Category Archives: Hand Protection

Eye Protection, Fall Safety, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Head Protection, Hearing Protection, Protective Clothing, Respiratory Safety

PPE: A Summary

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Last week, we covered different types of personal protective equipment and the applications for each.  With all of the technological advances and machinery used in today’s world, understanding and using proper PPE is more important than ever before.

In determining the proper PPE for industries, a walk-through survey should be done by employers to develop an organized safety program.  Both workplace physical and health hazards must be analyzed.  Employers then would determine what types of PPE would be needed.  It is suggested that a higher level of protection than the minimum be chosen to ensure employees are protected from hazards.  Written certification is required which includes the Hazard Assessment Date, Company Identification, and Name of the Document.

Personal Protective Equipment is available to protect you from such hazards as:
¨    Chemicals – Coveralls, Gloves, Face Shields, Goggles
¨    Heat/Cold- Gloves, Earmuffs,
¨    Biologic (blood, infected materials)-Lab Coats, Disposable Gloves, Coveralls
¨    Light Radiation-Safety Glasses, Goggles, Welding Hoods
¨    Harmful Dust-Respirators, Goggles, Side shields
¨    Sharp Objects-Cut Resistant Gloves
¨    Falling Objects-Hard Hats

Take the time to determine what hazards are present in your particular situation.  Once determined, take the steps to supply yourself and your employees with the needed equipment.

Source:
OSHA

Hand Protection

PPE: More About Gloves

We want to help you make the right decision when it comes to protecting your hands.  There are so many types of gloves to choose from, we want to share the following background information:

  • Leather Gloves – Provide protection from cuts and burns.  They also help sustain heat from sparks, blows, and rough objects.  Leather gloves make excellent driving gloves.
  • Aluminized – Furnish insulating and reflective protection from heat; require an insert of synthetic materials for protection against heat and cold.
  • Aramid Fiber – Cut and abrasion-resistant, these gloves wear well and protect against heat and cold.
  • Synthetic – Cut and abrasion resistant, heat and cold protective, they may withstand some diluted acids.  They do not stand up against alkalis and solvents.
  • Fabric Gloves – Constructed from cotton or other fabrics, insufficient for protection against rough, sharp or heavy materials.  They work well to keep out dirt, slivers, and prevent chafing and abrasions.
  • Coated Fabric Gloves – Cotton flannel with napping on one side.  The plastic coating is good for general-purpose gloves, adds slip-resistance from handling materials, bricks and wire to handling chemical lab containers.
  • Chemical and Liquid Resistant Gloves– Made from different types of rubber (natural) – butyl, neoprene, or various plastics: polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyvinyl alcohol, or polyethylene.

Types of Chemical and Liquid Resistant Gloves:

  • Butyl – Synthetic rubber, stands up well to a wide variety of chemicals.
  • Natural (latex) Rubber – Very popular and comfortable, these gloves perform with most water solutions of acids, alkalis, etc.  For those workers who are allergic to latex, glove liners, hypoallergenic, or powderless gloves are good alternatives.
  • Neoprene– Synthetic rubber – Offer good dexterity.  They have superior chemical and wear resistance, compared to natural rubber gloves.
  • Nitrile – Copolymer, provides high sensitivity and dexterity, and stand up to heavy use.

Source: OSHA

Hand Protection

PPE: Hand and Arm Protection

Employers must take care by conducting extensive hazard assessments to ensure that potential injury to arm and hands of workers is avoided.  The employer should determine which type of protection is needed for the utmost security, by selecting the proper glove, finger guards, arm coverings, or elbow-length glove that is appropriate for the task at hand.
There are numerous selections of gloves and hand protection available.  We encourage you to consider what hazards exist in your work surroundings and then make your choice.  Whether you are an employer, employee, or performing jobs at home, it’s important to make the right choices.

Factors that should influence your decision in choosing gloves:

  • Types of chemicals you are exposed to.  Also the nature of contact (splash, total immersion.)
  • Duration of contact.  Area of body that requires protection.
  • Grip.  (Dry, Wet, or Oily).
  • Thermal Protection.
  • Size and Comfort.
  • Abrasion/Resistance Required.

Gloves generally fall into four groups:

  • Fabric and Coated Fabric
  • Chemical and Liquid-resistant
  • Insulated Rubber Gloves

Check back tomorrow and we’ll hand you a little more specifics on gloves!

Source: OSHA

General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Head Protection, Hearing Protection, Protective Clothing

Drivers, Start Your Engines!…. Safely?

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Before you start your engines, we thought we’d share some facts regarding NASCAR Safety.

Millions of dollars have been spent to ensure the safety of the drivers, team members, and the fans of the sport. construct Safety Barriers with materials that absorb better than concrete.  The Hans Device (combination helmet and neck restraint) is mandatory.  Restrictor Plates are used at two high-banked superspeedways, Daytona and Talladega. These plates reduce the speed of the cars for safety.  Cars are designed with two roof flaps, which help prevent cars from becoming airborne.  Drivers, of course, are outfitted with fire retardant gloves, boots, and suits.
Pit Road has speed limits for safety.  Pit Members are required to wear helmets, full fire suits, and gloves.  The gas man must wear a fire apron.  Although it is not compulsory, it is recommended changers wear safety glasses to prevent debris from getting into their eyes.  Since the NASCAR cars do not have wing mirrors, it is mandatory to have spotters to communicate with their drivers to relay information as to location of cars in blind spots.

Mechanix products are probably the most popular gloves NASCAR team mechanics use in their job.  Many products are available: all types of gloves, even ones with lights, ladies’ gloves, Radio Belt, knee pads, backpacks, and more!

If you plan to visit the track, you might want to also take along:

  • Safety glasses with UV protection
  • SunX Towelettes
  • Miracool Bandannas
  • Earplugs from
  • Maybe even some Gatorade

Be sure to wear a wide-brimmed hat, and drive friendly!

Source:   Wikipedia

Eye Protection, First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Protective Clothing

HUNTERS, BE READY!

As fall approaches, so does hunting season!  Sportsmen and sportswomen who enjoy hunting, camping, hiking or other activities need to be prepared for disease-causing bacteria that may be waiting for them.  According to Guy Moore, a wildlife biologist with Texas Department of State Health Services, “outdoor activities bring a greater risk of exposure to diseases transmitted by fleas, ticks, mosquitoes and other animals.”
Some of these germ carriers are:

  • Wild hogs, which can carry brucellosis, a bacterial disease.
  • Deer, which can transmit anthrax, a bacterium that can cause a severe, life-threatening disease in both animals and humans.
  • Fleas and some animals such as squirrels, cats, rats, prairie dogs, and mice can transmit plague to humans.
  • Mice can spread hantavirus infection to people.  They shed the virus in droppings, urine and saliva, and upon drying, these excretions can spread in the air on dust particles.
  • Ticks – an infected tick can cause Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever and tularemia.
  • Mosquitoes, of course, are a nuisance and can carry organisms that cause encephalitis and West Nile infection.
  • All warm-blooded animals are susceptible to rabies.  Skunks, bats, coyotes and foxes are known carriers of rabies.

If you are still determined to go out there and enjoy the outdoors, don’t let us discourage you.
Most of these illnesses are rare, with the exception of West Nile.  Just keep these reminders handy:

  • Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer after handling game.
  • Wear eye protection when dressing game.
  • Use insect repellents containing DEET.
  • Wear protective clothing, and light colored clothes so you can spot ticks.
  • Stay away from overgrown brush and tall grass if possible.
  • Do not touch antlers, bones, hides or other parts of dead animals.

Texas DSHS

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Head Protection, Hearing Protection, Home Safety Products, Respiratory Safety

Dangers Of Woodworking

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Whether it is in your shop at home, or your regular job is woodworking, there are many hazards to be considered.  Proper protective equipment must be utilized to minimize danger.  Most woodworking machines now have guards that come as standard equipment.  If yours does not, install one.  There are fixed, adjustable, and self-adjusting types of guards.  Each one has its own advantages and limitations.  It is always important to provide a guard or barrier that prevents access to the danger area.

In industries, workers should be trained to understand controls on machines, how to stop equipment in emergencies, and taught safety procedures for special set-ups.

Good housekeeping must be practiced to keep dust from collecting in order to control fire and explosion hazards.  Engineered control technology is proper exhaust ventilation and correct use and storage of flammable materials.

Dangers of woodworking include:

  • Lacerations
  • Amputations
  • Severed fingers
  • Blindness
  • Respiratory problems
  • Hearing problems
  • Skin disease from exposure to finishing chemicals

Utilizing personal protective equipment, such as hardhats, gloves, earmuffs, earplugs, safety shields, and goggles will help reduce or eliminate the dangers of woodworking.

OSHA

General Safety Issues, Hand Protection

Watch Out For Snakes!

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This one gives us the shivers just thinking about it!  But there are many folks who work in snake territory, and probably already know what to do.  Here are just a few reminders to ensure your safety and facts you might not know:

Rattlesnake

  • A snake’s striking distance is about one-half the total length of the snake.
  • If bitten, note the color and shape of the snake’s head to assist with treatment.
  • Wear boots at least 10” high.
  • Snakes enjoy sunning on fallen trees, limbs or other debris.
  • Be careful where you place your hands and feet when removing debris.  Wear heavy gloves.
  • If you see a snake, step back and let it go on by.
  • Bite victims should be kept still and calm to slow the spread of venom.
  • Apply first aid: lay the person down so the bite is below the level of the heart, and cover bite with a clean, dry dressing.  Never cut the wound or attempt to suck out the venom.

In the state of Texas, there are four venomous snakes: copperhead, cottonmouth (water moccasin), coral, and rattlesnake.  It is wise to be familiar with the types of snakes that inhabit your part of the world, in order to be prepared.

Many folks feel “the only good snake is a dead one”, but remember, snakes play an important part in the balance of nature.

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Head Protection, Hearing Protection, Respiratory Safety, Uncategorized

Working with Power Tools?

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When using power tools, the proper personal protective equipment should always be worn.

These tools are classified by their source of power: electric, pneumatic, liquid fuel, hydraulic and powder-actuated.
Safety tips when using the types of tools listed are:

  • Electric – Electric shock is the most hazardous threat, and proper grounding is extremely important. Wear gloves and safety footwear when using electric tools.
  • Pneumatic – Powered by compressed air, i.e., drills, hammers, sanders, require that eye, head and face protection be used.   When operating jackhammers, safety glasses, shoes, face shields and hearing protection from noise are necessary.
  • Liquid Fuel – Usually powered by gasoline, which sometimes creates vapors that can explode or burn.  If using this type of equipment in inside areas, respirators should be worn.
  • Powder-Actuated – These tools operate like a loaded gun, and should be operated only by specially trained persons.  Face, ear and eye protection need to be worn.
  • Hydraulic – Fire-resistant fluids must be used to run this equipment, with the exception of insulated sections of derrick trucks, aerial lifts and tools used on or around energized lines.  Jacks, lever and ratchet jacks, screw jacks and hydraulic jacks should be properly inspected before use and immediately after.  Appropriate personal protective equipment should be worn.
Hand Protection, Respiratory Safety

Handling Birds?

If you have to handle birds that may have been infected with the bird flu, it is important for you to protect yourself. Wearing gloves is the best way to prevent any contamination through the skin. Nitrile gloves are very sturdy and are good for various uses. Neoprene gloves are also protective against chemicals and animal fats. Both gloves are cut resistant and puncture resistant and approved by the USDA for food handling. Remember that it is only in the handling of birds that the flu is dangerous, cooked chicken and other fowl is safe to handle and eat.

There is also evidence that the flu can be passed by germs getting into the eye area. You can prevent this by wearing chemical goggles or other well covering safety glasses to protect your eyes.

Eye Protection, Hand Protection, Hearing Protection, Home Safety Products, Respiratory Safety

Mowing Safety

This summer, everyone will be outside working in their yards. Young people mow lawns to earn a little spending money while out of school. But did you know that in 1990, of the 87,000 people injured by lawnmowers, 20,000 were under 25 and 10,000 of those were younger than 15 years old.

Many injuries can be avoided by taking the proper precautions:

    >These products are readily available to you for your safety. Be prepared and be safe this summer.