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Head Protection: Traumatic Brain Injury

by with No Comment Head Protection

A Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) occurs when an external force—such as a blow, fall, or collision—damages the brain, affecting how it functions. TBIs can vary in severity, ranging from mild concussions to severe, life-threatening injuries. The nature of the damage can be immediate (primary) or may worsen over time (secondary), making quick medical attention essential.

Types of TBI

  1. Mild TBI (Concussion): The most common type of brain injury, often resulting from a minor blow to the head. While mild TBIs are typically less severe, they can still have lasting effects on a person’s cognitive and physical health.
  2. Moderate TBI: This type of injury causes more significant symptoms, including confusion, dizziness, and memory problems. The effects can last for weeks or months.
  3. Severe TBI: Severe TBIs result from significant trauma and can lead to permanent brain damage, coma, or even death.

Primary vs. Secondary Damage

  • Primary Damage: Occurs immediately after the injury, such as bruising or bleeding within the brain.
  • Secondary Damage: Can develop over hours, days, or weeks as the brain swells, leading to further damage that can be more difficult to treat.

Symptoms of Traumatic Brain Injury

The symptoms of TBI can vary depending on the severity of the injury and can affect both physical and cognitive functions. It’s important to recognize these symptoms as they may indicate a need for immediate medical attention.

Physical Symptoms

  • Headache: Often the first and most common symptom.
  • Convulsions or Seizures: Can occur with moderate or severe TBIs.
  • Blurred or Double Vision: A result of the brain’s visual processing being impacted.
  • Unequal Pupil Size: A sign of neurological distress.
  • Clear Fluid from Nose or Ears: Indicates possible brain trauma, such as a skull fracture.
  • Nausea and Vomiting: Often linked with a concussion or more severe TBI.
  • Slurred Speech: A symptom of more significant brain damage.
  • Weakness in Limbs or Face: Indicates brain injury affecting motor control.
  • Loss of Balance: A common result of head trauma.
  • Ringing in the Ears: A sign that the auditory nerves have been affected.
  • Unexplained Bad Taste: May indicate a TBI affecting brain functions related to taste.
  • Sensitivity to Light or Sound: Often associated with concussions.

Cognitive and Behavioral Symptoms

  • Loss of Consciousness: From a few seconds to several hours.
  • Confusion or Disorientation: Common after a blow to the head.
  • Memory or Concentration Issues: Difficulty recalling information or focusing.
  • Sleep Pattern Changes: Difficulty falling asleep, sleeping too much, or experiencing disturbed sleep.
  • Frustration or Irritability: Emotional shifts following a TBI.
  • Anxiety or Depression: Psychological effects that can develop following a brain injury.

Why Head Protection is Critical

The most effective way to prevent TBIs in industrial environments is through the use of proper head protection, such as hard hats or helmets. These protective devices are designed to absorb and dissipate the impact of a blow, reducing the risk of brain injury. Here are key reasons why head protection is crucial:

  1. Preventing Direct Impact: A hard hat can shield the head from falling objects or equipment, which are common causes of TBIs in industrial workplaces.
  2. Reducing Impact Force: Helmets and hard hats are specifically designed to absorb the force of an impact, minimizing the force that reaches the skull and brain.
  3. Protection in Hazardous Environments: In environments where slips, trips, and falls are common, hard hats provide an essential layer of protection against head injuries that may result from losing balance or falling.
  4. Compliance with Safety Regulations: Wearing head protection is a requirement in many industries, and following safety protocols helps ensure worker well-being and adherence to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards.

Traumatic Brain Injuries are serious and potentially life-altering incidents that can occur in a fraction of a second. With falls and falling objects being leading causes of injuries in industrial environments, ensuring that workers wear appropriate head protection is critical. The right helmet or hard hat can significantly reduce the risk of TBI, preventing not only immediate physical harm but also long-term cognitive and behavioral consequences. By prioritizing safety equipment and awareness, industries can reduce the frequency of TBIs and protect their most valuable asset—their workforce.

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Electrical Protection: Arc Flash Quick Facts

by with No Comment Electrical Safety

Arc flashes are one of the most dangerous electrical hazards in industrial environments. They occur when electrical current passes through the air between ungrounded conductors or between a conductor and the ground. The resulting explosion can cause severe injury or even death. Understanding the extreme conditions generated by an arc flash can help in implementing better safety measures and mitigating these risks.

Here’s a closer look at the key dangers of arc flashes:

  • Temperature: Arc flashes can generate temperatures as high as 35,000°F—four times hotter than the surface of the sun. This intense heat is capable of vaporizing metal and igniting fires, creating life-threatening conditions in the blink of an eye.
  • Speed: Arc flashes happen in less than a second, reaching speeds of up to 700 miles per hour in milliseconds. The rapid expansion of hot gases can lead to devastating effects on nearby individuals and equipment.
  • Pressure: The explosive force of an arc flash creates a pressure wave, commonly referred to as an “arc blast.” This wave can knock a person off balance, send debris flying, and potentially cause concussions or serious internal injuries.
  • Sound: The sound of an arc flash can reach up to 140 dB, comparable to the noise produced by a jet engine or gunshot. Such intense sound levels can cause instant, irreversible hearing damage or rupture eardrums, further endangering those in the vicinity.
  • Light: An arc flash produces an intensely bright light, reaching over 1 million lux just three meters from the source. A recent test recorded 13.1 million lux—130 times brighter than direct sunlight. This extreme light intensity can cause permanent eye damage or blindness if proper eye protection is not used.
  • Prevalence: Arc flashes are common in industries involving high-voltage electrical systems, such as manufacturing, utilities, oil and gas, and construction. In these environments, workers are often exposed to the potential for arc flash incidents, making safety precautions and training essential.

Arc flashes are not just rare occurrences—they are significant and present hazards in many industries. The extreme heat, pressure, sound, and light generated by an arc flash pose substantial risks to workers. Proper training, protective equipment, and safety protocols are crucial in preventing and minimizing the devastating effects of these electrical explosions. Prioritizing safety helps to protect both workers and the integrity of critical electrical systems.

ELECTRICIAN WITH A SPARK

Electrical Protection: Types of Hazards

by with No Comment Electrical Safety

Many industries face significant electrical hazards, including construction, mining, manufacturing, oil and gas, automotive, and electrical work. Understanding the types of electrical hazards and the proper safety measures is crucial to protecting workers from potentially fatal injuries.

Electrical Shock

Electrical shock is one of the most common electrical hazards. It occurs when the human body comes into contact with an electric current. The severity of an electrical shock depends on several factors, including:

  • Amount of current: Higher current typically results in more severe injury.
  • Duration of exposure: Longer contact with electricity increases the risk of damage.
  • Path through the body: The severity varies depending on the path the current takes through the body. For example, a current passing through the heart or brain can be fatal.
  • Frequency: The type of electrical current (AC or DC) and its frequency can also affect the level of harm.

Arc Flash

An arc flash is a type of electrical explosion caused by an arc fault. It generates intense light and heat, with temperatures reaching up to 20,000°C (36,000°F)—hot enough to cause severe burns or even vaporize skin. Arc flashes are incredibly dangerous, as they can occur without warning and spread rapidly.

Arc Blast

An arc blast refers to the pressure wave created by an arc flash. This pressure wave can cause significant damage to the body, including:

  • Serious injuries to internal organs
  • Traumatic brain injuries due to the force of the blast
  • Hearing loss due to the extreme sound pressure levels

Arc blasts can produce sound levels exceeding 140 dB, which is louder than a jet engine and can result in permanent hearing damage.

Sound Blast

The sound generated by an arc blast can exceed 140 decibels—a level that is capable of causing permanent hearing loss. Prolonged exposure to such intense noise levels is highly dangerous.

Arc-Rated vs. Flame-Resistant PPE

It’s important to understand the difference between arc-rated (AR) and flame-resistant (FR) personal protective equipment (PPE).

  • Flame-resistant (FR) PPE is designed to resist ignition and self-extinguish if exposed to flame.
  • Arc-rated (AR) PPE is specifically tested to protect against the high-intensity energy released by an arc flash or arc blast.

While all arc-rated PPE is flame-resistant, not all flame-resistant PPE is arc-rated. Arc-rated gear is subjected to rigorous testing to ensure it can withstand the extreme heat and energy generated by an arc flash, offering a higher level of protection for workers in electrical environments.

GAS DETECTOR

Gas Detection: Calibration

by with No Comment Gas Detection

Calibration is the process of configuring an instrument to provide the needed result within an acceptable range. It’s the process of ensuring that the instrument is working properly and avoids inaccurate readings. Gas Monitors are life saving instruments that must be calibrated regularly in order to function.

ANNUAL SERVICE

Manufacturers often offer annual inspection. If they don’t, it is highly suggested to get an authorized company to do a full recalibration and (if necessary) repair at least once a year. Even if this is done, gas monitors require regular bump tests and self calibrations to be done onsite by users.

BUMP TEST

This is when you hold the gas detector to a certain level of the gas hazard it is intended for long enough to cause an alarm. It checks that the gas detector is working at all. This should happen BEFORE EVERY USE. If it fails, it needs to be recalibrated.

SELF CALIBRATION

This is done using an internal menu within the gas detector. It requires exposure to the gas blend it was designed for in order to re-establish the accuracy of the sensors. It is IMPERATIVE to use the exact gas concentration and blend for the brand of monitor and to check the expiration dates. If it fails, it must be repaired. Frequency of calibration varies. Always follow manufacturer instructions.

Learn more about common challenges in gas detection HERE.

Learn more about types of monitors HERE.

Browse our Gas Detection here.

profile view of Man using gas monitor to detect gas in confined space

Gas Detection: Types of Monitors

by with No Comment Gas Detection

Gas detection is no joke. It’s a matter of life and death. That’s why gas detectors are an indispensable tool across various industries. They save lives, prevent explosions, and protect against harmful chemical exposures. 

But how can we detect gas leaks and hazards that are practically invisible? There are several types of gas monitors for all types of hazards.

PORTABLE vs FIXES

Fixed monitors: stay put, constantly scanning for gas hazards in specific areas. Portable detectors: move with the user, providing real-time assessments of gas presence. They’re particularly useful in rarely visited areas that may accumulate toxic gases or have low-oxygen environments.

However, it’s not one-size-fits-all when it comes to gas detection. Different gases pose different risks and require different detection methods. Flammable gases, toxic gases, asphyxiating gases, and combustible gases all need specific detection equipment to ensure accurate monitoring and appropriate responses. 

TOXICITY SENSORS

Toxicity Sensors sample the air for known toxic gases.

Metal Oxide Semiconductor (MOS): Ideal for gases like (CO) & (HS2). Detect changes in electrical conductivity when gases come into contact with a metal oxide surface. Electrochemical: Designed to detect toxic gases&oxygen deficiencies. Rely on chemical reactions that occur at the electrode surfaces when gas comes into contact with the sensor.

LES Sensors

For combustion hazards and the detection of explosives and flammables

Catalytic Bead Sensors: Great for flammable gases; utilizes a heated wire coated with a catalyst that promotes oxidation of combustible gases.

Infrared (IR) Sensors: Perfect for hydrocarbons and combustible gases, based on absorption of infrared light at specific wavelengths.

Photoionization Detectors (PIDs): Great at detecting multiple threats; utilizes UV light to ionize gas molecules, allowing for the detection of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other gases.

Many gas detection systems can be seamlessly integrated with other safety systems, like fire alarms and ventilation systems. This allows for centralized monitoring, coordinated responses, and enhanced safety management. 

Don’t forget about calibration! Regular calibration ensures that detectors function correctly, providing accurate readings and timely alerts. It compensates for sensor drift, environmental factors, and aging components. So, stay on top of your calibration game. Learn more about calibration HERE.

Gas detection is serious business, but with the right tools and knowledge, you can protect yourself, your team, and your site. Don’t leave it up to chance – invest in gas detectors and ensure everyone’s safety.  

Learn more about common challenges in gas detection HERE.

Learn more about calibration practices here.

Browse our Gas Detection here.

  1. https://dodtec.com/news/a-beginners-guide-to-different-types-of-gas-monitors.html 
  1. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/ensuring-safety-comprehensive-guide-gas-detection-calibration/ 
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ANSI vs OSHA

by with No Comment OSHA / ANSI

Every year OSHA releases the top citations they cited. Citation cost companies money and put employees at great risks. Fall Protection is all over this list, and has been at the top of the list for TWELVE YEARS INA ROW! Fall Protection is one of the most important as a fall is one of the highest risk of debilitating injury or death.