12 minute read
LAYERING FOR ALL SEASONS
Remember the days when your parents or other adults nagged away at you before you went outside? ‘Where are your gloves?’; ‘Have you got your hat?’; ‘Do you have your jumper?’ Most of us experienced those types of questions for a good reason: Australia has a harsh, diverse climate with a vast range of conditions that need to be carefully assessed and prepared for.
In the workplace, wearing the appropriate clothes is not just about being comfortable. If you’re kitted with the correct workwear your comfort can improve your efficiency, and of course, safety. We are now at the transition time between seasons, and that means whether you’re an employer or a worker, it’s time to ask an essential question: Do you have the suitable workwear for the months ahead? The answer can be difficult because the clothing needs to protect you from the elements and workplace hazards; determining the appropriate workwear can be challenging but is essential in environments that can change significantly during a single shift of work. For example, you may start your day before dawn where the darkness necessitates you wear night compliant hi-vis clothes; the cold also means you must wear layers to keep warm, yet within a few hours the temperature rises to the extent that you shed all but one of these layers.
Each layer has its own role. The base layer must provide compression and support of muscles and enable efficient blood circulation without the risk of clotting. The mid layers must be breathable, warm, and at times when layers are stripped, they should also satisfy hi-vis requirements.
ALL SEASONS
In addition to breathability and hi-vis elements, the outer layer should be waterproof and provide workplace relevant protection, including Ultra-Violet Protection (UVP). Importantly, the air gap between each layer provides additional warmth and protection.
So, as we approach winter, what are you thinking? Remember, we can’t control the weather, but we can apply flexible and suitable solutions for each workplace which improve comfort, efficiency and safety.
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Choosing an effective layering system is essential for everyone whose workplace weather varies. The main layers are:
BASE
MID
Hard Yakka Y06730
ARC FLASH PROTECTION
Electricity is so abundant in our lifestyles that we often forget it is even there. However, in the workplace it can be a serious health and safety concern that can cause death and injuries from electrocution, shock, arc flashes, and arc blasts. But many injurious incidents are preventable if the relevant safety codes and standards are adhered to.
NFPA 70E® is an internationally applied standard developed by the global non-profit organisation, National Fire Protection Association. The document, updated for 2021, clearly defines electrical safety related work practices that pertain to all alternating (AC) and direct current (DC) systems. The document contains risk controls that can be implemented by both employers and employees, and they are a reminder that electrical safety in the workplace is the responsibility of both management and workers.
As we have seen with Covid-19, wearing the appropriate level of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is critical for anyone exposed to workplace hazards. PPE does not only refer to clothing, but also to helmets, masks, visors, goggles, and many other articles that are designed to protect the wearer. In workplaces in which electrical safety is prominent, arc flash risk assessments can determine the level of PPE required. The greater the electrical hazard, the higher the PPE ‘arc rating’ that a worker must use to withstand a potential arc-flash incident. The rating is determined by the amount of energy that can be delivered to a point at a specific distance from an arc flash and it is measured by calories per square centimetre (Cal/cm2).
The levels of PPE required are classified under Hazard Risk Categories (HRC): HRC 1 (Minimum arc rating: 4 Cal/cm2) HRC 2 (Minimum arc rating: 8 Cal/cm2) HRC 3: (Minimum arc rating: 25 Cal/cm2) HRC 4: (Minimum arc rating: 40 Cal/cm2)
Hard Yakka manufactures an extensive array of PPE clothing, including its ShieldTec FR Range (8.4 Cal/cm2 & HRC 2) which meets the most stringent international standards for flame resistant garments, including NFPA 70E®. Each product undergoes a series of meticulous tests to ensure they reduce heat stress while also maximising comfort, functionality, and durability in Australia’s variable and demanding conditions. These tests include one for abrasion and tensile strength, washing, perspiration, seam and piling, and colour. To ensure it remains a market leader in workwear, Hard Yakka is always researching ways to provide the very best products across all its ranges.
“Hard Yakka Inherent FR fabric is sourced from one of the world’s most reputable FR fabric suppliers, most recently awarded for ‘Industrial Water Conservation’ in 2020”, says Workwear Group. “Each batch of our FR Apparel meets strenuous testing parameters to ensure our workers are safe when wearing our products on site, but also providing performance workwear in a heavy heat stress environment.”
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CHOOSE THE RIGHT LEVEL OF PROTECTION FOR YOUR INDUSTRY
Y04350 SHIELDTEC FR OPEN FRONT SHIRT WITH FR TAPE Y04370 SHIELDTEC LENZING FR OPEN FRONT SHIRT WITH TAPE
984 Safety Boot
SOLE DESIGN FIT-FOR-PURPOSE
How many of us have used a variation of the phrase: ‘Do not judge a person until you’ve walked a mile in their shoes’? With a few tweaks we can mould this to the construction industry: ‘You can partly judge a person’s level of safety by the boots or shoes they wear.’
The Australian Standard AS 2210.3:2019 specifically covers safety footwear. It provides manufacturers, employers, and employees with requirements for footwear used in the workplace. It is a far-reaching Standard because when we look at the construction industry alone, work may involve alterations, renovations, fitting out, maintenance, refurbishment, demolition, dismantling, and site preparation. This means all PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), including footwear, must be versatile enough to provide workers with a high level of protection across a diverse range of jobs, conditions, and sites. Across Australian workplaces, some of the most common causes of serious injury are slips, trips, and falls, caused by inadequate grip or traction between the sole of the footwear and the ground. Injuries from these accidents include sprains and bruising, breaks and dislocations, and spinal issues and often involve long term rehabilitation or permanent disabilities. These injuries can also be a considerable drain on costs and productivity in Australian workplaces. According to Safe Work Australia, work-related injuries cost the Australian economy around $60 billion every year, representing almost 5 per cent of the nation’s GDP.
It is imperative that the correct fit-for purpose footwear be worn to suit the work environment and tasks being performed.
It is essential that hazard assessments in the workplace be conducted by the employer before work commences. In relation to footwear, the employer needs to consider how and when workers may be exposed to injury hazards, and how protection can be provided. The inconsistent nature of ground surfaces encountered on construction sites such as variations in slope, loose gravel, muddy surfaces, ladders and scaffolding, means the potential risk of injury is substantial. “Workplace environments and risk factors vary enormously, and work health and safety risk assessments should be consulted before choosing footwear protection,” says Adam Blake, Joint Chief Executive Officer, Blundstone Australia. The correct choice in safety footwear will assist in reducing this risk. Blundstone is one of the leaders in the provision of safety footwear. Its most popular range, the XFoot Rubber Series, is compliant with AS 2210.3:2019, and the products are so versatile that they are used widely across many industries, including heavy construction. This year two new products have been added to the range. Supported by thorough research, development and innovation Blundstone is always looking at ways to best provide and improve its footwear, ensuring workers are comfortable and safe.
“Throughout Blundstone’s history, we have prided ourselves on adapting to meet our customer’s needs. In the 1950s we produced boots for Tasmanian Zinc refinery, EZ, with wooden soles to protect against hydrochloric acid and now, in 2021 we’ve taken that same spirit of innovation to produce two new XFoot Rubber styles, that meet the needs of those who need ultimate protection,” says Adrian Blandford Global Work and Safety Range Manager, Blundstone Australia.
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XFOOT RUBBER STYLES
992 LACE UP/ZIP SIDED RUBBER SOLED SAFETY BOOT 984 WATER RESISTANT NUBUCK SAFETY BOOT
HARDER THAN DIAMONDS HAND PROTECTION?
Graphene. Have you heard of it? In simple terms, Graphene comprises a single layer (monolayer) of carbon atoms packed tightly together in a hexagonal honeycomb lattice. However, this description doesn’t do justice to an extraordinary compound whose features were first characterised by two scientists at the University of Manchester in 2004. How’s this for a portfolio? Graphene has been proven to be harder than diamond and up to 300 times stronger than steel. It also happens to be as thick as just one atom, making it the thinnest compound we know.
With years of rigorous research and development, there is now Kyorene, the brand name for our synthetic yarn that incorporates graphene oxide directly into the fibre. When included in textiles and fabrics, Kyorene products are changing the way we look at protection in the workplace and providing new options for businesses and their workers.
“The science of Graphene and innovative uses of Kyorene is characteristic of where safety is heading. It’s driving the way forward in future product development, particularly as hand injuries are one of the leading problems faced by industry businesses today,” says Brendan Ryan, Blackwoods Technical Safety Specialist.
“The benefits the Prosafe Kyroene glove range provides end users include a lightweight and strong construction designed for comfort while offering great flexibility and dexterity, and resistant to cuts and abrasions. The range also provides excellent UV protection, UPF 50+, against the harsh Australian sun”.
As an aside, the two scientists at the University of Manchester were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics for their research into graphene. Thank goodness for science.
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// METATARSAL PROTECTION
AT 55-336
AT 55-346 METATARSAL RANGE EXTRA FEATURES
AT 55-336
The foot is an extraordinary piece of natural engineering. It has 26 bones, 30 joints and about 100 muscles, ligaments, and tendons. So, it pays to look after it.
In the workplace, foot injuries are often caused by blows to the top of the foot, usually from falling objects. Too many of us know the feeling. As a result, more organisations are making it compulsory for workers to use safety footwear that offers metatarsal protection.
Metatarsals are the five tube-like bones of the mid-foot, and because of their size, location, and little surrounding tissue they are particularly prone to being injured when anything falls onto them. A metatarsal injury can be debilitating because the foot partly relies on these bones for movement, balance, and supporting the body. Metatarsal injuries, which are renowned as being difficult to heal, occur in a wide range of workplaces including construction, fabrication, storage, manufacturing, transportation, agriculture, and retail. Metatarsal protection, as used in the Oliver 55 series models 55-336 & 55-346, is designed to absorb the impact of objects that either fall onto or roll onto the upper foot. According to testing measurements from Standard ASTM-F1614-C up to 90% of force from the most intense blows can be absorbed by the Oliver Metatarsal guards. Importantly, this additional protective feature does not impact on the comfort of the wearer or their capacity to have flexible and efficient movement. They are also lightweight and despite their protective qualities do not feel rigid, constrictive or bulky. When combined with protective toe caps, metatarsal guards provide strong protection against foot injuries.
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NEGATE THE IMPACT OF HAND INJURIES
We may all be unique when it comes to the patterns of our fingerprints, but in the workplace, there is a familiar pattern that many a finger has pointed at. That is, work-related injuries of the hand and wrist, is a common problem that sidelines thousands of Australians per year, around 8,500 hospital admissions.
In addition to repetitive strain, some of the main causes of these injuries include crushing, pinching or jamming of the hand in machinery or doors; contact with sharp edged equipment such as tools, knives and lawnmower blades; the dropping of heavy objects; and puncturing. The damage ranges from bruising to breaks, nerve impairment, and sometimes, amputation. Rehabilitation can be long and arduous, and costly to businesses.
As always, risk prevention is essential. This includes the use of purpose-designed Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). The hand is a remarkable piece of natural engineering and alone contains 35 muscles, so choosing the suitable hand protection, usually gloves, requires careful consideration. Some key factors are tactility, flexibility, mobility, and comfort. However, these factors mean nothing if there is little or no level of impact protection. “People are our greatest asset and hands are one of our most used tools, so it is important to select the right glove for the application. By ensuring businesses assess their worksites and provide workers with the right protective gloves, this can decrease injuries whilst increasing overall productivity and efficiency,” says Theo Oostveen Marketing Manager/Business Development, Ansell Ltd.
When considering this, some important things to keep in mind are:
Material Ask your local Blackwoods representative if your prospective glove has the market leading Thermoplastic Rubber (TPR) Coverage The expansiveness of TPR across the top of the hand, knuckles, thumb, and fingers (including tips). High Visibility Easily seen products increase awareness of hand location.
Dexterity and Grip
KEEP YOUR HANDS SAFE BY PUTTING THEM IN GOOD HANDS!
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