Archive for Protective Clothing

DuPont Tyvek 2012 Dirty Work Photo Contest

Bryan Cole | April 25, 2012 | No comments

Tyvek Photo Contest

DuPont wants to see photos of you wearing Tyvek Coveralls while working on a “dirty work” project or after the “dirty work” project is complete. The DuPont Tyvek 2012 Dirty Work Photo Contest is a two-part promotion consisting of the Photo Contest and a Sweepstakes. The contest runs between May 1 to September 30, 2012 and there is no entry fee required.

Photo Contest: Submit a photo for your chance at a grand prize of a $2,500 travel voucher or in the form of an American Express Gift Card. The winner will be based on how well the Tyvek coveralls and “dirty work” project are portrayed in the photograph.

Sweepstakes: there are a total of 5 sweepstakes prizes of $50 American Express Gift Cards each. Each month a random winner is drawn.

Visit the 2012 Dirty Work Photo Contest website for more information.

Tyvek Photo Contest

Remember to pick up your Tyvek Coveralls and other personal protection equipment (PPE) at Enviro Safety.

Category: Protective Clothing

What is Arc Flash?

Bryan Cole | April 19, 2012 | No comments

Flash ClothingWhile there are many hazards in the workplace, none is more dangerous than Arc Flash. More than 2,000 workers across the country are injured by arc flash every year and have to be treated for severe burns. Injuries caused by the flash can last for months to a lifetime. With the proper flash protection, including flame resistant gloves, pants, jackets, overalls, arc flash suits and other arc flash clothing, you will protect yourself from severe burns when working around electrical currents.

What is Arc Flash?
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), defines it as being an electrical current that passes through air when insulation or isolation between electrified conductors is no longer sufficient to withstand the applied voltage, leading to an electrical explosion that can reach temperatures of up to 35,000°F.

What causes an Arc Flash to occur?
Most flash arc is caused by a tool or other element could compromise the distance between two energized components.

The NFPA 70E-2004, Standard for Electrical Safety Requirements for Employee workplace, requires employers to provide their workers the the appropriate flash protection Personal Protection Equipment (PPE).

Arc clothing has flame resistant properties that protect you from getting burned if exposed to an arc flash. Made from non-conductive materials, such as Modacrylic or Nomex that won’t ignite when exposed to a flame. Hi visibility arc flash safety vests give you added ANSI certified high vis protection.

Category: Arc Flash, Protective Clothing

The OSHA/NIOSH Guide to Nail Gun Safety

Bryan Cole | January 24, 2012 | No comments

A Nail Gun is a common tool used by contractors and carpenters everyday at construction sites, especially in residential construction and every year, tens of thousands of painful injuries occur related to nail guns. The Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA, Dr. David Michaels said that nail gun injuries are responsible for approximately 37,000 emergency room visits annually.

In an effort to prevent nail gun injuries, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has developed a handbook for employers and self-employed contractors titled, “Nail Gun Safety – A Guide for Construction Contractors”.

Improving Nail Gun Safety in the Workplace
OSHA and NIOSH have developed six steps that employers can take to improve nail gun safety and prevent workers from injury or death.

  1. Use nail guns with a full sequential trigger – this type of trigger will reduce the risk of unintentional nail discharge and double fire, which includes bumping into co-workers.
  2. Provide adequate training – everyone benefits from training. Employers should provide hands on training, including operation, loading the nail gun, air compressor operation, awkward positions and what-to-do when the nail gun malfunctions.
  3. Establish work procedures – creating a step-by-step procedure for handling, operating and storing of nail guns will make the workplace safe and reduce employee injuries.
  4. Provide Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) – workers should be provided and required to wear steel toe boots, a hard hat, high impact safety glasses with ANSI Z87.1 protection, and earplugs or earmuffs while operating a nail gun.
  5. Encourage employees to discuss the importance of nail gun safety – employees should be active in making sure fellow employees are following proper nail gun operating procedures.
  6. Provide adequate first aid supplies and immediate medical treatment immediately following nail gun injuries.

Nail Gun Don’ts

  • Never bypass or disable nail gun safety features, including removing the spring from the safety-contact tip, or securing the trigger so it does not need to be pressed.
  • Never keep your finger on the trigger when holding or carrying a nail gun that is not in use.
  • Never lower the nail gun from above or drag it by the air hose.
  • Never operate a nail gun with your non-dominate hand.

Click Here to download OSHA’s “Nail Gun Safety – A Guide for Construction Contractors” handbook.

Category: Announcements, First Aid, Hearing Protection, Personal Protection, Protective Clothing, Safety Glasses, Safety Standards

Winter Safety

PoloPlata | November 21, 2011 | No comments

During emergency response activities or recovery operations, workers may be required to work in cold environments, and sometimes for extended periods. Cold stress is a common problem encountered in these types of situations. Enviro Safety Products has cut the prices on some of our most popular winter safety gear. Check out the savings now! The following will help workers understand what cold stress is, how it may affect their health and safety, and how it can be prevented.

How cold is too cold? According to OSHA, when the body is unable to keep itself warm, cold induced stress may result. Tissue damage and death are possible outcomes if precautions are not taken.  Air temperature, wind speed, moisture in the air, and contact with cold water or surfaces all increase the possibility of greater damage.

How does the body react to cold conditions? When in a cold environment, most of your body’s energy is used to keep your internal temperature warm. Over time, your body will begin to shift blood flow from your extremities (hands, feet, arms, and legs) and outer skin to the core (chest and abdomen). This allows exposed skin and the extremities to cool rapidly and increases the risk of frostbite and hypothermia. Combine this with cold water, and trench foot may also be a problem.

Protective clothing is the best precaution to avoid injury due to cold. When working in cold weather, wear the proper clothing. Three layers works best with the outer layer protecting the worker from wind and rain while still allowing some ventilation. Wear a hat or hood and insulated footwear.

Drink plenty of liquids, avoiding caffeine and alcohol. It is easy to become dehydrated in cold weather. If possible, heavy work should be scheduled during the warmer parts of the day. Take breaks out of the cold. Try to work in pairs to keep an eye on each other and watch for signs of cold stress. Avoid fatigue since energy is needed to keep muscles warm. Take frequent breaks and consume warm, high calorie food such as pasta to maintain energy reserves.

Category: Facility Safety, Gloves, Personal Protection, Protective Clothing, Traffic Safety

Safety Tips for Servicing Hybrid Vehicle Batteries

Bryan Cole | August 12, 2011 | No comments

Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEV’s) account for only about 3% of vehicles on the road today, but that number is on the rise and the average mechanic has never serviced a hybrid vehicle and is unaware of proper safety procedures and regulations. Every HEV has a high-voltage hybrid battery that carries over 400 Volts of electricity and contains corrosive fluid that can be lethal if the proper safety procedures are not followed.

Protection from High Voltage Mechanics are required to wear Electrical Gloves (also known as lineman gloves or arc flash gloves) when servicing the high voltage system and battery only. While electrical flow from the high-voltage battery pack stops when the car is turned off, the current may not be dissipated from the system for up to 10 minutes. Ensure that your gloves are Class “O” and rated for 1,000 Volts. Mechanics must also inspect their gloves for holes since the smallest of openings can draw electricity looking for a ground. Since the high voltage system is not grounded to the body or the chassis, gloves are not required when performing other routine maintenance.

Protection from Corrosive Liquids - Unlike lead acid batteries found in gas-powered vehicles, HEV’s NiMH hybrid battery contains a highly corrosive electrolyte fluid (pH 13.5), that will dissolve your skin if contacted with. When handling the hybrid battery, mechanics should be wearing the following to avoid contact: Splash shield or safety goggles, Tyvek Coveralls, Rubber, Latex or Nitrile Gloves and Rubber Boots. The overall risk of coming in contact with the fluid is low since it is stored in a self-contained enclosure within the battery.

Hybrid Electric Vehicles bring new, highly dangerous hazards to the work environment and service managers should develop service protocols for their employees to help prevent any future injuries. Independent hands-on and online courses are also available to mechanics wanting to learn how to service a hybrid. Simply search “hybrid vehicle training technicians” and find the course that is right for you.

Category: Personal Protection, Protective Clothing

Women’s Work

Sara Genter | August 10, 2011 | No comments

In 2010, women accounted for 46.7% of the workforce. More women than ever before are choosing non-traditional occupations, such as welders or electricians. The problem is most occupational safety equipment were meant to fit men. However, the good news is that some companies have recognized this problem, and designed their products to fit the smaller frame of a woman.

  • Women’s Safety Glasses: A large selection of lighter, smaller frames and stylish designs mean women don’t have to sacrifice comfort for protection. All our Womens Safety Glasses meet ANSI Z87 high impact standards, and protect against harmful UV rays.
  • Women’s Welding Gloves: AngelFire Welding Gloves are just as tough as men’s welding gloves, but cut smaller and thinner better fit a woman’s hands. Available in TIG Welding and MIG/Stick Welding styles.
  • Womens Welding Coats: AngelFire Welding Coats feature a contoured body, tapered sleeves and high collar, eliminating gaps that can leave skin exposed to sparks. Choose the 9oz FR Cotton Welding Coat for light jobs, or the Hybrid FR Cotton/Pigskin Welding Coat for heavy duty protection.
  • Women’s Fall Protection: The Ms. Miller Harness is the only full body harness specifically designed for the female worker. Made from a blend of Polyester, Nylon and Lycra, its straps are cut fuller in the hips and higher in the chest, making it much more comfortable for women.

So come on ladies – Don’t settle for just any safety equipment! Choose equipment designed with you in mind!

Category: Fall Protection, Gloves, Protective Clothing, Welding

Asbestos Safety

Ophelia G. | February 3, 2011 | No comments

What is asbestos?

Asbestos is the name for a group of naturally occurring minerals that resist damage from extreme heat, electricity, and chemicals. Asbestos has been used as a flame retardant in thousands of products, such as textiles, insulation, building materials, and brakes for many years. It wasn’t until the 1970′s that scientists discovered the dangers of asbestos, linking it to thousands of cases of respiratory disease. Since then, asbestos use has been restricted, and even banned completely in some countries.

Why is asbestos dangerous?

If you looked at asbestos under a microscope, you would see tiny barbs at the ends of the fibers, which serve to anchor the fibers to lung tissue. Once inhaled, asbestos particles are nearly impossible to dislodge. The more you are exposed, the higher your chances are of developing respiratory problems, even though symptoms may not be present for decades. The two illnesses most often associated with asbestos exposure are asbestosis and mesothelioma. While some treatments have been developed for these diseases, the overall survival rate remains poor.

Prevention:

Proper use of Personal Protective Equipment has been proven to greatly reduce both primary and secondary exposure levels.

  • Clothing – Disposable protective clothing which completely covers arms, legs and hair needs to be worn at all times. Gloves suitable for chemical handling are needed as well.
  • Respirators – A respirator rated specifically for asbestos abatement by the NIOSH should be worn at all times.
  • Disposal – All contaminated garments should be removed immediately and sealed in a plastic bag to prevent cross-contamination. Dispose of bag according to local laws and regulations.
Category: Personal Protection, Protective Clothing, Respirators

Chainsaw Clothing – Protect Yourself While Using a Chainsaw

Ophelia G. | January 12, 2010 | No comments

For the ultimate Chainsaw Protection, Elvex Protective Clothing is the answer. Whenever you work with dangerous power tools like chain saws, you should know how to protect yourself. For those using chainsaws on the job making sure you are fully protected is extremely important. Chainsaw related accidents are among the highest incidents of occupational injuries. Elvex Chainsaw protective clothing can decrease the extent of an injury and can turn a devastating injury to a minor one.

Chainsaw Vests protect from chainsaw kick back injuries. With Elvex’s famous Prolar protective pads, chainsaw protection is at its best. Prolar pads work by jamming the chain against the bar and sprocket. Elvex Prolar pads have been tested by Underwriter’s Laboratories (UL) for conformance to ASTM F-1897-2008.

Elvex offers Chainsaw Chaps that meet the requirements of ASTM Standard for Leg Protection for Chain Saw Users (F-1897-2008). This standard requires that the chaps can stop a chain saw running at 2,750 feet/minute tested at both 45° and 90° to the longitudinal axis of the test sample, under controlled laboratory conditions.

The ASTM Standard is a revised regulation as the ASTM increased the performance requirements for chainsaw test speed from 2,500 fpm to 2,750 fpm.

Category: Protective Clothing

Bloodborne Pathogens – Reduce Risk of Occupational Exposure

Ophelia G. | September 8, 2009 | No comments

If you are a healthcare professional, the risk for occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens is very high. “Bloodborne Pathogens means pathogenic microorganisms that are present in human blood and can casue disease in humans. These pathogens include, but are not limited to, Hepatitis B Virus, Hepatitis C Virus, and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).” (OSHA) According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “Exposures occur through needlesticks or cuts from other sharp instruments contaminated with an infected patient’s blood or through contact of the eye, nose, mouth, or skin with a patient’s blood.”

Healthcare professionals, as well as employees in the fields of Crime Scene Cleanup, Embalming/forensics, Tank Cleaning, Fiberglass Manufacturing, Animal Research, and Emergency Medical Response, protecting yourself from potential exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens is extremely important. Kimberly Clark offers Bloodborne Pathogens Coveralls to protect workers from pathogens, bodily fluids, bacteria and more. These coveralls pass ASTM F1670-1671 testing for penetration of blood, body fluids and bloodborne pathogens.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommends the following if you are stuck by a needle or other sharp instruments, or get blood or other potentially infectious materials in your eyes, nose, mouth, or on broken skin:

  • Immediately flood the exposed area with water and clean any wound with soap and water or a skin disinfectant if available.
  • Report this immediately to your employer
  • Seek immediate medical attention
Category: Protective Clothing

NFPA 70E – Arc Flash Standard for Electrical Safety

Ophelia G. | June 15, 2009 | No comments

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) created NFPA 70E, a standard for Electrical Safety in the workplace. This standard is designed to protect workers around any device capable of generating arc flash by requiring arc flash protective clothing for their corresponding Hazard/Risk Category. The information below is a high level overview.

NFPA 70E Requirements:

The NFPA published the latest edition of the NFPA 70E standard in 2009. It requires employees to wear flame resistant protective clothing that meets the requirements of ASTM F1506 wherever there is possible exposure to arc flash. It also requires employers to perform a flash hazard analysis to determine the flash protection boundary distance. For additional requirements please review the NFPA70E: Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace 2009 Edition.

Why should I comply with NFPA 70E?

The NFPA 70E is not only recognized by OSHA but can save your life! Numerous arc flash burn injuries and deaths are caused each year by arc-flash explosions. Wearing proper arc flash protection can minmize the likelihood of inuiry and fatality. OSHA has confirmed that garments which meet the requirements of ASTM F1506 are in compliance with OSHA 29 CR 1910.269 Electrical Power Generation, Transmission and Distribution, with regard to garments not contributing to burn severity.

Category: Arc Flash, Protective Clothing, Safety Standards
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