Asbestos: The Facts

Despite incessant media coverage and tremulous word-of-mouth horror stories, the risks of asbestos continue to be underestimated.

The fact is that asbestos can be lethal. The lack of immediate symptoms is deceptive, and can often mean that those handling the substance are unaware of the danger they are in. However, with the right knowledge, you can stay safe if you encounter asbestos, whether at home or in the workplace.

The risks

It’s important that you know what you risk when you’re exposed to asbestos. Because it’s an asbestiform mineral (hence the name), it is made up of tiny crystal fibres that can be inhaled unnoticed.

These crystals are carcinogenic. Inhalation of asbestos fibres has been linked to several types of cancer, most prolifically lung cancer and mesothelioma. In the UK, mesothelioma caused 2,291 deaths in 2011.

There is a significant latency period with asbestos of up to 30 years, which is why most asbestos-related diseases develop in later life. Because asbestos fibres can stick to clothes, even passive inhalation can trigger these cancers. Problematically, by the time most victims are made aware of their symptoms, too much damage has already been done.

Read more about asbestos on the Health and Safety News website.

Author bio

Linda Williams works for Carrs Solicitors, a legal agency based in the UK that specialises in helping victims of work-related accidents claim the compensation they deserve.

OSHA, NIOSH announce recommended practices to protect temporary workers' safety and health

WASHINGTON – The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) today released Recommended Practices for staffing agencies and host employers to better protect temporary workers from hazards on the job.

Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health Dr. David Michaels made the announcement today at the Voluntary Protection Programs Participants' Association annual conference in National Harbor, Md. The new Recommended Practices publication highlights the joint responsibility of the staffing agency and host employer to ensure temporary workers are provided a safe work environment.

"An employer's commitment to the safety of temporary workers should not mirror these workers' temporary status," said Dr. Michaels. "Whether temporary or permanent, all workers always have a right to a safe and healthy workplace. Staffing agencies and the host employers are joint employers of temporary workers and both are responsible for providing and maintaining safe working conditions. Our new Recommended Practices publication highlights this joint responsibility."

Temporary workers are at increased risk of work-related injury and illness. OSHA's Temporary Worker Initiative, launched last year, includes outreach, training and enforcement to assure that temporary workers are protected in their workplaces. In recent months, OSHA has received and investigated many reports of temporary workers suffering serious or fatal injuries, some in their first days on the job. The Recommended Practices publication focuses on ensuring that temporary workers receive the same training and protection that existing workers receive.

Read more on the Occupational Safety & Health Administration website

HMK150 Helmet Mask Kombination System

Avon has introduced the HMK150, a revolutionary Helmet Mask Kombination System specifically designed for CBRN and Riot Control.

 

Avon has teamed with Schuberth to provide flawless integration of their HM50 to the Schuberth P100N Helmet.

Based on the 50 Series mask platform, the HM system brings the pedigree of a mask proven for use in the harshest environments and is CE marked for CBRN Protection.

By a simple exchange of the harness for the helmet connecting straps, the mask converts to be compatible with a world leading Police helmet for use in non-CBRN environments which is approved to the most advanced German Police specification.  The full face respirator is connected to the helmet in seconds, as there is no need for the helmet to be removed.  Respiratory protection is seamless.

See more about the HMK150 here.

Explosives Regulations 2014

The Explosives Regulations 2014 will come into force on 1 October 2014, and the Approved Code of Practice to the Manufacture and Storage of Explosives Regulations 2005 will be withdrawn.

The Approved Code of Practice and guidance in L139 Manufacture and storage of explosives. Manufacture and Storage of Explosives Regulations 2005. Approved Code of Practice and guidance applies up to and including 30 September 2014. You can download it for free or buy a printed version.

From 1 October 2014 when the Explosives Regulations 2014 come into effect, the guidance in L150 will apply. A draft version of L150 is available for download, or you can order a printed copy, which will be despatched after 1 October 2014. Please note that if you download a copy before 1 October 2014, the draft may be subject to further change before the Explosives Regulations come into effect.

What has changed?

1. Merging registrations into the licensing system
2. Allowing local authorities to issue licences up to 5 years, aligning them with equivalent HSE/police-issued licences
3. Extending licensing to address storage of ammonium nitrate blasting intermediate (ANBI)
4. Exceptions for keeping desensitised explosives without a licence have been updated
5. Tables of separation distances have been restructured to better allow for sites with more than one store. The tables have also been revised to cover quantities of explosives greater than 2000kg
6. A revised list of explosives that can be acquired or acquired and kept without an explosives certificate from the police.
7. The repeal of the Fireworks Act 1951, as its remaining provisions have been superseded by the Pyrotechnic (Safety) Regulations 2010

Read more and order it now: http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/l150.htm

The MICROGARD® 2300 range

MICROGARD® 2300

MICROGARD® 2300 STANDARD provides an excellent barrier to harmful chemicals, while being
lightweight and relatively strong and durable.

Features & Benefits
Protection- A good barrier to numerous inorganic liquid chemicals including acids and bases
Highly visible - Available in bright yellow for improved worker safety
Comfort - Lightweight yet relatively strong and durable
Anti-static - Tested according to EN 1149-5
Designed to protect - Typical coverall features include respirator fit hood and a zip flap
with self-adhesive tape closure

MICROGARD® 2300 COMFORT

MICROGARD® 2300 COMFORT has been engineered with workers involved in composites manufacturing and related industries in mind, to offer protection where you need it most and ventilation to help reduce the risk of heat stress.

Features & Benefits:
Protection - Hood, arms, legs and front torso in MICROGARD® 2300 fabric, which is an excellent barrier to resins and fibres
Innovation - Fabric construction ensures that there is no risk of delamination should a wearer make contact with a tacky surface
Comfort - Air and water vapour permeable (“breathable”) back panel ventilates the suit, to help reduce the risk of heat stress
Silicone Free - Critical in spray painting applications
Anti-static- Tested according to EN 1149-5
• 3-piece hood – ensures a good fit with half & full face respirators
• Elasticated hood, wrists, waist and ankles
• Finger loops, prevent sleeve movement whilst working above your head
• 2-way front zipper with resealable storm flap
• Breathable SMS back panel

MICROGARD® 2300 PLUS

MICROGARD® 2300 PLUS is an entry level Type 3 chemical protective coverall for workers involved in environmental clean-up, general industrial and chemical handling applications.

Features & Benefits:
Protection - Polycoated bi-component barrier resists permeation of numerous liquid chemicals
Highly visible - Bright yellow for improved worker safety
Comfort - Lightweight yet relatively strong and durable
Anti-static - Tested according to EN 1149-5
Designed to protect - Typical coverall features include
respirator fit hood and a zip flap with self-adhesive tape closure
• 3-piece hood
• Elasticated hood, wrists, waist and ankles
• 2-way front zipper with resealable
storm flap
• Finger loops

Great news from Wolverine

Wolverine has introduced a new range of shirts and jerseys:

Wolverine PC Wick products wick moisture away from your body to provide a cooler, drier comfort. It's your ultimate wicking fabric when you are feeling the heat.

A fabric made from a combination of fine yarns and dense construction to provide UV protection to defend against the sun's harmful rays.

Select apparel items now available in extended sizes 3X, 4X, and LT through XXLT.

Vertoggle™ Goggle/Faceshield Combination

The Vertoggle offers a high-performance goggle with mounted, compact face shield that provides complete eye and face impact/splash protection.

The unique articulated lift-front retains the shield on the goggle. Five shield positions keep it where you want it—when at rest or when working. Plus, the entire assembly was tested to ANSI/ISEA Z87.1-2010 face shield impact speed (300 ft/sec), rather than goggle impact speed (250 ft/sec)!

Features

• Indirect venting on both the goggle and the face shield improves airflow while providing splash and high impact protection
• Soft, pliable goggle body helps ensure all-day comfort
• Anti-fog and anti-scratch coatings on goggle lens
• Disposable respirators can be worn under shield
• Impact-rated (Z87+)
• Splash-rated (D3)

Applications

• Confined Space
• Food Processes
• Painting
• Sanding & Grinding
• Welding

Product Literature & User Information

• Data Sheet: Sightgard Vertoggle Safety Goggle/Faceshield Combination
• Data Sheet: Sightgard Protective Eyewear
• Data Sheet: Above-the-Neck Protection Solutions