are available for various regions, vehicles or activities, which may focus on specific risks or concerns related to the activity.

The contents of first aid kits should be based on an employer’s assessment of their first aid needs. There is no mandatory list of first aid items to put in a first aid kit but the minimum items for a low hazard environment are:

•Sterile plasters
•Sterile eye pads
•bandages
•safety pins
•Sterile large wound dressings;
•disposable gloves
Additional first aid supplies such as scissors, adhesive tape, Slings, Cotton buds, disposable aprons and moist wipes may also be stored in a first-aid kit. However it is highly recommended that employers do not store tablets and medicines of any kind in the first aid kit.

So now the next question is how often should the contents of first aid boxes be replaced? Well all the first aid items in the first aid box needs to be regularly checked. Items that which potentially have a dated life should be replaced if they are have gone beyond their expiry dates.

For other items that don’t have dates then it is a matter of judgement, based on whether they are still fit for purpose. However you need to remember that if an item is taken from the first aid box that it is replaced with a fresh new one.

If you require a first aid kit or first aid supplies then try contacting Graft Workwear on 01903 755335.

safety workwear | Safety footwear | Safety equipment suppliers