#Forklift blue light

[sharpeagle-tech]

Type and functions of Forklift Safety Lights

Transporting heavy loads can be conducted securely and efficiently through the assistance of forklifts, which serve as vital instruments of efficiency across various industries. Nevertheless, their usage in congested warehouses or industrial structures can pose hazards. 

Among the array of safety features integrated into forklifts, safety lights are particularly crucial. This post will delve into seven specific types of forklift safety lights, elucidating their role in enhancing worker safety.

7 Types of forklift safety lights and their uses

Presented below are seven categories of forklift safety lights, each with its distinct functions. Understanding the purposes of these lights empowers operators and pedestrians to steer clear of accidents and injuries, promoting secure navigation around forklifts.

1. Forklift Arc Light

The forklift arc light is one of the prevalent safety lights incorporated into forklifts. Typically affixed to the front or rear of the forklift, this light emits a vibrant spot onto the ground, aligning with the forklift's travel direction.

The primary role of the forklift arc light is to notify pedestrians and fellow workers about the presence of an approaching forklift. The projector spot on the ground functions as a visual alert, signaling the proximity of a forklift and urging caution. This proactive measure helps avert unintended collisions and ensures that workers remain cognizant of their surroundings.

Product Features: 

Tempered Glass Cover.

High power LED with High quality.

The high performance of 100% waterproof, dustproof & quakeproof.

Beam: Projector spot on the ground.

Ingress protection: IP-67

Warranty: 1 year

Double insulated silicon rubberized wire, which can bear very low & high temperatures.

Casting Aluminum Alloy Housing, the suitable design for heating elimination.

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2. Forklift Red Danger Light

Forklifts come equipped with a vital safety feature known as the red danger light. Typically positioned on the front, back, or sides of the forklift, it comprises one or more conspicuous red lights. Designed for enhanced visibility, especially in low-light conditions.

The red hazard light serves as a clear warning signal, alerting individuals to the presence of the forklift. This is particularly crucial when the forklift is moving in reverse or operating in poorly lit areas. By notifying bystanders and other workers to steer clear of the forklift's path, this light significantly reduces the risk of accidents and mishaps.

Product Features: 

Light source: High-power Osram LED 6pcs*3w

Operating Voltage:10-80V DC

LED power:18W

Double insulated silicon rubberized wire, Which can bear very low & high temperatures.

Material: Aluminium Die-Cast Housing, PC 

Cover, Stainless Steel Bracket

Optional beam: line beam

Warranty: 1 year

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3. Forklift Laser Light

Forklift laser lights represent a cutting-edge safety feature found in certain forklift models. These lights project a visible laser line or pattern onto the floor, aiding in delineating a secure path for the forklift's movement.

The forklift laser safety lights provide a precise visual reference for operators by indicating the exact path the machine's wheels will traverse. This feature facilitates precise forklift positioning, assists in avoiding obstacles, and enhances navigation in confined spaces. Additionally, it reduces the likelihood of accidents by signaling bystanders and other workers about the forklift's intended route.

Every year, forklift accidents lead to the tragic loss of approximately 75 to 100 workers, with an average of around 87 fatalities annually.

Product Features: 

Suitable for Class 1,2,3 and 4

Type: Red laser alignment system

Remote control switch

Laser Light/Battery

Power Source rechargeable battery

Full Recharge time 8 Hours

Use time per recharge 50-70 hours

Laser Wavelength 650mm (red)

Laser power 100mw

Laser safety class IIB

Warranty: 1year

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Boost your forklift's visibility and reduce collision risks by 60%. Tap into our 7 unique safety light solutions now!

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‍4. Forklift Blue Spot Light

Similar to the forklift arc light, the forklift blue spotlight serves the purpose of creating a visible warning zone around the forklift. It emits blue light, outlining the forklift's perimeter and signalling its presence to others.

The incorporation of forklift blue safety lights contributes to overall safety by clearly delineating the area surrounding the forklift. This innovative feature significantly diminishes the risk of accidents and injuries by alerting workers and pedestrians who might unintentionally enter the forklift's operational zone. These safety lights become especially advantageous in environments with simultaneous operation of multiple forklifts, such as densely packed warehouses or bustling loading docks.

The forklift's spotlight casts a bright beam to alert pedestrians when the forklift manoeuvres through blind intersections or crosses busy aisles. It serves as a proactive warning, enhancing safety and awareness in dynamic work environments.

Product Features: 

Casting Aluminum Alloy Housing, the suitable

Design for heating elimination.

Tempered Glass Cover.

High power LED with High quality.

The high performance of 100% waterproof, dustproof & quakeproof.

Double insulated silicon rubberized wire, which can bear very low & high temperatures.

Beam: Projector spot on the ground.

Ingress protection: IP-67

Warranty: 1 Year.

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5. Forklift Blue Arrow Light

Forklift blue arrow lights are similar to the forklift blue spotlight but come with an additional feature – they function as LED forklift lights, projecting directional arrows onto the ground to signify the forklift's planned path or direction of movement.

The blue arrow light not only serves as a warning to pedestrians about the forklift's presence but also communicates its intended route. This feature facilitates pedestrians in anticipating the forklift's movements, enabling them to choose optimal spots for walking or standing. This is particularly beneficial in scenarios where forklifts frequently change directions or execute turns.

Product Features: 

Casting Aluminum Alloy Housing, the suitable

Design for heating elimination.

Tempered Glass Cover.

High power LED with High quality.

The high performance of 100% waterproof, dustproof & quakeproof.

Double insulated silicon rubberized wire, which can bear very low & high temperatures.

Beam: Projector spot on the ground.

Ingress protection: IP-67

Warranty: 1 Year.

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6. Forklift Warning Light

The forklift beacon light, also known as a strobe light or warning beacon, is a highly visible flashing light affixed to the forklift's roof or other conspicuous locations.

Functioning as a strobe light, the forklift warning light emits a bright, flashing signal from the forklift's roof or another prominent location.

Product Features: 

Casting Aluminum Alloy Housing, the suitable design for heating elimination.

Tempered Glass Cover.

High power LED with High quality.

The high performance of 100% waterproof, dustproof & quakeproof.

Ingress protection: IP - 65

Warranty: 2 years.

Light source: High - power Osram LED 5pcs*1w

Operating Voltage: 10 - 110V DC

Colour: Amber, Red, Green, Blue & Purple

Pattern: Rotating, Flashing (Once, Twice), Solid (No Pattern)

Material: aluminium die - cast housing, Hard glass cover, stainless steel bracket

Working environment: - 40° - 80°

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Elevate your forklift operations with lights that cut down hazard rates by half. Unveil the power of our safety lights today!

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7. Overhead Crane Light

While not limited to forklifts, facilities utilising both forklifts and overhead cranes employ overhead crane lights. These lights project a distinct, visible signal onto the ground, indicating the position of the overhead crane's load.

In facilities housing both types of machinery, overhead crane lights play a vital role in ensuring security. These lights aid forklift operators and other workers in accurately determining the position of the overhead crane's load, contributing to the safety and avoidance of potential hazards. This preventive measure helps mitigate accidents and collisions between forklifts and overhead crane loads.

Product Features: 

Power: 72 Watts

Current: 2.3A @24V Blue, 1.4A @24V RED

Voltage: 9-48 Volts DC

Lumens: 12,000 lumens(each light creates one line)

LEDs: 24

LED colour: Blue Or Red

Beam Type: Line Beam or Spot Light

Working life: Up to 50,000 hours

Size: 9” X 3.9” X 8.6” (228 X 98 X 220mm)

Waterproof: IP67

Working temperature: -40~85°C

Material: Aluminum die-cast housing.

Adjustable mounting bracket: 150 degree up/down.

Cable Length: 0.6 metres.

One year warranty

Importance of Forklift Safety Lights

‍The key motive of Forklift safety lights is to alert pedestrians and other forklift operators about the presence of the forklift in their vicinity and enlarge the warning area. The lights prevent rear-end collisions and foot injuries by making a noticeable boundary around the forklift. The sturdy design of these safety lights can also withstand vibrations and shocks as forklifts are devoid of any conventional suspension setup. 

Besides, as the forklifts fetch and transport heavy loads, carrying such an enormous weight, especially on the slopes, can be challenging without any safety accessories. Forklift lights, when combined with speed limiter and forklift camera systems, can further enhance safety and allow easy negotiations on the slopes, preventing a potential collision. With efficient illumination, these lights create trails for the docking forklift trucks by projecting outlines, and safety signage in and out.

The importance of forklift safety lights goes well beyond this paragraph, and for more info — check this guide!

Choose SharpEagle and turn your forklift into a mobile warning system

‍Forklift lights serve as a critical enhancement in warehouses, significantly boosting safety levels and minimising the risk of injuries and fatalities. These lights form an essential part of the pedestrian warning system for forklifts, alerting workers who may be engrossed in paperwork, conversations on mobile phones, or moving from aisle to aisle, thereby ensuring they are aware of and can steer clear of an approaching forklift. 

The pedestrian warning system for forklifts, with its array of specialised lights, plays a pivotal role in ensuring utmost safety during forklift operations. In addition to standard headlights, taillights, and brake lights, other crucial lights such as red, blue, arc, laser, and various warning lights significantly enhance the forklift's safety features. SharpEagle, a leader in safety product innovation, offers a diverse range of safety lights. Contact our expert team today for competitive pricing quotes, and benefit from our comprehensive services including the installation and maintenance of forklift safety lights.

The Final Thought

Both forklift operators and employees must comprehend the purposes of these forklift safety lights. To make the workplace safer and lower the risk of accidents and injuries, proper training and awareness campaigns can be implemented. As technology advances, We can expect to see even more comprehensive safety features added to forklift technology in order to further improve workplace safety in industries that depend on these necessary vehicles.

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Let our team help you with the right choice for your workplace safety. We are just a click away! 

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You can also call us at +971-45549547 or mail us at sales@sharpeagle.uk

[party-snake]

A sweet reunion

Sebastian solace x Fem! reader

This was just a little something I thought up after playing the game all day 🥰 enjoy.

What if there was an au were you guys reunited after he got taken away from you?

Tw: Angst, separated lovers, talks about death (no-one dies dw) reunited lovers, tooth aching fluff.

This was written for the people who have already played Pressure. I have not finished it myself, But there will be spoilers for Sebastian's file as well as doors '001' - '047' I highly suggest you play Pressure before you read this.

❀--❀--❀--❀--❀--❀--❀--❀--❀--❀--❀--❀--❀--❀

Life after Sebastian got convicted just wasn't the same. Your room felt empty without his warm body next to yours, dinner felt lonely. Lonely. You were so. so lonely. He was your love, your boyfriend. You wanted to marry that man. But, then he got convicted of 9 counts of murder.

You were devastated, to say the least. He was brought to court and tried. Found guilty, and sentenced to death by electric chair. You would never see him again. That day after the trial, you did nothing but cry in your bed. Your love, your life, taken. Just like that.

A few years later, you got convicted as well. You were sent down to Hadal Blacksite along with a few other prisoners.

You step into the waiting area and the head director gives you instructions over the radio. Looking around the large area and watch as several people walk into the submarines, taking them away to Hadal Blacksite. 'A death wish' You thought. A small snack bar catches your eye on the opposite side of the dock.

You trail over to it, spotting the several snacks and bottled waters. "Hi! How may I help you?" A small cat person appears from behind the counter and startles you slightly. "Can I get a water and a sandwich please?" You point at the turkey and cheese sandwich behind her. "Of course." She turns around and grabs your snack and water.

You tap your nails against the counter and she turns back with your load. That's when you spot the sugar cookie. Neatly wrapped in pretty pink packaging. Sugar cookies. That was Sebastian's favorite. You smile as you think of him. "Could I also get two sugar cookies?"

The submarine is dark as you step into it. The door folds and slams shut behind you. And down you go. You press a button on the control panel and the sub whisks you up to the surface.

The doors open and you step out onto the open dock. Grey and blue walls surround you with several crates and a forklift. A desk next to a door marked '001' in bright green lettering. Walking up to it, your fingers graze the slot where a keycard should go. 'Locked.' You turn around walk a few steps, ducking under a crate. On the other side is a few desks and a keycard on one of them.

You grab it a return to the door, sliding the keycard in the slot. It slids open with a beep and you walk into the next room. 'One down, 99 more to go.'

Along the way you had encounters with several monsters. A shark with several green eyes, and an Angler fish that you had to hide from. Your heart was pounding as your feet shakely carried you to door '47' It slid open to a dark room. The flashlight you had picked up flickers to life and you point it around the room. 'Good, no more of those squid things.' The grate on the side of the room is flund with a crash and you jump.

"Stranger, over here." A deep voice speaks. A shiver runs up your spine as you walk over to the grate. The voice is familiar to you somehow, but how? It couldn't be... could it? You crawl your way through the grate and come into a small room.

It was dark when you entered, standing up completely and stretching your arms above you. A small light flickers on in the coner of the room and you look up towards the source. "Welcome. Welcome! Don't worry i'm not going to hurt yo-" Wait. "Sebastian?" You say, cutting him off.

"Ah, Yes?" He pauses, a little confused. "How did you know my name?" You grab at the diving gear and pull it off your head. As your eyes met his, they widen. "Sweetheart?" He says shakely. Your eyes swim with tears as you two stare at each other for a while " I-I thought you were... you were dead." You sob out.

It had to be him. The short black hair, the voice, his mannerisms. He leans foward, putting two of his arms on the ground, putting another to your face, feeling your skin and wiping away a tear. You laugh and kiss at his hand. He smiles and chuckles softly. "Hi hun." He finally says. Putting hand on his, you lean foward, closing the distance and kissing him sweetly.

Warmth, love, finally. You'd found him. After all this time. You have him back. He pulls away and laughs. "Looks like someone missed me." You puff out your cheeks. "Of course I did. I thought you were dead!" He shrugs. "That's fair." You look over his body, his angler fish light, the gills, the large tail. Three arms?! "What happened?" A frown appears over his smile and he looks away.

An hour or so passes as he explains to you what happened after he was convicted. You sit on his tail, eating your sandwich. You can't imagine what he had to go through, the scientists, the pain from the DNA. All of it. You felt terrible. "So... yeah. That's what happened." You frown as you look at him.

"But it's okay. I've found you. I'm still alive." You finish the last of your sandwich and pull out the two cookies. A hand comes up to wipe your mouth and unwraps the two cookies. "Do you still like sugar cookies?" Your eyes met again. Shock appears in his eyes and he nods. "You remembered?"

"Of course I did love." A giddy smile is on his face before you can blink. "I haven't had a cookie in so long..." He leans down slightly and he opens his mouth. The sharp teeth scare you bit, but you giggle anyway. You make an airplane sound and wave it towards his mouth.

His teeth bite down around the cookie and he licks his lips. The flavour is sweet. The soft texture of the frosting and the crumble of the cookie itself is just... delicious. He almost cries. His hand comes fowards to take the rest of it from you. You place it on his hand and smile. He returns it.

"I love you." He says. You're stunned for a second before tears return to your eyes. "I love you too Sebastian." You say, taking a bite out of your cookie.

[growmydarling]

It's kinda scary how my liked posts have been slowly changing from BBWs to WG encouragement posts like yours, as well as pictures of big guys for inspiration. I feel as though blogs like yours are corrupting me...

I'm just encouraging the desires that are hivernating within you. If I encouraged you to dye your hair blue, to become forklift certified, to read War and Peace, I imagine I would be able to do it, but it would be more difficult. The fact your face turned so willingly to the light of weight gain and growth means that you were seeking out its warmth to begin with. So dig in honey, indulge 🤗 It's what you've always wanted permission to do anyways, right? <3

[ppurplecchimera]

Enthalassophobia AU Idea:

Spoilersss but 1 want the grand event of Enthalassophobia to be the Seek aggregate meeting the Searchlight in the first Searchlight section!!

TLDR: Seek wins.

CW: Descriptions of bodily harm, both human and nonhuman

This happens through a particularly unlucky expendable who first encounters the Seek chase in the corridors of the Hadal Blacksite. Guiding Light was never captured; instead, GL followed the monsters along with Mischievous Light; thus, the expendable is guided through the correct doors, trusting the blue light with no other option when some of the rooms are too dark or too covered in goop to find any other escape.

The chase just doesn’t end. They reach the room opening to submerged pipes, and only then does the expendable manage to ‘dodge’ Seek by leaping over the railing into the water, swimming down without a single glance back, ignoring the prickling of watchful eyes in the back of their head. Their diving mask’s fogging up but still they push forward with their straining heart.

Soon after leaving the pipes, they make their way over to the generators needing repair as the booming voice in the speakers commands them to. The jolts from their mistakes are almost grounding — for the first two, at least.

On the closed balcony, they start feeling light on their feet. The grand storage unit was equipped with gravity-altering systems to assist with the movement of heavy containers; now, with that gone haywire, a Searchlight has managed to break in and is effortlessly hovering above, looking for prey.

Despite the challenge of commanding their own body, they push forward. Squeezing under forklifts and between crates —it aches—, gaze always turned up in tears —look down, so bright, so bright—, finally they bring back power to enough generators to get out.

The exit’s horns are like a guardian angel’s call. They’re only around 50 studs away.

The Searchlight is only 50 studs away.

They can make it, they’re so close to salvation, they can make it.

���

They can’t make it, the spotlight is on them, the Searchlight whines at its victory, they can’t make it.

At this point, they’re too gone to even process the calcium spear sticking out of their chest, innards stuck on the barbs of it and pulled up.

Their own silence is filled with an inhuman scream. In an instant, darkness shoots forward to grab ahold of their arms. Burning hands in hand, except this one was massive, formed of black goop. The same humanoid that chased them before, stood there with its eye —eyes, all off them— pinned on them.

The funnier description to help cope would be a game of tug-of-war between these two monsters, the expendable as their rope. Except this rope hears the flesh of their own waist cracking and snapping off, and gets out one last cry before Seek ends the chase —their agony— and claims its prey.

Now, as the Searchlight’s determination pulls harder on the infected corpse, the part of Seek confronting it above ground is dislodged and flown up in seconds. Devoured, the goop travels between shredding teeth, through throats and organs…

The floating beast shrieks. Its fins spasming, no longer swimming through the air, it sinks — falls, destroying half the room. In the rising dust, it’s motionless.

Seek does not kill. Seek expands.

Black tendrils rise from the giant’s openings, coating it with the same plague eating away at this Blacksite. The diminished orange light returns in full force; now each source is surrounded by dark eyelids and eclipsed partially by a pupil in the center.

A new weapon for the Seek aggregate.

Sidenote: Figure would get absolutely eaten by the Searchlight, like any other prey — and it does happen for now. Maybe. 1 never cared about Figure much but perhaps 1 could find a better place to insert it, because it has functionally no advantage over the giant floating creechur whose lights emit no sound (1 mean when they’re moving; even when they spot you, you gotta recognize that noise and hide, which Figure wouldn’t.)

In my opinion. These are all just my opinions/ideas!

[borealisbarbie]

borealis

chapter 1.: for now, it's time to run chapter tags: queer (m/m), sci fi, heists, kidnapping, referenced human experimentation, grumpy x bitchy, angst chapter warnings: implied noncon body modification, technical kidnapping, gun violence, language, mild gore, PTSD word count: 4243 A/N: the first chapter of my baby is here and ready to be shared! this is the first original work i'm posting in more than 5 years so i'm super excited to finally start sharing her with you all!

playlist || pinterest || masterlist

   Every time he had to break into a building Dawson was acutely jealous of the shows and movies he’d watched as a kid— his life would be so much smoother if he could just slide through a couple air vents and be done with it! But no, instead here he was, 2am on a Thursday, knee deep in piles of whatever undoubtedly filthy laundry an illegal medical laboratory produced. Not his favorite way to enter a place, but it was one less code to remember— just a single key to lift off of an unaware janitor. The face mask he wore felt inadequate, but it would have to do. 

  The laundry facilities were on the very bottom floor of the lab, but Dawson’s target was only a few floors up— packed up and ready to be transported for sale tomorrow morning, according to Dawson’s employer. He didn’t know what, exactly, it was that he was stealing, but he wasn’t in any position to turn down a job that paid this much. He made his way swiftly down the hall and up the barren stairwell— which had required a convoluted code to open— in silence. The stairwell opened into a short hallway, only three doors occupying the limited space. He strode towards the 2nd door on the left, as his intel had instructed, and input yet another door code. The little blinking blue light swiftly turned green and the door slid open, bringing a satisfied smirk to the thief’s face. That smirk drops when he takes in the contents of the small room. Whipping his phone out of his breast pocket, he pulls up the single blurry shot of the case he’s supposed to be looking at.

   That shitty fucking intel, is all Dawson can think, looking from the picture of his target on his phone back to the large metal crate looking thing that stood in the center of the cargo hold. He was here for a weapon, sure, but a fancy gun or laser sword, not something he would need a damn forklift to move. The crate had a number pad on its side, which would explain the extra passcode he’d been given. He lays his gun down within easy reach inputs the code, wincing as each button press emits a loud ping sound. It’s an obnoxiously long code too, even for some high-tech government laboratory, but finally he types in the last digit and hits enter. The box’s seams glow an ominous red before blinking to green, and there is the hiss of hydraulics before the lid of the box lifts and recedes on its own. Thick clouds of fog rise and quickly dissipate, revealing the contents; his target. It’s not a gun like he had hoped, or a bomb, or even a tiny, mysterious microchip. 

   It’s a dude. A curled slip of man, nude and nestled into perfectly cut out insulating foam. Dawson inhaled sharply, taking a step back. Because what the fuck. What the fuck was this? Was he stealing a corpse? Apparently not, because just as he goes to step closer, reaching out a hand to check for a pulse, the still form suddenly heaves a ragged breath and flies into a frenzy of movement, flinging himself from the box in a panic. Dawson reaches blindly behind himself for his gun on the table, clicking off the safety and pointing it at the man— fuck the payout, he wasn’t about to be mauled or maimed by some feral lab experiment! The man doesn’t attack though, instead scuttling backwards until he hits the wall, wild gaze flitting about and taking in his surroundings with an expression of pained confusion. When his gaze settles on Dawson the thief clutches his gun tighter and lets out a hissed curse; because those eyes are not human eyes. They shine an unnatural shade of teal, and the pupils shift and dilate like the lens of a camera. Mechanical. 

   But not one like anything Dawson has seen before, not even the fancy pretty ones the wealthy like to flaunt online. He’s breathing for one, still dragging in labored and brittle breaths, and sweat drips down his face, dampening unkempt curls. There’s an air of humanity to him that shouldn’t be possible in a mechanical.

“Who are you?” Dawson finally grits out, knowing that the clock is ticking and he doesn't really have time for an in-depth interrogation. The man just recoils further against the wall, though his breathing does at last appear to be mellowing out. A glance down at his watch shows that he has exactly 17 minutes to make his escape before the change of the security guards. “Fine, don’t talk. Look, I've got less than 20 minutes to get out of here so it looks like you’re coming with me. I was expecting a nice little carrying case, but I can make this work.” Still no reaction. Dawson feels a little bad for the mech— inhuman or not, the fear in his face and body language is palpable. He lowers his gun with a sigh before coming forward to kneel in front of the man, meeting his gaze with what he hopes is a reassuring expression— he’s not the expert on comforting scared people. There’s a barely audible hum as the mans’ eyes focus on Dawson, repeating that same camera lens effect.

“Look, clearly I don't know what’s going on here and neither do you, but I don't think you want to hang around here— they had you locked in a box in a basement. Something fucked up is happening here, and you can either come with me, or you can stay and try explaining to them how you got out of that box on your own. I don’t think the people here would be very happy with you escaping, do you?” And yeah, maybe it’s cruel to manipulate him like this, but whatever got him off of the floor and got them out of the lab was good enough for Dawson.

“Juno.” he blinks at the abrupt tone, but nods anyway. He— Juno, apparently— could speak, at least. 

“Great. Nice to meet you Juno, I’m Dawson. Let’s get the fuck out of here.” And with that, Dawson stands yet again, this time taking Juno by the wrist and pulling him up to stand too. It’s sheer luck that hanging on the back of the chair in the otherwise barren room is an abandoned lab coat— he swiftly covers the mech’s nude form with the white fabric and instructs him to keep close and keep quiet, before leading them out of the room. 

   The long reaching hall is still blessedly empty as far as Dawson can tell, and it should remain so for the next five minutes— enough time to get them to the ground floor. Gun at the ready he pulls an annoyingly slow-paced Juno along— the smallest thing seems to distract the mech, as if they are not currently trying to escape a life or death (or unpleasant jail time) situation. They reach a fork, the hallway splitting into two identical paths. The map Dawson’s employer had provided said to go to the left, but Juno refuses to follow, digging his bare heels into the ground when Dawson tries to jerk him along.

“Not that way.” the mech unhelpfully says, a mulish expression on his face. He tilts his head in a way that suggests he is listening to something, and that something is evidently not Dawson— or anything Dawson can hear, because both halls are silent. “This way.” and he shifts his hand so he is the one holding onto Dawson now and, much to the thief’s chagrin, tugs him along without any effort, taking the right hall. They come to a stop in front of a closed door, which doesn’t budge when Dawson jiggles the handle. 

“A dead end, seriously?” he hisses at the now bored looking mech. “I have been studying the schematics of this building for the last three months, kid, our way out was the other hallway!” He’s about to throw the mech over his shoulder and carry him to the proper exit fireman style, when Juno none too gently shoves him aside and gives the door handle a single firm yank. There is the sharp sound of wood cracking before the door gives way, swinging open, easy as anything now that a skinny little mechanical has just ripped the locking mechanism out of the damn door. 

“Faster. And no cameras.” He gently sets the door handle and its guts on the ground, before gesturing for Dawson to lead the way once again. Something was seriously wrong with this mech and the way he functioned, but there was no time for him to ponder that. Quickly familiarizing himself with this portion of the map, Dawson manages to navigate himself and the mech up to the first floor. Which was where things were going to get seriously tricky. Where the bottom levels had been paroled by a barebones crew, the main floors were much more stringently supervised— guards patrolled each end of each level in synchronized pairs, armed to the teeth in the latest tech and paid handsomely enough that there wasn’t much they wouldn’t do for the company. Their escape would have to be timed perfectly, and helpful as he could apparently be, there was no time for deviations from Juno.

“You do what I say from here on out, got it? I’m not about to die because you think you found a shortcut.” The mech nods, but the mulish expression is back— quite the contrast from the trembling, fear filled thing he’d been just a few minutes ago. Time would tell if it was a welcome change. “And— hey, this is important—” he adds sharply, noting the mech’s gaze beginning to wander once again, this time distracted by the rattling of the air con. “If I get shot, or if they catch me? Don’t fucking leave me to die, got it? I am not getting paid enough to die for you. You come back for me.” The mech nods and it’s go time.

   Dawson’s favorite kind of jobs were the ones where he got to break out the fancy equipment— harnesses for repelling down buildings, gadgets to disable alarm systems or cut through the glass of windows or display cases. But sadly, this was not that sort of job. Initially, his escape plan was to walk out completely undetected after going back the way he came, but by now someone was sure to have noticed Juno’s little door demolishment; it was only a matter of time before security was alerted of their presence. And unfortunately, he wasn't exactly able to tuck the mech into a backpack or pocket like he could have with his typical targets. So instead they had to do things the much more dangerous, life-threatening way, and tiptoe through the halls just as they emptied of guards, letting the timing of the guards’ schedule do the heavy lifting for them. So long as they didn’t do anything overt or loud, they were in the clear.

   So of course. Of course Juno— who walked so silently Dawson could almost forget he was there if not for the bruising grip he had on his hand— slips on the slick tile, letting out a small cry as his ankle twists. It’s faint, but it’s a noise, and that’s all it takes for the sound of boots pounding in their direction to pick up. With a curse Dawson pushes the mech more fully behind him, sandwiched between his back and the wall, and clicks the safety off his gun once again. He can feel the mech breathing harshly against his neck, and thin fingers dig painfully into his hand as two guards come from each direction, cornering them with guns drawn. Dawson notes that they do not aim at them, despite clearly having the upper hand.

“Who are you, how did you get access to this floor?” One guard barks while another approaches, pulling handcuffs from his belt and reaching for Juno. And that, apparently, is the wrong thing to do, because the mech’s gaze snaps to the guard’s hand, and in the space of what can only be a few seconds the mech darts a hand out and grabs the guard, pulling him in close before flinging him bodily towards the other set of guards, sending them all tumbling down into a pile of limbs. The remaining guard, the one with the gun, quickly descends into panic, waving his gun around and shouting. Still, no actual shots are fired. Dawson is torn between trying to talk his way out of this or just knocking him out when Juno makes an executive decision. Hand outstretched like a superhero in one of the old movies Dawson watched as a kid, unnerving gaze glowing, and a little ball of light grows in his hand, giving off sparks and increasing in size until it’s on par with a large marble. The mech— or whatever the hell he actually was because mechanicals couldn’t form matter— closes his hand around it and the light disappears. Juno then opens his hand to reveal a shiny silver ball and Dawson only has a moment to study it before it flies forward and embeds itself in the guard’s chest, punching a hole straight through. 

“Jesus Christ!” he exclaims, roughly wiping the blood spray from his face. Juno merely blinks, eerily unaffected, and follows easily when Dawson grabs him and drags him full speed from the scene. Hopefully the shock of their coworker's violent death keeps the other guards off their tail long enough for them to escape. 

   They make it to the exit, but Dawson would be hard pressed to recall how the hell they did it. After escaping the lab itself, it’s a simple matter of slipping down several tiny alleyways and taking a few twisty little side roads until they reach Dawson’s bike. Which swiftly presents the next dilemma; getting the lab grown superpowered mech onto said bike. Juno accepts the helmet easily enough, and even puts it on himself, though he bats away Dawson’s hands when he tries to adjust the straps. He sits behind Dawson when he says to, wrapping thin arms about the thief’s waist. He’s perfectly compliant until the bike turns on. The second it roars to life the mech is gone, scrambling off of the bike and away from its now offensive form.

“NO!” he yells, pointing an accusing finger at Dawson as he shuts off the bike and tries to approach Juno placatingly. “It’s too loud, I don’t like it!” It’s the most he’s heard from the mech since he opened that damn box. Dawson isn’t keen on having his head exploded or being set on fire, or whatever other powers Juno possessed, and so they are at an impasse. 

“What do you want from me here, kid? We need to get out of here, and this is how we do that.” He gestures behind him to the bike. “It’s perfectly safe, I promise.” The mech glares unwaveringly from under stringy curls, and he appears to be shivering— from the cold or from shock, it was hard to tell. Either way, he needed to get him indoors and fast. Could mechs even get sick from exposure? 

“Come on, we’ll get you some clothes, something to eat…” The promise of food seems to do the trick, mistrusting gaze softening to something almost hopeful. 

“Chocolate, I want chocolate, the shiny ones.” Demanding thing.

“I— Yeah, yeah okay. Get on the bike and we’ll find you some damn chocolate.” He offers his hand again to pull Juno back behind him on the bike, but he’s still a little surprised when icy fingertips graze his own. Again, he wonders if it’s a product of Juno’s inhumanity or the winter temperatures. Dawson guides him onto the bike, holding an arm securely over the thin ones clinging with much more fervor to his waist before starting the bike. Juno gives a little whine of fear but doesn’t run away this time, so Dawson counts it as a win and takes off. 

   20 minutes later and they pull up to a dark, run-down looking building. Dawson shuts off the bike and after some light jostling manages to get Juno to let go and get off the bike, before leading the mech inside. The interior is just as grim as the exterior— a welcome desk that has sat unoccupied since Dawson moved in fills one corner, while a pile of unusable cleaning supplies from when there was a cleaning crew 10 years ago takes up the lobby. Juno is again taking in his surroundings with all the interest and newness of a child or cartoon alien, running his fingers across a tabletop before grimacing at the thick dust that now clings to them. Dawson wrinkles his nose when the mech absently wipes the grime on his pilfered coat, drawing attention to how out of place he looks outside of the illegal lab setting— barefoot and clad only in a now bloodstained and filthy lab coat, which slides off one shoulder as it has lost several buttons. The dried and flaking blood spatter across what would otherwise be a sweet face completes the upsetting visage.

“Let’s go, we can’t let anyone see you like this.” He takes Juno by the hand and leads him up to his apartment, smirking a little when the mech groans at the sight of several flights of stairs. It was nice to know that there was some humanity programmed into him. 

10 floors later and they’re finally there.

“Home sweet home…” Dawson mumbles under his breath, pulling his keys out and opening the door. Juno all but runs inside, leaving the thief alone to lock back up. He kicks off his shoes by the door and then follows the sounds of Juno’s exploring to the living room, where the mech is stroking the blanket strewn carelessly over the back of the couch with reverent hands. Dawson clears his throat, feeling a little bad when he jerks his hands back as if burned.

“There’s a shower through there, go get washed up and I’ll have some clothes ready for you when you’re done.” he points to the doorway on the left. Juno seems to deflate before nodding shortly, stripping off the ruined lab coat right there in the living room, which… Okay, technically Dawson had already seen him nude, but he hadn’t planned on doing it again any time soon. He averts his eyes, and before he can muster up a response, the mech is gone, and the sound of the tub running starts up shortly. Shaking his head, Dawson grabs a trash bag from the kitchen to store the coat for now, planning on burning the thing when he gets the chance rather than risking someone finding it in the trash and poking around. Then he goes to his closet to find the aforementioned clothes he promised Juno.

   He doesn’t have much that will fit the slight mech, but he digs up a sweater from an old fling and some shorts with a tie that would work until he could get to a shop. There’s no underwear, but he suspects the mech isn’t used to wearing any anyways. Clothing sorted, Dawson decides to tackle the food problem. He’s not sure what the mech can eat, or, in all honesty, what in his kitchen is still edible. 

   The fridge is hours away from becoming a biohazard zone, and the fruit bowl on the counter has sat empty since the day his elderly neighbor brought it over as a housewarming gift. The pantry, however, yields a mostly not stale pack of crackers, a jar of pickles, and a half empty bag of halloween candy. He arranges his findings on one of the two plates he owns before checking his watch and frowning. It’s been less than 10 minutes and yet he can already hear Juno turning off the shower. There’s a pleased sound and then the quiet shuffling of someone getting dressed. 

   Juno emerges not soon after, rubbing a towel aggressively over his head. He has forgone the shorts for some unknown reason, but the sweater does technically cover everything, the hem hanging awkwardly to graze the mech’s bruised knees, and Dawson lets it slide, taking the towel from him before he can drop it carelessly to the ground like he clearly plans to. He takes one of the mech’s eternally cold hands and leads Juno over to sit at the table, setting the plate of food in front of him. Immediately he can tell he’s made some sort of grave error— those unnatural eyes narrow, and the mech pokes at one of the little gherkins with an unimpressed air.

“What… are those?” he asks disdainfully, selecting one of the less offensive crackers to shove into his mouth whole instead.

“They’re pickles, you never seen a pickle before?” Dawson asks defensively, taking one and biting into it with an obnoxious crunch. And maybe it’s a little more sour than usual, what would Juno know about it if it was? The mech just shakes his head, continuing to scarf down crackers whole. He’s a mess of contradiction, equal parts fearful and demanding, knowledgeable and clueless. And then there’s the whole ‘killing people with little balls of light’ thing to consider. Hell, he probably hasn’t ever heard of a pickle before. 

“So… What the hell was going on in that lab?” he finally asks. Juno looks up from his food (he has abandoned the plate and is now digging through the Halloween candy bag, pulling everything out and sorting them into piles— the non-chocolate candy is piling up on the floor beside his chair.) with eyes narrowed with distrust. He clearly isn’t about to bring Dawson into the loop, returning back to his candy sorting with an added flair of irritation. “Oh, so I save your skinny ass— nearly die in the process, might I add, take you in and feed and clothe you, but I can’t ask why they had you stuffed into a box? That seems fair.” He rolls his eyes when he is ignored yet again, reaching across the spindly table and grabbing the bag of candy from the mech’s lax grip. Juno hisses in surprise, baring pearly teeth at him— Dawson is pretty sure the mech might really try to bite him. Very animalistic for something so clearly machine.

“Nuh uh, you get these back when you answer my questions.” The little bastard actually has the nerve to snatch for the bag but he easily holds it out of reach. “Are you going to cooperate?” he reiterates once again, shaking the candy enticingly. Juno heaves a beleaguered sigh before giving a single sharp nod. As a token of good faith Dawson chucks a Twix at him— and is a little miffed when the brat catches it seamlessly.

“Good. Let’s start with something simple: why the hell were you in that box?”

“I always sleep in the box, if I’m not in use.” 

   That's… concerning. Mechs had developed so much in the past decade, it hardly seemed humane to lock them away when they weren’t ‘in use’. And those were just standard mechs, built to be companions, factory workers, and glorified pets. Whatever Juno was, it was clearly nearly human in its’ design, the lab could have at least sprung for a bed for the guy. The mech looks unconcerned though, gnawing at his candy’s wrapper with his teeth.

“What are your prioritized functions?” Some mechs don’t have them preprogrammed, or aren’t allowed to disclose them, but it's worth a shot to ask. Maybe if he knows why the lab was creating hyper realistic mechs, he could better figure out what to do with this one. Again though, Juno just looks confused by his question.

“I don’t know what that means.” It’s said fully deadpan, but Dawson can sense the unspoken disdain. 

“Well what the hell are you, then? They obviously built you for something— are you just some sort of fancy weapon?” This, at last, has an actual, visible effect on Juno. And Dawson immediately regrets saying it. Confusion, hurt, and guilt flicker across his face before his expression settles into something supremely pained. Then the tears come, only to be dashed away by the sleeve of Juno’s borrowed sweater before they can fall. 

“They didn’t. Build me, I mean. No one did. They just… added things. Removed things.” He’s looking down now, fiddling with the candy he still hasn’t managed to free from its wrapper. “I don’t remember everything, side effect of—” he waves his hand vaguely around his head, “but I was— I guess I was sick, as a kid? Really sick, and my family couldn’t afford the treatment, or maybe I didn’t have a family. The lab was running a trial for some special procedure and they picked me. Fixed me right up. Then they… kept finding new things to fix.” Dawson doesn’t know how he’s supposed to respond. He settles on pushing the candy back across the table, avoiding the unbearable weight of that odd gaze. Silence, for a few moments. 

Then rustling sounds pick up. 

A package of Skittles hits the linoleum.

[biteytiefling]

Heart full of stars chapter one

As Elise Blackmore woke up to the sound of her alarm telling her of all the things she had to do to day. The top of the list was a request from Corey to help repair some of the things in the haunted house that his son Oliver ran and while it is quite unusual for a 10-year-old to be running a haunted house, the fact that it was almost entirely automated, and could be controlled from a control room in the direct center meant that even a five-year-old could do it let alone a 10-year-old with a pension for mischief and a love of scaring people. The reason for the repair was listed as one of the moving walls got stuck along with the fact that some of the decorations needed a new coat of paint.  When Elise got to the haunted house, Oliver was just coming out of the building. He waved to Elise and said I’m going to go looking for that meteorite that crashed down this morning and just like that, he was running off into the jungle. Shortly thereafter, Oliver‘s father Corey ivailo was guiding Elise through the haunted house to the sliding wall that was stuck halfway through its motion. The power to the wall had already been cut, which meant it should have slid back into with the wall in which it was housed, when hiding as part of fire safety after all, despite this haunted house being one of the attractions, it was also used as an actual hotel even if by special appointment only by ghost film Crew and the occasional engineering school that wanted to study the mechanisms used 

Oliver waved to Elise and told her that he was going to be looking for the meteorite that had crashed down on their island, while his dad and Elise were fixing up the current stuck wall  and he had already told Luna that he was going to be going out and looking for the meteorite. He had packed a sandwich and some water, and ran down off into the jungle about an hour later into his walk, he saw a blue glow, and getting closer he saw metal and the ruined trail of the meteorite but instead of a rock, it was metal carved with lines of blue light and then he realized it was a spaceship walking around it. He got to the bridge and saw that there. Was someone still inside of it a big someone, but they didn’t look awake and they looked hurt . Oliver knew that he couldn’t get the 7 foot person back on his own so he called his dad and Elise, Luna, and granny opal after all his dad and Elise would be able to get the forklift if nothing else to help move this guy and granny opal as the island doctor would want to take a look at this guy. If he is actually injured and even if granny Opal was fierce in her own way, Luna as head of security would need to be told anyway.

 Storm heard a voice it sounded like a little kid. He had just enough strength to lift his head and open his eyes to look there. He saw a really small person and it sounded like they were talking to someone, but there wasn’t anyone there he figured that the kid must’ve had a communication device of some sort, but just as he thought that he blacked out again and when he woke up, he heard more voices He realized that he was on something soft, and he was laying down. When he tried to get up the voices stopped And he managed to open his eyes, and even though the lights were really bright, and they hurt, he still managed to see a little And what he saw was five people all of them smaller than him And from what he could hear through the translator was that he was being urged to lay back down by a small, elderly woman with curly brown hair that was starting to gray from one of the others the girl with long white hair and space buns with icy blue and yellow eyes said granny don’t get too close to them. We don’t know if they’re dangerous or not the elderly woman apparently named granny turned to the girl and said now Luna Skinner, this boy is hurt. He looks like he’ll fall back into unconsciousness if he sits up too fast. Storm processed the girls name Luna. He thought it was beautiful. And that was about the last thought he had before falling back unconscious. 

[crimson-amarone]

Chapter 12: Werewolf of December

Chapter Summary:

Previously, Meryl and Clark finally arrived in the city of December. Clark’s powers started to return, but they were acting up for some reason. Meryl met with Milly and the Chief to discuss her next story. Later, Lord Manga Khan hijacked the No Man’s Land satellite broadcast to make his offer to the people of the planet.

Now, Lord Manga begins his resource survey, sending scouts and a special ‘resource survey escort’ down to December to investigate (ahem, steal) the Plants. As this survey group tries to take a ‘sample’ for study, Superman confronts the thieves, and chaos ensues. Superman meets his match against ‘The Main Man.’

Start reading chapter 12

Chapters: 12/24+ (see chapter 12 snippet below)

Fandom: Trigun Stampede (Anime 2023), Trigun (Anime & Manga 1995-2008), My Adventures with Superman (Cartoon), Superman - All Media Types 

Rating: Mature (Graphic Depictions Of Violence, Language, Adult Themes)

Pairings: Clark Kent/Lois Lane, Meryl Stryfe/Vash the Stampede, Meryl Stryfe/Vash the Stampede/Nicholas D. Wolfwood 

Characters: Clark Kent, Vash the Stampede, Meryl Stryfe,  Lois Lane & Jimmy Olsen, Nicholas D. Wolfwood, Milly Thompson, League of Lois Lanes

Story Summary:

Two years after Lost July, an interdimensional rift becomes dangerously unstable, opening a portal between universes—the worlds of No Man’s Land and Earth-12.

Outlaw Vash the Stampede is still MIA, although rumors abound. Despite not knowing if Vash is truly alive, both Meryl Stryfe and Wolfwood catch a lead pointing them to a remote town iles away.

Elsewhere, young Clark Kent’s life is turned upside down when he’s dragged to an unfamiliar planet to help as Superman. Lois Lane and Jimmy Olsen follow his trail with some unlikely assistance.

Two heroes must make new allies to fight ruthless villains in a three-way conflict. All while trying to find where they both belong, face their inner demons, and make a better future for their worlds.

Start reading from the beginning

Chapter 12 Snippet:

The scene was pure chaos as people pushed and shoved and screamed.

Emergency lights began flashing, and klaxons blared, drowning out most of the shouting.

Clark superspeed through the building, weaving in between workers with limbs sprawled out as they tried to run but were frozen in time. Their expressions locked in panic and confusion with wide eyes and open mouths. The chorus of noises shifted into a deep, drawn out tone like from the leftmost key on a piano.

Further inside, a grated, raised corridor opened up into a long, spacious room. Above and below were additional floors of similar platforms. 

Rows upon rows of bulb-like pods hung from the curved walls. Each pod was filled with some kind of cloudy fluid that glowed brightly in blue yet tinged purple from the red lights. Round, white objects floated in the center of each pod.

A number of uniformed security guards armed with police-grade handguns or patrol rifles faced the center of the room. 

Various shouts of “Return the Plant!” and “Stand down or we’ll shoot!” were directed at the obvious intruders near the guards. 

Clark quickly realized this must’ve been one of the Plant facilities Meryl had mentioned. 

A remarkably tall, muscular figure leaped forward at one of the guards, knocking the man forcefully into the railing along the edge of the corridor. The guard crumpled, his weapon clattering along the floor several feet away.

Surrounding the figure stood four equally bulky humanoid-shaped robots coated in a shiny, bronze-like plating. One robot manned some kind of machinery akin to a forklift, but it hovered weightlessly in the air. 

One of the cylindrical, liquid-filled pods was attached to the machine. Inside the pod, one of those white, round masses— roughly the shape of a beetroot or flower bud—bobbed delicately, cushioned within the viscous liquid.

Right after the next guard took a shot but missed, the brutish thief ripped the rifle out of his hands. The thief then quickly took the man down with a punch to his stomach.

Without wasting more time studying the room and situation, Clark sped over to the commotion in a blur.

Start reading chapter 12

[deada55]

"Mandy's Intro" from Being There

for kloktober day 9: inspired by Dethalbum IV ("Mutilation on a Saturday Night"

This is a WIP for a future chapter of this fic, where we figure out how Nathan made his way out of his parents' house to start his life as a struggling gig musician with whale ESP.

tws: puke mention, nausea

Harry's house stayed a hotbed for parties since his mom's sister had this horrible accident that melted her hands off (something about the cleaning chemicals at the bar where she worked and the deep fryer.) His mom and dad went to Leesburg every other weekend to take care of her and her six or seven kids, leaving Harry’s house empty and free for raging in twice a month. Today, he'd gotten someone to bring their subwoofers, and someone else brought a keg, so everyone in their high school who went out and half of the neighboring counties’ stock of underage drunk dudes came out to play beer pong and shout over each other.

When Nathan had gotten there, most of the team was standing around the kitchen island trying to gather up people for shots, but Chris saw him first and pulled him over for a "shot" that was a double or a triple of white rum in a solo cup with some girl’s lip gloss on the rim. And he wasn't a pussy. He took it with them, played a couple games, made a couple shots, and returned to the "bar" to empty out a bag of ruffles. Hopefully, it sat better than dinner had, but he'd had this migraine for a day, and it wasn't going anywhere.

The noise in the room made it feel better in a weird way: he had something else to think about, even though the little party strobe light in the corner with the princess stickers on it was painfully blue in his peripheral vision.

He overheard a conversation between Brendan and Brandon, who'd played on the team with him all four years: Christ got into Alabama on a scholarsip. Just when he'd turned to go stand against a different wall, he got roped into a conversation about greek life that was more about looking at the person who was talking than trying to understand anything of what he said. Jack was probably just full of shit anyway. He liked to impress people like that from time to time, even though it was his cousin who was going to college in South Carolina, and it was him who fucked his ankle up practicing some of the sorriest, limpest field goals ever attempted. He might be right, but he might not be, and that's how it went half the time with Jack.

He turned to Nathan and hooted. "Me, I'm applying in the spring. Hey, what are you gonna do when you graduate, huh? Get a job?"

"Yeah." Not really. Waiting tables relied on your memory. Driving a forklift at the factory wasn’t safe when he still had migraines bad enough to make you see stars out of nowhere. He didn't really want to work for his own dad after all, but if it really got down to the wire, he could. Maybe. Until he ran him over with a forklift or something. Then he’d be shit out of luck and a dad.

He'd been in a couple bands since Junior year, and he could try and do gig work, but that wasn't a way he could support himself alone, was it? Even fast food sounded like a bad idea. Jobs worked like credit scores, right? The more that kick you out, the less likely you are to get one, right?

High school felt like one big fix. By the time he stopped worrying about puberty making him a funhouse-mirror version of a man, with gangly arms and bad skin– By the time he was adult enough to accept it, he was dreading "growing up." Every May, every "last" football game, every birthday was just taking him closer and closer to not knowing how to answer everyone’s questions about what he’d grow up to be.

And now that he'd ended up ruining their chances at states by getting a concussion just when they had the game in the bag, he felt too sorry for all his teammates to hope that they'd forgotten what he did. Even if they acted nice enough tp his face, what did they think then? Huh!

Every morning, he woke up in his room while everyone else was in class and laid there to keep the pain in the very middle of his face as plain pain, not whatever the doctors called "an aura", or the reflex to puke hard enough to burst blood vessels in your eyes, not like getting drunk or eating shit at Epcot all day and letting that shit go on Abraham Lincoln or whoever. What kind of fucking life was that? Going to school was his only job, and he sucked at it.

It would end someday, someday soon. Right?

He drifted off to another wall, the one by the staircase, and a girl with two french braids stood too close to him on his left. On her tiptoes, she tried to bring herself closer to his ear.

"You're Nathan, right?"

"Yeah."

"I hear you give pretty good head."

"Yeah?"

He kept his face still. Rolling his eyes at her wouldn't do much of anything, and on second look, he was pretty sure she was a softballer from Enceeiyesse High School, and with biceps like that she should be pitching. Not all the pitchers were lesbians–

"What about it?"

"Uh... Me too." She stood back and made a little pose with her shoulder pressed to the wallpaper, bending over the chair rail. Her bright white makeup set off her eyes, glowing in the dark like a dog's. A cute dog. She had pretty, round, light brown eyes that she flickered from his belt up, doing a couple complete scans while she flicked her braid over her shoulder and pretended to look for her friends.

He leaned down closer to her ear to see how serious she was.

"Wanna fuck?"

"You got a condom?"

Usually he’d lie, but Romy already got that volleyball girl pregnant… and by now she’d be due in April. Something like that. The fear was renewed among all the football players.

"Yeah." And he did always keep ‘em, throwing out the old ones from his wallet the minute the package looked rubbed.

Her arms wrapped around his waist, closing the couple inches between them, and that's how he ended up on Harry's parents’ bed with this girl, so nauseous he could taste it, he could fucking taste it no matter how hot she was or how she mewled when he touched her and how soft the inside of her mouth was on his thumb. While she brushed her lips over his, every single memory around how to be a person scrambled to assemble into a coherent whole…

[sharpeagle-tech]

How Does the Forklift Safety Lights Improve Forklift Safety?

Warehouses and industrial settings are bustling environments where forklifts are crucial for handling heavy loads. However, the sheer size and weight of these machines pose significant safety risks to workers and pedestrians alike. 

Forklift-related accidents (including collisions and injuries) are common in such environments. OSHA records reveal that around 85 fatalities stem from forklift-related incidents annually, with more than 34,000 individuals sustaining severe injuries. 

To mitigate these risks, forklift safety systems have become indispensable, with the safety light system being a key component. Today, we will delve into the importance of forklift safety lights and how they contribute to accident prevention and overall safety in warehouses and industrial facilities.

Understanding Forklift Safety Lights

Forklift safety lights are essential components installed on forklifts to enhance safety by improving visibility and alerting pedestrians and other vehicles in the vicinity. The basic types include blue lights and red zone lights. Blue lights, also known as blue spotlights, project a blue spot onto the ground to alert pedestrians of an approaching forklift. Red zone lights create a visual safety zone around the forklift by projecting red beams onto the ground.

‍

Technical Specifications

These lights are typically installed on the overhead guard or other suitable locations on the forklift. Blue spotlights are often positioned at the front and back of the forklift, while red zone lights are mounted on the sides. The installation process involves securely attaching the lights using mounting brackets or adhesive, ensuring they have optimal coverage of the surrounding area.

SharpEagle’s Blue Lights Specs

SharpEagle's blue forklift lights feature a robust Casting Aluminum Alloy Housing designed for efficient heat dissipation, ensuring longevity and reliability. With a Tempered Glass Cover, these lights offer durability and protection against impacts. 

Equipped with high-power LEDs of exceptional quality, they provide a projector spot on the ground for enhanced visibility. Their high performance is guaranteed by IP-67 waterproof, dustproof, and quakeproof ratings. Additionally, the double insulated silicon rubberized wire can withstand extreme temperatures, making it suitable for a wide range of environments.

SharpEagle’s Red Safety Forklift Lights

Our red forklift safety lights boast a durable construction with a Tempered Glass Cover and Casting Aluminum Alloy Housing, ensuring excellent heat dissipation for prolonged use. They provide a projector line on the ground for enhanced visibility and safety. 

With IP-67 waterproof, dustproof, and quakeproof ratings, these lights deliver high performance in various environmental conditions. The double insulated silicon rubberized wire enables them to withstand extreme temperatures, making them ideal for demanding industrial settings.

Role of Safety Lights in Enhancing Visibility

In bustling warehouse environments, visibility challenges abound, with towering racks, tight corners, and bustling activity creating potential blind spots. Safety lights are pivotal in mitigating these challenges, ensuring enhanced visibility and reducing the risk of accidents.

These lights are ultimate champions of accident prevention — check this guide for yourself. 

Blue Lights: Alerting Pedestrians and Drivers

Blue lights, commonly referred to as blue spotlights, serve as proactive warning signals, especially in areas prone to blind spots. Positioned strategically on forklifts, these lights project a conspicuous blue spot onto the ground, alerting pedestrians and other drivers about the presence of an approaching forklift. By illuminating blind spots, blue spot lights provide crucial seconds for individuals to adjust their path and avoid potential collisions.

Red Zone Lights: Demarcating Safe Zones

In addition to blue lights, red zone lights play a vital role in demarcating safe zones around forklifts. By projecting red beams onto the ground, these lights create a visible perimeter, indicating areas where pedestrians should maintain a safe distance. Red zone perimeter lights effectively delineate hazardous zones, helping to prevent accidents and promote safer interactions between forklifts and personnel in the warehouse environment.

Preventing Collisions and Accidents

Forklift accidents pose significant risks in warehouse settings, ranging from collisions with pedestrians and other forklifts to impacts with obstacles. Understanding these common types of accidents is crucial for implementing effective safety measures.

Types of Forklift Accidents

Collisions with Pedestrians: Forklifts navigating crowded warehouse aisles can inadvertently collide with pedestrians, leading to serious injuries or fatalities.

Collisions with Other Forklifts: In busy warehouse environments, multiple forklifts operating simultaneously increase the risk of collisions between vehicles.

Collisions with Obstacles: Blind spots and obstructed views can result in collisions with stationary obstacles such as racks, shelves, or equipment.

Check out the guide to learn more about forklift accidents and recommended solutions. 

Role of Safety Lights in Accident Prevention

Safety lights serve as proactive warning systems, alerting forklift operators to the presence of objects or individuals in their vicinity. By illuminating blind spots and providing visual cues, safety lights help operators navigate safely and avoid potential collisions.

Alerting System for Near Objects or Individuals

Blue spotlights and red zone warning lights function as early warning signals, notifying forklift operators when they are close to objects or pedestrians. These lights create visible boundaries and safety zones, allowing operators to adjust their course or speed to prevent accidents.

Preventative Measures vs. Reactive Measures

Safety lights represent a preventative measure in accident prevention, actively reducing the likelihood of collisions before they occur. By providing real-time visual cues, safety lights empower operators to take proactive steps to avoid hazards, minimising the need for reactive measures such as emergency braking or evasive manoeuvres.

Legal and Regulatory Considerations

Forklift safety regulations are governed by OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) in the United States and similar regulatory bodies worldwide. OSHA standards mandate that employers provide a safe working environment for employees, including proper training and equipment for forklift operations. Safety lights, such as blue spotlights and red zone lights, are considered essential components of forklift safety systems according to OSHA guidelines.

Compliance Benefits of Safety Lights

Installing safety lights on forklifts ensures compliance with OSHA regulations and other applicable standards. Compliance not only reduces the risk of accidents and injuries but also demonstrates the commitment of warehouse operators to prioritise employee safety. Moreover, adherence to safety standards can enhance the reputation of the organisation and mitigate legal liabilities.

Potential Legal Implications

Failure to implement adequate safety measures, including the absence of safety lights on forklifts, can have severe legal consequences for warehouse operators. In the event of accidents resulting in injuries or fatalities, operators may face lawsuits, fines, and penalties for negligence or non-compliance with regulatory requirements. 

Legal liabilities extend to compensation claims, worker's compensation, and property damage, tarnishing the reputation and financial stability of the organisation. Therefore, proactive implementation of safety measures, including safety lights, is essential to mitigate legal risks and ensure a safe working environment.

Conclusion

We've explored the vital role of forklift safety lights in enhancing visibility, preventing accidents, and ensuring legal compliance. By illuminating blind spots and demarcating safe zones, these lights significantly reduce the risk of collisions and injuries in warehouse environments.

Industry leaders must adopt a holistic approach to forklift safety, integrating advanced technologies like safety lights with comprehensive training and procedural adherence. 

By partnering with a trusted industry expert like SharpEagle, organisations can enhance their safety measures, ensuring safer work environments, protecting their workforce, and mitigating legal liabilities.  

As we move forward, we urge industry leaders to evaluate their current safety systems and invest in advanced solutions like the forklift safety light system. Collaborate with SharpEagle to make warehouse operations safer and more efficient for everyone involved.

FAQs

Are forklift safety lights mandated by safety regulations?

Although not universally required, many safety standards advise or prioritise the use of visual aids like safety lights on forklifts, particularly in areas prone to pedestrian accidents. Always verify local regulations for specific mandates.

How resilient are these forklift lighting systems?

Forklift safety lights are engineered to endure common industrial hazards like vibrations, dust, and moisture. LED lights, especially, boast exceptional durability and longevity.

‍You can also call us at +971-45549547 or mail us at sales@sharpeagle.uk

[alex-guerin]

Ugly sweater day at work really be out here making me feel ugly...(ignore the blue light, that's the safety light on my forklift reflecting off the wall behind me)

And what's worse is my binder is making me hella dysphoric...not cuz "omg, flat chest, no!" But cuz ...even wearing it, it is so obvious I am afab and have badonkers.

...I don't pass. I will never pass. Why do I keep trying and playing pretend?

[mysticalnightenthusiast]

S.N.A.F.U CH78 ‘Presents’

A/N1:  Sorry for the huge gap since the last update peoples, life got busy with uni and exams and I lost the motivation to write recreationally.  I hope you enjoy this installment of Daniel and Eadaoin’s story!

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After lunch everyone help wash up and Eadaoin put the plum pudding in the oven, the two families then made their way into the lounge room led by an excited Isaac and Isabella.

“Okay okay okay who first?” Daniel asked no one in particular.

“MEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!” the two youngsters squealed loudly.

“Ehi, non così forte!” (Hey! Not so loud!) Michelle scolded “sit quietly first okay?”

“But Mamaaaaaa-” Isaac began “it’s Christmas!”

“And it will be for hours yet mister,” Michelle said amused by her son’s excitement.

“C’mon kiddo let’s sit by the tree, it’s too early to make Mum grumpy,” Daniel told his nephew with a grin “do you and Izzy want to help give the presents out?”

“Oh wow can we?”

“Sure thing but you have to be calm, where should we start?””

“Eadie!” Isabella exclaimed “she’s got lots and lots of presents!”

“I do?” Eadaoin asked in amusement as she dropped down beside the Christmas tree “from whom?”

“Everyone!” Isabella replied happily “Mamma, Papa, Nonna, Nonna, Bisnonna and Bisnonno...”

“The entire Ricciardo family?” Daniel asked Grace with a raised eyebrow.

“Yup, both sets of your grandparents, your father and I, Michelle.  Charlie, Guilia....”

“Giulia’s Mum’s sister and Charlie is Dad’s brother,” Daniel explained to Eadaoin “no wonder you needed a forklift for all your luggage Mum your stuff alone probably came on its own plane.”

“Cheeky!”

“Everyone back home wanted to give you and Danny joint presents,” Joe added as Isaac and Isabella dragged a large circular and apparently heavy present toward Eadaoin “That round one is from Charlie and his wife Gia and its homegrown you could say.”

“You open it,” Daniel urged Eadaoin with a smile “I’ll open the next one.”

Eadaoin gently took the enormous disc shaped present and began unwrapping it; soon she was surrounded by an enormous pile of festive wrapping paper and even more bubble wrap.  Daniel pulled it away and revealed an enormous disc of eucalyptus wood with ‘L'amore inizia a casa: Daniel e Eadaoin’ (Love begins at home-Daniel and Eadaoin) burnt into it in elaborate cursive script. On the back was a thick plaited length of wire that would allow the sign to be hung up.

“Oh wow it’s so....beautiful!” Eadaoin exclaimed “Love start-begins at home?  Did I get that right?”

“You did,” Joe replied “the wood comes from an enormous Blue Gum that got hit by lightning at the farm back in September.  Charlie helped me cut it up and Gia who is an art teacher put the inscription and wire on the back.  Also giving wood as a housewarming present is somewhat if an Italian tradition and Charlie in particular wanted you and Danny to have a bit of Australia with you wherever you decided to put down some roots.”

“That’s really quite sweet!” Eadaoin replied thickly “I’ll be sure to send them a thankyou note.”

“Next one!” Isaac announced excitedly pushing a rectangular box wrapped in paper covered in Kangaroos wearing Santa hats toward Daniel “this one’s from Tia Guilia and Uncle Paul!”

Daniel carefully unwrapped the package to reveal a box that contained an altar candle on it with “Daniel and Eadaoin Home Sweet Home” printed on it and a tiny little model of a house broom.  The broom prompted the curly haired driver to burst into amused laughter.

“A broom?” Eadaoin questioned in amused confusion.

“Yeah it’s another traditional Italian housewarming gift,” Daniel explained “its supposed to be for sweeping any evil or negativity that tries to enter a new home and the candle is supposed to remind new home owners to always keep light in their lives.  You know that red candle I have on the kitchen sideboard in the Monaco place and the blue one on the lounge coffee table at the Chelsea place??”

“Yeah.”

“Mum and Dad gave me those when I first bought those places. I’ve done the same for friends that have bought new places.  When Max bought his first ever place in Monaco I got him one in the colours of the Dutch flag.” Daniel explained “Guilia has a small side business making candles and wax melts, those sorts of things and she would have made this one.”

“Next one next one next one!” Isabella exclaimed excitedly.

“Who’s this one from sweetheart?” Eadaoin asked as Isabella gave her a heavy rectangular box.

“Bisnonna!”

“Dad’s Mum,” Daniel explained “knowing Nonna this will be the most Italian gift ever.”

Eadaoin opened the box to reveal a little care package of sorts.  A bottle of home made red wine, a bottle of wax sealed rosemary olive oil, a small package of dried pasta and some rock salt in a little hessian bag tied with a ribbon in the colours of the Italian flag.

“Two glasses of that stuff and you’ll be on the floor.” Michelle said at once “Nonno’s Lambrusco would drop an elephant.”

“Nah you’re just a lightweight,” Daniel teased.

“Oh bite me.”

“Nonno used to make his own wine before his hands got too arthritic,” Daniel told Eadaoin “and ‘chell’s right its strong stuff.  This bottle would be at least ten years old. Don’t drink it quickly of you’ll start questioning your life choices.”

“Giving wine, salt and olive oil are also traditional housewarming gifts in Italian culture,” Joe explained “the pasta is from my mother, she still makes it fresh but had to dry this lot for it to be able to get through customs. And the oil is from the batch she made last year.”

“I’ll definitely thank her both directly,” Eadaoin promised.

“Bisnonna’s pasta is yummy Edie, Nonno always burps after eating some,” Isabella piped up “it’s really loud.”

“There looks to be enough pasta here for two people, maybe after all the Christmas leftovers are gone we can eat it,” Eadaoin suggested.

“Sounds good,” Daniel replied “what’s next?”

The next present was from Graces parents and also contained a bottle of olive oil and salt and a handwritten recipe for bread.

“Its another Italian tradition to give bread as a housewarming present but Mum knew that a loaf wouldn’t be allowed through customs so she gifted the recipe she uses to make it herself,” Grace explained to Eadaoin who was reading the recipe that was totally written in Italian.

Eadaoin’s eyes prickled with unshed tears as she took in the thoughtful gift.

“Oh wow that’s really thoughtful!” she said thickly “I’m going to have to study a bit harder or I’ll misinterpret the recipe and blow up the kitchen.”

“I’ll help,” Daniel promised “I used to help Nonna make bread all the time when I was a kid.”

“Who next kiddo?” Eadaoin asked Isaac who was bouncing excitedly on the spot and looking between Grace and Daniel.

“Go on Tesoro” (sweetheart) Grace said with a grin as Isaac eagerly grabbed a large medium sized package from under the tree.

“This next one is for you honey but your father and I talked to Donnacha and Roisin about putting it together,” Grace informed her son “they’ve done something similar for Eadaoin.”

“We’ll explain when Eadie receives hers,” Donnacha added “everything will make sense then”

Daniel took the package from Isaac and began unwrapping it. Soon he held a large wooden covered photo album on his lap with “Daniel Joseph” embossed in elaborate gold leaf script.

“This looks like our family bible,” he commented with a chuckle as he opened the cover.

“Ah you don’t get one of those til you get married.” Grace said with a grin.

“Muuuuuu-”

“I know I know, go on open it” Grace urged “the whole family contributed to this one.”

Daniel opened the front of the album and on the first page was a photo of Grace holding a freshly born Daniel in a hospital bed and a replica of his birth certificate.

“Oh my god my face looks like a dropped pie!” he exclaimed “I’ve not seen this one before.”

“It’s a copy of the first one in your baby album,” Grace said.

Daniel flicked through each page of the album that showed photos of Daniel in each year of his life from birth, all throughout his schooling and karting years right up to his most recent birthday posing with the cake McLaren had made for the occasion.

“You had a pierced ear?” Eadaoin asked in amusement as the curly haired driver showed her a photo of him at his 17th birthday “that is so daggy!”

“It wasn’t the most fashionable thing I’ve ever done,” Daniel admitted as everyone laughed “I got a nice long lecture from Nonna about what was appropriate for a ‘good Italian boy’ the first time she saw it.  ‘chelle thought it was hilarious.”

“Mum and Nonna had a fit when they saw it,” Michelle with a giggle “he got chewed out for having it done than I got chewed out for encouraging it and going with him to get it done.  Dad thought it was hilarious.”

Joe snorted.

“Well it was pretty funny,” he admitted “it’s probably the most rebellious thing Dan ever did aside from being a constant smart mouth to one of the nuns in high school.”

“Oh Sister Patricia?” Daniel piped up “sour old bitch.” He added under his breath.

“Everyone was a smart mouth to Sister Patricia,” Michelle said “grumpy old goat she was.”

“Alright let’s move on who’s next?” Daniel asked.

“Eadie!” Isabella exclaimed pulling an identical present to the one Daniel received from under the tree.

“This is from your Dad and I but everyone in the family and Danny contributed,” Roisin told her daughter.

Eadaoin gently unwrapped the present to reveal an identical photo album with ‘Eadaoin Niamh’ engraved on the front, like Daniel’s it contained dozens of photos from her birth, each birthday, school and university graduations copies of her birth certificate and University parchments and even a photo of her and Daniel at her most recent birthday in Austin that Eadaoin knew Michael had taken on Daniel’s mobile phone.

“Oh I love that photo!” Eadaoin exclaimed thickly a lump forming in her throat “Michael did such a great job considering he was wasted and couldn’t get the focus settings right.”

“I chipped in that one,” Daniel confessed with a smile.

“We have another copy upstairs if you want to frame it and put it on the mantel piece,” Donnacha informed his emotional daughter “your Mam and I have a copy on our mantelpiece back home.”

Eadaoin got up from her place on the floor and made her way over to her parents, embracing them both hard.

“Thank you,” she murmured a tear or two leaking out of her eyes

“We know photo albums and actual photos are old school but there’s something nice about sitting down and looking at a physical album,” Grace said as Eadaoin pulled a tissue from her bra and wiped her eyes “your parents and Joe and I thought you and Daniel would like a physical reminder of your lives right up until you met and thought from here on out you could start your own album that documents your life together.”

Eadaoin made her way over to Grace and hugged the older woman.

“Thank you,” she murmured moving on to hug Joe next “it’s the best present ever!” 

“Ah you haven’t seen what Danny’s gotten you yet,” Donnacha joked “he looks more excited than Isaac and Isabella do.”

“Uncle Daniel’s got ants in his pants!” Isaac declared loudly as the curly haired driver eagerly reached for a large box marked for Eadaoin.

“Uncle Daniel’s always got ants in his pants,” Eadaoin joked ruffling Isaac’s hair “it’s not just at Christmas he doesn’t sit still.”

“Yeah yeah my turn,” Daniel grumbled the hint of a smile playing upon his lips “this is for you.”

“Hold on sis is this something you should be opening in front of the in-laws?” Cahir piped up with a snort.

“Póg mo thóin,” (kiss my arse) Eadaoin muttered her face turning a magnificent shade of scarlet “idiot.”

Eadaoin carefully unwrapped the gift Daniel gave her to reveal a plain cardboard box she opened that to reveal a plain black bag that was unmistakably a helmet case.

“You got me a helmet?” she exclaimed happily.

“Have a look and see.”

Eadaoin unzipped the case and pulled out a spectacularly decorated racing helmet, it was various shades of metallic and glitter colours and featured Irish Shamrocks in the shape of a map of Australia, beach scenes and in the most delicate script across the bottom under the visor was Níos Láidre le Chéile (Stronger Together).  Her jaw fell open and she gasped in amazement.

“Oh wow Eadie that’s super pretty!” Isabella exclaimed.

“I asked Cahir and your parents about what they thought you’d like on your own helmet and together with what I know you like came up with this,” Daniel explained as Eadaoin inspected the helmet closely “so now you don’t have to use those manky hire ones when you go karting.”

Eadaoin burst into a million dollar smile and leaned forward to kiss him on the lips.

“So when are we going Karting?” she asked brightly.

“When the weather warms up, or we can go to Dubai before pre-season testing starts and go there” Daniel suggested with a wink.

“Sounds good.”

Daniel also gifted Eadaoin a diamond bracelet that matched the ring he gave her that morning then the redhead joined him in sitting in the giant bean bag they had bought in Los Angeles to watch everyone else receive their gifts.

“This is the best Christmas ever,” Eadaoin murmured turning her head and sneaking a kiss when everyone’s attention was on Isaac who was babbling excitedly about a Lego kit Grace and Joe had gifted him “I want to do this every year.”

Daniel grinned.

“Maybe next year we’ll do it at the farm?” he suggested as Isabella squealed excitedly about the Cabbage Patch doll he and Eadaoin had given her “I want to show you everything at home, introduce you to everyone.”

“Parade me about?” Eadaoin asked in a low voice.

Daniel chuckled.

“Of course,” he murmured as Michelle opened up her present from them, a Swarovski crystal frog and a pair of diamond studs “any bloke with you on their arm would be stupid not to, d'you have any idea what my street cred is going to be like when I go home with you?”

Eadaoin rolled her eyes.

“You’re a crazy man,” she said tiredly sinking into his warm embrace “god I am so tired”

“We can go to bed after dessert,” Daniel suggested as Cahir unwrapped a leather bound diary with his name embossed on the front he and Eadaoin had given him “not much longer.”

After gift giving the combined families gathered back at the dining table for dessert.  Much jovial conversation was had til after the meal and Grace noticed Eadaoin’s exhaustion.

“Edie honey are you alright?” the elder Ricciardo asked in concern as Eadaoin began loading the dishwasher with the latest dishes “you look exhausted.”

“I am exhausted,” the redhead admitted “jetlag and Christmas festivities don’t really mix.”

Grace pried the bowl she was holding from her hand and chivvied her toward Daniel who had just entered the kitchen carrying a tray of used cutlery.

“Daniel take Eadaoin upstairs to bed,” she said “she’s exhausted.”

“B-but we have the after dessert movie tradition!” Eadaoin protested weakly “and there are so many more dishes to do-”

“Sweetheart you’re so tired you’re not going to make it through the opening credits,” Grace pointed out “you’ve already done so much for us and both you and Daniel are dead on your feet.  Both of you go to bed.  We can finish up for you.”

“Yeah sis go to bed,” Cahir added as he came into the kitchen with some stacked glasses “we’ve got everything here.”

“You all really don’t mind?” Eadaoin asked tiredly.

“If we did I wouldn’t have suggested it,” Grace relied embracing her “go rest up and we’ll see you in the morning.”

“Thanks Mum you’re a star,” Daniel said gratefully.

“That’s alright honey, you’ve done so much to look after us now its our turn to look after you go on scoot.”

Daniel and Eadaoin bade everyone goodnight then made their way up to their bedroom where they started getting ready for bed.”

“I love your Mum she’s awesome,” Eadaoin said kicking off her shoes.

“Yeah she’s pretty good,” Daniel replied leaving his clothes in a messy pile on the floor and getting into bed “oh god what a busy few weeks, I’m dead!”

Eadaoin turned off the light and joined the curly haired driver under the covers.

“This has been the best Christmas ever,” she murmured snuggling into his muscular bulk “I don’t think it could have been any more perfect.”

“I agree,” Daniel replied sleepily, pressing a kiss to her forehead “fuck I forgot to give you your present!”

“That can wait til the morning,” Eadaoin told him with a grin “I want to be wide awake when I open whatever you’ve given me.”

Daniel nuzzled into the side of her neck.

“Good because you’ll need to be,” he said “but sleep first.”

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A/N2:  If you liked this please like and reblog!

[wordpimp]

Pabst Blue Ribbon

Collage of antics and bubblegum Sweetheart your tits Drool on the backseat Backyard hush The high desert sky, a new hose reel Clean blue water

Canyons in the mesas

Cashier at the bodega

On the ferry, the old people young man Sit around Light smokes in a purse All lit up in a future party

The storage facility night moon Forklift operator Boxes and boxes Hotel caddy, carved up and carried

[a-url-that-exists]

Addendum to the general cane guide: Sight Canes/White Canes (from another sight cane user, writer, and artist)

Please note: i don't have visuals drawn for this because im lazy. Similar disclaimers to the previous user, im not an expert I'm just a dumb guy with vision bad enough that they won't let me operate a forklift.

ADDITIONAL NOTE: i may have things wrong. I'm privileged to have a large amount of usable vision, and this means that i have been largely isolated from my community and taught by a neglectful O&M teacher. I am more than happy to take criticism and amend incorrect information. Please do not send hate my way for anything i might say that is wrong.

With white canes, it can vary which hand it's used in. I was taught to use it in my non-dominant hand so i could use my dominant hand for other tasks, however others I've met use their cane in their dominant hand.

The design of a white cane is usually very simple. Most simplified, it's a hollow and thin, relatively flexible stick with a larger vertical handle and a tip of some sort.

Most traditionally, sight canes are covered in reflective white tape, with many modern canes having reflective red tape on the bottom joint or bottom twelve inches of the cane. Most commonly you will see canes with joints breaking up the body, and a black handle.

This is not always the case however; many companies offer variations in colors and patterns. Some areas state that only white canes with a red tip are recognized as an indicator of blindness in a court of law, making it the most common iteration of a sight cane. However traditionally, a white cane with a red tip indicates low vision, a solid white cane indicates no usable vision, and a red and white striped cane indicates blindness and deafness. Canes are also sold in most every color and combination, as long as they're still reflective. These colored canes must be custom ordered however. I personally have a blue tipped cane, and a close friend of mine has a few solid pink, and pink and white canes.

Sight canes are usually made of a very light material. Graphite, aluminum, and fiberglass are all common in the modern era. Modern sight canes are often collapsible, either being telescopic or folding. however, some non-collapsible sight canes are still used today.

Telescopic sight canes, are, as you would imagine, telescopic, and can consist of around 8 sections usually.

Folding sight canes often consist of between 4-8 sections connected by an elastic string that runs from the handle to the tip.

Tips can come in many forms. Most commonly used are white plastic rolling tips. These consist of:

- Marshmallow Tip: it's a plastic rolling tip that is vaguely a marshmallow in size and shape. Good for most all terrains but does well on hard surfaces, as well as relatively small and easy to transport. Non-rolling versions are also available.

- Roller Ball Tip: it's a tip in the shape of a ball that rolls as well, usually small enough to fit in the palm of the hand, though sizes can vary. This is also good for many different types of terrain, however it does better in grass, gravel, and snow than a marshmallow. Non-rolling versions are also available.

- Pencil Tip: a plastic or otherwise sheath for the end of the cane. Typically these do not roll whatsoever, and are the most likely to get stuck on things, however they are lighter and easier to travel with. They also provide more feedback.

- Ceramic/metal glide tip: A small disc-shaped tip that goes around the cane. These may or may not roll, and provide feedback similar to a pencil tip while being less likely to get stuck on things- sort of a middle ground between a marshmallow tip and a pencil tip.

- Omni-Sense Tip: it consists of an axle attached to the cane which can tilt with the angle of the cane. It has four wheels, two on each side. I am not entirely sure about the effectiveness of this tip.

- Dakota Disc Tip: it consists of a round disc that sits parallel to the ground. This is supposedly the best tip for going over the top of grass, snow, and other difficult terrain. I personally have not verified this.

There are many ways to use a sight cane, and i do not intend to speak to every single method. However, most commonly, i see a few different types.

- Constant Contact/Sweeping, where the sight cane is swept back and forth in front of the user. This provides the most information, however it is difficult to do in crowded settings and at slow speeds, and can be tiring. Some cane users will sync their sweeping with their steps. I would describe this motion as similar to that of a windshield wiper.

- The cane is held diagonally across the body, without any sweeping or tapping. This provides some minimal information, and serves mostly to alert others to the disability.

-Flagging/Tapping from side to side. I was taught that it's a method to increase the cane user's visibility. I do not have much information on this.

Sight canes can also be used to probe things on the ground in general.

Going down stairs, many sight cane users will hold the cane out in front of them diagonally, at an angle such that the cane hits the step beneath the user as the user steps down. Many sight cane users prefer to find a railing and use that as a guide than use a sight cane alone.

Going upstairs, the sight cane is often held upright like a pencil, and pushed forward against the next step. As the user steps up, the cane too moves up and swings forward to hit the next step. Again, railings are often preferable to cane use alone.

Many sight cane users may also use a cane whilst walking with a sighted guide. Walking sighted guide is typically seen as the person following holding onto the arm of the person guiding them just above the elbow. Often, the visually impaired person will still use their cane on their preferred side while walking with a sighted guide.

Some sight cane users, especially on folding canes, will attach keychains and lanyards for decoration. However, these tend to swing back and forth and impact feedback from the cane tip, and i personally cannot do this.

Many cane users will have a holster or pouch to stick their cane in when it's not in use, especially with collapsible canes. This can clip onto the belt or be attached to a bag strap. Similarly to support canes, using a sight cane makes it so that you can only use one hand while walking, however while standing still the sight cane can be leaned against things or into the arm to hold more items. Some cane users will simply keep their cane nearby; i tend to set mine on the ground beneath my chair when eating at restaurants, and i sit on top of it on trains and airplanes.

Due to having one hand unavailable, many sight cane users carry bags or purses. Especially when writing and drawing blind and visually impaired characters in an academic settings, give them lots of bags and storage! Braille books, papers, textbooks, are always massive and heavy and more often than not you will need many bags to carry your things for an average school day, especially in high school. The same applies to large print items; however these are not nearly as bulky as Braille textbooks. (RIP the spines of Braille readers; may your ibuprofen be strong and your pain be minimal).

Not all people have access to guide dogs and they are significantly less common than some would believe, and we need more representation of people with white canes/sight canes.

That's all i can think of! Thank you for reading.

edit 1: cant fucking believe i misspelled cane as crane, oops

A general cane guide for writers and artists (from a cane user, writer, and artist!)

Disclaimer: Though I have been using a cane for 6 years, I am not a doctor, nor am I by any means an expert. This guide is true to my experience, but there are as many ways to use a cane as there are cane users!

This guide will not include: White canes for blindness, crutches, walkers, or wheelchairs as I have no personal experience with these.

This is meant to be a general guide to get you started and avoid some common mishaps/misconceptions, but you absolutely should continue to do your own research outside of this guide!

The biggest recurring problem I've seen is using the cane on the wrong side. The cane goes on the opposite side of the pain! If your character has even-sided pain or needs it for balance/weakness, then use the cane in the non-dominant hand to keep the dominant hand free. Some cane users also switch sides to give their arm a rest!

A cane takes about 20% of your weight off the opposite leg. It should fit within your natural gait and become something of an extension of your body. If you need more weight off than 20%, then crutches, a walker, or a wheelchair is needed.

Putting more pressure on the cane, using it on the wrong side, or having it at the wrong height will make it less effective, and can cause long term damage to your body from improper pressure and posture. (Hugh Laurie genuinely hurt his body from years of using a cane wrong on House!)

(an animated GIF of a cane matching the natural walking gait. It turns red when pressure is placed on it.)

When going up and down stairs, there is an ideal standard: You want to use the handrail and the cane at the same time, or prioritize the handrail if it's only on one side. When going up stairs you lead with your good leg and follow with the cane and hurt leg together. When going down stairs you lead with the cane, then the good leg, and THEN the leg that needs help.

Realistically though, many people don't move out of the way for cane users to access the railing, many stairs don't have railings, and many are wet, rusty, or generally not ideal to grip.

In these cases, if you have a friend nearby, holding on to them is a good idea. Or, take it one step at a time carefully if you're alone.

Now we come to a very common mistake I see... Using fashion canes for medical use!

(These are 4 broad shapes, but there is INCREDIBLE variation in cane handles. Research heavily what will be best for your character's specific needs!)

The handle is the contact point for all the weight you're putting on your cane, and that pressure is being put onto your hand, wrist, and shoulder. So the shape is very important for long term use!

Knob handles (and very decorative handles) are not used for medical use for this reason. It adds extra stress to the body and can damage your hand to put constant pressure onto these painful shapes.

The weight of a cane is also incredibly important, as a heavier cane will cause wear on your body much faster. When you're using it all day, it gets heavy fast! If your character struggles with weakness, then they won't want a heavy cane if they can help it!

This is also part of why sword canes aren't usually very viable for medical use (along with them usually being knob handles) is that swords are extra weight!

However, a small knife or perhaps a retractable blade hidden within the base might be viable even for weak characters.

Bases have a lot of variability as well, and the modern standard is generally adjustable bases. Adjustable canes are very handy if your character regularly changes shoe height, for instance (gotta keep the height at your hip!)

Canes help on most terrain with their standard base and structure. But for some terrain, you might want a different base, or to forego the cane entirely! This article covers it pretty well.

Many cane users decorate their canes! Stickers are incredibly common, and painting canes is relatively common as well! You'll also see people replacing the standard wrist strap with a personalized one, or even adding a small charm to the ring the strap connects to. (nothing too large, or it gets annoying as the cane is swinging around everywhere)

(my canes, for reference)

If your character uses a cane full time, then they might also have multiple canes that look different aesthetically to match their outfits!

When it comes to practical things outside of the cane, you reasonably only have one hand available while it's being used. Many people will hook their cane onto their arm or let it dangle on the strap (if they have one) while using their cane arm, but it's often significantly less convenient than 2 hands. But, if you need 2 hands, then it's either setting the cane down or letting it hang!

For this reason, optimizing one handed use is ideal! Keeping bags/items on the side of your free hand helps keep your items accessible.

When sitting, the cane either leans against a wall or table, goes under the chair, or hooks onto the back of the chair. (It often falls when hanging off of a chair, in my experience)

When getting up, the user will either use their cane to help them balance/support as they stand, or get up and then grab their cane. This depends on what it's being used for (balance vs pain when walking, for instance!)

That's everything I can think of for now. Thank you for reading my long-but-absolutely-not-comprehensive list of things to keep in mind when writing or drawing a cane user!

Happy disability pride month! Go forth and make more characters use canes!!!

[karltface]

Antique mall finds ahoy!

Got a fixer-upper here, the GI Joe Road Toad. A towing attachment isn't exactly exciting despite the guns, but it was five bucks. The turret mount was broken, as was one of the crucial clips on the back end, but a bit of glue and some scrap parts fixed it right up.

Good as new. Now I gotta track down the rockets and front wheel, but at least the tow cable is intact.

Sack o' parts! The tailfin for a Hot Wheels cargo plane, Busy Town trailer, truck top, forklift fork (it slides up and down on the frame-very cool) and odd black frame are likely getting thrown into the back of the parts bin, but there's also a Voltron tail gun, Land Shark gun, a spare rotor for Zanzibar's Air Skiff, and two red rollers I swear I remember from a vehicle in my youth. Not bad at all.

There were a few dudes in there too: a trio of Jads from Air Raiders (oddly, only available with the second largest vehicle in the line), and Sgt. Hack, of the Shadow Force. Starcom is lots of fun to stick around on random metal surfaces with their magnetic feet, while the Raiders just kind of stand around and look weird. Very well sculpted, but weird.

Accessory-wise, there are a couple TF missiles, a Gobots gun in case I ever want to build Grungy, some Rulon weapons for my Dino Riders collection, Snout Spout's axe (and that's another figure finished!) a Greyskull rifle (one to go!), and the back of Screech's jetpack.

A handful of battery covers (and one emergency light component) may look boring (okay, they are), but I do find a lot of stuff without them, so what the hell. Someday I'll have a cookie tin full of these.

Playset Parts! Three more modular stone walls, in a desaturated purple this time. The red frame is flat and undetailed on the back, and feels 90s. Possibly from the same set as the steps. The short section of what may be railroad tracks is made of rubber, and deeply textured on the top and bottom. The brown ramp plugs into a system of modular tracks I've forgotten the name of, the plant is a truly unusual sculpt (which will spice up the animal shelf nicely), and I totally had the Hot Wheels City Service Center that fold-out leg goes to. Not that I'll ever try to rebuild it, but it comes with the territory with mixed lots. I'm just glad I recognized it, Lens thinks it's a car part.

Finally, building sets, plus bits and bobs. Most of the Lego feels like vintage Castle, the church is from the Game of Life, the bomb belongs to a Tim Mee Strike Eagle (simple blue F15 toy), and I'm totally lost on the black and brown bits. One might be a cap for something, the other could be a board game component. It's hard to say.

Well, that was a hell of a haul. Totally worth the walk in 1 degree weather. And I get to go back tomorrow, because I remembered they also had a bag of Rolling Thunder parts, and if the antennae are in there, I can save a bundle over eBay.

[epoxyfloorexpertsbrisbane]

How Do Industrial Epoxy Coatings Reduce Workplace Accidents?

In any industrial setting, ensuring the safety of workers is of paramount importance. Accidents not only pose a risk to the health and well-being of employees but can also result in significant financial loss, legal complications, and a decrease in overall productivity. One effective, yet often overlooked, method of reducing workplace accidents is the use of industrial epoxy coatings. These coatings provide numerous benefits to industrial floors, making them safer and more durable. In this blog, we will explore how industrial epoxy coatings contribute to workplace safety and help reduce accidents.

What Are Industrial Epoxy Coatings?

Before diving into the safety benefits, let’s first understand what industrial epoxy coatings are. Epoxy is a type of polymer that, when applied to concrete or other surfaces, forms a hard, durable coating. These coatings are often used in industrial environments due to their high resistance to wear, impact, chemicals, and harsh weather conditions. The primary advantage of epoxy is its ability to create a smooth, non-porous surface that is easy to clean and maintain.

1. Slip-Resistant Surfaces

One of the most significant causes of workplace accidents is slips and falls, especially in industries that deal with oils, liquids, or wet conditions. Slips can result in serious injuries, such as sprains, fractures, or even head trauma. This is where industrial epoxy coatings come into play.

Epoxy coatings can be formulated to be slip-resistant, offering employees a safer walking surface. By adding aggregates like sand or glass beads into the epoxy mix, a textured surface is created that significantly reduces the risk of slipping, even in wet or oily conditions. For environments where spills or moisture are common, these slip-resistant surfaces are essential in preventing accidents.

In fact, many industrial facilities, from warehouses to factories, have seen a marked reduction in slip-and-fall incidents after installing industrial epoxy coatings on their floors. With these coatings in place, workers can move around confidently, knowing that their footing will be secure.

2. Increased Visibility

Another benefit of Industrial Epoxy Coatings is their ability to improve visibility in the workplace. In many industrial environments, lighting can be poor, especially in areas like basements, warehouses, or factories. Poor visibility often leads to accidents, as workers may not be able to see obstacles, spills, or changes in the floor's texture.

Epoxy coatings can be customized with high-visibility colors, such as bright yellow, blue, or red. These colors not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of a workspace but also make it easier for workers to spot hazards like tripping points, machines, or even emergency exits. For instance, industrial epoxy coatings can be used to mark walkways or forklift paths, ensuring that employees stay within designated areas, reducing the risk of collisions or accidents.

In addition, reflective epoxy coatings are available that can improve visibility in low-light environments, making it easier for employees to navigate the workplace safely at any time of day.

3. Enhanced Durability and Impact Resistance

Industrial workplaces are known for their high levels of wear and tear. Heavy machinery, vehicles, and equipment can easily damage floors over time, leading to cracks, holes, and uneven surfaces. These imperfections can pose a serious safety risk as workers may trip over damaged areas or accidentally drop objects due to unstable flooring.

Industrial epoxy coatings provide a hard, durable surface that can withstand heavy loads, impacts, and constant foot traffic. Epoxy is known for its resilience against cracking, chipping, or deterioration, even under extreme conditions. When applied to concrete floors, the coating helps to protect the surface from damage, ensuring that the floor remains even and free of dangerous imperfections. This significantly reduces the chances of workers tripping or injuring themselves while performing their tasks.

By choosing industrial epoxy coatings, businesses can maintain a smooth and safe flooring surface, preventing accidents caused by floor damage.

4. Chemical Spill Resistance

In many industrial settings, chemicals and liquids are commonly used, whether it's for manufacturing, cleaning, or maintenance. Spills are inevitable, and they can create dangerous conditions for employees, especially if the spilled substances are slippery or toxic.

Industrial epoxy coatings are highly resistant to many chemicals, oils, and solvents. The non-porous nature of epoxy prevents liquids from penetrating the surface, making it much easier to clean up spills. When a spill occurs, workers can quickly address the situation without worrying about it spreading or causing further harm. Additionally, by making cleaning faster and more efficient, industrial epoxy coatings ensure that the workplace remains safe and hazard-free.

In industries such as pharmaceuticals, food processing, or chemical plants, this resistance is crucial. Workers can perform their tasks without constantly worrying about the floor's ability to handle spills, minimizing the risk of accidents.

5. Low Maintenance and Easy to Clean

A clean workspace is a safer workspace. When floors accumulate dirt, debris, or chemicals, they can become slippery or cause other hazards. This can result in falls, injuries, or even fires in some cases.

Industrial epoxy coatings are incredibly easy to maintain. The smooth, non-porous surface makes it simple to sweep, mop, or clean with industrial-grade cleaning agents. Unlike untreated concrete floors, which can trap dirt and moisture in cracks, epoxy-coated floors are resistant to grime buildup. This easy-to-clean feature ensures that the floor remains free from contaminants that could lead to accidents.

With regular maintenance, industrial epoxy coatings can last for years, providing a safe and hygienic environment for employees.

6. Temperature Resistance

In some industrial environments, temperature fluctuations or extreme heat can cause floor surfaces to warp, crack, or become slippery. Industrial epoxy coatings are known for their ability to withstand high temperatures, making them an ideal choice for environments such as factories, kitchens, or warehouses.

This temperature resistance ensures that the flooring will not become compromised, even in the face of intense heat from equipment, machinery, or external conditions. By preventing warping or degradation, industrial epoxy coatings help maintain a safe, stable surface that reduces the risk of accidents caused by floor instability.

7. Reducing the Risk of Fire Hazards

In certain industries, fire hazards are a significant concern. Flammable chemicals, dust, or vapors can quickly lead to fires or explosions. Although industrial epoxy coatings are not inherently fireproof, they can be formulated to offer flame-retardant properties that can help prevent the spread of flames in case of a fire.

For example, some epoxy coatings are designed to be heat-resistant, offering an added layer of protection against fire hazards. This feature can help slow the spread of fire, allowing workers more time to react and evacuate the premises safely.

8. Improved Employee Morale

Lastly, the safety provided by industrial epoxy coatings has a positive effect on employee morale. When workers feel that their safety is a priority and that the company is investing in their well-being, they are more likely to be productive, focused, and committed to their work. A safe work environment fosters a sense of security, which leads to increased job satisfaction and reduced absenteeism.

Conclusion

Industrial epoxy coatings offer a multitude of benefits that go beyond mere aesthetics and durability. By providing slip-resistant surfaces, enhancing visibility, resisting chemical spills, and ensuring floor stability, these coatings play a significant role in reducing workplace accidents. As a result, businesses can reduce injury rates, improve productivity, and create a safer environment for their employees. Investing in industrial epoxy coatings is a smart move for any company that values its workers' health and safety while maintaining a clean and efficient workplace.

[mheseo2024]

Top Forklift Safety Accessories for Workplace Security

Forklifts play an indispensable role in material handling operations, making tasks like lifting, transporting, and organizing materials faster and more efficient. However, their operation comes with significant safety risks. To mitigate these risks and ensure workplace security, forklift safety accessories are essential tools that every business owner should consider. These accessories enhance operator safety and contribute to the overall efficiency of material handling tasks.

This article will explore the top forklift safety accessories, delve into their benefits, and discuss how incorporating them into material handling equipment strategies can boost workplace safety and productivity.

Importance of Forklift Safety Accessories

Forklift safety accessories prevent accidents and protect employees, equipment, and inventory. According to workplace safety statistics, many incidents involving forklifts occur due to preventable hazards, such as poor visibility, unstable loads, or operator errors. By integrating the right safety tools, businesses can minimize these risks and create a safer working environment.

Moreover, including forklift safety accessories in your operations aligns with broader material handling objectives. These tools support efficient workflows, reduce downtime, and ensure compliance with safety regulations—key factors that every business owner values. Let’s explore the most impactful accessories and their role in enhancing workplace security.

Top Forklift Safety Accessories for Every Workplace

Visibility Enhancements for Forklifts

LED Forklift Lights

LED lights improve visibility for forklift operators, particularly in dimly lit warehouses or outdoor environments. They help illuminate pathways, alert pedestrians, and prevent collisions.

Forklift Backup Alarms

Backup alarms alert nearby workers when the forklift is reversing, reducing the risk of accidents in crowded or noisy workplaces.

Forklift Mirrors

Convex and panoramic mirrors provide operators with a wider field of view, ensuring they can see blind spots and potential obstacles.

Warning Spotlights

Blue or red spotlights project onto the floor, creating a visible safety zone around the forklift to warn pedestrians of its presence.

Load Handling Accessories

Fork Extensions

Fork extensions are vital for handling longer or bulkier loads. They stabilize materials and reduce the chances of accidents caused by unstable cargo.

Load Backrests

These attachments prevent materials from falling backward onto the operator, offering extra safety during lifting.

Pallet Stoppers

Pallet stoppers help secure loads on the forks, ensuring materials remain in place during transportation.

Load Weighing Systems

Integrated weighing systems allow operators to measure loads in real time, preventing overloading and ensuring compliance with weight limits.

Operator Safety Features

Operator Restraint Systems

Seat belts and harnesses keep operators secure in their seats, minimizing injuries in case of sudden stops or tipping accidents.

Anti-Slip Steps

Anti-slip steps provide operators with stable footing, reducing the risk of slips and falls when entering or exiting the forklift.

Overhead Guards

Overhead guards protect operators from falling objects, such as pallets or tools, that could cause serious injuries.

Emergency Stop Buttons

Easily accessible emergency stop buttons allow operators to quickly halt the forklift in dangerous situations, averting potential accidents.

Environmental Safety Enhancements

Forklift Speed Limiters

Speed limiters ensure forklifts operate at safe speeds, especially in areas with high pedestrian traffic or narrow aisles.

Noise-Reduction Systems

Noise-reduction systems minimize forklift operational noise, creating a safer and more comfortable working environment.

Emission Control Devices

For indoor operations, emission control devices reduce harmful emissions from diesel-powered forklifts, ensuring compliance with air quality standards.

Pedestrian Awareness Systems

These systems combine sensors and alarms to detect nearby pedestrians and alert operators, preventing collisions.

Material Handling Equipment Benefits for Business Owners

Material handling equipment goes beyond forklifts to include tools like warehouse loading tools, industrial lifting machines, and cargo moving devices. These systems streamline operations and provide a competitive edge for business owners. Here’s how:

Improved Efficiency Material handling equipment, such as heavy-duty conveyor belts and automated storage systems, reduces the time spent on manual tasks, allowing employees to focus on higher-value activities.

Enhanced Workplace Safety Incorporating tools like crane hoisting mechanisms and pallet stacking equipment ensures secure handling of heavy or awkward loads, reducing the risk of injuries.

Cost Savings Investing in ergonomic handling solutions prevents damage to inventory and reduces the need for costly repairs or replacements.

Regulatory Compliance By integrating advanced safety features, business owners can meet regulatory standards and avoid penalties.

Employee Satisfaction A safe and efficient workplace improves morale and productivity, making it easier to retain skilled employees.

Key Forklift Safety Accessories Checklist

For Enhanced Visibility

LED lights

Warning spotlights

Backup alarms

For Load Stability

Fork extensions

Load backrests

Pallet stoppers

For Operator Protection

Restraint systems

Overhead guards

Emergency stop buttons

For Environmental Safety

Speed limiters

Noise-reduction systems

Emission control devices

Forklift safety accessories are essential for creating a secure and productive workplace. From visibility enhancements to operator protection features, these tools prevent accidents and improve efficiency and compliance. For business owners, incorporating advanced material handling equipment—like industrial lifting machines, ergonomic handling solutions, and cargo moving devices—offers significant benefits, including cost savings and improved employee satisfaction.

By prioritizing workplace safety and leveraging the right accessories, businesses can achieve long-term success while ensuring the well-being of their workforce. Investing in these tools is more than a compliance requirement; it’s a commitment to operational excellence.