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Q&A: Creating the Best PPE Safety Program

by Julianne Bass 01/07/2016

PPE should be considered the last line of defense when it comes to protecting workers from the unavoidable hazards of their jobs, but let’s face it many companies rely on PPE to get the job done. When selecting, training your workforce and implementing a proper PPE Protection Plan, make sure you have answers to all of the important questions before making any decisions.

Q: What are critical components to any successful PPE program?

A: A successful PPE program starts with a proper assessment of the hazard area to ensure that your selection of PPE is correct. While all areas of your facility should be assessed on a regular basis, if there is one in particular that has a high number of accidents and injuries and requires PPE while performing task, start with a hazard assessment to pinpoint an exact solution. Then move on to selecting the right PPE. Not all PPE is created equally make sure that the specification needed for the job are met by the piece of protective wear that you are selecting. Once your PPE is selected be sure to train your workers on its importance, the proper way to use it, and follow up with fit tests, proper care, and inspections to make sure that if the quality of the PPE deteriorates that it is replaced in a timely manner.

Q: How often should PPE programs be updated?

A: At the very least your PPE program should be audited and updated on an annual basis to remain in compliance with OSHA regulations. However, many safety authorities recommend making regularly scheduled updates throughout the year or as needed.

Q: Does PPE have to be tested/inspected?

A: Outside of annual updates, PPE must be regularly examined by a qualified worker to make sure that it is still performing to the standard it should be as stated on manufacturer labels. Simple maintenance should be done by the user such as cleaning and proper storage.

Q: How should PPE be stored?

A: All PPE does not have the same storage instructions. As a rule, the specific piece of PPE your workers are using should be stored according to the instructions that came with it. Depending on the type of PPE if not stored properly it could deteriorate more quickly due to exposures to elements like dirt, sun, heat, cold etc.

Q: Is it ok to share PPE?

A: In general it is not a good idea to share PPE among coworkers. Outside of the obvious issues around the spread of germs and infectious disease, PPE often requires fitting it to the specific user. Unless specifically stated in manufacturer instructions it is advised against sharing PPE. Only having one user will also help in keeping clear maintenance and replacement records.

10 Ways to Beat the Stress of Working in the Summer Heat

by Julianne Bass 08/26/2014

Summer weather means temperatures are high, humidity is up, and any chance of a breeze is non-existent. But for a worker, it also means safety glasses fogging up, excessively sweaty hands from wearing gloves, pools of sweat inside the ears from plugs, difficulty in breathing because of respirators, and the list goes on. There is also the very real danger of heat stress. In these conditions, making sure your employees are wearing the required PPE can be quite a challenge. A risk assessment by a trained specialist is a wise investment to ensure both PPE requirements and your workers’ comfort are being met.

Here are ten other tips on how your outdoor workers can beat the summer heat: (more…)

Safety Threads: All PPE is NOT Created Equally

by Julianne Bass 08/08/2014

For every dollar spent on PPE OSHA estimates $4 are saved in costs from work-related health care and productivity losses. A coating, a textile structure, or interweaving of common place threads are all that stand between you and a life altering injury. Do you know exactly what goes into making these superhuman products? When developing products that will protect against hazards such as, a chemical spill, a fire, abrasion, or general workplace injury. There are many different approaches that go into protecting the end user.

Here are some important terms to know to help you better select your safety options in the future. When it comes to the selection of materials the rates below can differ depending on weight, density, weave, elasticity, and even color.

Permeation rate: the rate at which the chemical will move through the material. For example a more tightly woven material will provide greater protection than a fabric you can see right through. The higher the permeation rate the less protective the material.
Breakthrough rate: the time it takes a chemical to permeate completely through the material. Breakthrough is measured using a standardized test ASTM F739
Degradation: measurement of the physical breakdown of a material due to contact with a chemical. The slower the rate the more protective the product is. Signs of degradation include swelling, stiffening, wrinkling, changes in color and other physical deterioration.
Inherent: materials that have resistance built into their chemical fiber structures. This can never be worn away or washed out. For example aramid fibers are lightweight and extraordinarily strong, with five times the strength of steel on an equal-weight basis.
Treated: materials that are made resistant by the application of chemical additives. These treatments wear over time and will no longer provide protection. For example polyethylene coatings are applied to materials to increase their ability to repel liquids, as well as dry particulates

It is important to remember that just because a product is certified doesn’t mean it is the best cost effective option. Naturally products with a longer breakthrough rate made up of inherent materials will cost more than treated products.

No industry is completely safe whether you work in healthcare, manufacturing, construction, mining, chemical handling; all of these industries come with their own set of dangers. Keep in mind, there is no single solution to protect against all hazards, make sure the product you are selecting matches the hazard you are protecting against.

Stick It to the Man with Hard Hat Labels

by emedco 05/29/2014

Mike was getting ready to call it a day in the warehouse. As he was packing up his tools, a loud explosion was heard. Next thing he knew, plaster and debris were scattered everywhere. He escaped the accident with minor cuts and bruises because he was wearing a hard hat.

A warehouse worker’s job is no easy task. With potential hazards present, wearing hard hats and other personal protective equipment is critical for the health and safety of every warehouse worker. And it is your responsibility as employers and managers to make sure these safety hard hats are being used effectively at the site.

Encourage workers to wear safety hats with hard hat labels.

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Dress for Safety! Use PPE to Prevent Injuries and Save Lives!

by emedco 01/02/2014

Wherever there is modern industry, there is risk of accident and injury. And yet through this danger — some of it fatal — people literally build the foundations of modern society and economy.

It’s your responsibility as a business owner to attend to your workers safety as best as you can, and one of the best ways to do that is through the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

Protect yourself from construction’s top killer — a long fall!

Selecting the right kind of PPE can be complex and time-consuming. That’s why it’s usually simpler to match your choice of PPE with the threats your workers face.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) pays careful attention to every accident report, enforces safety standards, and regularly releases its own safety statistics. From their list of the top ten OSHA violations emerge the Fatal Four — the four most common causes of fatal accidents in the construction industry — and some PPE measures you can use to mitigate their dangers.

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Use Your Head: Why You Should Wear Hard Hats

by emedco 05/30/2013

The great French literary figure, Voltaire, once wrote, “Common sense is not so common.” Prove to Voltaire that he’s wrong, especially when it comes to workplace safety.

Whatever industry you are in, occupational hazards such as falls, shocks and burns can be lurking in the area. Safeguard yourself and your workers from such misfortunes by donning personal protective equipment (PPE) such as hard hats.

HEADSAVERS. Lightweight and comfortable Type I Hard Hats protect the top of your head.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration actually requires protective helmets in high-risk areas, so stay ahead of the curve and discover more reasons why you should invest in this heavy-duty cranial PPE. (more…)

The Lowdown on Safety Goggles

by emedco 11/29/2012

Eye safety is an essential issue in the workplace, especially if you work in construction and manufacturing. Any of your workers involved with handling power tools, saws, sanders or other equipment that may release airborne particles is at risk of having eye injury.

Safety glasses can filter 99.9 percent of UV radiation.

According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, more than 2,000 eye injuries requiring medical treatment occur daily in the workplace. These add up to more than 800,000 cases each year. In effect, more than $300 million are lost in production time, medical expenses, and workers compensation annually.

The good news is you can do something to prevent eye injury accidents by using personal protective equipment, specifically safety glasses, in this case. In fact, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration requires employers to ensure the safety of your employees in the workplace. Safety against hazards to the eye and face is no exception.

Provide your employees with the proper protection against exposure to various eye and face hazards such as flying objects, molten metal, chemicals, acids or caustic liquids. These eye and face personal protective equipment (PPE) include safety glasses, face shields, welding helmets, and goggles. Safety goggles, in particular, provide sufficient coverage, protecting your eyes while allowing you to see what you need to get the job done.

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The Ins and Outs of Confined Spaces

by emedco 09/25/2012

In every aspect of life, you should know what you are getting into. Confined spaces are no different. Before you or your workers enter a confined space, you should be aware of the potential hazards and the ways to avoid them. Read the rest of this article before you barge into a confined space and risk your safety.

Confined space products help you provide a secure and safe environment in areas with limited space.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration defines confined space as an enclosed area with limited means for entry or exit. If you look around, you will actually see a lot of confined spaces. You’d find storage bins, manholes, silos and mining sites, to name a few.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the unfavorable natural ventilation in confined spaces could contain or produce dangerous air contaminants. This means it’s not ideal for you to stay inside a confined space for a long time. Other confined space hazards you might find are explosions, panic attacks, ear injury, and collapses, which are more common in mining sites.

So, how can you or your workers avoid these hazards? Follow these steps from the Mine Safety and Health Administration:

1. Test and monitor the atmosphere. Before you enter a confined space, test the external atmosphere for oxygen content, flammability, and toxic contaminants. Make sure the oxygen content is at least 19.5%, which is the MSHA standard. Use a safety belt if the air seems dangerous.

2. Purge and ventilate. To remove air contaminants, you need to purge the confined space by ventilating the area. You need to do this before anybody enters the site.

3. Conduct trainings. Identify the hazards involved. Familiarize yourself with the entry and exit procedures. Remember the location of the safety equipment and first aid supplies and how to use them.

4. Use safety signs. Remind people of the hazards by posting safety signs. Confined space signs should be posted in multiple locations within the area. Block the entrance when work is not in progress.

Confined space signs clearly and effectively warn employees of confined space dangers.

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Maintaining Hard Hats- don’t overlook it!

by emedco 06/10/2010

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

Protective Wear Keeps Your Employees Safe and Your Company Running Strong

by emedco 12/10/2009

If you own a business you know that it is your employees that keep your business flowing smoothly and running properly. Your employees tend to become like your children in the fact that you want to keep them as safe as possible while on the job. There is no better way to accomplish this then by having your employees wear as much protective wear as possible.

Of course the protective wear that your employees will sport all depends on your type of business and fortunately there are companies like Emedco that make your safety wear solutions an absolute breeze. Here are few things that Emedco recommends and can provide for your employees to help protect them:

Hard Hats: First and foremast, if your employees are working in an area where there may be something that could fall on their heads, it is imperative that you provide your employees with hard hats. Emedco’s hard hats come in a wide variety of colors and styles and are made of a strong polyethylene. Best of all, their hard hats are in full compliance with OSHA standards.
Eye Protection: If your employees can’t see what they are doing they will be no good to anyone. Help them protect their eyes by supplying them with eye protection from Emedco. Their safety goggles come in many different styles and offer ANSI level protection from dust, dirt, and other debris. Many of the eye protection from Emedco do not even resemble anything safety related and look good enough to wear just about anywhere.
Hearing Protection: Though your employees may not notice it they may be having their hearing damaged by working in an environment that has a lot of loud machinery that is constantly on. Avoid any hearing loss from ever taking place by providing those closest to the source of the noise with hearing protection products from Emedco. You can choose to go with soft foam ear plugs or go all the way with personal ear muffs.
Back Belts: Another great product from Emedco is their heavy duty elastic back belts. These are a must if your employees will be lifting items on a constant basis throughout the work day. The elastic back belts will help prevent nasty back strain from occurring which will keep your employees safe and in the game.

Safety Signs: Emedco also offer a wide variety of safety sigs that can be used throughout the workplace. True your employees will not wear these, but you can use the signs to mark hazardous areas and let everyone know ahead of time that caution must be taken when entering the areas. You can also have semi-custom or custom safety signs made by Emedco that will help you to accurately spell out your safety rules and regulations.

When it comes right down to it there is nothing more important than protecting your employees. Emedco can help you keep your employees as safe as possible which will help you to ensure that your business is up and running on a consistent basis.

Written by Mb