This week, Wendy Couture, the district’s safety and risk reduction manager, shares tips about stretching to reduce stress in the workplace.

Stretching to Reduce Stress

Work out your stiffness and stress with these tips for stretching in your workspace:

1. Neck and Shoulders

Hunching over your desk can strain the cervical spine and stiffen your shoulders. Try reaching your arms behind you, interlocking your fingers and lifting your arms. You should feel this stretch in your chest and shoulders.

2. Back (Cat Pose)

If work space allows – This is a yoga pose which aligns your spine and helps to improve extension and flexion in your back. Start on all fours (if you can find an empty space) and switch between arching your back like a cat and lifting your head and tailbone towards the ceiling.

3. Legs

If you don’t sit properly you could be reducing the ability for blood to circulate properly, especially in your legs. Remaining seated, extend your legs and reach down towards your toes. Or while standing stretch while reaching towards your toes.

4. Overhead Stretch

This is a natural stretch that we all do when we’re feeling a bit stiff and tired. Simply raise your arms above your head, interlock your fingers and push away from yourself. Bending at the waist and reaching slowly to the right and hold for a few seconds and then to the left and hold for a few seconds. Repeat if needed.

5. Wrist Stretch

This one’s for those of you who spend all day typing! Simply stand up and place your wrists on the desk so they face away from you, and gently apply pressure until you feel the stretching. Hold for a few seconds, and then follow with some wrist circles.

Stretching can help improve flexibility, and, consequently, range of motion in your joints. Stretching also increases blood flow to the muscle. You can view stretches here  for additional ideas and help with stretching.

This week, Wendy Couture, the district’s safety and risk reduction manager, shares tips about fire extinguisher safety in the workplace.

Fire Extinguisher Safety

When used properly, a portable fire extinguisher can save lives and property by putting out a small fire or controlling it until the fire department arrives.

Classes of fires: 

There are three basic classes of fires. All fire extinguishers are labeled with standard symbols for the classes of fires they can put out.

Class A: Ordinary combustibles such as wood, cloth, paper and many plastics.

Class B: Flammable liquids such as gasoline, oil and grease.

Class C: Energized electrical equipment including wiring, fuse boxes, circuit breakers, machinery and appliances.

Many fire extinguishers are “multipurpose” A-B-C models, labeled for use on all three classes of fire. Fire extinguishers in the Olympia School District schools and most support buildings are multipurpose (A-B-C models). There are a few Class-specific fire extinguishers in the Transportation maintenance area, as well as in the Technology server room. 

Warning: It is dangerous to use water or an extinguisher labeled only for Class A fires on a grease or electrical fire.

Remember the “Pass” word

Stand 6 to 8 feet away from the fire and follow the four-step “PASS” procedure. If the fire does not begin to go out immediately, leave the area at once. Always be sure the fire department inspects the fire site.

PULL the pin out: This unlocks the operating lever and allows you to discharge the extinguisher.

AIM low: Point the extinguisher nozzle (or hose) at the base of the fire.

SQUEEZE the lever below the handle: This discharges the extinguishing agent. Releasing the lever will stop the discharge.

SWEEP from side to side:  Keep the extinguisher aimed at the base of the fire and sweep back and forth until the flames appear to be out. Watch the fire area. If the fire re-ignites, repeat the process.