Fire Fighter

AR vs FR Clothing

by with No Comment AR/FR

FLAME RESISTANCE

Made from engineered fibers that inherently resist ignition or self extinguish once source of flame is removed and inhibit fire spread. Can be washed as many times as needed, and it does not compromise FR properties. Examples: Dupont Nomex, Dual Hazard and Modacrylic

FIRE RETARDANT

Made from fabrics that are flammable and treated with flame-retardant chemicals that make it flame resistant. Flame resistant materials may also be treated to increase protection. The flame-retardant properties may diminish over time. On the tag, you will see max number of washes before it is no longer flame-retardant. Typically more cost effective. Examples: Westex Indura and Ultrasoft

ARC-RATED

Arc rated clothing measure the insulation of FR fabrics, designed to protect from the intense heat AND energy from arc flashes. Arc ratings determine how much energy the fabric can block before it can cause 2nd degree burns to the wearer. AR clothing is required when employees are near or working on exposed live parts greater than 600v.

All arc-rated clothing are flame resistant, but not all FR clothing is arc-rated.

PRIMARY FR

Protective clothing that is engineered for the primary purpose of providing protection against flame and thermal hazards.

SECONDARY FR

Protective clothing that is designed to be worn with FR clothing without negatively impacting the FR protective levels of the primary clothing. It has basic FR protection and does not ignite and continue to burn once source of flame is removed. However, It should NOT be worn next to skin, rather should be layered over proper FR clothing. Essential for multi-hazard environments.

Learn more about the dangers of burn hazards here.

Browse our Arc Rated and Flame Resistant Clothing.

Learn the difference between Arc Flashes, Arc Blasts, Flash Fire and Combustible Dust.

Arc flash

AR/FR Workwear: Arc Flash vs Flash Fire vs Combustible Dust

by with No Comment AR/FR

ARC FLASH/ARC BLAST

Arc flashes occur when an electric current passes through air between underground and grounded conductors, causing temperatures reaching up to 35000° F. Arc Blasts are waves of pressure that can reach up to 2100 PSI, enough to throw a full grown human and heavy equipment to the ground. Both are serious electrical hazards that can cause serious injuries and fatalities

Arc Flash Prone Industries:

  • Electricians
  • Electrical Engineers
  • Maintenance Techs
  • HVAC Technicians
  • Facility Managers
  • Utilities
  • Electrical Contractors
  • Linemen
  • Inspectors
  • Equipment Installers

FLASH FIRE

Short duration fires, 3 sec. or less, that can spread rapidly through a diffuse fuel, such as gas or the vapor of an ignitable liquid, without producing damaging pressure and reach up to 1900° F. They are characterized by high temperature, short duration and rapidly spreading. Flash Fires can cause severe burns, injuries, and fatalities.

Flash Fire Prone Industries:

  • Oil and Gas Industry
  • Chemical Manufacturing
  • Fossil Fuel Power Generation
  • Plastics Manufacturing
  • Tobacco Manufacturing
  • Pesticides Manufacturing

COMBUSTIBLE DUST

Fine particles (fabric, wood, metals, plastics, chemicals, food products) that can cause fire / explosion when suspended in air. These particles form a dust cloud, and if exposed to a spark or heat, and can ignite and explode. This often occurs during material processing, handling, or storage.

Combustible Dust Prone Industries:

  • Textile Mills
  • Apparel Manufacturing
  • Lumber Mills
  • Paper/Pulp Manufacturing
  • Wood Products Manufacturing
  • Grain Mills
  • Food Processing
  • Machinery Manufacturing
  • Rubber and Plastics
  • Manufacturing
  • Fabricated Metal
  • Product Manufacturing

Learn more about the dangers of burn hazards here.

Learn the difference between types of AR/FR clothing.

Browse our Arc Rated and Flame Resistant Clothing.

ELECTRICIAN

AR/FR Workwear: FR Workwear

by with No Comment AR/FRProtective Workwear

In industries with potential hazards like heat, fire, electricity, or explosives (think construction, oil and gas, firefighting), workers need protection. That’s where flame-resistant (FR) and fire-retardant (FR) clothing come in. These garments are a form of personal protective equipment (PPE) designed to keep workers safe. 

But it’s not just a suggestion – in certain industries and under certain conditions, providing and caring for FR workwear is a strict requirement from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). They demand that workers in specific situations wear clothing that resists burning when exposed to electric arcs and flames. And employers have to foot the bill for providing this lifesaving gear. Employers must do so when:  

  1. The employee is exposed to contact with energized circuit parts operating at more than 600 volts; 
  2. An electric arc could ignite flammable material in the work area that, in turn, could ignite the employee’s clothing; 
  3. Molten metal or electric arcs from faulted conductors in the work area could ignite the employee’s clothing, or 
  4. The incident heat energy estimate exceeds 2.0 cal/cm2 (p. 390). 

But it’s not enough to just have the right clothing – upkeep is vital too. According to OSHA, Employers are responsible for making sure FR garments are properly cleaned and maintained so they don’t lose their protective ability. 

So what exactly is FR clothing? Well, it’s clothing that stops burning as soon as the flame or electric arc is removed. It won’t melt immediately either, which helps prevent burns from residual heat transfer. There are two types: flame-resistant materials, which naturally resist flames and heat, and fire-retardant materials, which have been treated to become flame-resistant. Both offer sufficient protection. 

  • To ensure FR clothing works effectively, OSHA provides some guidelines: 
  • Choose clothing based on the worst-case exposure for the task. 
  • Make sure it fits well and provides comfort. 
  • Roll down and secure sleeve cuffs. 
  • Fully fasten all garments, including outerwear. 
  • Keep clothing free of flammable substances like oil or grease. 
  • Wear appropriate protective coverings for the neck, face, eyes, head, hands, and feet. 
  • All outerwear must be flame-resistant to maintain protection. 
  • Undergarments beneath the outerwear should either be FR or made of 100% natural fibers. 

Now, let’s talk about measuring the protectiveness of your FR clothing – the Arc Rating or Arc Thermal Protective Value. This rating tells you how much heat the fabric blocks when exposed to an electric arc. The higher the arc rating, the more protection you get against severe risks. And it’s measured against the Hazard/Risk Category (HRC) scale, with 1 being the lowest risk and 4 being the highest risk. The minimum arc rating for HRC1 is 4, HRC2 is 8, HRC3 is 25, and HRC4 is 40. 

Here’s a pro tip: Wearing multiple layers of arc-rated clothing will give you even more protection. Some workers swear by wearing 3-4 layers for maximum safety. 

It’s important to note that not all FR clothing is arc rated. To guarantee protection, invest in ARC rated clothing that meets the standards. Also, remember, FR clothing is not fire-proof. If exposed to extreme hazards or for extended periods, the fabric can still heat up or burn, causing serious injury. Avoid synthetic garments underneath FR clothing and remove yourself from hazards as quickly as possible. 

Lastly, keep in mind that FR clothing doesn’t protect against explosive forces or other hazards professionals may face at work. Proper hazard assessment, acquiring all necessary PPE and making sure all PPE functions correctly when used together is essential for complete protection. Your safety matters, so take the time and effort to protect yourself on the job. 

Learn more about the dangers of burn hazards here and browse our Arc Rated and Flame Resistant Clothing.

Read more about protective workwear like HI-VIZ and COVERALLS.

Are you more of a visual learner? Watch our expert led webinar on FR Workwear HERE.

  1. HTTPS://WWW.FROUTLET.COM/BLOG/AN-OVERVIEW-OF-OSHAS-FR-CLOTHING-STANDARDS 
  2. HTTPS://AMERISAFEGROUP.COM/A-BRIEF-OVERVIEW-OF-FLAME-RESISTANT-CLOTHING-STANDARDS-AND-PRACTICES/ 
  3. HTTPS://TYNDALEUSA.COM/FR-SAFETY-RESOURCES/TECHNICAL-LIBRARY/FREQUENTLY-ASKED-QUESTIONS/FLAME-RESISTANT-CLOTHING-BASICS-FAQS/#:~:TEXT=FLAME%20RESISTANT%20CLOTHING%20STOPS%20BURNING,AGAINST%20THE%20SKIN%20%E2%80%93%20IS%20REMOVED 
  4. HTTPS://WWW.POWERMAG.COM/FLAME-RESISTANT-CLOTHING-EVERYTHING-YOU-NEED-TO-KNOW/ 
Female Construcion Worker Looking Out From New Home Framing with the sun shining

Heat Stress Prevention Onsite

by with No Comment Heat Stress

Ah, summertime! While we all may be enjoying some outdoor fun in the sun, it’s important to remember that for many industrial and construction workers, the heat brings danger. Whether it’s around heat-generating machinery, under the scorching sun, or in stuffy areas with no ventilation; heat stress is a dangerous illness that can sneak up on you.

Heat stress causes dizziness, confusion, muscle weakness, cramps, vomiting, and fainting. Not exactly a recipe for a productive workday.  (Learn more about heat stress and symptoms here.)

Not only are these symptoms dangerous on their own but when you’re on a worksite, the risks can escalate even further. Imagine trying to handle heavy machinery, carry hefty objects, or work at dizzying heights while feeling like a hot mess. Your risk of an accident increases.  

And if you’re one of those brave souls who have to wear heavy protective gear while you work, your risk of heat exhaustion goes up, since you can’t simply take off you’re your gear to cool down. 

So how does your body protect itself against heat stress? Your body regulations your internal core temperature through thermoregulation. Shivering and sweating are both mechanisms of thermoregulation. Sweating is the body’s main way of cooling off but while doing so it releases water and necessary electrolytes.

But heres the kicker: if the temperature in your environment is higher than your natural body temperature (98.8°F), your bodys natural defense mechanisms are simply not enough.  

How do you protect yourself from heat stress?

First line of defense: control of the heat. Whenever possible, try to control the heat in your work environment. This could mean implementing ventilation systems, fans or air conditioning to move around stale air and bring in fresh, cool air. 

Administratively speaking, all workers should have regular breaks in a cooler area where they can rehydrate and lower their body temperature.  

New workers should be given some extra time to acclimate to working in the high heat, even experienced workers who have taken more than a week off should take some acclimation time. The body is incredibly resilient but needs time to adjust. Ease into the high heat activities to avoid any harsh consequences. Read more about acclimatization here.

Once you’ve done what you can to control the heat, then move onto these measures.

STAY HYDRATED. And I’m not just talking about chugging a gallon of water in one go. Nope, electrolytes like sodium and chloride need to be replenished. Electrolyte drinks are a great way to do that, but remember to consume them steadily throughout the day. Trying to replenish electrolytes all at once can do more harm than good.  Read more about electrolytes here.

Don’t forget about protective clothing! Visors, cooling towels, cooling vests and sunshades can be little superheroes that keep the body cool and comfortable.  Browse our cooling products HERE.

Lastly, if you’re working out in the sun – always make sure you have access to a shaded area. Trust us, being in direct sunlight can make the heat feel 10-15 degrees warmer. So take breaks or even work under the shade whenever possible to protect yourself from overheating.  

Everyone should take heat stress seriously, regardless of experience. With the right engineering and administrative controls, coupled with protective clothing, proper hydration (drink those electrolytes!) and a shaded area—you’ll be ready to tackle your hot workday as safely as possible.  

Are you a visual learner? Watch our expert-led webinar on “Heat Stress on Worksites” here.

Browse our Heat Stress products here.

Sources:

  1. https://www.safeopedia.com/how-heat-plays-a-factor-in-workplace-incidents/2/8234 
  1. https://www.safeopedia.com/a-sweaty-situation-ppe-hydration-and-how-to-manage-both/2/8062 

construction worker sweating

What Is Heat Stress?

by with No Comment Heat Stress

With summer quickly approaching, along with the peak of construction season, it’s crucial to turn our attention to HEAT STRESS PROTECTION.

On the west coast, where warmth graces our workdays throughout the year, the significance of heat stress protection becomes even more pronounced during the summer months. ☀

The first crucial step of safety under warm conditions is understanding the causes and recognizing the early signs of heat stress.

To understand Heat Stress, you must first understand the process within the body that regulate temperature.

HOMEOSTASIS: the self regulating process by which our bodies maintain stability, which includes the regulation of body temperature

THERMOREGULATION: a homeostatic process that allow the human body to maintain its core internal temperature of 98.6°F. Sweating and shivering are both mechanism to return the body to its internal core temperature. Sweating is the bodys main defense against overheating.

What is HEAT STRESS?

Heat stress occurs when the body cannot cool itself through sweating because the surrounding air temperature is close to or exceeds core body temperature (98°F). Heat Stress can lead to Heat Exhaustion which can lead to the more severe Heat/Sun Stroke.

OSHA warns that we should start protecting against heat stress starting at temperatures of 80°F. Anything above 90°F is cause for workers to be extremely cautious. If relative humidity is high, we should start paying attention at even lower temperatures.

HEAT INDUCED ILLNESS AND SYMPTOMS

HEAT INDUCED ILLNESSTHE BODY RESPONSESYMPTOMS
HEAT EXHAUSTION:
WATER DEPLETION
SALT/ELECTROLYTE
DEPLETION		Dehydration, excessive sweating
which leads to excessive water
and electrolyte depletion		Muscle cramps
Nausea
Pale, clammy skin
Profuse sweating
Rapid heatbeat
Confusion
Dark colored urine
Dizziness or fainting
Fatigue
Headache
HEAT OR SUN STROKE:
very serious, can cause death
or permanent disability		The body stops sweating. Core temperatures reaches critical
levels. At 105°F, the brain and o
ther organs can be damaged		Internal Temp Above 100°F
Confusion, disorientation, staggering
Dizziness/lightheadedness
Red, hot or dry skin
Rapid, shallow breathing
Rapid heartbeat
Seizures
Unconsciousness
Fainting
Throbbing Headache

As you can see, heat stress is not something to be taken lightly. It is also something that can sneak up on you, so preventative measures are much better than reactive measures. Acclimatization, Electrolyte replenishment and cooling PPE are a great way to prevent these dire illnesses.

Stay informed. Stay hydrated. Together, we can tackle the heat and continue to build and grow, no matter the temperature.

Are you a visual learner? Watch our expert-led webinar on “Heat Stress on Worksites” here.

Sources:

  1. https://www.safeopedia.com/how-heat-plays-a-factor-in-workplace-incidents/2/8234 
  1. https://www.safeopedia.com/a-sweaty-situation-ppe-hydration-and-how-to-manage-both/2/8062 

HARDHATS ON A LEDGE ON A CONSTRUCTION SITE

OSHA Personnel Switch to Safety Helmets

by with No Comment Head ProtectionOSHA / ANSI

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) made an important announcement in December 2023 regarding worker safety . All OSHA staff members are now required to switch from a traditional hardhat to modern Safety Helmets while onsite (1). This change aligns with the industry-wide trend of replacing traditional Type I hardhats with Type II Safety Helmets, which offer superior protection (2).

OSHA released a Safety Bulletin in November 2023 on Head Protection detailing the important differences between hardhats and safety helmets. OSHA cites recent research that has shown that most onsite deaths are caused by head trauma (1). Hardhats, usually associated with the ANSI type I for head protection, have been commonly used on worksites but only offer protection from impact on the top of the head. Safety Helmets, usually the ANSI Type II, provide not only top protection but also added protection for the sides of the head. There is an optional chin strap, ensuring that the helmet remain secure. It’s becoming increasingly clear that in order to mitigate the huge risk of head trauma, traditional hardhats are simply not enough. The safety helmets simply offer more, much needed protection. The recent research on head trauma onsite prompted major general contractors, like Clark Construction, to mandate Type II Safety Helmet use back in 2022 (2). OSHA appears to be following suit.

Although wearing a Type II Safety Helmet is not currently an OSHA requirement, they strongly recommended safety helmets for people working in the construction, oil and gas industries; in high-temperature, specialized work and low-risk environments; when performing tasks involving electrical work and working from heights; and when required by regulations or industry standards (3).

This policy change set forth by OSHA for their own staff, and recommendations across industries, sends a strong message. It highlights the importance of advanced safety measures and demonstrates alignment with industry leaders. Does this mean that a concrete OSHA law change for industry is on the horizon? It’s unclear. However, the research and industry leaders are very clear: Type II Safety Helmets should be the safety standard industry-wide.

Browse our head protection here.

Browse our safety helmets here.

  1.  https://www.osha.gov/news/newsreleases
  2. https://www.clarkconstruction.com/news/clark-require-trade-contractors-switch-hard-hats-safety-helmet
  3. https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/publications/safety_helmet_shib.pdf
spill

Spill Kit Essentials

by with No Comment Spill Kits

Spills happen – it’s an inevitable part of life and an inevitable part of many workplaces. Enter the spill kit! Spill kits serve as accessible toolkits equipped with necessary tools and PPE designed to contain and clean up spills efficiently. Spill kits are especially crucial for organizations dealing with hazardous chemicals, including mining companies, industrial facilities, automotive repair centers, and hospitals.  

So, what’s the lowdown on spill kits? From hazardous chemical to automotive oil spills, spill kits are available for every kind and every size of spill. A standard 30-gallon spill kit typically includes absorbent pads for immediate liquid absorption, absorbent socks to surround and contain the spill, absorbent pillows with a higher liquid capacity, goggles for protection during cleanup, nitrile gloves to shield hands, disposable bags for easy disposal of used absorbents, and an instruction sheet addressing common questions about spill kits.  

Various types of spill kits are tailored for specific purposes. General-purpose or universal spill kits handle a range of liquids, such as coolants, paint, solvents, and non-toxic fluids. Biohazard spill kits are designed for cleaning hazardous body fluids in healthcare settings, while haz-mat spill kits specifically address chemical spills of a caustic and aggressive nature. Laboratory spill kits target spills in lab settings, oil spill kits absorb hydrocarbon-based spills, and chemical spill clean-up kits are suitable for facilities dealing with corrosive or acidic liquids. Specialized spill kits, such as mercury spill kits and battery acid spill kits, address unique spill scenarios. Small spills can often be immediately controlled through neutralization or absorption, typically not requiring emergency response teams. Large spills can pose various safety hazards, necessitating prompt response from emergency teams within and beyond the immediate release area. 

When dealing with spills, always remember DRAINS – If a spill heads towards a storm or sewer drain, it’s bad news for everyone – people, water supply, and even the local wild and plant life.

Lastly, spill kits need to be accessible. Store them in well-lit, well-marked spill stations. If storm or sewer drains are lurking nearby, keep drain covers handy. Cleaning up spills in drainage systems is costly and nerve-wracking. 

So, there you have it – all about spill kits!  

Browse our spill kits HERE.

  1. https://trdsf.com/blogs/news/what-are-spill-kits 
  2. https://www.absorbentsonline.com/spill-containment-blog/spill-kits-basics/ 
Happy Safety Manager

Safety Managers: Overcoming Resistance to Change

by with No Comment Safety Managers

A safety manager’s job is no walk in the park. They have to handle training, compliance, and getting the necessary safety gear. But one of the biggest challenges they face is getting others to buy into safety changes. Prioritizing safety often means changing the way things are done, which can make people resistant. Employers worry about their budget and deadlines, while employees worry about their time and their product. So, how can a safety manager overcome this resistance? 

One key approach is to make sure that safety goals are a fundamental part of the company’s values, KPIs, and goal measurement systems. If the importance of safety is clearly stated, the safety manager can use that to push for necessary changes. 

When faced with resistance, safety managers can choose from four tactics: 

Feed it – If the safety leader themselves shows resistance, how can they expect their team to embrace change? Employees look to their supervisors for guidance, so it’s important for managers to support the changes and avoid contradicting them through their actions and decisions. When managers make statements like “they want you to” or “I don’t necessarily agree, but we have to,” or contradict the change through their decisions and actions, employees perceive the change as optional. This kind of leadership behavior only fuels resistance. When discussing resistance with leaders, the safety manager must stand firm as the team’s advocate, having full faith that the changes will ensure safety.  

Ignore it – It’s a common mistake for managers to assume that the changes being made aren’t a big deal and that employees will eventually get on board. But the reality is that resistance to change should be expected and planned for. Ignoring it only prolongs the inevitable and makes it more difficult to overcome. Addressing resistance promptly and effectively, with both leaders and employees, is crucial. 

Avoid it – Nobody likes to be the bad guy, and most people try to avoid conflict if they can. Some managers may keep conversations about resistance brief and shy away from seeking feedback from leaders and employees. They keep themselves busy with other tasks to avoid addressing the issue. However, resistance can only be avoided for so long before it becomes a major obstacle. Sooner or later, it must be confronted. Avoiding it only wastes more time and effort in the long run.  

Unearth it – This is the most successful way to tackle resistance. It involves recognizing and acknowledging the resistance and bringing it out into the open. Managers should work to understand why there is resistance and have meaningful conversations with employees and leaders to address their concerns without judgment. They should actively support employees through the change, explaining how it aligns with safety and productivity goals. Successful managers engage employees and leaders, seek feedback, take ownership of the change, invest time, build trust, actively listen, seek to understand, and remain authentic. When dealing with leaders, it’s important to offer data-backed information on accidents, near-misses, and industry trends. Highlighting the financial and productivity risks of potential accidents is a powerful lever when addressing higher-ups. 

Most of the time, employees are not resistant to technical change but to social change, a shift in their human relations. It takes time to empathize, gather feedback, and reach a mutual understanding. While employers may be concerned about deadlines and budgets, deprioritizing safety is far too risky and can ultimately compromise both deadlines and budgets even further. Address resistance head on, with empathy and respect, and your team and leaders will be on board in no-time! 

  1. https://www.ehsinsight.com/blog/dealing-with-safety-resistance
  2. https://www.ehstoday.com/safety-leadership/article/21920142/unearthing-resistance-to-change-why-it-matters