Tag Archives: materials

General Safety Issues, Protective Clothing, Uncategorized

What Makes Flame Resistant Clothing Flame Resistant? (Guest Post)

Another great article sent to us by Maree Kyle.

For anyone who works closely with high temperatures and/or open flames, flame-resistant materials are an essential accessory. While these materials aren’t fireproof, they can offer just enough resistance to help you escape danger before a crisis breaks out. Flame-resistant materials can also slow the progress of an expanding fire, creating a larger window to combat the flames and subdue the fire before it gets out of hand. Not all flame-resistant materials are created equal. Understand what options are available to you and how they might affect what you are hoping to achieve by wearing protective clothing. Here’s a quick guide to how flame-resistant products are made and what you need to consider before investing in these materials.

Understanding the definition of flame-resistant

If you throw a flame-resistant shirt into a fire, it will burn. That’s because the materials aren’t immune to combustion; they’ve just been created to withstand heat for a period of time. If kept in contact with the heat source, though, they eventually will ignite. Even though flame-resistant gear, including shoe covers, coveralls and face shields, doesn’t provide an invincible barrier for its wearer, the protection is crucial in a number of industries, including welding and electrical work. Forgoing its use is both unwise and against safety regulations set forth by an employee’s company.

The materials used

Some types of fabric are naturally more resistant to combustion than others. Wool, for example, takes longer to ignite than many other fabrics. Generally speaking, synthetic materials take longer to burn than other natural fabrics. In the case of wool, tighter and heavier wool knits will be more fire resistant than loose, lightweight wool. No matter what type of material used, flame resistance can be enhanced by applying a chemical treatment that adds a layer of coating to the fabric fibers. In fact, most good flame-resistant products feature this chemical coating.

Maintaining materials to preserve their efficacy

One key to preserving the flame-resistance of protective clothing is washing the products according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. Certain soaps, fabric softeners and other cleaning methods can remove the chemical coating on the materials or otherwise reduce the flame resistance of the product. In some cases, cleaning products could leave a residue that serves as a fuel for combustion when exposed to a heat source. Find out the manufacturer’s recommendations for cleaning and follow those guidelines exactly to avoid ruining the fabric.

Regardless of how you plan to use flame-resistant materials, make sure you’re very careful in your handling of them to prolong their lifespan. If you’re counting on these materials to protect you in the event of an emergency, don’t take any chances. Observe safety precautions posted around your workplace, be very diligent in your care of the garments and their accessories and always be sure to invest in high-quality materials.

 

General Safety Issues

Four Things Your Employees Need to Know About Hazardous Waste, & Recyclable Oil (Guest Post)

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Hazardous Waste, Recyclable Oil, and 4 things your employees need to know. 

Being knowledgeable about the dangers of all chemicals in your workplace is the first step to a safer work environment.

As one of the most valuable resources the Earth has to offer, oil is commonly found in many workplaces, from factories and plants to gas stations and restaurants. While oil is necessary it can also be a danger to employees if not labeled and handled properly. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) outlines a number of safety guidelines to ensure workers handle all materials correctly.

The biggest and most important responsibility of an employer is being informed and protecting all employees. Here are four of the most important steps an employer can take to ensure safety:

Know The Materials You’re Working With

Often the words “waste oil” and “used oil” are used interchangeably, but they are not the same. Waste oil is oil that has been contaminated and cannot be used for its intended purpose. Waste oil can be hazardous and must be disposed of or stored according to strict OSHA regulations to prevent illness or accident. Used oil is oil that has been used for its intended purpose and can now be recycled and re-refined to be used again. Both types pose a threat to drinking water sources and thus must always be carefully handled.

Be Prepared

Oil is a class B fire hazard, meaning it requires specific fire extinguishers that use sodium or potassium bicarbonate. Chemical hazards can cause serious dangers when they are not thoroughly controlled. Oil can cause fires, explosions, and toxic emissions. Employers are also responsible for providing fire prevention information, safe exits, escape routes, and hazard communication. If people remain informed and prepared, many of the risks associated with oil use and storage can be prevented.

Provide Your Employees with Protection

OSHA requires that all businesses provide safety training, personal protective equipment, and an emergency action plan. By keeping up to date on regulations and guidelines, employers can ensure that they are not liable when things go wrong. Furthermore, employers are responsible for reporting any injuries or illnesses that occur while on the job. By doing so, they can prevent future accidents. Conducting business in a safe and secure way gives employers the power to be efficient.

Stay Up To Date

OSHA frequently releases new information and statistics to help businesses maintain the best possible working conditions. Each year OSHA holds a safety conference which presents the newest information available about conditions in the workplace. In addition, when employers receive new rules, regulations, or warnings they are responsible for relaying the information to their employees and taking the appropriate steps for compliance and improvement.

Having all information and safety equipment prominently displayed and explained will keep employers and employees safe and competent. While working with oil is often unavoidable, the dangers associated with it are avoidable and should be treated with care and concern. 

General Safety Issues, Protective Clothing

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE CLOTHING ANSWERS

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While researching protective clothing,  I checked our parent company,  Texas America Safety Company,( www.tasco-safety.com) and borrowed these charts that will be helpful to those who purchase protective clothing for their employees.  These figures may not be of interest to those who do not require this type of P.P.E.; however, I hope it will help others learn more about all the requirements and research that goes into keeping employees protected from the particular hazards they encounter in their every day jobs.

Industrial Standards

When the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) designated the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) to be responsible for the health and safety of workers in and around areas of hazardous materials and contaminated waste, OSHA responded by formulating an all encompassing compendium of safety regulations that prescribe operating standards for all aspects of OSHA projects. Almost 2 million people are affected by the OSHA Standard today.In 1990, additional standards proposed and developed by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) were accepted by OSHA. NFPA Standard 1991 set performance requirements for totally encapsulated vapor tight chemical suits and includes rigid chemical and flame resistance tests and a permeation test against 21 challenge chemicals.The basic OSHA Standard calls for 4 levels of protection, A through D, and specifies in detail the equipment and clothing requited to adequately protect the wearer at corresponding danger levels.  
  Level A represents the greatest danger of respiratory, eye or skin damage from hazardous vapors, gases, particulates, sudden splash, immersion or contact with hazardous materials. It calls for total encapsulation in a vapor tight chemical suit with self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) or supplied air and appropriate accessories. Level A chemical protective clothing can also be manufactured to meet NFPA 1991 specifications.
  Level B situations call for the highest degree of respiratory protection but a lesser need for skin protection. It calls for SCBA or positive pressure supplied air respirator with escape SCBA, plus hooded chemical resistant clothing (overalls and long sleeved jacket; coveralls; one or two piece chemical-splash suit; or disposable chemical-resistant coveralls.

Glossary of Terms

Polypropylene – A breathable material used for non-hazardous environments. Provides protection against dry particulates, paint, and light chemicals.

Tyvek – A material that provides protection in all kinds of industrial applications. Provides an excellent barrier in light splash situations, and dry particulates such as asbestos, lead dust and radioactive dusts. Also provides protection in food processing and painting.

Tyvek QC – Polyethylene coated. Provides excellent lightweight splash protection from many acids and other liquid chemicals, and pesticides.

PE Coated – A polyethylene coating which provides lightweight industrial chemical protection. Not suggested for use with extreme chemicals.

Tychem 9400 – A tough, durable, tear-resistant material which provides excellent protection against a broad range of chemicals.

Tychem SL – A lightweight fabric providing effective and economical protection against a broad range of industrial chemicals, including those used in agriculture and petroleum markets.

Vinyl Aprons, Hemmed – Made of high quality virgin vinyl resistant to acids, alkalis, solvents, chemicals, oils, fats, grease and salt. Provide reliable tear, abrasion and puncture resistance. Used in food processing, meat packing, assembly, restaurant work, and industrial maintenance.

Unhemmed Aprons – Identical to the above, but unhemmed. Used mainly with food processing, industrial maintenance, and other hygienic applications. Unhemmed are more economical.

Die-cut Aprons – Provide medium-duty splash protection and flexibility in industrial applications. Neck straps and tie straps are incorporated in this one-piece design making it even more economical.

Urethane Aprons – These aprons are lightweight, long lasting and very economical where water splash is likely. Ideal for food processing and heavy industrial abrasion areas.

PVC Aprons – Made from a thick 20 mil. PVC material. Used in rigorous work environments. Recommended for use in aircraft production, or battery manufacturing.

Hycar Aprons – Nitrile blend provides reliable abrasion and cut resistance for longer protection against oils, fats, chemicals, acids and grease. These rubber protective aprons can withstand the deteriorating effects of animal fats and greases while remaining flexible in cold environments.

Particulate Holdout – The filtration efficiency of a material, measured by the number of particulates per 100 that can be pulled through the material. Reported for 2 micron size particles.

Penetration Resistance – Material resistance to liquid penetration is measured using ASTM F903 – the outside surface of the material in question is exposed to the test chemical for one hour.

Permeation Resistance – ASTM F739 is used to measure the permeation resistance of materials. Permeation is the molecular movement of chemicals through a material. If exposure to chemical vapors is a concern, this data should be analyzed.

Tensile Strength – The force required to break a material apart by pulling it from opposing directions. Measured in pounds and is reported in two directions.

Burst Strength – The force required to break through a material.

MATERIAL PROPERTIES
  DuPont Tyvek® DuPont Tyvek® QC DuPont Tychem® SL
(SARANEX)		 DuPont Tychem® BR
(9400)
Basis Weight
(ASTM D3776-85; oz./yd.)		 1.2 2.1 3.1 5.3
 
Thickness
(ASTM D1777; mils)		 5.3 6 7.1 21
 
Strip Tensile
(ASTM D1682; MD lbs./in./CD lbs.)		 7.9/7.6      
 
Work to Break
(ASTM D1682; MD in.-lbs./CD in.-lbs.)		 2.4/2.1      
 
Tongue Tear
(ASTM D2261; MD lbs./in./CD lbs./in.)		 2.2/2/4      
 
Breaking Strength–Grab
(ASTM D1682-64, Sec. 5.3; MD lbs./CD lbs.)		   25/35 43/45 99/95
 
Mullen Burst
(ASTM D3786-87; psi)		   66 65 190
 
Tearing Strength–Trapezoid
(ASTM D1117-80; MD lbs./CD lbs.)		   7//5 11//10 25/24
 
Flammability
(CS-191-53; Section 1610)		 Class 1 Class 1 Class 1 Class 1
 
Shelf Life
(Years)		 5 10 4 10
  SARANEX 23P SARANEX 23P SARANEX 23P SARANEX 23P
WHICH GARMENTS SUIT YOUR WORK ENVIRONMENT?
TYPE MATERIAL USAGE FEATURES
Dry Particulate DuPont Tyvek® Limited Excellent barrier to many harmful dry particulates including asbestos, lead dust, glass-reinforced fibers and radioactive dusts.
  Polypropylene Limited Greater breathability than Tyvek, but not the same protection. Use for non-hazardous, low-linting applications; i.e. non-toxic spraying.
 
Chemical Protective Polycoated Du Pont Tyvek® QC Limited Tyvek which has been “quality coated” with 1.25 mils polyethylene. Offers splash protection against many inorganic acids, bases and other liquid chemicals.
  Dupont Tyvek®/Saranex® 23-P Limited A laminate of Dupont Tyvek® and Saranex 23-P film. Offers an effective barrier against a broader range of chemicals than polycoated Tyvek.
  Dupont Tychem® BR
(9400)		 Limited Excellent chemical resistance against a broad range of chemicals. Strong and durable, and offers the low cost, convenience and safety of a limited-use fabric. Used in Haz- Mat, industrial & other chemical applications.
  Hycar Reusable Nitrile rubber offers excellent chemical resistance and maximum wear.
  Vinyl Reusable Withstands fats, grease & cold; comfortable.
 
Cut & Abrasion Denim Reusable Abrasion resistant.
  Hycar Reusable Nitrile rubber; excellent wear.
  Du Pont KEVLAR® (knit & weave) Reusable Excellent cut resistance.
 
General Purpose Denim & Cotton Reusable Multi-purpose use.
  Poly Cotton Reusable Multi-purpose use.
  Leather Reusable Multi-purpose use.
     

Hopefully, these charts from Texas America Safety Company will answer questions you have regarding the most suitable protective clothing.  Once you have made your choice, training and proper maintenance of the PPE should be mandated.  T.A.S.C.O. can answer your questions about the right selections in all types of safety wear; and, remember, if you mention Blog4Safety with an order, you will receive a 5% Discount!

General Safety Issues, High Visibility Safety

HELPFUL INFORMATION ABOUT SAFETY VESTS

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A very important component of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is the safety vest, or surveyors vest.  Just about anywhere you go, you will see all types of workers wearing safety vests.  These vests play an important role to ensure that workers are more visible, especially in traffic areas.  There are several things to consider when purchasing safety vests. 

In your search for traffic safety vests, it’s likely you have come across products called A.N.S.I. Surveyor Vests.  ANSI stands for the American National Standards Institute.  ANSI, founded in 1918, is the voice of U.S. Standards and conformity assessment system.  The official U.S. representative to the International Standard Organization, the main mission of ANSI is to help along operational and business standards that allow the United States to become competitive in the global market.  OSHA identifies rules and regulations for all types of workplace vests, including fire safety vests, traffic vests, and vests worn by law enforcement.  It should be noted that ANSI does not directly set standards, but OSHA normally uses ANSI data, after both institutions have fully done their own testing.  OSHA also analyzes volumes of data regarding workplace safety and PPE.  In the protective equipment area, however, OSHA most often takes ANSI standards and uses them as their own.  Because ANSI safety vests are approved with a high standard that meets both reflective and observed visibility minimums, OSHA will also recommend that ANSI approved vests promote worksite safety and accident avoidance. 

Colors and Materials of Vests

 Non-ANSI approved traffic safety vests are used in Class 1, for low traffic areas (such as parking lot attendants.)  Most popular colors are orange, yellow, and lime green.  Class 2 (ANSI approved) traffic safety vests are used by workers where traffic speeds are usually 25 mph or less.  These vests are orange, yellow, or lime green.  Class 3 (ANSI approved) traffic safety (speeds in excess of 50 mph) vests must be the same colors for Class 2 and 3 ANSI safety vests, using highly reflective material, which can also be worn for nigh work.  Night work greatly increases potential hazards, meaning their vests should have reflective strips for high visibility.  There is also another, the LED safety vest, that lights up while working at night. 

Typical safety and surveyors vests are made up of mesh and solid materials.  Mesh furnishes a cooler vest in warm weather.  Some vests are made of mirror-like material that shines at night when exposed to a light source.  The vests also have different types of stripes on them, which adds to their visibility. 

Surveyors vests contain many more pockets than safety vests.  There are pockets both inside and outside the vests, as surveyors have to carry many small instruments, measuring tape, and other small tools, so the pockets are a necessary part of the vest.  Another type of vest is the Incident Command Vest.  These are different colors, such as navy, red, or black, and are used by law enforcement, EMS, and firemen.  These vests have a place for an identifying badge, or can be imprinted with professional identification. 

These days, people are staying out longer during the days and evenings, such as those who enjoy riding bicycles, jogging or running.  Safety vests are an ideal way for them to be seen, as well.  Safety products for work for athletes because they are sleek and not bulky, and are intended to keep citizens safe, too, as well as those who wear them to work each day.  Another good idea is to purchase some reflective strips for your children’s bikes, to help them be more visible to drivers.

Source: Life Tips, (Texas America Safety Company), OSHA

General Safety Issues, Respiratory Safety

A WEE BIT OF INFORMATION ABOUT NANOTECHNOLOGY

Do you have any idea what this is all about?  We didn’t, so we decided to do a little detective work to try to explain what Nanotechnology represents.  Quoting NNI, “Nanotechnology is the understanding and control of matter at dimensions between approximately 1 and 100 nanometers, where unique phenomena enable novel applications.  Encompassing nanoscale science, engineering, and technology, nanotechnology involves imaging, measuring, modeling, and manipulating matter at this length scale.”  Are you with us so far? 

  • A nanometer is one-billionth of a meter.
  • A sheet of paper is about 100,000 nanometers thick,
  • A single gold atom is about a third of a nanometer in diameter.
  • Dimensions between approximately 1 and 100 nanometers are known as the nanoscale. Unusual physical, chemical, and biological properties can emerge in materials at the nanoscale. These properties may differ in important ways from the properties of bulk materials and single atoms or molecules.

In other words, it is possible to create new materials and devices that will be used in medical diagnostics, electronics, computing, alternative energy and optics, just to name a few.  In 2008, the Project on Emerging Nanoscience estimated that over 800 manufacturers identified products that are available to the public containing nanomaterials such as titanium dioxide in sunscreen, cosmetics, and some food products, as well as silver in food packaging, clothing, disinfectant and household appliances.  

Nanoscale materials and their effects are found in nature all around us.  Researchers are trying to imitate the flexibility of spider silk, which is naturally reinforced by nanoscale crystals.  They have copied the nanostructure of lotus leaves to create water repellent surfaces used today for stain-proof clothing, fabrics, and materials.  Nanoscale materials are all around us, in volcanic ash, sea spray, and smoke from fire, for example.  Nanoscale tubes of carbon, 1/100,000 the diameter of a human hair, are very strong, and are being used to make bicycles, baseball bats and some car parts.  

Safety concerns for scientists and researchers who work with nanoscale materials are still being studied.   There are potential health risks such as ingestion (unintentional, hand to mouth), skin penetration, lung function, and respiratory problems.  Gloves, respirators, and lab coats are among the PPE that these professionals use for precautionary measures.  More data is needed to ensure their safety as they perform their experiments in this important, emerging field.  Research on workplace safety is a high priority for the agencies of the National Nanotechnology Initiative. Research funded by the National Science Foundation, National Institutes of Health, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Environmental Protection Agency, and the Departments of Energy and Defense all are contributing to our knowledge about potential effects of engineered nanomaterials on biological systems and recommended practices for working with nanomaterials. 

The U.S. has invested approximately $480 million from 2005 to 2011 for research and development, and environment, health and safety in this field.  Many other countries are involved in this technology,  including several European and Asian countries.

This amazing  process of making engineered materials from uniquely tiny physical and chemical properties is fascinating, even though we don’t completely understand it.

Source:  National Nonotechnology Initiative, NIOSH