Horse Barn Maintenance

Horse stables form an important part when it comes to caring and tending for your horses. The beautiful and majestic animals need to be groomed well. The horse barns where the horses are kept need to be cleaned and maintained well! Horse barns need to be maintained for the hygiene, which is necessary for you and the animal as well. There are basic guidelines for horse barn maintenance.

Cleaning and maintaining a barn is a tough job, make sure that you are properly outfitted. Carhartt has created and manufactured premium work clothing known for exceptional durability, comfort, quality of construction, and fit that you can feel in the fabrics and see in the performance. Along with the Carhartt line of durable work wear, your work boots are just as important.

Horse Barn Maintenance Tips:

Ensure to check the drainage system of the horse barns. This would help you prevent any flooding or clogging of the horse barn. Choose a nice and bright sunny day to clean the barn floor so that the natural sunlight enters the barn and helps it to dry easily. You must also consult a professional if any drainage problem persists.


Apart from the dirt, the manure, dust and the chaff also tend to hold a lot of moisture and this can really turn dirty during the wet weather. Therefore, horse barns that have dirt floors need to have the top layer removed. You may need to add new soil to this. If maintained properly, it will keep the area clean and free from dirt and stench.


Ensure when you clean out all the feedbags and the other materials, use a handcart to carry out the dirt so that it does not dirty the floor. This will save you mopping the floor yet another time!


Get some rubber mats from the market, as these will prove to be a wise buy when it comes to the horse barn maintenance. Rubber mats are easy to clean and maintain and can be used as a base for the horses to stand upon while you go about cleaning the ground of the horse barn.


Try to keep the horse barns maintained on a regular basis with the help of a power blower. A power blower can work with the help of electricity and can you clean up the place more efficiently.


Ensure you pick the right tools that are required for horse barn maintenance. Try to invest in lightweight wheelbarrows and other such tools that will help you finish your tasks with great ease.


Check out the various types of feed tubs and pick those feed tubs that are detachable and very easy to clean. This will reduce the process of cleaning of the tubs and the mess that may be created by certain horses whilst they eat from the feed tubs.


Add some panels in easy to reach areas whilst you are cleaning the entire place. These panels on the walls can help you hang the required materials which may assist you in the cleaning process and save frequent trips to the other side of the horse barn.


Maintain one cleaning routine for the horse barn. Start from a specific area to maintain uniformity in the maintenances process. Try to maintain a particular pattern that will help you simplify the way you manage the waste removal process. With this method, you can decide how you can place the tools needed for the maintenance of the horse barn.


Ensure you clean the loft on a regular basis. This will help you keep the area clean without all the odors.


Keep a regular check on the horse stables walls, windows etc for any need of replacement or repair. This would save you a lot of time when it comes to maintenance.

We hope that the above tip will help you to clean it with more ease on a regular basis so that the horse barns become more inhabitable for the horses.

Written By: Mike Girolami, President of WorkWear1, http://www.workwear1.com/, a Local Distributor of Carhartt Clothing, Redford MI

Michigan’s Black Bear Management

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is working to develop a Statewide Bear Management Plan. We hope to have the plan finalized in the Spring of 2009. Public involvement throughout the planning process is critical in order to create a plan that is acceptable to as many Michigan citizens as possible.

The mission of the Department's black bear management program is to maintain a healthy black bear population that provides a balance of recreational opportunities for residents while at the same time minimizing conflicts with humans. Goals of the Management Plan are:

1. Maintain a viable bear population within habitats suitable for the species where socially acceptable.
2. Maintain bear abundance at levels compatible with land use, recreational opportunities, and the public's acceptance capacity for bear.
3. Manage black bear habitat to provide for the long-term viability of the species.
4. Use hunting as the primary tool to help achieve population goals.
5. In addition to hunting, provide bear-related recreational opportunities, which recognize the aesthetic value of bear.
6. Promote education about bears and bear-related recreational activities, and how to minimize negative human-bear interactions.

The Department of Natural Resources is once again seeking help from hunters and trappers through the winter who encounter denned black bears while in the field in Michigan's Lower Peninsula. In the Northern Lower Peninsula, this effort is part of an ongoing DNR program to annually radio-collar a sample of female bears. Bears are also becoming more common in the Southern Lower Peninsula and biologists are interested in learning more about their movements and habitat associations.

After locating a denned bear, DNR biologists will determine if the animal is a good candidate for radio-collaring. Bears that are selected will be sedated by a biologist and fitted with a radio-tracking collar and ear tags. Hair samples will be taken for DNA analysis and a small non-functional tooth will be collected to determine the bear's age. Upon completion of the short procedure, biologists will carefully return the bear to their den where it will sleep through the remainder of the winter months.

People who encounter bear dens are asked to record the location, with a GPS unit if possible, and contact Mark Boersen at the DNR Roscommon Operations Center at 989-275-5151 for bears in the Northern Lower Peninsula; or Dwayne Etter at 517-373-9358, ext. 256, for bears in the southern Lower Peninsula. The public is reminded that it is illegal to disturb a bear den or disturb, harm, or molest a bear in its den.

Written By: Mike Girolami, President of WorkWear1, http://www.workwear1.com/, a Local Distributor of Carhartt Clothing, Redford MI

Feral Swine in Michigan

Hunters with a valid hunting license of any type are encouraged to shoot feral swine (free-ranging wild pigs) in counties shaded in gray on the map below. All prevailing hunting rules and regulations apply. In states where feral swine have become established, they have caused crop damage, pose a serious threat to the health and welfare of the domestic swine, endanger humans, impact wildlife populations, and impact the environment by disrupting the ecosystem.

Officials from the Michigan Departments of Agriculture (MDA) and Natural Resources (DNR) encouraged hunters with a valid hunting license of any type to shoot feral swine (free-ranging wild pigs) in all lower Michigan counties except Leelanau, Charlevoix, Grand Traverse, Benzie, Manistee, Kalkaska, Muskegon, VanBuren, Missaukee, Huron and Macomb.

In states where feral swine have become established, they have caused crop damage, pose a serious threat to the health and welfare of the domestic swine, endanger humans, impact wildlife populations, and impact the environment by disrupting the ecosystem.

Because state law protects livestock that may be running at large, special precautions are necessary to guard the rights of farmers. The following locations have had at least one feral pig reported: Arenac, Bay, Baraga, Clinton, Cheboygan, Gladwin, Gratiot, Hillsdale, Isabella, Jackson, Lapeer, Lenawee, Marquette, Mason, Mecosta, Midland, Montcalm, Montmorency, Newaygo, Oceana, Ogemaw, Roscommon, and Saginaw counties. County prosecutors are aware that shooting feral swine in these counties is permitted and any potential owners of the feral swine have been contacted and do not claim ownership.

"Hunters, as always, have to be certain of their targets before shooting," said Alan Marble, Bureau Chief of the DNR Law Enforcement Division. "Feral Swine are unfamiliar targets to most Michigan hunters, and sports persons need to make sure they are shooting at hogs and not black bear, dogs, or any other animal."

While there is no indication that these animals are carrying pseudorabies or any other disease, precautionary testing will be conducted. Feral swine may also transmit diseases such as brucellosis, bovine tuberculosis (TB) and trichinosis to people and other livestock.

A person field-dressing swine, especially in the Northeastern Lower Michigan TB area, should wear gloves. If the lungs, ribcage or internal organs from wild pigs look abnormal (multiple tan or yellow lumps), the meat should not be eaten. The carcass should, however, be removed from the environment and brought to a DNR field office to prevent disease transmission to other animals.

To help eliminate these pests, the DNR encourages hunters to take any legal opportunity to shoot feral swine. They can be unpredictable when and where they show up. Hunters may not easily get a second chance. (Tip) When shooting a pig, aim for the shoulder or slightly ahead of the shoulder. The vital area of a pig is more forward than a deer.

Written By: Mike Girolami, President of WorkWear1, www.workwear1.com, a Local Distributor of Carhartt Clothing, Redford MI

WHAT IS ANSI?

ANSI stand for American National Standards Institute, and the ISEA stands for International Safety Equipment Association, jointly developed a standard for high visibility clothing that is patterned after the EN-471 standard used in Europe. ANSI and the ISEA are not government agencies, so this standard is really a suggested standard for everyone to look at and choose to adopt on their own. Many of the states are looking at the standard and some are adopting it, or some variation of it.

The standard covers many details used in the construction of high visibility garments. Fabric, quality, color, labeling, fading, reflective, quality and quantity, suggested styles, background material quantity (the orange or yellow part), shrinkage and cleaning are all discussed and specified in the standard.

The standard raises the bar for high visibility apparel. There are 5 main classes of apparel. Each state and/or local government has adopted a specification. Here is a brief overview of each class:

ANSI Class 1 - 217 square inches of visible fluorescent background material, usually orange or lime/yellow, and 155 square inches of visible reflective material.

ANSI Class PSV – 450 square inches of visible fluorescent background, usually orange or lime/yellow and 201 square inches of visible reflective material.

ANSI Class 2 – 775 square inches of visible fluorescent background material usually orange or lime/yellow and 201 square inches of visible material.

ANSI Class 3 – 1240 square inches of visible fluorescent background materials, usually orange or lime/yellow and 310 square inches of visible reflective material.

ANSI Class E – 465 square inches of visible fluorescent background materials, usually orange or lime/yellow and 108 square inches of visible reflective material. Class E garments are either shorts or pants that are made to be worn with a Class 2 garment to make a Class 3 ensemble.

On November 24, 2008 Federal Rule 23 CFR 634 goes into effect. In summary it states that anyone working in the right-of-way of a federal-aid highway must be wearing high-visibility clothing that meets the requirements of ANSI/ISEA 107-2004 edition class 2 or 3. This rule affects all workers including emergency responder's.

PLEASE NOTE: Not all garments sold on our website www.workwear1.com are ANSI classed. If the Item # does not begin with "A" and does not contain C2 or C3 within the Item # then it is a non-classified garment and does NOT meet any Federal or State Regulations.

Written By: Mike Girolami, President of WorkWear1, www.workwear1.com, a Local Distributor of Carhartt Clothing, Redford MI

UPDATE: New Fishing Regulations and Limit Smelt Harvest

Michigan anglers will have several new opportunities, but also will face new restrictions, because of the fishing regulation changes approved at the Nov. 6 Natural Resources Commission meeting in Lansing.

Department of Natural Resources Director Rebecca Humphries signed fisheries orders that extend the spearing season through the ice for pike and muskellunge in certain waters, extend the whitefish spearing season on the Great Lakes and connecting waters, allow all anglers to use three rods, and establish a two-gallon limit on smelt.

The two-gallon limit on smelt, which historically have been unregulated, is designed to prevent waste during periods of high abundance and offer some protection to smelt as an important forage and sport species. The limit applies to both dip-net and hook-and-line anglers. This new regulation also takes effect April 1, 2009.

The spearing season for pike and muskie will now run from Dec. 1-March 15, instead of just January and February and the whitefish spearing season will now be open year-round. The new seasons are the result of legislation enabling the DNR to set spearing regulations. These regulations take immediate effect.

Anglers have been allowed to use three rods when fishing for salmon on the Great Lakes for a number of years, but were restricted to two rods elsewhere and when pursuing other species in the Great Lakes. A survey of anglers showed overwhelming public support for three rods. The new regulation, which takes effect April 1, 2009, allows anglers to use three rods on all waters and in pursuit of all species, though the DNR retains the authority to reduce the rule to two rods if necessary.

Written By: Mike Girolami, President of WorkWear1, www.workwear1.com, a Local Distributor of Carhartt Clothing, Redford MI

Snowshoeing a Great Winter Activity:

The sport is easy to learn, virtually inexpensive (compared to other winter sports), poses little risk of injury and is a great way to exert energy during the cold winter months. According to research, 40.8 percent of snowshoers are women (a number that is increasing rapidly), 9.4 percent of snowshoers are children (ages 7-11), and 44.2 percent of snowshoers are ages 25-44.

One of the more appealing facts about snowshoeing is how it can help enrich a person's health. Known to help maintain or improve cardiovascular fitness, the sport helps burn more than 600 calories per hour. Snowshoers can burn more than 45 percent more calories than walking or running at the same speed. Snowshoeing is a great way to pursue losing weight; however, a healthy diet should be maintained to seek the appropriate effectiveness in a healthy lifestyle as well.

The good news is that anyone who can walk can go snowshoeing. From young kids to senior citizens, depending on your age and weight range there will be a shoe that will fit your specific needs.

There are a number of reasons to enjoy the benefits of snowshoeing: A fun, inexpensive and active way to visit the outdoors; simple to learn and easy to access places with snow; great cardiovascular exercise for adults and for kids; an entertaining social group activity and snowshoer’s getting up close and personal with nature.

Snowshoeing expands the potential for exercise available in the wintertime. As of 2006, at least 500American schools, mostly but not exclusively in the Northeast have started offering snowshoe programs in their physical education classes to help combat obesity. It has the added benefit of being gentler on the feet than walking or running the equivalent routes, since snow cushions the foot's impact.

Snowshoeing makes even familiar hikes different and new. If the snow is deep enough, obstacles such as large boulders and fallen logs can be more easily bypassed. Winter transforms familiar forests into something wonderful and strange, and clearer, bluer skies in winter often afford more sweeping, longer-range views from favorite lookouts than are available in summer situations. The stillness of the air, quiet and snow cover give nature a pristine feel that is sometimes lacking at other times of year.

It is wise to choose your footwear according to your snowshoeing style. Leather hiking boots that have been waterproofed, like Merrell Hiking boots, are great for hiking and backcountry trekking. Trail-running shoes, also by Merrell, are perfect for running and aerobic snowshoeing (look for GORE-TEX material). Snowboarding boots are also ideal for snowshoeing. Waterproofing is the key!

Wool socks, like those from Carhartt, for hiking and/or a wool/silk combination for running are important to snowshoeing. Never wear cotton socks when in the snowy elements.

And, if you plan to snowshoe in deep snow and don't plan to stay on snow-packed trails, wear Gaiters to keep snow out of your boots and shoes. GORE-TEX Gaiters are great selection for backcountry hikers.

Don't be afraid to dress in layers. And, use layers that can be taken off with ease, considering in some cases it can get hot during the spring season. Consider wearing synthetics and wool to induce heat retention when wet. Long underwear, like those from Carhartt, is essential when snowshoeing and a zippered top lets you regulate body heat.

Polyester fleece provides a great insulation, as it too retains heat when wet. And, a waterproof jacket (preferably something with GORE-TEX) will keep you dry and protect you from cold winds. The more obvious choices in winter wear are gloves, a hat, sunglasses (or goggles) and other personal selections.

With more than half of all snowshoers being women, who snowshoe for different reasons: for backcountry access, to experience nature, to exercise with friends and family and, above all, to have outdoor fun all winter long ......"

Written By: Mike Girolami, President of WorkWear1, http://www.workwear1.com/, a Local Distributor of Carhartt Clothing, Redford MI

Protect Workers with ANSI approved reflective safety vests

Do your employees work near vehicular traffic? Then they must wear high visibility clothing so that they can be seen by motorists. The ANSI/ISEA 107-2004 standard is the first uniform, authoritative guide for the design, performance specifications, and use of high-visibility and reflective clothing for employees. This standard was modeled after the European standard EN471 by ANSI (American National Standards Institute) and ISEA (International Safety Equipment Association).

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration have recently taken a greater interest in high visibility clothing and the work situations in which it should be worn. There have been organizations that have already been cited under 29CFR 1910.132 for not having their workers wear clothing that ensured their conspicuity and/or visibility. In the citations, OSHA named compliance with the ANSI/ISEA 107-2004 standard for high-visibility safety clothing as a method to ensure visibility of workers from all directions under Nighttime construction has heightened the probability that workers will be struck by a motor vehicle. Crews working between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. are three times more likely to be struck, and 25% of all fatal accidents occur during this time period.

ANSI-compliant, Class II Reflective Wear
Contrasting colors provide exceptional visibility for added safety

Carhartt High Visibility ANSI Class II vest has 100% polyester mesh front and back for cooler comfort. Lime green color vest features 2"-wide, silver reflective stripes over 4-1/2"-wide, contrasting orange stripes for extreme visibility. Inside features a 6-division, two-tier pencil pocket and lower patch pocket. Front, metal zipper closure. Machine washable, imported.

WORKER VISIBILITY MANDATED BY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT

On November 24, 2008 Federal Rule 23 CFR 634 goes into effect. In summary it states that anyone working in the right-of-way of a federal-aid highway must be wearing high-visibility clothing that meets the requirements of ANSI/ISEA 107-2004 edition class 2 or 3. This rule affects all workers including emergency responder's.

Class 1- When workers are well separated from traffic less than 25 mph • Parking Lot Attendants • Shopping Cart Retrievers • Warehouse Workers • Roadside/Sidewalk Maintenance Workers • Delivery Vehicle Drivers

Class 2 - When workers are on or near roadways 25 to 50 mph • Roadway Construction Workers • Utility Workers Survey Crews • Law Enforcement Personnel• School Crossing Guards • High-volume Parking Lot or Toll-gate Personnel • Airport baggage handlers and ground crews • Railway Workers • Emergency Response Personnel • Accident Site Investigator. Workers should be wearing Carhartt High Visibility ANSI Class II Vest

Class 3 - When workers are in high-risk situations. It allows them to be seen from a minimum distance of 1,280 feet. Roadways exceeds 50 mph • Roadway Construction Workers • Utility Workers • Survey Crews • Emergency Response Personnel

PLEASE NOTE: Not all garments sold on our website www.workwear1.com are ANSI classed. If the Item # does not begin with "A" and does not contain C2 or C3 within the Item # then it is a non-classified garment and does NOT meet any Federal or State Regulations.

Written By: Mike Girolami, President of WorkWear1, www.workwear1.com, a Local Distributor of Carhartt Clothing, Redford MI