Category Archives: Protective Clothing

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Protective Clothing, Respiratory Safety

WHEN FLOODS ATTACK (GUEST POST)

Sent to us by Rebecca Wilcox

Flooding can cause enormous issues with your home in more ways than one. Sure, there is the initial damage and inconvenience that can come from heavy flooding. This is the damage that most people tend to associate with flooding, though it is honestly one of the least damaging aspects of a flood. 

The most damage from a flood generally comes from the long-term effects of what standing water can do to a structure. This damage is often not readily apparent when the flooding starts to subside, but instead causes unseen damage over long periods of time. In the end, things like mold, wood rot, and mildew can have a worse impact on your home than the flood itself.

To help protect against long-term damage like this, it’s important to do everything you can to keep water from getting into your basement or any other part of your home. This can be accomplished in a number of different ways, but the steps you’ll need to take will vary depending on whether or not you have a basement. Basements add another layer of difficulty to the mix because they are often very difficult to seal against flooding. If you do have a basement, the best thing you can do is work with a contractor to seal it. This will likely be a fairly expensive job.

The other aspect of keeping your home free of flood damage is to have measures on hand that you can use to get rid of water once the flooding starts. If your preparations fail or are overwhelmed, you may be stuck pumping water out of your home yourself. If this happens, you should have a strong pump on hand to get the water out of your house. Tough, durable pumps like Tsurumi pumps are a great, affordable option for this. You want to make sure that your pump is affordable, but not cheap. After all, what good is a cheap pump that ends up costing you thousands in flood damage after it breaks down at a critical moment.

Floods can be absolutely catastrophic if you aren’t prepared for them. Even when you are prepared, there will always be at least a little damage resulting from a major flooding event. Despite this, it is very possible to mitigate the damage done by flooding when you take the time to prepare and equip yourself with the right kind of gear.

As Rebecca advises, be prepared to protect yourself with the right kind of personal protective gear.  From gloves, goggles, waterproof clothing, to rubber boots, your body must not be in contact with contamination from flood waters, mold and mildew.  Some types of destruction require professionals to assist with the clean-up.  Use caution when working in this type of environment. Pat

 

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Head Protection, Protective Clothing

HOW TO AVERT WELDING ACCIDENTS (GUEST POST)

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 Sent to us from Alan Murfee, of the United Kingdom.
 
Welding, a high-risk occupation is a skilled occupation that requires proper care and attention. Due to absence of proper preventive measures, the likelihood of welding accidents and illnesses is on an all-time rise. It is hence, extremely important to pay proper attention to your safety. Make sure you do not neglect safety norms and follow the right practices.

Read along to know how to maintain a safe and productive environment, thereby reducing chances of welding accidents and illnesses.

Enhance your knowledge

Most welders skip their welding safety education, and remain ignorant about various welding safety measures. Before you take to the welding profession, enroll in a good trade school that offers welding specialization programs. This shall not only promote safety, but also help catapult your career. If you’re hiring welders, make sure you hire them only after they’ve attended welding safety classes and have proper knowledge about welding safety.

Welding equipment

In case of such a high-risk profession such as welding, possessing the right tools is not only important for professional competence, but also for your own comfort and safety. You must ascertain that your tools have been inspected for defects and are in good condition. Faulty tools shall not only be inconvenient for you, but can also be dangerous. Having some knowledge about repairing and administering these equipment for leaks and defects can always help you to a great extent.

Welding safety accessories

Construction safety gear is a prerequisite to avert most industrial accidents. You must ensure that you wear your safety accessories before welding. Essential safety equipment like welding helmets, gloves and boots can prevent major accidents. There is always a risk of getting injuries due to weld splatters. Welding also involves dealing with intense heat and high radiations, so make sure you wear your safety goggles. Wearing protective helmets can also help reduce possibilities of accidents caused by hazardous smoke, fire flash, unexpected explosion, etc. Your gloves will also protect you from getting burn injuries.

Appropriate Clothing

Welding processes generate intense heat and hot sparkles. It is hence, imperative for you to dress suitably. It is advisable to wear solid, weighty fabrics such as heavy fibers or denim that are not easily inflammable. Make sure you wear clothes that cover your entire body and leave no part exposed.

Avoid wearing open-toed shoes or canvas boots. Wearing safety boots with steel toe-caps are greatly recommended. Wearing appropriate clothing and being well-equipped with essential construction safety products can go a long way in protecting you, and preventing welding accidents.

Taking Preventive measures

An ounce of prevention is definitely worth a pound of cure. It is hence, imperative for you to take the required preventive measures before welding. In a trade dealing with molten metal, circumspection and vigilance is required at every step.

The welding process must always be carried out in well-ventilated areas that are specially designated for welding. Keeping the area clean is important, and make sure no flammable objects lie in close proximity with this area. It always helps to keep a first-aid kit close to you when welding.

Meticulous planning, proper knowledge and the right equipment can reduce likelihood of these welding accidents to a great extent. In case however, there are accidents caused by negligence, make a claim for compensation for the welding accident. 

We appreciate the information from Alan Murfee.  Please also check out the cool welding hoods sold by our parent company, Texas America Safety Company (tasco-safety.com).  Welding is a very serious business, so please be trained and be careful! pb

 

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Fall Safety, General Safety Issues, Head Protection, Protective Clothing

Construction Safety and Compliance: Resources for Employeees and Employers (Guest Post)

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Submitted by Eliathah Boda of OSHAPros USA.

The construction industry is one of the most dangerous industries in the United States. The rate of fatalities among construction workers is three times higher than that for all workers in the U.S. – in 2009 it was 9.7 percent per 100,000 compared with 3.3 for all workers. For this reason, 60% of OSHA’s inspections are of construction sites. 

The four most dangerous hazards in construction work are: 

  • Fall Hazards
  • Caught-In or Caught-Between Hazards
  • Struck-By Hazards
  • Electrocution Hazards 

Besides inspections and enforcement of standards for the construction industry, particularly OSHA 29 CFR 1926, OSHA provides educational materials as well as training through authorized outreach trainers. On the OSHA website a number of helpful materials and resources are available that cover the most important construction safety topics. 

The Outreach Training Program addresses basic elements of safety in the workplace. The program was developed by OSHA, who then teaches trainers, who are then authorized to provide the training to workers in person or as videos offered online. The courses given through this program include two 10-hour courses for all workers, one on General Industry Safety and one on Construction Safety; two 30-hour courses offered that are geared mostly for supervisors and foremen, one that covers General Industry and one for Construction. You can see more information on the Outreach Training Program on the OSHA Website. Information on the Outreach Training Program is available on the OSHA website. 

Besides the courses offered through the Outreach Training Program, one of the most useful resources available for information on constructionsafety topics is the OSHA Construction eTool, an online training tool that is especially useful for workers in learning more about construction safety. The Construction eTool covers the most serious hazards in construction work, including electrical, falls, struck-by, and trenching, with thorough but easy to understand explanations of the hazards, applicable OSHA standards, and safety tips to avoid injuries from these hazards. It also explains how the standards apply to different workers. Additionally, there is information for employers on how to develop a safety and health program to help meet OSHA standards and prevent injuries. 

Another useful resource available on the OSHA website is a series of construction hazard prevention videos. These are available in both English and Spanish with closed captioning.These resources will provide you with a great deal of useful information and are an excellent supplement to the authorized OSHA training courses that are also available. 

OSHA Pros USA provides onsite OSHA training, online safety training courses, mock OSHA inspections, air & noise surveys, and litigation support across America. 

In addition, OSHA has a separate standard for every type of wide variety of safety products required for each particular job, according to the hazards.  You can find those standards on the OSHA website. pb

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Protective Clothing

LAW REQUIRING PPE PROVISIONS ISN’T ENFORCED BY EMPLOYERS (GUEST POST)

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is defined as personal and protective specifically against the hazard or hazards that have been identified. PPE must be compatible and work effectively with other equipment. Correct PPE equipment is required to ensure that employees are protected from injury or disease through their work and provides a last line of defence when other risk management strategies have failed in some way. 

PPE is legally the responsibility of employers within the UK. The law currently emphasizes that employers must provide their staff with free of charge PPE. However, a recent TUC article has highlighted that over one in five workers are being forced into providing or replacing PPE equipment that they needed for their work. This is relevant particularly across the electrician and construction industries. 

Notably out of these, the survey highlighted that 11.6% of workers were required to use safety equipment at work and yet it was not provided or paid for by their employer. An additional 8.9% were responsible for any damage or replacements for employer provided PPE. 

An example would be the need to invest in good quality Arc Flash Hood in a usable and working condition as is essential for many electricians; the expense of which should be footed entirely by employers as dictated by the law. 

Compounding the poor levels of PPE provision there are two further factors to consider: 

  • Employers, where they do offer PPE, often buy low quality PPE of a standard size in an attempt to maximise profit through minimising costs. Employees therefore find that they are limited to uncomfortable, incorrectly sized PPE which is not effective against hazards and therefore often buy their own equipment. 
  • Within the current market place many workers within the construction or electrical engineering sector are now termed as self-employed, or are working through an agency. This enables employers to shirk around the law regarding satisfactory PPE and increasingly opens the doors to the requirement of self-funding for PPE provision. 

Interestingly, the law also goes as far as to state that every employer should ensure that all PPE provided is fully maintained (including replaced or cleaned where appropriate). This means kept in good repair and in efficient working order. With this in mind it’s also perhaps surprising to learn that a staggering 60% of those with employer provided PPE that requires regular cleaning are held responsible for the task. Their employers made no investment or provision for cleaning of PPE equipment. 

Unfairly, it seems that it’s most often than not workers from lower paid roles that are held responsible for the costs, and disproportionately it is female employees that are required to provide their own attire. This means there are many newly qualified electricians having to spend money they can least afford gaining test and commission, cherry-picking other types of certificates as well as investing in or maintaining their  Electrical PPE in order to make themselves more employable. 

Naturally the electrical companies currently benefit a lot from the individuals’ efforts to land work and are happy with the current situation. Until the law is backed up through pressure on companies, including those in the construction industry, to employ on a PAYE basis things look set to remain problematic. There is already little enforcement of the existing law and as a result many are forced to pay from their own pocket or go without, which is unthinkable within the construction industry. The government’s future plans to reduce the number of workplace inspections are set to increase the chance of the situation getting worse for the little guy before there’s any improvement.

Sent to us by Pete Clydesdale, of Clydesdale.net.  Pete, thanks so much for pointing out that many contractors do not furnish the correct ppe for the employees, or none at all.  In the U.S., OSHA has very much the same regulations, and through inspections they have penalized many companies for these violations.  It is lawful that every person have the right to safe working places and the correct protection. 

For quality safety products from glasses to gloves, and inbetween, check out Texas America Safety Company.

 

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Protective Clothing

AUTUMN SAFETY TIPS (GUEST POST)

Autumn is right around the corner and with autumn comes colour-changing leaves and crisp weather – it’s the perfect time of year to wrap up against the weather and go for a bracing walk with the family.  But with autumn comes cooler weather, and with cooler weather comes the potential for hazards within the home. So we’ve come up with a few top safety tips for you to follow this autumn to protect your family against accidents or injuries.

  • Test all of your smoke alarms. More devices tend to be plugged in during autumn, as the weather is cooler and so more people spend more time inside, meaning that there is a higher risk of fire – so make sure you’re protected by checking your smoke alarms. If you like, perform a fire drill with your family to make sure they all know what to do in the event of fire.
  • If you’re going to use a space heater or electric heater, make sure you don’t use it to dry clothing – and keep it away from all flammable materials. Drying clothes on a space heater is a major fire hazard – so dry your clothes in your tumble dryer, on radiators or on drying racks instead.
  • You’ll probably be using the tumble dryer more frequently when autumn hits – so make sure you clean the filters regularly to prevent build-up of lint, as this could lead to a fire if unchecked.
  • If your car is prone to breaking down or being temperamental in cold weather, buy jump leads, a torch, radiator fluid, windshield washer fluid and de-icing spray and keep them in the boot of your car – that way, if anything happens, you should be able to get home. If you live in a particularly cold area, keep blankets in your car just in case you get stranded.
  • If your kitchen is particularly chilly, keep it warm using your heating system or a space heater kept well away from your oven and hob. Don’t ever warm your kitchen with the heat from your oven or gas hob – you could inhale very toxic gasses.
  • Check around the inside and outside of your house for odd jobs that might need doing, such as replacing roof tiles, cleaning your gutters and chimney and fixing any damaged windows. If you have a real fireplace and fire, you should also check the chimney flue to make sure it is in good condition.
  • If you’re raking leaves, be careful not to bend too much and don’t overfill leaf bags; equally, if you’re using a leaf-blower, use the proper safety equipment such as boots, appropriate clothing and safety eye goggles to protect your eyes.

Follow the tips above and you should find that this autumn is a safe one for you and your family – but if you suffer an accident or injury and want some legal advice, contact the professionals.

Author Bio: Richard Flynn works within the medical negligence and personal injury field with Pryers Solicitors.

Our thanks to Richard for this good advice.  (I think the last time I asked someone from England what a “hob” was, the answer was a stove. Hope that’s correct.)  pb

 

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Head Protection, Health Issues, Protective Clothing

NOW’S THE TIME TO GET OUT THE BUG REPELLENT!

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Every summer time, we are “bugged” by those pesky critters……flies, gnats, mosquitoes, bees, yellow jackets, wasps – you name it, we have it!  At this time, however, the biggest culprits are mosquitoes, those that are carrying a disease called West Nile Virus.  West Nile Virus causes an infection that is spread by certain kinds of mosquitoes.  They become infected when they bite infected birds.  Then, they spread the virus when they bite people or animals, such as horses.  This virus cannot spread from animals to people or from person to person  through casual contact. 

West Nile Virus causes an infection that can lead to inflammation of the brain (encephalitis), the spinal cord (myelitis), or the tissues surrounding it and the spinal cord (meningitis).  There is no specific treatment available.  Mild infections go away on their own, with the use of mild pain  relievers.  Persons who are more susceptible to the virus are those over age 50 and those who have cancer, diabetes and kidney disease, or those with underlying health problems, as well as those who have received organ transplants.  

Dallas County, Texas’ second most-populated county, authorized aerial spraying of insecticide on Friday for the first time in almost five decades to help fight the mosquito-born illness.  Thus far, 12 North Texas residents have died.  This year, the Texas Department of State Health Services has tracked 214 cases of the neuro-invasive West Nile, the most serious form of the illness.  Because it is just now becoming the peak season for the illness, agency officials fear the state will break the record number for such cases, which was 438, reported in 2003.  Texas isn’t the only state reporting this virus, so persons everywhere should take precautions. 

People should do everything they can to avoid mosquitoes.  Some ways to control them around your home are:

            Remove their habitat (where they live and breed.  Eliminate standing water in rain gutters, tires, buckets, plastic covers, toys or any other container where they can breed.  Also, empty and change water in bird baths, fountains, wading pools, rain barrels, and potted plant trays at least once a week to destroy potential mosquito habitats.  Keep swimming pool water clean and circulated.  Drain or fill temporary pools of water with dirt.

            To prevent your exposure to mosquitoes: use EPA-regulated mosquito repellents when necessary and follow directions and precautions closely.  Head nets, long sleeves and long pants should be worn if you are going into areas with high mosquito populations.  Stay inside during the evening when mosquitoes are active.  Be sure your window and door screens are “bug tight.”  Replace outdoor lights with yellow “bug” lights, which tend to attract fewer bugs than ordinary lights.  Remember the yellow lights are not repellents. 

There is no vaccine for the virus, which can cause high fevers, headaches and disorientation.  As stated earlier, however, most go away on their own.

This situation has become more serious because of the warm winter that insects lived through, and the extreme dry conditions that certain areas have experienced. 

The best solution is to stay inside, especially at night.   For those who must work outdoors, there are many types of mosquito repellents.  DEET has been proven to be a most effective repellent for mosquitoes, ticks, chiggers, deer flies, stable flies, black flies, gnats and fleas.  There is even a type of netting  for those who must wear hardhats or ball caps!

 

Source: CNN,
ABC News, A.P., CDC, Texas Department of State Health Services

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Protective Clothing, Respiratory Safety

PROTECT YOURSELF WITH SAFETY EQUIPMENT FOR ASBESTOS REMOVAL (Guest Post)

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Posing a serious health hazard, asbestos removal is a necessary process to ensure that the inhabitants of the home are safe from health complications. Asbestos is not just toxic; it is also a silent killer. Asbestos fibres are very light and often too small to be noticed by the naked eye. They can even float in the atmosphere for months and inhaled by unassuming victims. This makes it even more important to let professionals take care of asbestos removal in your home.  Before starting with the removal, there are many safety measures that should be attended to. Here are the essentials of safety equipment that are a must when removing asbestos.      

Respirators 

They are used to purify the air when working around asbestos. Covering mainly the nose and mouth, respirators filter out the asbestos and allow you to work safely around it. It is important that the respirators fit your head perfectly as even small air gaps can cause asbestos poisoning. Ensure that you are clean shaven to allow the mask to seal your head properly. 

At all costs, avoid using paper dust masks as they cannot filter the small asbestos fibres, causing unnecessary harm to your health. Check with your doctor if you can wear respirators. 

PPE (personal protective equipment) 

Ensure that all persons working inside the containment area wear safety equipment. Apart from protecting your lungs, it is also important to cover your face and body from asbestos. Prolonged exposure to asbestos has known to cause innumerable complications in the health of workers. 

PPE includes safety goggles to protect your eyes, disposable coveralls and gloves to protect your body from debris, and rubber boots to shield your feet from sharp objects. For optimum comfort and protection, opt for laceless rubber boots and ensure that they are thoroughly cleaned after each project. 

Large plastic sheets 

It is a good idea to line the containment area with large plastic sheets. For best results, choose 2 or 3 mil sheeting for the walls and 6 mil sheeting for the floor. Purchase at least one and half times the required amount to ensure that you cover surfaces comfortably. Use good duct tape to seal the corners and joints of the sheeting. 

Tank sprayers 

When removing asbestos, it is essential to keep it wet. Dry asbestos can come loose and risk affecting the workers and neighbours. Tank sprayers help asbestos stick to the wall during the removal. 

Large disposal bags 

The disposal of asbestos is as important as proper removal. All materials exposed to asbestos during the removal process should be safely disposed to prevent contaminating the home and the neighbourhood. Choose 6 mil disposal bags specially designed for asbestos and ensure that the bags are about 33″x50″ in size. It is a good idea to purchase about 4-5 bags for each 100 sqft of ceiling material. 

 Penny is an expert associated with Intersafety, a leading distributor of protective gear and safety equipment. If you are looking to protect your hands in the workplace, visit www.intersafety.co.uk and check out their collection of work gloves and more.

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

GET YOUR ARC FLASH GAME ON! (Guest Post)

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Get Your Arc Flash Game On

By Jack Rubinger, jarubinger@graphicproducts.com, www.DuraLabel.com

What happens when an arc flash occurs? And what is being done to lessen the risk? Few topics stir the emotions as much as arc flash dangers.  There is so much energy involved, and the nature of electricity is unlike anything else: invisible and unpredictable. Think burns and severe eye injuries.  

Working smart is critically important though experts agree it’s still hard to anticipate an arc flash occurrence. That’s why it’s so important to be prepared.  The most important question is: “Can we do this work de-energized?” said Mike Balinskas of PowerHawke, Inc. 

“Unfortunately, arc flash studies aren’t an exact science. They are snapshots, based on current utility information. As the grid fluctuates over time, so does the hazard exposure,” said Dave Hill, Intertek Testing. So it’s not enough to rely on PPE. Every precaution should be taken to prevent arc flash.

What’s missing from many electrical safety programs is a strategic game plan to address arc flash hazards.

“The distance between a lifetime of pain, disfiguration, and disability when compared to going home safely is no further than the fraction of an inch air gap that can be ionized to initiate an arc in the presence of significant voltage. Knowing the site and following the rules keep individuals safe and equipment intact,” said Michael Morse, Professor of Electrical Engineering, University of San Diego.

Electrical safety plans must address:

  •         Training/compliance
  •          PPE
  •          Tools/equipment

Training/compliance

Employees fear they’ve not been adequately trained. Training needs to increase to keep employees up to speed. How familiar are you with new NFPA requirements and how they apply to your equipment?

Mr. Hill reviews current arc flash NFPA, ANSI, IEEE and NEC information:

  • NFPA 70-2011/NEC is the driving document for all electrical installations. The other NFPA, ANSI/UL, IEEE, NEMA and harmonized IEC documents refer back to the NEC for installation practices.
  • NFPA 70-2011/NEC Section 110.16 and the Informational Note reference NFPA 70E for guidance of Arc Flash and PPE as well as ANSI Z535.4 for the safety warning signage.
  • Industrial electrical equipment and control panels, are required by NFPA 70-2011/NEC Section 670.3(A) to have a permanent label denoting short-circuit current rating of the control panel with references to UL 508A Supplement SB as an example of determining the SCCR. Section 409.22 and 409.110(4) are the references for industrial control panels specifically.
  • NFPA code calls for labeling electrical panels, disconnects and access points to inform those servicing equipment to communicate potential arc flash hazards present based on studies of the electrical system feeding each location.
  • NFPA 70E requires workers to document arc flash analysis calculations used for electrical equipment labeling. Even though NFPA 70E and IEEE 1584 provide standardized calculations for an arc flash analysis, other methods exist, opening the door for variation. Posting key elements of your analysis on electrical equipment will help you remember the methods used after a job is complete.

As of September 30, 2011 NFPA requires labels to display the nominal system voltage, arc flash boundary and one of the following: 

  • Available incident energy and the corresponding working distance
  • Minimum arc rating of clothing
  • Required level of PPE
  • Highest hazard/risk category (HRC) for the equipment 

NFPA’s new standards require that labels display additional information and must be posted on switchboards, panelboards, industrial control panels, meter socket enclosures and motor control centers.

A switchboard is a large single panel, frame, or assembly of panels. Switches, overcurrent, other protective devices, buses and usually instruments are mounted on the face, back or both. Switchboards are generally accessible from the rear and from the front and not intended to be installed in cabinets.

Panelboards are single panels or groups of panel units designed for assembly in the form of a single panel. These include buses, automatic overcurrent devices and those devices equipped with or without switches for the control of light, heat or power circuits. Panelboards are designed to be placed in a cabinet or cutout box or against a wall, partition, or other support; and accessible only from the front.

There are two main types of industrial control panels (ICP) — enclosed and open ICPs. Enclosed ICPs are installed within a complete enclosure at the panel manufacturer’s location. An open ICP includes factory wiring, field wiring terminals and components mounted on a sub-panel without a complete enclosure. ICPs often contain motor controllers, switches, relays, power supplies, computers, cathode ray tubes, transducers and auxiliary devices used in the manufacturing process to control industrial utilization equipment.

Meter socket enclosures are equipped with matching jaws to accommodate the bayonet-type (blade) terminals of a detachable watt-hour meter. It also has a means of connections for the termination of the circuit conductors. It may be a single-position socket for one meter or a multi-position trough socket for two or more meters.

Motor control centers are unlike other types of power distribution equipment, which are used with a variety of load types. Motor control centers primarily control the distribution of power to electric motors.

PPE 

Whether you are in an underground high-voltage transmission system or a substation, personal protective equipment (PPE) reduces exposure hazards. PPE means wearable protective gear: a shielded hood, bibs or coveralls. 

“A key technology ensuring safety is the infrared window. Installed on cabinet panels and doors, IR windows are view ports providing access into electrical cabinets and other enclosures. With an IR window, an electrical worker uses an infrared camera to inspect energized internal electrical components for temperature abnormalities without the direct exposure from removing covers and panels,” said Andre´ Rebelo, FLIR Systems, Inc. 

Infrared windows are a framed lens made of special transparent crystal or polymer material allowing infrared spectrum waves to pass through the window making it easy to perform infrared inspections. IR windows have a protective cover to shield the lens when not in use. 

Tools and Equipment


Industrial labeling systems such as the DuraLabel Toro are indispensable for electrical contractors. New systems are mobile, compatible with many types of software and empower end-users to quickly create custom safety, hazard and warning signs and labels on-site, in sequence. Displaying arc flash calculations on an industrial label offers valuable information to other electrical workers, inspectors and emergency responders who will likely work on or around the equipment you label in the future.  

No one can dispute the power and force of an arc flash. Following these three strategic steps, we can minimize many arc flash hazards. 

For more information about Arc Flash, visit www.arcflash.me.

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Head Protection, Home Safety Products, Protective Clothing, Weather Protection

PLAY IT SAFE THIS SUMMER! CHILL OUT!

July just arrived, and with it came plenty of hot sun and humid weather.  Life goes on, whether it is work or play, so the best way to cope with it is to keep your body temperature as cool as possible.  (My suggestion is to stay inside!)  For those folks who don’t have that option, there are some “cool” ideas that we hope will help you make this summer go by faster by staying as comfortable as possible. 

Here are some ideas  from Texas America Safety Company: 

Introducing the MiraCool Body Cooling Vests.These vests come with water activated MiraCool crystals sewn into the fabric of the vest. These crystals become activated once soaked in cold water for approximately 30 minutes, and then will stay cool for the rest of the day. The cooling vests can be worn over shirts, or under a protective suit to provide an excellent source of heat relief.The cooling vests measure 24 inches tall, and 16 inches wide. These are a one size fits most type of poncho design. The sides are open and have adjustable straps with snap-on buckles. Finally, the material is 100 percent cotton. Features:
  • Pull over poncho style
  • 1 3/8″ Yellow gloss reflective tape
  • Expandable sides with adjustable buckles
  • One size fits all

 

There are also MiraCool Bandannas, which work on the same principle.  They are great for outdoor workers, golfers, and athletes.  Once soaked with water for 30 minutes, they keep you cooled down for 18 holes, at least. 

If you have a way to carry these, here’s a suggestion you may not have heard before:

Purchase a pack of inexpensive washcloths from a dollar store, roll each up and secure with a rubber band.  Then toss them into a cooler of ice water for everyone to grab.  The neck and wrists are the best cooling points to choose, because the large arteries run close to the skin. 

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!  Water is the best choice, of course, but certain other drinks, such as Gatorade can help fight dehydration and fatigue on the job or at play.  Drinks with caffeine or alcohol can cause more damage than good, so leave those for later.  When we sweat, we lose weight, so we need to restore the weight lost by ingesting water.  Football and baseball players and other athletes that are exposed to extreme heat, should have plenty of water on hand during practice. 

Of course, it goes without saying that we must protect our heads, eyes, and skin.  For construction or other outdoor workers who must protect their heads by wearing hardhats, there are sunshields that fit well onto the hardhat for additional shade, as well as neck cloths.  UV rays can damage our eyes, so Polarized safety sunglasses can protect those peepers.  Regardless if you work outdoors or play outdoors, long-sleeve shirts and hats offer skin safety, along with plenty of sunscreen.  

Summer can be a fun time for vacations, but not-so-fun for those who must be out in the heat due to work or athletics.  Please take care of yourself by using the right precautions and protection.  Sunburn can be costly later down the line, while making you miserable at the time you experience it.  With the 4th Of July coming up, remember to drive safely, buckle up, keep your “cool” behind the wheel and have a safe holiday. 

We hope our tips on “chilling out” will help you this summer.  Be sure to check out all our cooling products, and if you mention you read it on the blog, there’ll be a 5% discount for you!

 

 

 

 

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

ESSENTIAL SAFETY EQUIPMENT FOR MOTOCROSS (GUEST POST)

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Essential Safety Equipment for Motocross 

Needless to say, Motocross is an exciting but very risky sport. As they usually take place in the outdoors, chances of accidents and subsequent injuries are higher. Flying particles like rock, dust, mud and other debris can compromise your vision and cause accidents. Alternatively, it is also possible that your motorbike may face mechanical difficulties during the race. To keep possible injuries to a minimum, it is important to invest heavily in safety.  

Most common Motocross injuries 

Being an extreme sport, injuries are very common in Motocross races. A medical research shows that at least 95% of Motocross racers sustain injuries after a race. These researchersafety s also pointed out that engaging in Motocross causes extreme stress to all parts of the body with most injuries commonly occurring during falls or crashes. Owing to the high speed and the force of crashes, injuries in Motocross events can be serious, including fatal spinal cord injuries. 

These injuries occur at bends of the track and during landing, making protective gear even more important. Some of the most common injuries include broken wrists, collar bones, ankles, joint sprains and the rupturing of the knee joint. Most physiotherapists recommend the use of knee braces, shoulder supports, wrist supports, ankle braces and wrist casts for motocross injuries. For muscle strains caused by the sport, you should opt for regular ice packs and cold therapy. Keeping a first aid kit handy is also a good option. 

Safety gear for Motocross events 

Considering the past record of Motocross events, injuries are a part and parcel of the game. However, there are many steps you can take to keep your injuries to a minimum. Every rider taking part in Motocross is required to have safety gear without which they are not allowed to participate. 

Motocross helmets are undoubtedly one of the most important parts of the safety gear as they are responsible for safeguarding your head and neck. You should also invest in high quality goggles made from tough and scratch resistant polycarbonate. This ensures that the goggles do not crack on impact and continue to shield your eyes. You should also invest in strong boots to protect your ankle, shin and foot from the stress of riding. Invest in quality gloves to protect your hands from impact. Boots and gloves also help you maintain a grip on your bike without being bound to it. 

Motocross clothing generally includes protective jackets, shirts and pants. It is important to protect your legs from injuries. To avoid small rocks and other particles hitting your legs and affecting your race, you should opt for padded motocross pants with additional internal lining for cushion. Riders also opt for Motocross jackets with chest guards as it is the largest area of impact during a crash. The chest is also most often exposed to strain from handle bars and protecting it with a multilayered shirt or jacket is a wise idea. 

Penny is an expert associated with POA Racing. a UK based online seller of quality Motocross equipment. The store stocks branded Motocross safety gear for racers including Motocross helmets, clothing and other essentials.

Thank you, Penny, for this interesting post on Motocross safety.  It is a very exciting sport for those who love taking risks; however, some folks may prefer a simple little bicycle for their mode of transportation!  We appreciate your participation on our Blog4Safety. pb