PPE
Making the right PPE choice with Blackwoods BLACKWOODS’ TEAM OF TECHNICAL SOLUTIONS EXPERTS ASSIST THE COMPANY’S INDUSTRY PARTNERS TO BUILD CUSTOMISED SAFETY SOLUTIONS FOR THE MINING AND RESOURCES SECTOR.
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ersonal protection equipment (PPE) is the frontline defence when it comes to keeping a worker safe from the dangers of chemicals. With most industries often using a range of chemicals, it is critical that workers are issued with suitable PPE that will provide the highest level of safety within their work environment. Protection from harmful chemicals and substances requires a complete head-to-toe solution. Blackwoods is committed to maintaining its place as Australia’s first choice for industrial and safety products and services by continually maintaining and improving the quality of its processes and products. The company offers a vast range of PPE to ensure that its products and services meet the relevant legislative and industry-based requirements, and comply with recognised local and international standards. PROTECTIVE EYEWEAR’S IMPORTANCE The correct eyewear can prevent harmful chemicals from making contact with a worker’s eye. However, the major reason eyewear is removed is due to the glasses fogging or getting scratched. To help prevent this risk, employers should protect their workers with the appropriate safety eyewear, containing lenses that have been treated with an effective anti-fog or anti-scratch coating. “Anyone familiar with the European
Protective coveralls undergo rigorous testing.
Standards would know of K and N labels and their meaning,” Blackwoods product development manager Nic Williams tells Safe to Work. “K relates to surface resistance from small particles, while N is resistance to lens fogging in humid environments, including those with persistent condensation. The new PROSAFE KOORBAT and KOWAR styles meet the K and N testing requirements.” Both PROSAFE styles contain a premium anti-fog and anti-scratch coating in both clear and smoke lenses. This coating is applied in a proprietary dipping process and then heat-treated to permanently bond to the lens. Using safety glasses with effective coatings helps safeguard workers
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to enable them to see clearly for long periods, allowing them to stay safe and more productive in most environmental conditions. THE NEED FOR COVERALLS Blackwoods technical safety specialist Drew Dauncey says there are various types of coveralls to protect workers from a broad range of chemicals. “Most workers will never need to look further than a type 5/6 coverall, to protect them from dry chemical powder and liquid droplets,” Dauncey says. “The best way to ensure the correct coverall is selected is to compare the chemicals being used against a coverall permeation guide. “No two workplaces are the same
