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When working with hazardous substances such as gases, solvent powdered chemicals and sprays, RPEs (Respiratory Protective Equipment) are used to control exposure and improve air quality and ventilation. Today we’re going to discuss how, when and why RPE is necessary for the environment you’re in. 

Firstly, let’s discuss hazardous substances, what are they?

Hazardous substances are defined as any toxic, harmful, corrosive, irritant of asphyxia substance or a mixture of substances including dusts, fumes, gases, mists and vapors, that may produce adverse health effects in individuals when exposed to sufficient quantitates. The list can go on as common gases found in the household such as chlorine, ammonia and wood dust; have adverse effects on our respiratory organs, causing ill health and early death.

RPE is divided into two main types: 

• Respirators (filtering devices), use filters to remove contaminants in the workplace air. Filter selection and use requires due care and attention to ensure the safety of wearers. 

• Breathing apparatus (BA), needs a supply of air from a clean source (e.g. an air cylinder or air compressor). BA may be used in situations with reduced oxygen levels.

The law requires employers to prevent or control the exposure of employees and others to hazardous substances at work. RPE should be used as a last resort- when inhalation exposure risk remains after you have put every other practicable measure in place. It may also be used as additional protection in case other control measures fail to operate.

Good health, safety training and support can minimize or remove the risk to employees of respiratory health issues. Risk assessments should be carried out to reduce the effects of dangerous substances and environmental solutions put into place, for example adequate ventilation, warning signs and appropriate equipment. All employees should be kept properly informed about risks associated with the handling of dangerous substances and be provided with appropriate guidelines for handling them as well as relevant health checks.

Why is RPE a last choice for protection?

RPE only protects the wearer, controlling the environment around you can protect everyone working in the area. RPE should NOT be used in environments where oxygen levels are low.

To make sure wearers are getting the most protection from RPEs, it must be correctly selected, used and maintained. A mismatch between the RPE and the environment is costly & dangerous. 

Users should be trained to use and maintain RPE.

Safety Supply stocks half and full face RPE for your convenience. Our knowledgeable staff would be more than happy in assisting you with choosing the correct gear for your environment. Visit our website to see our selection. Click Here: http://bit.ly/2ENpP0k

The main purpose of Hi-Vis clothing is to improve your visibility, making you more identifiable in traffic, construction and low-light environments. This is particularly important when there is rain, fog or when the wearer may be obscured by trees, barriers etc.

Should you be wearing high visibility clothing? Ask these questions when assessing the situation for hazards.

·      Are you in an environment with moving traffic or equipment? 

·      Do the work conditions involve low visibility and traffic flow or machine operation?

·      What is your working environment; is it complex, cluttered or filled with equipment? 

·      What are the lighting conditions and weather conditions (fog, rain, sunlight)?

·      Consider the speed of the vehicles, the size of the vehicles and how fast they can stop on the conditions of the surface.

·      Are there any hazard controls in place such as barriers that separate the traffic from you?

Although Hi-Vis clothing is important, it should be the last defense for workers, and other measures should be put in place to protect workers from unnecessary hazards when working in low visibility environments. Safety Supply offers a wide range of reflective clothing, which can be embroidered with your company’s logo, for a more personalized look. Browse our products here: http://safetysupplyco.com/shop/clothing/reflective-gear

Let’s discuss it!

Hand injury or amputation causes the inability to function in a way that’s natural to you, such as buttoning clothing, eating daily meals, writing/signing a cheque and opening mail; these will all become strenuous tasks which heavily influences the quality of life you have. Hand injuries can vary from minor cuts or irritation to amputations. Some of the primary causes is the malfunction or improper use of equipment; although malfunctioning equipment is not directly something we can control; taking responsibility in wearing the necessary Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is the determining factor in if we lose a limb or not. Human error doesn’t mean we can’t handle the job, but it does mean we have a tendency to grow complacent and get distracted while working. One of the most common forms of human error is forgetting, or simply choosing not to, wear protective gloves at work.

So, whose hands are they anyway? Before you decide not to wear the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), here are some factors to take into consideration:

Responsibility: We all have the responsibility to not engage in risky behavior at work that could be detrimental to our health;  and to report any uncontrolled or unaddressed hazards.

Accountability: Machines, energy and chemicals WILL hold us absolutely accountable for our actions, whether we like it or not.

So, how can we prevent hand injuries? There are several practices employers and employees can implement to reduce the risk of hand injury: these are engineering controls, administrative controls and PPE. Engineering controls reduce hazards through the use of equipment that has built-in measures to protect the worker, and is always the preferred way to reduce workplace hazards.  Some common types of engineering controls include safety guards, electrical proximity limiting devices, emergency stop devices, and ergonomic tools. Administrative controls are procedures management puts in place, and are useful when engineering controls either cannot be implemented or cannot alone effectively reduce risk.  Safety training, lock and tag rules, warning signs, product substitution, and attention to ergonomic principles are all forms of administrative controls. Personal protective equipment (PPE) is worn to minimize hazards when engineering and administrative controls are not feasible or sufficient.  The PPE worn to protect hands are gloves.