Hard Hat Classes

As a quick refresher, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) protects the worker from the natural harm that comes into their work area and helps avoid serious workplace injuries. OSHA’s primary personal protective equipment standards are in Title 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Part 1910 Subpart I. OSHA’s general personal protective equipment requirements mandate that employers conduct a hazard assessment of their workplaces to determine what hazards are present that require the use of protective equipment, provide workers with appropriate protective equipment, and require them to use and maintain it in sanitary and reliable condition.

The hardhat, a basic piece of safety equipment used in any work operations, must meet ANSI Z89.1 1986 specifications for protection.  They are made of high-density polyethylene and feature nylon crown straps and sizing buckles. Their unique anatomical design increases ventilation, keeps the head cooler. Emedco’s selection of hard hats conform to all OSHA and ANSI Z89.1.1997 requirements for impact, penetration, and electrical insulation.

Type I hard hats are intended to reduce the force of impact resulting for a blow only to the top of the head. All hard hats, except bump caps, are either:

• Class G (General)-Class G hard hats are intended to reduce the danger of contact exposure to low voltage conductors. *Class G hard hats were formerly known as Class A.
• Class E (Electrical) -Class E hard hats are intended to reduce the danger of exposure to high voltage conductors. *Class E hard hats were formerly known as Class B.
• Class C (Conductive)- Class C hard hats are not intended to provide protection against contact with electrical conductors

Check out Emedco.com for much more PPE and Fall Protection Equipment!

-DKolody

How to Fit an N95 Respirator Mask properly

A properly selected respirator is essential to protect your health. It will not protect against fumes, gases or vapors. It must be worn in well ventilated areas containing sufficient oxygen to support life. If the user has any illnesses or disorders, consult a licensed medical doctor to determine suitability of use.

There are many brands and options to choose from—disposable or reusable.  The Disposable are available with or without an exhalation valve. The exhalation valve allows easier breathing for long-term wear.

Before using any N95 respirator, consult an Occupational Safety Professional or Industrial Hygienist to determine its suitability for your intended use. Always, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for fitting the respirator to the face.

Here are some N95 Mask Fitting Instructions:

1. Hold the respirator in hand with the nosepiece at your fingertips, allowing the headband to hang freely below your hand.
2. Press the respirator firmly against your face with the nosepiece on the bridge of your nose.
3. Stretch and position the top band high on the back of your head. Stretch the bottom band over the head and position below your ears.
4. Using both hands, mold the metal nosepiece to the shape of your nose.
5. To test fit, cup both hands over the respirator and exhale vigorously. If air flows around your nose, tighten the nosepiece; if air leaks around the edges, reposition the straps for a better fit.
6. Remember, careful observance of these fitting instructions is an important step in safe respirator use.

For further info, check out the following links:

• OSHA 29 CFR 1910.132 is the regulation regarding Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
• NIOSH Respirator Recommendations

• OSHA Respirator Fit Testing Procedures(Mandatory)

• OSHA User Seal Check Procedures(Mandatory)

• OSHA Respiratory Cleaning Procedures(Mandatory)

• OSHA Medical Examination Questionnaire (Mandatory)

• OSHA Information for Employees Using Respirators When Not Required Under the Standard(Mandatory)

Submitted by: Donna Kolody/Emedco- Custom, Safety & Marking Solutions- Your Way, Today, Guaranteed!

Maintaining Hard Hats- don’t overlook it!

Most people don’t think of Hard Hats very often, we definitely take them for granted.  They are heavily used daily yet are an understated piece of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE). The International Safety Equipment Association( ISEA) points out that they have done a good job protecting workers in a variety of work environments. They will provide a reasonable service life if given a little care and regular inspection.  To learn more about head protection regulations, click on:  ANSI/ISEA Z89.1-2009 Standard, OSHA 1926.100 for Construction and  OSHA 1910.135 for General Industry.

Here’s a little Hard Hat 101. There are two basic parts to it: the shell and the suspension, which work together as a system. Both need regular inspection and maintenance. The shell is rigid, light and is shaped to reflect a falling object. The suspension’s main purpose is to absorb energy. The suspension system inside the helmet is as important as the shell itself. It holds the shell in place on your head and holds it away from your head for free air flow. For that reason, it is important that the suspension be in good condition to perform that function. Over long periods use, the suspension can become damaged and worn.

Here are some ISEA recommendations:

1) Wearers should inspect the shell regularly. When cracks (even as small as hairlines), become noticeable, the helmet should be replaced because experience has shown, these cracks will spread and widen once they begin to form. Look for signs of abuse such as scratches or gouges. Shells exposed to heat, sunlight and chemicals can become stiff or brittle. There also can be visible craze pattern- it can be dull in color or have a chalky appearance. Be sure to replace these helmets also.

Also, never alter or modify the shell other than in accordance with the manufacturers’ instructions to permit the use of accessories. Such accessory attachments may reduce the limited protection provided by the helmets. If it is necessary or desirable to use the numbers or symbols in the helmets for identification purposes, the ISEA recommends the use of reflective marking tape. Only the helmet manufacturer should paint the helmet to avoid the problem of the solvents in the paint that can make the helmets brittle and more susceptible to cracks

2) Replace the hard hat if it has sustained an impact from an object, even though no damage may be visible.

3) Whenever the fitness of a hard hat is in doubt, it should be taken from service immediately and destroyed.

4) Look closely at the suspension for cracking, torn adjustment slots, fraying material or other signs of wear, especially at the suspension lugs. Common causes are: by hair oils, perspiration, and normal wear.  It should be routinely replaced at least once a year under normal wear conditions.

5) The service life of the protective headgear can be lengthened by cleaning the suspension and shell as part of a regular inspection program. A wet sponge or soft brush with mold detergent and water will remove dirt and stains from the suspension and shell.

6) Employees should not carry anything inside the helmet. A clearance must be maintained inside the helmet for the system to work. In the event of a blow to the head, the space must be used to help absorb the shock of the blow.

Submitted by: Donna Kolody/Emedco

OSHA publishes proposed rulemaking to prevent injuries from slips, trips and falls on walking-working surfaces

OSHA announced this week that there will be revisions to the walking-working surfaces and Personal Protective Equipment Standards (PPE) to prevent injuries from slips, trips and falls.  Per Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA, Dr David Michaels,“ this proposal addresses workplace hazards that are a leading cause of work related injuries and deaths.”  The goal is to help prevent an estimated annual 20 workplace fatalities and more than 3,500 injuries serious enough for people to miss work.

Click here for OSHA’s Press Release.

-Donna Kolody/Emedco PPE Products

Protective Wear Signs

Eye, hearing, head and other protective wear injuries often can be prevented by using the proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and having signage around your facility. Personal protective signs remind your employees about required equipment and are eye-catching to help deter unnecessary accidents and lost-time injuries.

Emedco has a very large selection of Protective Wear Signs to suit your needs. Choose from various OSHA headers and wordings that are geared towards the type of protection that is required in the work area, facility or jobsite. Select from 8 materials (aluminum, steel, plastic, foam adhesive, adhesive vinyl, magnetic, 2-Way or 3-Way) in three sizes (7”x10”, 10”x14” or 14”x20”).

• Eye Protection Signs- OSHA 1910.133 states: “Protective Eyewear is required for any job that exposes workers to flying objects, glare, liquids or hazardous radiation.”

• Hearing Protection- OSHA 1910.95 states: “Hearing Protectors must be available to all workers exposed to 8-hour TWA noise levels of 85dB or above.”

• Bilingual Hearing Protection Signs

• Protective Wear Signs

• Heavy Duty Protective Wear Signs- large and ideal for outdoor use.

• Respirator Signs

• Hard Hat Signs

• ANSI Signs- Comply with ANSI Z535 Standards.

Remember to ask for the Duroshield Lifetime Guarantee- your best defense against fading, graffiti and chemicals.  Make Emedco your One-Stop PPE Safety Source- Your Way, Today, Guaranteed!

Submitted by: Donna Kolody

Fun Hand Facts… and gloves to protect them in the workplace

Numbers Each hand contains

–         29 major and minor bones (many people have a few more).

–         29 major joints.

–         At least 123 named ligaments.

–         34 muscles which move the fingers and thumb:

• 17 in the palm of the hand, and
• 18 in the forearm.

–         48 named nerves:

• 3 major nerves.
• 24 named sensory branches.
• 21 named muscular branches.

–         30 named arteries and nearly as many smaller named branches.

–         The bones in your fingers are no stronger than a lead pencil.

Here are some hand statistics from the CDC and OSHA:

–          If all workers, from medical to industrial and everything in between, would just wear gloves, then more than 1 million hospital emergency visits by U.S. workers per year could be avoided (according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

–         Hand Injuries have cost employers over $500 million dollars in the US last year (lost time, settlements, etc)

–         Non compliance of PPE hand protection is among one of the most common OSHA citations to date, costing employers on average $4,000 per citation.

Sources: Kimberly Clark Professional, E-Hand.com

OSHA 1910.132(h)(1) requires that protective equipment, including PPE, shall be provided by the employer at no cost to the employees.   It’s not a one shot deal- as a business owner, you have to be compliant every hour of every day.  Safety has to be top of mind comfort leads to compliance. Don’t let your workers become a statistic!

Emedco has a huge selection of comfortable gloves to make this requirement alot easier. Choose from nitrile, vinyl, latex or utility gloves to suit the application. We have top brand gloves from Ansell, Kimberly Clark, Sperian, Memphis, SHOWABEST, North, and Memphis at our fingertips(no pun intended). Check out other Personal Protective Equipment(PPE) at your fingertips.

Make Emedco your One-Stop PPE Source- Your Way, Today, Guaranteed!

Submitted by: Donna Kolody/Emedco

What type of medical glove do I need?

There are three major types of medical gloves: latex, vinyl/synthetic and nitrile. The FDA regulates the quality of exam gloves produced and forces factories to conform to standards set. Today, all medical-grade exam gloves must pass through a series of tests to be sold in the U.S. market. This overview and recap of pros and cons should help you decide the exact type you need to protect your workers and be OSHA compliant.

Latex Gloves

This is the original material used to create medical gloves. Due to the great flexibility and durability of natural rubber, latex gloves continue to be used in the medical industry.

Pros: High tactile sensitivity, very durable, comfortable

Cons: Latex allergy, dry, irritated skin

Vinyl/Synthetic Gloves

Made from the synthetic material polyvinyl chloride (PVC), commonly called vinyl. Healthcare facilities have been transitioning to synthetic alternatives like vinyl due to latex allergy concerns.. Today, vinyl gloves are the most cost effective exam gloves available.

Pros: High value, cheap, latex free

Cons: Less durable synthetic, lower elongations, bad perception

Nitrile Gloves

This type is the exam glove of choice for doctors and nurses when working in harsh environments. Made from nitrile material, these exam gloves are known for providing protection to various chemicals like chemotherapy drugs. It provides excellent barrier protection – providing three times more puncture resistance than latex.  It’s no surprise that nitrile exam gloves are becoming the preferred latex-free choice.

Pros: Excellent barrier protection, chemical resistant, latex free

Cons: High price

Make Emedco your One-Stop Safety Source for top brand gloves from Ansell, Kimberly Clark, Sperian, Memphis, and SHOWABEST, and other Personal Protective Equipment(PPE). Your Way, Today, Guaranteed.

Submitted by: Donna Kolody/Emedco

Handling Chemicals and Protective Gloves

Achieving appropriate protection against chemicals is complicated because of the great diversity of compounds and applications in the workplace. OSHA inspectors will generally accept the employer’s judgment in regard to personal protective equipment (PPE). In applications where the work is especially dangerous, the inspector might request documentation that the PPE is appropriate for the situation. Chemical-resistant gloves are designed to protect against chemical absorption into your body. Examples of chemical-resistant gloves would be nonporous types made of nitrile, neoprene, latex, rubber or PVA.

Emedco has a large selection of top brand chemical and protective gloves from Ansell, Kimberly Clark, Sperian, ShowaBest Glove, and Memphis to meet your needs. Make Emedco your One-Stop PPE Source- Your Way, Today, Guaranteed!

To learn more, visit www.OSHA.gov.

Submitted by: Donna Kolody/Emedco

Seven Elements to Respiratory Protection

According to OSHA’s Respiratory Protection Standard (29 CFR 1910.134); there are seven key elements that every respiratory protection program should contain. They are:

1. Develop and implement a written respiratory protection program with required worksite-specific procedures and elements of required respirator use.

2. Complete assessment of respiratory hazards that will be encountered in the workplace.

3. Use a procedure and equipment guideline to control respiratory hazards.

4. Establish guidelines to select the proper respiratory equipment.

5. Implement an employee training program covering potential hazards, proper usage and the care and cleaning of respirators.

6. Inspect, maintain and repair of respirators.

7. Follow through with medical surveillance of employees.

Source: www.osha.gov

Emedco can help you stay compliant. Choose from a large selection of top brands of Respiratory Equipment from: 3M, Moldex, North, MSA, and Gerson. We also carry Respiratory Signs, Respirator storage, and Respirator Training to suit your needs.   As always, Fast Shipping- in stock products ship the same day!

Make Emedco your One-Stop PPE Source- Your Way, Today, Guaranteed!

Submitted by: Donna Kolody/Emedco

Safety Glasses- What color lens do I need?

With so many choices of safety glasses on the market, it can be very confusing finding exactly what lens color you need and want. As you may already know, there are many top brand manufacturers:  AO Safety, UVEX, Pyramex, Crews, Sperian, DeWalt, Harley Davidson, United, Jackson Safety etc. Emedco has a broad range of safety glasses and goggles to choose from.

To make things a bit easier by narrowing it down, here’s a quick reference guide for you:

• Clear – great for indoors
• Gray – outdoor applications; provides good color recognition
• Gold, Blue and Silver mirror – outside where sunlight and glare cause eyestrain. “Mirror” coating reflects light
• Brown – outside; meets color traffic signal recognition requirements
• Dark Green – general purpose protection form glare and UV radiation

A good rule of thumb is to choose a lens based on color opposites. For example, blue is opposite of yellow and red is opposite of green. So, red lenses absorb green light and yellow lenses absorb blue/ultraviolet light and vice versa.

Of course, then you have the following coatings:

• Anti-fog - provide excellent fog prevention in high humidity environments where sudden shifts in temperature occur

• Anti-Scratch- extend lens life

• Anti static- reduce dust and particle attraction

• Hard coatings-permanently bonded to extend lens life (offered by Crews and Uvex).

So be stylish and protect your peepers! Make Emedco your One-Stop Protective Wear Source- Top Brands, Huge Selection, fast shipping.  

Your Way, Today, Guaranteed!

Submitted by: Donna Kolody/Emedco