December 2018 - Vivianq's blog

Maintains your professional clothes

Improper maintenance is a risk. For example, chemical protective clothing with reflective tape must be re-impregnated after each wash. “An extremely thin film of fluorinated carbon, vaporized on the fabric, gives the desired waterproof effect. When the garment is worn, this film can be damaged by mechanical actions. For effective rehabilitation, we add special chemicals at last rinse before drying the garment at temperatures of 130°C to 140°C. This step can only be performed by a professional, “says Christophe, technical director of France.

Unsuitable maintenance also reduces the reflective, antistatic and flame retardant characteristics of protective clothing. Dirt residues significantly reduce the signaling function of reflective clothing. With household detergents and softeners, antistatic workwear gradually loses its electrostatic discharge capacity.

“Washing in a domestic washing machine, drying on a clothesline, or even ironing is not suitable for protective clothing with reflective material,” says Christophe. For work clothes with rain protection (EN 343 standard), the small volume of a domestic washing machine damages the waterproof membrane incorporated in the clothes.

If the work clothing is soiled with solvents, paints, lacquers, oil, tar or chemicals, it can contaminate personal clothing. For this reason, it is strongly discouraged to wash work clothes and textiles for personal use. The power of a domestic washing machine is often insufficient to eliminate recalcitrant industrial fouling. The large washing tunnels of textile service providers are much better able to deal with the constraints of professional cleaning.

Finally, the cleaning of clothing is the first step, but it is far from sufficient to ensure the sustainability of their protective functions. In addition, each garment is controlled after each wash. If there are missing buttons, in the event of a faulty zipper, holes or insufficient thickness, the articles are repaired in the internal sewing workshop.

Slowly means safer!

One accident with a fatal outcome is the balance of the last few days on the roads. Because of the difficult driving conditions, the police are calling for caution.

“Deteriorating road conditions require more caution and increased concentration from drivers. Falling snow, slippery surface makes drivers take their feet off the gas. In these conditions, visibility is limited and the braking distance is significantly longer. ” says Sgt. Staff. Anna, spokeswoman for the police.

That is why it is so important to adjust the speed to the prevailing conditions and check the technical condition of your car before leaving. It is very important to take care of the appropriate field of view. Remember to clean your car’s windows and mirrors from snow, ice and other dirt.

Be especially careful on the road, especially after dark. Pedestrians are unprotected road users who, when adverse weather conditions become less visible to drivers.

Special police appeal also directs pedestrians not to go directly in front of the oncoming vehicle. Even at the pedestrian crossing, you must first make sure that the driver will manage to slow down.

Every pedestrian should also remember about his safety and take care to be visible. A reflective vest, keychain, headband or even a flashlight will make it easier to see the oncoming driver when moving on a poorly lit road.

“We remind you about the obligation to use reflective tapes by pedestrians traveling on roads outside built-up areas, but it is always worth having them with you. Using reflective materials improve visibility, and thus security,” says KPP spokesperson.

Only from Monday, December 17 to Friday, December 21, there were 21 collisions and one fatal accident on the roads. The police arrested 5 registration documents due to poor technical condition of vehicles, 1 for lack of technical tests and 4 due to the collision.

The non-adaptation of speed to road conditions, excessive speed, driving a car after alcohol, as well as reckless drivers are still the main causes of road collisions and accidents. Many of the drivers risk their health and, worst of all, their own lives and other road users: drivers, passengers, traveling with parents, children, and pedestrians. Overtaking in such conditions, passing, cornering can be very dangerous.

Drivers should remember to navigate the road with lights on and observe the speed limits, and when weather conditions are worse, to slow down according to the principle that slower means safer. Let us be extremely careful so that unnecessary tragedies do not occur.

24 years of Know How

Imagine that you are a student of industrial design and that as a project at the end of the course you present a product that seems to like. Imagine that a few years later you set up a company with your brother-in-law to make precisely that product. Imagine that after a few years that product is sold all over the world and that each year you invoice more than 150 million Euros and that your company has 1400 employees.

This is what happened to the Dutch designer Max Bahrenburg who since 1994 (just the year in which Neo2 is created) has not stopped working and improving a single product: The Bugaboo stroller. That has led to a non-stop when it comes to design; look for new materials, create new features, improve ergonomics, work the details… well for 24 years.

The latest contribution to the Bugaboo strollers comes hand in hand with the limited Stellar collection of the Bugaboo Fox. What is the novelty? It is the incorporation of reflective tapes to the stroller to make it more visible in the dark and safer.

Bugaboo Fox Stellar provides 360 degree night visibility up to 150 meters away thanks to the reflective material on all its rims and on the front and rear of the chassis. When the stroller is illuminated by a light source (like the headlights of a car), the reflective parts make the stroller shine in the dark.

“At Bugaboo, we are always innovating and looking for new ways to help families move with total freedom. We know that parents want to go outdoors and explore at any time of the day, without giving up their style. But they worry about being seen when they walk with their children at night or during the shortest days of the year. For this reason, the Bugaboo Fox Stellar and the Stellar Accessories Collection are designed to capture all eyes during the evening walks, “says Sites Sinner, Senior Product Developer.

Yes, you have noticed, Max Bahrenburg no longer designs directly, I imagine that billing 150 million Euros a year will have other fires to turn off.

Small vest – great protection

Especially for children who are not yet independent, it is important in the dark season to be recognized in time by motorized road users. However, since they are often dressed too dark, they are perceived as pedestrians in poor visibility or in the dark until very late.

“Safety first! Therefore, I am particularly pleased that the OÖ civil protection for kindergarten groups offers as part of an Upper Austria-wide promotion, “said civil defense district manager, Dieter Opole, who in the municipality with Mayor Gerhard and Mayor Christian Dorel already the safety vests with reflective tapes handed over to the kindergarten.

Safety bag for free

Due to strong demand and positive feedback, the promotion was extended until spring. The kindergartens or communities can order the warning vests at the Upper Austrian Civil Defense at a promotional price. The aim of the action is to make the kindergarten children on excursions, walks and the like more visible. As a bonus, each kindergarten group receives a safety bag, which corresponds to the design of a safety vest and made with reflective fabric is also reflective. The kindergarten teacher can use this as a backpack and is thus a “visible role model”. In addition, there is a safety memo developed by the OÖ Zivilschutz for the kindergarten, a safety game that illustrates children’s everyday risks and avoidance of danger.

“With this action, the Upper Austrian Civil Protection makes a major contribution to the safety of the youngest road users,” said District Manager Opole. “It is not only about reducing the risk of accidents, but also about raising the awareness of the children for the dangers of poor visibility.” The safety vests remain in the possession of the kindergarten and can be used for years.

Many accidents could be avoided if the children were more visible to motorists. The visibility increases with a safety vest from 30 to 150 meters. It is recommended to wear bright clothing and reflect parts on clothing, shoes and school bags for the children, who will also be the role model for the parents by wearing the safety vest.

The most vulnerable road users are schoolchildren

Returning pupils to school benches after the holidays cannot be done without the increased risk of traffic accidents, it can also be reduced by drivers.

Attention to pedestrian crossings: pedestrians do not have absolute priority, but the culprits are almost always marked by the car driver.

Parents should not forget about child restraint systems, small schoolchildren must always be fastened in car seats, even when driving at very short distances.

Even this year, the beginning of the school year cannot be without preventive and control actions aimed primarily at protecting children after their return from the holidays to the school benches. ŠKODA AUTO asks for the driver to respect the smallest road users and help reduce the risk of injuries by taking responsibility for them.

Annually, the first week of September will require pedestrian victims, including more children than the rest of the year. Statistics show that September is one of the months with the highest number of traffic accidents and the highest number of life-threatening victims. Between 2013 and 2017, the ninth month of the year has always been ranked among the saddest. For example, in September 2014 there were 7,770 traffic accidents, in which 76 road users were killed – absolutely the most of the year. Last September, according to statistics, Traffic Police reported an increase in the number of road accidents to a total of 8,930 incidents, in which a total of 43 people died. In many cases, these accidents could be avoided if pedestrians and drivers paid attention to the traffic situation and were aware of the risks they face.

The Police of the Czech Republic, prepare measures related to the first days of the new school year. Activities of patrols will concern children especially on their way to school. In addition to transitions, police officers will also focus on running around schools, adhering to the highest allowed speed on the part of drivers, and possible violations of rules by other road users. However, no repression can replace the prevention. Drivers should be aware that children returning from vacation still live in their “bubble” and can react illogically or in short. From this point of view, the group of the youngest pupils – predominantly pupils of the lowest grades of elementary schools – appears to be the riskiest. These children commit several fundamental mistakes that drivers should know about. They often overestimate their abilities and try to stand out in front of their friends forgotten about road traffic rules, even if they are theoretically controlled. Due to psychological immaturity, they cannot predict the traffic situation, especially they cannot estimate the speed of the arriving car. And many of them feel that drivers have to respect and give priority to them.

Many dangerous situations also occur at crossings where there is no absolute priority for pedestrians, but their rights are very strong. Children should pay particular attention to where they cannot look well when passing, for example, due to badly parked cars. This is especially true for younger schoolchildren and schoolgirls who are smaller than regular cars. Even older children, however, often do not have to see over trucks or larger SUVs. There are also transitions over multi-lane high-speed roads. Misfortune can also easily occur when one car stop and leaves the pedestrian, but another move on. Adults should put the kids at heart for the fact that the driver of the other car does not need to notice it. The safety of children on the way to school certainly will support clothing with reflective fabrics or reflective materials. These are now commonplace and are aesthetically embedded in shoes, jackets and school bags. Various reflective tapes or pendants are available for both the smallest and the teenagers. Their importance grows in proportion to how shorter days are.

Nowadays, many children do not go to school or do not travel by public transport, but they are imported by their parents by car. In this case, child seats cannot be forgotten. Experts from the ŠKODA road safety research team report that the child must be trapped in a restraint system even for short-distance transport. When using a child car seat in a car from the earliest age of the child, it can be assumed that the schoolboy’s age is already taking this precaution as a matter of course. For school children from the lowest classes, it is advisable to choose a seat with a fixed back. When using it and attaching the child to the safety belt, care must be taken to ensure that the belt is not near the neck or over the shoulder joint and surrounds the pelvis at the bottom. The safest placement of the child seat is in the rear seat behind the passenger but since 2006 it is permitted to transport the child in the seat and in the front seat. The rapid growth of a child’s figure at a later age results in the use of a separate seat in place of a compact child car seat. Thanks to it, the child is raised to a position where the safety belt will properly surround the body. As soon as a child reaches a height of 150cm or the body weight reaches 36kg, the seat is no longer mandatory. Then the baby is transported in the vehicle as an adult.

When buying a suitable car seat, it pays to check with the child how it fits and how it feels. Some patterns by specific shaping may not suit the child. They also do not have to fit into a particular car – especially the modern “seated” seats are very wide, in the narrower interiors of older cars they do not fit perfectly and lean on the door, which is not desirable. When placing a new baby car seat, it is worthwhile to observe the enclosed instructions. From the point of view of installation, the seat can be fastened by means of safety belts or special Isofix fastenings. In the case of Isofix, there is less risk of installing the seat.

“If you only have a seat with belts, do not worry. Just make sure that the straps are tightened and the seat is securely attached, “explains the expert and expert on prevention from the ŠKODA AUTO Safety Research Team Robert. If the seat is well attached, it cannot move almost with it. Better than choosing in a general supermarket or even an anonymous e-shop is buying in a specialized store or car showroom, where they offer a seat that suits the particular car. “Here the customer can professionally show how to place the car seat in the car. He is also confident that the manual will be in Czech and the product itself will be homologated, “adds Robert. The ŠKODA Original Equipment range currently offers a Kid fix XP II restraint system suitable for school children aged 15 to 36kg. This car seat is designed for all current models of ŠKODA – CITGO, FABIA, RAPID, OCTAVIA, KAROQ, KODIAK, and SUPERB.

Ten tips to travel safely this Christmas

During this Christmas, some 17 million trips are estimated. The objective, and most importantly, is that you arrive at your destination without any incident. The technical team of the firm TÜV Rhineland offers a series of tips to prevent accidents.

Have everything in order. The first thing is to check all the documents of the vehicle, such as the driving license, the last ITV, the insurance or that the driving license has not expired.
Check the vehicle. The car or motorcycle must be ready. A look at the levels, the pressure of the tires (and in passing a check that they are not worn) or check the status of the lights is more than advisable when putting on the road.
Equip the car correctly. By law, you must wear at least one reflective vest with reflective tapes and two approved triangles of danger signageor other reflective materials in case of failure. A scraper for snow or ice and gloves is advisable if traveling to cold places.
Plan the route. Knowing in advance the way of travel is the best way to not hesitate at a certain time. Choosing before leaving a specific place for a rest stop will avoid problems.
Look at the state of the roads. With the apps or web pages that information in real time of the traffic situation, it will help us to avoid sections with retentions.
Check the time. If we are going to move to the mountain or there is some snow warning, it is essential to wear winter or all-purpose chains or tires. It is advisable to travel during the day and not to let the fuel tank empty; A car charger for the car and a blanket are good tools.
Respect safety regulations. Although it seems obvious, it never hurts to remember such basic rules as to respect the speed limits, the safety distance or to keep your eyes on the road.
At the wheel, no alcohol or drugs. At this time of year, as in any other, when driving no alcohol or drugs.
The five senses, at the wheel. 35% of accidents that occur in Spain are due to the driver’s inattention. During the journey, no mobile, smoking, configure the browser or other examples such as not turning to talk to children in the rear seats or find something in the glove compartment.
Rest every two hours. Fatigue or drowsiness are not good companions. To make a stop of ten minutes every two hours is important, just as meals are light, especially if it coincides with nap time.

How to overcome the inner bastard

Even in winter, I think I’m the best fit. How do you motivate yourself to get up from the cozy sofa to run in the dark and cold?

It’s wet, cold and the sun went down before closing time. Who wants to do sports? Being motivated to move can be difficult in winter.

“Humans do not readily accept unpleasant things,” explains Oliver Stoll, professor of sports psychology at the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg. Because people prefer to move in good weather. With these tips, you can also catch up in winter and do healthy sport.

Set goals and talk about it

A good way is to set goals. These can be athletic ones like “I’m participating in a marathon in the spring” or even personal ones like “I want to lose three kilos over the winter”. The more concrete the goals, the better. Anyone who talks about this with friends and family is committed to living up to their own expectations. “The goal should be so strong in the focus that the weather does not matter,” explains Stoll. It can also help to visualize your goals, for example on small notes.

Create routines

Another trick to motivation is routines. This can be a fixed calendar appointment for the gym or a running group that meets regularly for sport. “Working out together is better in the winter: you are not alone. And it does not matter if it is pitch-deep,” says personal trainer Lars Neumann from Dortmund.

Provide inner and outer motivation

Even small goodies can help to rise from the cozy couch. For example a sauna after running. In this case, one speaks of extrinsic motivation. But it is better if you see the activity itself as a reward. “The intrinsic motivation is the strongest we know,” says Stoll. The problem: there are no recipes. Only those who have fun and recognize the meaning in the movement are really motivated from the inside out.

Look at the benefits

Sport not only keeps you fit and your body healthy – it also lifts the mood. This is particularly important in the dark season. When some are depressed and listless, says extreme athlete Peter. Regular exercise also strengthens the immune system during the cold season. And the cool air makes the head free in case of doubt.

Do not exaggerate

Anyone who is full of energy in winter should not be reckless anyway. Because of the temperature differences inside and outside, the risk of cold is increased.

Tighten properly

If you want to do sports outdoors in winter, you need the right equipment. “Windbreakers are practical, plus functional clothing and a neck warmer that can be pulled over the chin and nose,” recommends Lars Neumann. On the shoes, small spikes can prevent slipping. And to be recognizable in the dark, a headlamp and bright, reflective clothing, a reflective vest with reflective materials are recommended. By the way, if you get good equipment, you can directly commit yourself to use it.

Choose the right workout

“Lax running training is useful,” says personal trainer Neumann. The units should be slower than in summer. Interval training is rather inappropriate, says Peter. Even exercises with your own body weight are possible. “An important factor is that you do not need much material,” says Neumann. Because then you overcome yourself more easily.

If in doubt, practice indoors

If you do not feel like doing sport outdoors in the drizzle or cold weather, you can switch to the gym. Or use the winter to try out some new sport in the hall, such as kickboxing or squash. Those who do not want to leave their own four walls are recommended to do exercises on a gymnastics mat. A bit of self-motivation is always needed to stay fit in winter.

Why do pedestrians die on the roads?

The autumn and winter season is a very dangerous period for pedestrians. It’s getting dark early. The temperature drops below zero and the roads are slippery. As if this was not enough, fog often occurs. Unfortunately, this is the time when people die more often than under the wheels of cars.

In recent weeks, accidents involving pedestrians occur almost every day. Unfortunately, they have no chance against the car. It is they who get to the hospital with serious injuries or die on the spot.

A serious event occurred a few days ago. It was already dark. Suddenly, just before the approaching car on the other side of the road ran a man who was wearing dark clothes without any reflective fabric. The whole event recorded with a car camera. At first glance, the pedestrian cannot be seen at all. You have to look closely to see him.

This film shows how important it is to wear reflectors with reflective materials. After dark, the driver driving with the low beam lights on can see the pedestrian from a distance of 20-30 meters from the car bonnet. However, it travels at a speed exceeding 80-90 km / h, most often there is no chance of avoiding the deduction because it moves at a speed of about 25 meters per second.

When the pedestrian equipped with any reflective element that reflects the light of the car, the driver will see it already from a distance of 130-150 meters, which is about 5 times faster! The conclusion is obvious: such a small element of our outfit, which is a reflection, a reflective vest can save our lives or the lives of our loved ones.

Attention driver – on the roads slippery!

The current aura forces the change of driving technique – unfortunately, many drivers forget about it. Police officers appeal for prudence and common sense. Incorrect speed to the conditions on the road may be the cause of the tragedy. Especially when it is raining or snowing, which significantly reduces visibility and extends the braking distance.

Road conditions are very changeable, more treacherous and dangerous for both drivers and pedestrians. That’s why traffic cops appeal to everyone, both drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians, to be particularly cautious and careful.

The most common cause of incidents is maladjustment of speed to conditions on the road or failure to exercise due care.

POLICE RECALLS:

In connection with rain or snow, the roadways can be slippery, and in such situations, the wheels easily lose their grip. Remember that in many different places, the road surface combined with rainfall extends the braking distance of the vehicle. In extreme cases, the driver may slip and not control the car. Overtaking in such conditions, over-riding, many other maneuvers can be very dangerous. Drivers should remember to navigate the road with lights on and observe the speed limits, and during bad weather conditions, to slow down according to the principle that slower means safer. We call for caution and, above all, adjusting speed to the prevailing conditions.

You should pay close attention to forests and water reservoirs – the road can be particularly slippery there. Exercise extreme caution near pedestrian crossings. Also, be careful when commuting to them. If the pedestrian enters the passage, the driver may not slow down.

We send a special appeal to the pedestrians so that they do not go directly in front of the oncoming vehicle. Even at a pedestrian crossing, make sure that the driver can stop the vehicle. Of course, the pedestrian takes precedence over the passage, but here the principle of limited trust is most applicable.

Every pedestrian and cyclist should also remember about their safety and take care to be visible. A reflective vest, keychain, headband or even a flashlight will make it easier to see the oncoming drivers when moving along a poorly lit road. We would like to remind you that from August 31, 2014, all pedestrians who move around the dusk along the way outside the built-up area must have a reflection visible to the drivers. The lack of a reflective material is threatened by a fine.

Road traffic regulations do not impose an obligation to use vests and reflective elements in the built-up area, however, wearing reflective elements with reflective tapes greatly improves visibility. They give drivers valuable time to take the right response – often saving lives and health.

Remember permissible speed does not always mean safe speed.

It is also important to remember about proper and compliant use of fog lights and daytime running lights (Article 51 of the Law on Road Traffic).

An additional difficulty during this period (not only for drivers) is often worse well-being. A bad mood can affect the speed of reaction and concentration, which is also worth remembering when moving on the road.

5+1 tips from the autumn wardrobe to make your outdoor work more enjoyable

Do you want to work efficiently, safely and comfortably even in autumn, fog, strong wind or rain? Enjoy outdoor work and have a practical outfit to protect you reliably not only about the safety risks but also from the pitfalls of the autumn weather. Modern, perfectly fitting clothing will also enhance the professional impression of well-done work in the eyes of your customers.

When choosing autumn work clothes, think not only about falling temperatures and increasing probability of showers but also about frequent fogs in the morning and early dimming. Because you will spend a great deal of work in your work wear, do not make any compromises when choosing it and always choose maximum safety, practicality, and comfort. Keep in mind, however, modern design and easy maintenance, because your overall look is your business card for current and future customers.

Is it also the coldest of your feet? In addition to their safety and comfort, always ensure their dryness and adequate thermal comfort with suitable boots and socks made of wool, bamboo or other functional materials.
Lovely fitters with comfortable cuts and plenty of functional pockets do not have to give up even during the cold autumn days – just touch the warm model. For many years, the most popular version has been a versatile version with a lace, the cut of which ensures that the trousers hold in place even with crouch or elbow.

Do you spend a lot of working time in the backyard? Although outfitters are always made of solid and durable materials, choose a model with the option of inserting knees. It protects your pants at the most stressful places while greatly increasing your work comfort.

Soft-shell drains moisture out and at the same time lets it in, so it keeps you dry during intense rain and intense physical exertion. The jackets of this material are also warm and comfortable to wear, making it a clear choice for anyone who spends time outdoors even in cold and rainy weather.
If you wear modern functional outfits under your soft-shell jacket, you will do everything in order to feel comfortable even in the most demanding physical work. A functional merino or bamboo t-shirt will keep you warm and, moreover, will give you moisture away from your body. In cooler weather, add a fleece sweater that is highly breathable and warm enough.
Be seen!

Being seen at work pays off not only when it’s about your boss or client. In autumn fog, in rain or at dusk, you will also appreciate light-reflective materials such as reflective fabrics or reflective thread seams on regular work wear.

If your work requires special reflective clothing, look for insulated reflective jackets, warm fleece sweatshirts or overalls. Unlike thin reflex jackets dressed in a jacket, they will not limit you in motion while doing the maximum for your safety.

Business Tip: Show that you are a professional!

Have you made your employees practical, modern and comfortable work clothes that they enjoy every day? Additionally, if you let your logo print, you will support the commitment of workers with corporate values, and you will do everything to give them a perfect first impression. The others, just as perfect, will then take care of their professional work.