What Footwear should I choose? #1

December 22, 2015

Safety Footwear can be very confusing. With so many brands and styles on offer these days it can be hard to find the right footwear.

Over the next few weeks we will run a short series to give you the most information you will need to assist in purchasing the right footwear for your job.

This week we will start with footwear terminology;

Nitrile Outsole: Extreme heat tolerance 300degrees, premium resistance to oils, mild acids & animal fats, slip resistance.
TPU Outsole: Highly resistant to most oils & chemicals, Heat resistant 130degrees, slip resistant
Kick Off lugs at Heel: for ease of removal of boots
Bump Cap: A super tough polyurethane scuff over the toe area.
Shock Absorbent Heel: Reduced absorption of hard shock to the heel area.
Composite Steel Toe: approx 60gms, metal detector friendly, protects against spark ignition, significantly lighter.
Anti-Static: A level of protection against ignition hazards.
Steel Toe Cap: approx 108gms, prevents injury from falling objects, puncture resistanr from nail gun, manditory requirement for many industrial work sites. 200joules
BreathActive Lining: Multi-layer functional lining for increased breathability through a micro-channel system, rapid absorption and release of moisture.
Insole: An anatomically designed footbed providing a high level of comfort and moisture control.
Water Resistant: Very resilient when exposed to water increasing longevity.
Heat Resistant:Heat Resistant from 130 degrees to 300 dregrees
Composite Toe Cap: Metal free, lightweight and non-conductive
EVA Cushioning Pad: EVA cushioning pad integrated in the heel area
Torsion Control: TPU Torsion Control element is built into the waist of the sole, providing greater support and stability.
Penetration Resistant: Steel plate within sole to reduce the risk of sharp objects penetrating the sole.
Metatarsal Guard: Superior impact protection higher up the foot area.
Chemical Resistant: Resistant to caustic soda and sulphuric acid.
Slip Resistant: The outsole is slip resistant on most surfaces.
Electrical Hazard: Provides greater protection against electrical shock

Glossary of Industrial Clothing Terms #2

December 18, 2015

Here is the second installment of industrial clothing terms to assist you when you are making your next purchase;

WATER RESISTANT: Water resistant membranes are often added to the reverse side of rainwear fabrics to ensure no water can penetrate from outside, keeping you dry in wet weather.

HI VIS DAY ONLY: To ensure you are visible in high-risk environments during the day, these garments are developed to be worn during the day time only and never at night. Hi Vis standard colours are generally Orange/Navy or Yellow/Navy.

HI VIS DAY OR NIGHT: These garments are developed to be worn both during the day and also at night. Together with the standard Hi Vis colours Orange/Navy or Yellow/Navy these garments are accompanied with reflective tape to offer maximum protection.

HI VIS NIGHT ONLY: These garments have been developed only to be worn at night. Generally white in colour, these garments have reflective tape to offer visibility from vehicle headlights.

Glossary of Industrial Clothing Terms #1

December 9, 2015

Many times when you buy garments you are faced with terminology relating the benefits of the product… but what do they mean?

Here is a brief run down on the most commonly used terms;

INDUSTRIAL: Reinforced stitching, heavy duty fabrics, bartacks, rivets. Garments have been delveloped for industrial environments/
STATIC CONTROL: To reduce the risk of an electric shock to the body, 100% cotton is the most commonly used fabric to be static neutral and control static in garments.
LIGHTWEIGHT: Added mesh ventilation on key perspiration points on clothing. Garments are a lighter weight and are breathable.
SUN PROTECTION: The Ultraviolet radiation transmitted through fabric to the skin is measured. Rating – 15 (good protection), 30 (very good protection), 40 to 50+ (excellent protection).
MOISTURE CONTROL: The fabric used will draw perspiration away from your skin, leaving your skin fresher.

Road and Site Safety

December 3, 2015

The area in which you work should be safe, not only for yourself but for others. Having the right equipment to do this, is a must.

The secret to safety is prevention. Ensure you worksite is safe with use of the following;

Road Safety Light, Traffic Cones, Flags and Buniting, Hazard Tapes, Chains and Barrier Mesh.

It is important to give warnings for machinery, equipment and hazardous substances around the worksite.

SUN PROTECTION – SUNSCREEN

November 25, 2015

The best way to protect yourself from UV rays is to stay out of the sun. This is near impossible on most work sites. So that means covering up. Not only with clothing and hats but using a SPF30+ or SPF50+ sunscreen.

From Lip balms to 2 litre pump packs, we have a great range of sunscreens to suit your work needs.

Did you now that applying sunscreen is best on clean dry skin and at least 15 minutes before going outside. Re-applying every 2 hours will maintain protection.

Summer is nearly here. Stay protected and block those UV rays.

 

HAND PROTECTION

November 19, 2015

It is important to choose the right glove for the right job. It must fit well and protect you against hazards of a task. It must also have excellent grip.

Gloves come in a range of styles/finishes and to suit your working environment and meet industry standards…. But what glove do you choose?

Here are a list of the most common gloves/style/finishes and uses;

EN 420 – General Requirements
EN 12477 – Gloves for Welders
EN 511 – Protection from Cold
EN 388 – Mechanical Risks
EN 374 – Chemical Risks
EN 407 – Thermal Risks Heat & Fire

Thumbs Styles: Wing Thumb – designed for open hand work
Keystone Thumb – designed for precision work

Cuff Styles:
Knitted Wrist – Prevents particles and dirt entering the glove
Safety Cuff – Additional wrist protection
Gauntlet Cuff – Longer cuff for forearm protection
Also available for disposable gloves – Straight cuff, Beaded cuff and Pinked cuff

There are many different materials used in gloves such as;
Natural Latex/Rubber
Neoprene Rubber
Nitrile Rubber
PVC (Vinyl)
Pigskin
Cowhide
Need more information? Contact us today.

RESPIRATORY PROTECTION

November 12, 2015

Choose the right Respiratory Protection for your work environment. Breathe easier knowing you are protected from airborne hazards such as Dust, Mist, Fumes, Vapour, and Gas.

Don’t know which type of mask to use? Let’s work that out for you;

DISPOSABLE MASK – A Maintenance free, single shift/single use item. The mask can be used for a maximum 8 hours. Available with or without valves. P1 rating – protects against mechanically generated particles. P2 rating – protects against mechanically and thermally generated particles.

COMBINATION MASK – Combines the filtration capabilities of gas/vapour and particulate filters. use when you need the added protection of filtration from multiple types of substances.

HALF MASK RESPIRATOR – A Close fitting device that covers the nose, mouth and chin. Secured with a head strap, this is a must have item for when certain gases and vapours are required to be moved from inhaled air. Cartridges and filters available.

HEARING PROTECTION – Earplugs and Earmuffs

November 4, 2015

Exposure to hazardous noise levels at work causes permanent hearing impairment. To prevent this from occurring you should make an investment in Certified protective devices such as earplugs and earmuffs.

Earmuffs – Suppress unwanted noise by completely covering the outer ear. Choose from Headband, Neckband and Hard hat attachment styles.

Disposable Earplugs – Made from PU foam, these are compressed and inserted in the ear canal. Once expanded they seal against noise. Economical and for single use, they are available in corded and uncorded.

Reusable Earplugs – Available in corded and uncorded, these are made from pre-moulded, washable silicone and fit snug in the ear canal.

Banded Earplugs – A convenient, easily inserted option for those workers who are constantly in and out of noisy areas.

Metal Detectable Ear Plugs – A must for processing lines. Each plug has a metal tab and the cord is metalized to be detected if they accidentally fall into processing line.

Once your hearing has been damaged there is no way to repair it.

PROTECTIVE HEADWEAR – HARD HATS

October 29, 2015

Hard hat protection is a must on most worksites in Australia. A hard hat will protect your head from injury from falling objects, bad weather, debris.

Always ensure your hard hat is certified and meets industry standards.

Hard hats come with a variety of features to suit you work needs. Short peak/Long peak, Vented/Unvented, Shape, Harness, Printing options.

Most hard hats have accessories such as; Reflective Strips, Chin Straps, Sweatband, Brims, Earmuff attachments.

PROTECTIVE EYEWEAR – SPECTACLES

October 21, 2015

Why wear eye protection? Industrial related eye injuries are commonly caused by chemical splashes, metal or plastic debris hitting the eye, tools accidently striking the face and improper use of equipment.

Did you know that there protective eyewear solutions for all work environments?

Choose the right lens for the job;

Amber Lenses – Absorption of blue light and produces contrast enhancement in low light

Clear Lenses – Provides protection against general indoor hazards

Smoke Lenses – Filets harmful UV rays and reduces glare from artificial light

Polarised Lenses – Filter glare and enhance contrast

Mirror Lenses – Reflects glare

Indoor/Outdoor Lenses – Allows more visible light and reduces glare from artificial light