HEAD GEAR
FIRE-RESISTANT FABRIC & CLOTHING
HIGH-VISIBILITY WORKWEAR
EYE, HAND & EAR PROTECTION
SAFETY FOOTWEAR
Smart Textiles Work Gloves VOC Evaluations Safety Through Education Buyers’ Guide
Get acquainted with
Contents
a magazine specializing in Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Distributed at the NSC Congress and Expo free of charge, this magazine focuses on new developments and products in the following markets:
Head gear
Fire-resistant fabric and clothing
High-visibility workwear
Safety footwear Eye, hand and ear protection.
Take advantage of our contributors’ personal protective equipment (PPE) expertise to learn more about the latest smart textiles on the market, work gloves, COV testing and evaluations, safety in the workplace and education—all here, in this second edition of Head2Toe Protection. And be sure to check out this year’s new feature: a detailed Buyers’ Guide with conveniently indexed categories that will make finding the right textile or PPE a cinch!
Industry News, p. 4 New Products, p. 7 Advertisers Index, p. 46
Smart Textiles p. 16 Choosing Work Gloves p. 22 Analyzing VOCs p. 28 Work Safety Through Education p. 32
Head2toe Protection 2015 Volume 2
•
3
News U.S. Levi’s Stores Recycle Unwanted Clothing and Shoes
On top of this new incentive, other efforts, such as a full life-cycle assessment of its products, a water recycling program in its production facilities, a Water Less™ finishing process for its jeans, and even a recommendation that customers not wash their jeans often, all demonstrate the company’s desire to achieve a greener and more eco-friendly way of doing business.
The iconic brand takes a step toward reducing textile waste
Americans send about 24 billion pounds of unwanted clothing, shoes and other textiles to landfills each year, a staggering amount of waste considering that an estimated 95% of those textiles could be recycled. Levi’s latest initiative is an expansion of the company’s clothing recycling program, where items are collected at all its retail stores and outlets by its clothing collection partner I:CO and either reworn, repurposed, or recycled. By offering a financial incentive to customers who recycle, the company is hoping to make it worthwhile for the
www.levistrauss.com
consumers to participate. Customers who bring in even a single item of clothing (or pair of shoes) will now receive a 20%-off voucher good on any regularly priced item at one of the company’s stores.
Flame-Resistant Fabrics Market Report on flame-resistant fabrics provides global market scenario
A new study by ReportLinker explores flame resistant (FR) fabrics used in a range of applications, including workwear, firefighting uniforms, law enforcement services, transportation, and residential and commercial furnishings. As a result of improved technologies and more stringent regulations, FR fabrics are being used increasingly in various applications and industries where exposure to fire and risk of fire accidents is high. The report segments the global FR fabric market according to its key applications such as industrial protective clothing, law enforcement and firefighting services, transport and others such as home textiles. It provides an analysis of the key regional markets (North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and Rest of the World), as well as the global scenario in terms of volume and revenue (USD). It presents forecasts from 2014 to 2020 and offers a comprehensive understanding of the market dynamics, such as market drivers, competition, restraints, challenges, and opportunities. www.reportlinker.com 4
Head2toe Protection 2015 Volume 2
•
UniFirst Canada Ltd. Acquires McGuire Uniforms Acquisition unites two of the largest suppliers of customized employee workwear
UniFirst Canada Ltd. has announced the purchase of McGuire Uniforms. The businesses will operate under the UniFirst Canada Ltd. name and will maintain their current facilities. McGuire Uniforms has been in business for over 20 years and has leveraged superior relationships and customer service to achieve consistent and steady growth. Headquartered in Oakville, ON, UniFirst has been supplying uniforms for more than 30 years. The McGuire acquisition will nearly double its current direct-purchase program. www.unifirst.ca
ChemSec Launches Textile Guide An easy and free way to get rid of toxic chemicals in textiles
Chemical regulations are becoming stricter, and more and more consumers are expecting companies to manufacture toxin-free goods. Up
News until now, it was rather expensive for brand owners and other companies in the textile sector to invest in chemical expertise, especially for SMEs and start-ups. In order to make chemical management more accessible, the non-profit ChemSec has created the Textile Guide—an completely free online tool tailored exclusively to the textile sector.
containing information on more than 6,500 chemicals. All the chemical information is scientifically sound and based on regional legislation (US and EU) as well as several of the Restricted Substances Lists (RSLs) of multinational brands and textile trade organizations.
The Textile Guide is an easy threestep guide to identifying problematic chemicals during production and in finished garments, and then getting rid of them. No registration is needed, there are no hidden fees and all Textile Guide users are free to remain anonymous if they wish.
A Revised Eye and Face Protection Standard
At the core of the Guide is a searchable database, a “Google for chemicals,”
www.textileguide.chemsec.org
ANSI/ISEA Z87.1-2015 is Updated to Meet Worker Needs
The Z87 Committee on Safety Eye and Face Protection has just updated the American National Standard for Occupational and Educational Personal Eye and Face Protection (ANSI/ISEA Z87.1-2015), which
ANSI/ISEA Z87.1-2015 prescribes the design, performance specifications and marking of eye and face safety products.
Head2toe Protection 2015 Volume 2
•
5
News prescribes the design, performance specifications, and marking of eye and face safety products, including safety goggles, spectacles, face-shields and welding helmets worn by workers in manufacturing and processing facilities, research laboratories and other settings. The new edition puts the emphasis on matching the protector to the hazard, and includes other enhancements to meet the wide-ranging needs of workers and employers. Several key changes emphasize how important it is to select equipment according to specific hazards, a concept first introduced in 2010 as part of the standard’s reorganization. Many of the updates in the revision reflect the need to streamline test methods in concert with similar global standards, such as those for impact testing and light transmittance for welding protectors. They also seek to recognize new, previously uncategorized innovations in protector design offering appropriate protection against workplace eye and face hazards. www.safetyequipment.org
Deakin University: Breakthrough in Textile Recycling Researchers found way to separate cotton-polyester blends
A significant hurdle to recycling waste clothing and other textiles
6
Head2toe Protection 2015 Volume 2
•
back into their original fibres is that most of this material is composed of blended fibres—the most common being polyester-cotton blends. While it is easy to recycle cotton and polyester individually, it is not possible to mechanically separate the blends, where the fibres are closely bonded together. Chemical solutions attempted to date have not been viable economically or environmentally. Using an ionic liquid (a salt in a liquid state), researchers at Deakin University’s Institute for Frontier Materials have developed a simple process to separate polyestercotton blends into their individual components. Unlike harsh solvents that dissolve polyester, ionic liquids provide an environmentally-friendly solvent to easily separate polyester/ cotton blends with chemicals. The ionic liquid selectively dissolves the cotton component. This liquid cotton can then be regenerated into various forms, such as being spun into fibres or cast as cellulose films. The recovered polyester can also be recycled by melting and reshaped into other forms, such as plastic bottles or fibres. The researchers say the new process is not limited to textile recycling but can also be applied to recycling any type of biocomposite material, including those used in the automotive industry. www.deakin.edu.au
Cocona® and Carhartt Partner for High-Performance Workwear Carhartt Force Extremes® Fights Fatigue, Odor and Sweat
Cocona Natural Technologies, developer of 37.5® microclimate comfort and performance technology, is collaborating with Carhartt on the Force Extremes® collection, a new range of performance workwear that dries faster than the wearer can sweat. The whole line will feature jackets, t-shirts, pants, shorts, undergarments, accessories, footwear and more. By utilizing the 37.5® technology, Carhartt Force Extremes® products will provide consumers optimal comfort by enabling them to maintain their ideal relative humidity and core temperature. Furthermore, the product line will include attributes such as anti-odor, FastDry® and Stain Breaker® technologies. The 37.5® technology is triggered by the wearer’s body temperature to either warm up or cool down depending on the situation. The active particles permanently embedded in the yarn capture heat from the body’s infrared energy to speed evaporation and cool down if there is moisture vapour (sweat). They retain that heat to keep the wearer warm when no moisture is present. In addition, the 37.5® technology traps body odour and refreshes when washed, and provides UVA and UVB protection. www.carhartt.com
Products Cintas Contributes to Greener Work Apparel supplier of corporate identity uniform programs provides environmental choices for customers
Last year, Cintas Corp. diverted more than 19.5 million plastic bottles from landfills and turned them into fashionable apparel made from recycled polyester fibres. Cintas’s eco-apparel collections also include garments made from plant-based ingredients, such as the AR Red™ and Jay Godfrey™ premium suiting collections, which use Dupont™ Sorona® fabric, an eco-friendly, plantbased fibre made with renewable, naturally occurring starch. Since the production of Sorona fabric uses 30% less energy and reduces carbon dioxide emissions by as much as 63%, Cintas estimates that the sales of the 2014 eco-friendly collections have saved the equivalent of 1,188 gallons of gas—the energy equivalent to powering a laptop for more than 6 million workdays or lighting an average-sized building for more than 43 years.
the Cintas facilities cut water use by 50%, energy by 66%, and soap by 80%. www.cintas.com
Super-Strong Enhanced Spider Silk New material with recordbeating properties, capable of catching an aircraft
A team of researchers at the University of Trento, Italy, claims to have created one of the world’s strongest materials by reinforcing spider silk with graphene and carbon nanotubes. By combining 300 nm-wide graphene particles with water, and spraying the solution onto Pholcidae spiders, the scientists found that the arachnids created webs that were 3.5 times stronger than the toughest natural silk, spun by the giant riverine orb spider. Following the amazing and surprising results derived from the experiment, the team of scientists still has to confirm how graphene and nanotubes actually became infused with the silk. Additionally, 4 out of the 15 spiders died during the experiment following exposure to the graphene and nanotube dispersions, and some of the arachnids yielded poorer-quality silk. However, it is clear that this new bionic material holds tremendous potential for applications such as bulletproof vests or medical implants. www.newscientist.com
The enhanced silk has improved mechanical properties and can rival the toughest high performance fibres on the market—even Kevlar®.
The U.S. Safety Dominator™ series includes wire core, independently adjustable nose pads to fit most facial profiles.
Dominator Safety Lenses In addition to sustainable apparel, Cintas operates industrial laundries that offer substantial annual environmental savings. Compared to home laundering,
solution-based Safety glasses which provide eyewear protection
Dominator protective eyewear has distinguished itself with application-based, Head2toe Protection 2015 Volume 2
•
7
Products stylish design elements and superior coatings for work and play. The Dominator™ 2 glasses are available with a MAX 3™ scratchresistant coating, which provides three times the scratch resistance, a MAX 6™ anti-fog coating that is proven to offer six times greater fog-resistance and dissipation, or a BossMan™ mirror lens coating. The Dominator™ 2 includes a co-injected brow guard for extra protection, and co-injected soft TPR temples designed to increase comfort. Dominate your day with adjustability, protection, and comfort! Visit MCR Safety at the NSC Congress and Expo, stand 3039. www.mcrsafety.com
Majestic Fire Apparel Introduces New Molten Metal Splash PPE Garments in BOGU fabrics go beyond metal-coated fabrics
BOGU fabrics are inherently protective fabrics that shed molten metal and act as a primary protective layer for use in foundries, casting, and smelting environments. They are designed for rugged, long-lasting industrial use, and offer outstanding durability, comfort and launderability. These primary protective layers are breathable and more comfortable to wear than metalized fabrics. Majestic Fire Apparel BOGU garment offerings include:
8
Coats (different lengths)
Open back jackets
Chaps
Pants Head2toe Protection 2015 Volume 2
•
Memphis Ninja Protective Gloves FOR UNHAMPERED WORK PERFORMANCE, A HIGHER LEVEL OF CUT PROTECTION IN A CONSUMER-FRIENDLY GLOVE
MCR Safety’s award-winning Memphis Ninja series provides total safety solutions for general purpose, cut, and thermal protection. This seamless knit technology offers the greatest combination of tactile sensitivity and cut, thermal, and general purpose protection. By combining a patented 18 gauge DuPont™ Kevlar® Stretch Armor Technology shell with a breathable nitrile foam coating, the Memphis Ninja series qualifies for the ANSI Level 3 protection and provides superior grip with great dexterity. The touch-screen-friendly glove’s black yarn and BNF coating prolong its life in the workplace by minimizing the appearance of dirt and grime. Visit MCR Safety at the NSC Congress and Expo, stand 3039. www.mcrsafety.com
Products
Snoods
Bib aprons
Spats
It is also possible to create customized PPE to serve specific industrial needs. www.majhoods.com
This model has no exposed metal in order to meet scratch-resistant workplace requirements and is available in medium and wide widths 7-12, 13, 14. www.nautilusfootwear.com
Stedair® Cobalt, by Stedfast
Safety Shoes from Nautilus Footwear
The ultimate chemical splash protection for industrial workers
Safety toe footwear that meets or exceeds the ASTM F2413-11 Impact/ Compression Rating
Stedair® chemical protective barriers provide protection against a long list of Toxic Industrial Chemicals (TICs) and generic solvents. These protective materials are also abrasion, flame and heat resistant. STEDAIR® chemical protective barriers are chemical-proof, breathable barriers that maximize protection without compromising comfort. Stedair® Cobalt is certified NFPA 2112, and qualifies for chemical protection according to the ASTM F903 standard as well as the ASTM F1930 Flash Fire Protection criteria.
Nautilus Safety Footwear has incorporated the comfort and support of ergonomically designed athletic footwear construction with the tough safety features required by government standards. The new N2115 Lime Safety Toe Athletic model includes:
Nylon-coated mesh and action leather upper
Composite safety toe caps
Removeable dual-density EVA insoles
EVA midsoles providing lightweight comfort
A Women’s Two-Piece Coverall
Slip- and oil-resistant outsoles
Tops and bottoms mix and match to achieve the perfect custom fit for any body type
www.stedfast.com
Thanks to its form-fitting features, IFR Workwear’s two-piece coveralls fit all shapes and sizes. The advantage of the two-piece suit is that it lets women remove bottoms easily to “answer nature’s call.”
Head2toe Protection 2015 Volume 2
•
9
Products The coveralls provide multi-purpose protection from electric arc, flash fire, molten ferrous metal (not molten aluminum) and welding exposure. The fabric is a blend of 88% cotton and 12% high-tenacity nylon from Westex, engineered for fire resistance and guaranteed for the life of the garment. The coveralls are made in North America and hold the U.S. Design Patent No. D731.750.
Stylish workwear with built-in functional properties
Mascot Light contains 9 new two-tone products—including trousers, jackets and a softshell jacket—with a focus on comfort and function. Tailored to the specific needs of workers operating in hot environments or in close proximity to heat-emitting machinery, the garments are an exceptionally light 245 g/m2. Considering that every extra gram in workwear becomes an added source of perspiration or discomfort for the wearer, Mascot® Light contributes to better worker efficiency. All products in the new range are made from hardwearing twill. The products offer extra reinforcement around the pockets and in other exposed places, so they can withstand daily wear and tear and last longer.
New workwear ranges have been released by Mascot, including the lightweight Mascot® Light Series for industrial workers, and the certifiedsafe and hi-viz Mascot® Safe Supreme line of safety wear designed for the building and construction industry.
In Fall 2015, Mascot®’s Safe Supreme will be introduced on the market with 19 new products offering an abundance of functional details. This line of workwear offers full safety and is certified in accordance with EN ISO 20471. The range comes in six two-
www.ifrworkwear.com
Mascot® Light and Mascot® Safe Supreme Workwear
New coveralls designed especially for women.
10
Head2toe Protection 2015 Volume 2
•
Products
The HyFlex® 11-318’s Spandex reinforcement at the wrist provides a snug fit on the hand.
tone combinations, with base colours in fluorescent yellow, orange or red, contrasted with smart dark shades, where the product is most exposed to dirt.
sharp parts, packaging and quality inspection.
The smart combination of materials in the trousers, shorts, and bib and brace allows cotton to be next to the skin for the sake of comfort while polyester is on the outside to provide durability. Since it is seven times stronger than cotton, Cordura® reinforcements are used on exposed locations, such as pockets, knees and ankles, ensuring extra-long life for the product.
High-Tech Composite Firefighter Helmet
All Mascot products are manufactured in a factory that has achieved SA 8000 certification for corporate responsibility. www.mascotworkwear.com
New Cut-Resistant Glove by Ansell Dexterity and safety, all-in-one
Ansell’s new HyFlex® 11-318 cut-resistant glove combines performance and cut protection for jobs requiring precision and dexterity. The glove helps preserve process and product quality control as a result of its silicone-free, low-lint and anti-static properties, while the ultralight, form-fitting design provides comfort, tactility and flexibility. HyFlex® 11-318 is an ideal solution where touch and flexibility are critical. Ansell HyFlex® 11-318 gloves are available in six sizes and are designed for ultrafine mechanical applications in a wide variety of industries. The HyFlex® 11-318 is ideal for aerospace, automotive, electronics, white goods and machinery applications, including assembly of 12
Head2toe Protection 2015 Volume 2
•
www.ansell.com
Corporate alliance yields promising results
Using brand-new hybrid technology to meet the strictest requirements inherent to the most extreme situations encountered by firefighters, the Dräger HPS 7000 is a thinner and lighter fullshell helmet, both highly functional and protective, for firefighting at the highest level of comfort possible. The helmet is the result of a three-year collaborative effort by four partnering companies involving the entire composite production value chain. Bond-Laminates, Cato Composite Innovations, Pöppelmann, and Dräger all had a hand in developing this technology, which will also be exported to the electronics, aerospace, and automotive markets, among others. The composite innovation consists of a high-standard safety application using the injection moulding technique with a thin tailored thermoplastic composite
Products preform. The “hybrid technology” was achieved through a combination of continuous fibre-reinforced plastics (CFRP) and a fibre-reinforced injection moulding material. The alliance of these material systems offers the best of both worlds: exceptional mechanical properties, such as impact resistance at high temperatures, combined with great design freedom and functionality through integration of the shell and various inserts. It is also produced with a cost-effective mass production process. Reconciling stringent technical requirements with mass-production suitability was made possible through the use of a thermoplastic Kevlar preform solution. The product also has recycling potential thanks to its use of thermoplastic materials. www.draeger.com
Fellfab® Develops Extreme Cold Sleep System Sleeping bags designed for quick exit and maximum heat retention
Canadian company Integral Tactical by Fellfab® recently launched the unique XCSS (Extreme Cold Sleep System) sleeping bag, with a patent-pending rapid egress system and superior thermal protection properties.
The XCSS sleeping bag system was initially conceptualized after hearing reports that soldiers awakened by enemy fire often had difficulty exiting their bag because of zipper snags. The Integral Tactical by Fellfab design team set out to develop a revolutionary new sleeping bag system that would feature an anti-snag, rapid egress design and be suitable across a wide range of temperatures. The XCSS system is a three-module sleep system comprised of a synthetic bag (XCSS 01), a down bag (XCSS 02), and an optional hygiene liner (XCSS 03). Each component incorporates the newly designed
LinZip anti-snag zipper and innovative internal cord management systems. The protected LinZip system allows the user to immediately pull apart the bag for rapid egress, eliminating the need to search for a zipper pull. LinZip works in conjunction with the sleeping bags ergonomically angled zipper, which follows a natural pulling motion. The internal cord management system places all the cords inside of the bag, maximizing heat retention. www.integraltactical.com
Flame-Resistant Rugged Flex® Jeans Jeans provide comfort and protection in any work environment
Mount Vernon FR and Carhartt have teamed up to launch the latest advancement in flameresistant (FR) clothing, the Carhartt FlameResistant Rugged Flex® Jean. The jeans offer unique flexibility and stretch for a maximum range of motion. The Carhartt FR Rugged Flex Jean uses fabric containing an elastometric fibre with bilateral flex, allowing it to elongate sideways and diagonally, eliminating any sagging or bagging, and making reaching and bending easier for workers. The pants feature an arc-resistant button closure, a brass zipper fly with Nomex® FR zipper tape, and classic Carhartt hallmarks like triple-stitched main seams for added strength and durability. The jeans are available in Deep Indigo Wash, a premium shade that transitions seamlessly on and off the job in order to meet every work and lifestyle need. The Carhartt FR Rugged Flex® Jean meets the performance requirements of ASTM F1506, complies with NFPA 70E and is UL® classified to NFPA 2112. www.carhartt.com, www.mvmfr.com
14
Head2toe Protection 2015 Volume 2
•
Products Auburn Manufacturing’s Hot Work Pad adjustable and transportable protection for welders
Auburn Manufacturing Inc. has added the Fire Quilt™ to its AMI-GUARD® line of hot work protection products. This first-ever modular hot work pad can be used as an FM Approved curtain, blanket or pad when welding, grinding or brazing. Tough enough to stand on, yet soft enough to kneel on, this flexible, hot work barrier delivers more performance than other traditional silicone glass fabrics in hot work environments. The versatile 3-in-1 Fire Quilt is a rugged modular composite of fabric
and insulation that provides added protection and strength. Its 4’ x 4’ modular construction means it is customizable: the double-stitched markings make it easy to cut between the lines for custom-sized pads. And, when the job is done, the Fire Quilt folds and packs away neatly and fits in any tool chest. The Fire Quilt’s quilted composite is composed of a fibreglass insulation mat between two layers of fibreglass fabric coated with a specially formulated black silicone compound. It repels water, grease and dirt and is approved for all hot work in accordance with NFPA 51B requirements. www.auburnmfg.com
Each Fire Quilt™ comes with grommets on one side for easy hanging, making it suitable for vertical work or a self-standing welding screen.
FISP FIRESHOW - OCT. 5-7, 2016 — BOOTH #540 NSC 2015 — Booth #3079 Headoffice: 111 Chabanel Street West, Suite 101, Montréal, Quebec, H2N 1C9, Canada Tel: (514) 382-2807 • Fax: (514) 385-5530 Website: www.cansew.ca • Email: info@cansew.ca Head2toe Protection 2015 Volume 2
•
15
Smart Textiles
prevention, protection and user comfort:
smart textiles rise to the challenge Olivier Vermeersch, Ph.D. Vice President CTT Group NSERC Industrial Research Chair in Innovative Technical Textiles
Justine Decaens, B. Eng. Project Leader CTT Group
16
Head2toe Protection 2015 Volume 2
•
Smart Textiles
so-called smart textiles are on their way to becoming commonplace. Products with interactive functionalities have begun to appear on the market, and according to many business development and marketing experts1, that is only the beginning. In 2012, smart textiles represented a USD $300 million market, but the figure is expected to grow to USD $1.5 billion by 2020.
The global smart textile market is growing sharply, particularly in the field of worker and soldier protection. But if smart technologies have been developed first and foremost to improve protection systems, they are also finding new applications in prevention and improved user comfort.
prevention Vital sign monitoring Because of the high stress factor of their activities, workers in professions like fire-fighting and law enforcement are roughly 30 times more likely to suffer a cardiac event than other workers. To prevent these incidents, the Texas Engineering Extension Service (TEEX)2 has developed WASP (Wearable Advanced Sensor Platform). Integrated directly into protective clothing, WASP provides location information and real-time data on vital signs, including heart and breathing rates and body temperature. The data collected can be transmitted via Bluetooth connection to another communication device and, if needed,
an alarm can be triggered in fast response emergency units. A number of similar technologies have been developed in recent years. CTT Group (www.gcttg.com), for instance, has developed textile cardiac electrodes and respiration sensors based on the resistivity of conductive fibres.
The TEEX’s WASP technology, which monitors vital signs.
Controlling toxicity in the work environment Workers in chemical product plants are exposed to substances that are often difficult to detect, especially in gaseous form. Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute3 have developed gloves that detect dangerous substances. Incorporating gas-sensing molecules mixed with coloured pigments, the white gloves turn blue on exposure to gases like carbon monoxide and hydrogen sulphur, alerting their wearer to these hazards. The British company Peratech4 has developed a printable sensor of hazardous substances, the QTC E-nose®. The electronic nose’s component material expands when exposed to Head2toe Protection 2015 Volume 2
•
17
Smart Textiles toxic products, which changes its electrical resistance.
Head impact indicators
Prototype of heart rate sensors developed by CTT Group.
Reebok™ has developed a head impact indicator to identify5 potential trauma. The severity of a blow to the head is often difficult to assess, posing a major health hazard. The CheckLight™ is a cap that can be worn under a protective helmet. Flexible movement and acceleration sensors are integrated into the cap and connected to a LED indicator that flashes red or yellow according to the force of the impact.
Heavy load carrier support system
Reaction of the Fraunhofer sensor glove when exposed to a dangerous substance.
The researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute have also developed the CareJack™, a vest that supports the spine in order to reduce the risks of injury in workers who lift heavy loads. The vest is fitted with sensors that evaluate the body’s position and compare it to an optimal posture. Electronic devices store the kinetic energy
The CheckLight™ head impact indicator.
The QTC E-nose® toxic substance sensor by Peratech. 18
Head2toe Protection 2015 Volume 2
•
generated by the body’s movements and then release it to stiffen certain parts of the vest in order to correct poor posture.
protection Thermal hazards Stationed outside in winter or in refrigerated rooms, many workers are exposed to cold environments. To fight the hazards of frostbite and hypothermia, the European group Freudenberg has developed a nonwoven called Comfortemp®, which incorporates phase-change materials (PCM)7. When temperatures fall below a certain threshold, microcapsules are activated to produce an additional source of heat. In the same fashion, Thermastrom™8 technology by the Canadian company Soleno Textiles consists of heated, conductive-fibre-based nonwovens. Scarfs and insoles incorporating this technology are already commercially
Smart Textiles available. Borrowing from the same principle, WarmX9 is a knit structure that is used to make heated undergarments. A WarmX garment, complete with its conductive fibres, can be washed repeatedly at 30°C with no effect on performance.
element on the lower back increases the body’s own heat or cooling before the wearer even feels the change in temperature. Swiss manufacturer X-Bionic10 is now commercializing a heating textile called The Trick™ that uses this technology.
Mechanical risks
Electromagnetic hazards
The British company D3O has launched its TRUST™ range of insoles, which incorporate a completely new shockabsorbing technology. Many cases of knee and hip trauma are due to poor absorption of plantar impact. To meet the challenge, D3O has designed a material with a structure that reacts6 to the constraint applied to it. When the constraint is moderate and constant (the weight of a person walking), the molecules are free and the material stays flexible. When the constraints are severe and irregular, the molecules bind together and are directed in such a way that eases impact and rapidly dissipates energy, offering effective shock absorption. More recent studies have focused on the phenomenon of thermoregulation by the human body, whose temperature receptors transmit information to the brain via the spinal cord. Wearing a heating or cooling
The Trick™ technology, with heating zones on the spinal column.
Workers in the medical sector— especially radiography—or in nuclear power plants are exposed to radiation on a daily basis. Current protection methods are based on lead plates inserted into uniforms. On top of its negative impact on the environment, the lead reduces worker mobility. Enter Teijin’s Technora™11, a new Aramidbased fabric incorporating Tungsten nanoparticles that provides optimal protection against X-rays and gamma rays. Technora’s mechanical and flame resistance makes it suitable for a variety of applications.
The CareJack™ heavy load support system by Fraunhofer.
comfort Thermoregulation of the human body Schoeller12 has relied on biomimetism—an imitation of the pine cone in this case—to manufacture its c_change™ thermoregulating membrane. At low temperatures, heat is reflected inside the garment, thanks to a network of tightly knit molecules. When body temperature rises, the pores of the membrane are enlarged and the molecular network relaxes, allowing surplus heat to evacuate and improving breathability.
Thermastrom™ thermal insole.
New smart D3O insoles to absorb impact. Head2toe Protection 2015 Volume 2
•
19
Smart Textiles
Certain jobs require intense physical activity that often raises the body’s temperature. To handle it, Columbia13 has developed Omni-Freeze ZERO™ Structure of Omni-Freeze® by Columbia.
IceSkin™ products developed by Garmatex.
a uniform represents a significant commitment to laundry, with all the water, detergent, and energy that it entails. Luna Innovations14 has developed a chemical treatment based on the use of a nano-structured coating—nicknamed the lotus effect—that makes uniforms “omniphobic.” No liquid penetrates the fabric, and droplets roll off the surface, taking dust and impurities with them.
Conclusion Fitted with smart textiles, personal protective equipment and work-wear have everything to gain in terms of technology, a textile embedded with thousands of hydrophilic polymer rings prevention, protection, and even wearer comfort. Yet the integration on the side of the garment next to the of these new technologies is now skin. When perspiration touches the being stalled for lack of standards rings, they instantly absorb it, then slowly evaporate it, capitalizing on the and testing methods to evaluate their body’s thermal energy to create a performance. In Europe, a committee lasting cooling effect. of international industrial partners has been tasked with developing an More recently, Garmatex Technologies action plan for creating smart textile has begun marketing IceSkin™ products standards. Dubbed SUSTASMART15 that contain jade minerals. The sun’s (Support Standardisation for Smart rays reflect off the particles, deviating Textiles), the project has started to thermal energy and keeping the wearer cool. Now marketed to athletes, clothing classify the various smart textiles based on this technology may well find and develop testing methods for applications in the industrial sector. each. Similar work has begun in North America with the backing of Self-cleaning technology the ASTM. With these efforts, smart For employees in the armed forces and textiles’ growth and entry into new the oil and gas industry, maintaining markets can only intensify. 20
Head2toe Protection 2015 Volume 2
•
Notes 1. C. Dalsgaard, R. Sterrett. 2014. “White paper on smart textile garments and devices: a market overview of smart textile wearable technologies.” Market Opportunities for Smart Textiles 2014. 11 pages. 2. Zephyr. “WASP in protective clothing helps reduce disabilities.” Available at: http://zephyranywhere.com/press/wasp-in-protectiveclothing-helps-reduce-disabilities. 3. Fraunhofer. 2013. “Glove shows its true color.” Available at: www.fraunhofer.de/en/press/ research-news/2013/may/glove-shows-itstrue-colors.html. 4. N. Robson. 2013. “Peratech working on ‘Nose in clothes’ and touch technology for wearable electronics.” Available at: www.peratech.com/ nose-in-clothes.html. 5. Reebok. MC10. 2013. “Keep your head in the game.” Available at: www.mc10inc.com/ reebok-press-release-on-the-reebok-checklight-sports-impact-indicator. 6. D3O. 2013. ”Patented technology for superior shock absorption.” Available at: www.d3o.com. 7. Freudenberg-NW. 2014. “Freudenberg’s Intelligent Material Makes for Smart Clothing.” Available at: www.freudenberg-nw.com. 8. Soleno Textiles. 2014. “Thermastrom™ heated insoles and scarfs.” Available at: www.thermastrom.com. 9. WarmX GmbH. 2013. “Safe and intelligent heat.” Available at: www.wellness.warmx.de. 10. X-Bionic.2013. “Extra Trick for sports performance.” Available at: www.x-bionic.com. 11. Teijin. 2013. “Radiation Shield Aramid.” Available at: www.teijin.com. 12. Schoeller-Textiles. 2013. “c_change, the bionic climate membrane.” Available at: www. schoeller-textiles.com. 13. C. Weiss. 2012. “Columbia Omni-Freeze Zero fabric produces cooling effect from sweat.” Available at: www.gizmag.com/ columbia-omni-freeze-zero/22902. 14. Luna Innovations. 2013. “Luna announces agreement to commercialize new self-cleaning textile technology.” Available at: https:// lunainc.com. 15. Available at: www.susta-smart.eu/documents.
Gloves
protective gloves:
protecting hands from mechanical hazards Patricia I. Dolez, Eng., Ph. D. Researcher CTT Group
Chantal Gauvin, Eng. Scientific Professional IRSST
22
Head2toe Protection 2015 Volume 2
•
Gloves
In performing their function of grabbing and exploring, hands may be exposed to a wide range of hazards that may cause injuries.
In occupational health and safety, the methods used in a typical risk control strategy can be ranked into three categories: engineering controls, administrative measures and personal protective equipment (PPE). The first category is the most effective and involves either replacing the hazard source, such as a tool or a chemical, with a safer equivalent; reducing the hazard level, by using a smaller quantity of the toxic substance, for example; isolating the worker from the source of hazard with a physical barrier; or setting up collective protective equipment, such as a ventilation system or guardrail. Administrative measures relate to planning, information, training and monitoring. As a last resort, PPE, such as gloves, for example, may be used to complement the two other categories. A risk is defined as the hazard level multiplied by the probability of exposure. The selection of PPE should be the result of a rigorous risk analysis that includes identifying the hazards and individuals at risk, assessing and prioritizing the risks, identifying and implementing the appropriate risk control measures, and regularly evaluating and potentially revising the risk analysis. Selecting the appropriate PPE should also take into account all the hazards the worker may be exposed to, as well as other parameters such as comfort,
impediments to performing the task, and working conditions. Mechanical hazards in the workplace include cuts by sharp objects, punctures by blunt or pointed objects or medical needles, tearing and abrasion. For each of these hazards, the use of specific materials in the manufacture of the gloves may help to reduce the risks of injury. Other types of risks may also be simultaneously present: chemicals, extreme temperatures and fire,
biological contaminants, electric and electrostatic risks, vibration and radiation, among others. Human factors should also be considered—size, shape, dexterity, flexibility, grip, tactile sensitivity, breathability, and comfort—as should the risks associated with the use of protective gloves, such as allergic reactions, fatigue and the glove’s chance of being caught in a rotating element. Finally,
An up-close look Hands are made of a delicate assembly of 27 bones connected by ligaments and tendons. Ligaments and tendons also play a role in hand motions which are controlled by muscles. Nerves transmit information back and forth between the hand and the brain, activating muscles triggered by brain signals, and letting it know about the texture of touched surfaces, the surrounding temperature, or the occurrence of an incident triggering pain. Hand tissues are supplied with blood by arteries and small vessels that run along the nerves. Finally, the hand is covered by a layer of skin that acts as an impermeable barrier and protects it against various external agents.
Head2toe Protection 2015 Volume 2
•
23
Gloves aesthetic considerations, durability and cost may also play a role in the glove selection process.
Standard Test Methods in Play
Hand injuries encompass an oversized share of work accidents. most can be avoided‌ given the right work glove.
24
Head2toe Protection 2015 Volume 2
•
The protective performance of gloves is measured using various standard test methods. For instance, ASTM F1790 relates to glove cut resistance, ASTM F1342 to puncture resistance, ASTM F2878 to hypodermic needle puncture, and ASTM D3389 (for coated gloves) and D3884 (for uncoated gloves) to abrasion. A new standard test method is also in preparation for impact protection (ASTM WK38096). Other methods can be found in ISO and European (EN388) standards. ANSI/ISEA 105 classifies performance levels for mechanical hazards. Similarly, standard test methods are available to assess characteristics relative to glove functionality and comfort. It should be mentioned that the measurement of protective glove resistance to mechanical hazards and other properties such as resistance to chemicals, fire, heat and cold,
thermal insulation, dexterity, and flexibility, may be carried out at CTT Group, which can also provide support for the development of new materials for specific performance goals.
Types of gloves Protective gloves may be divided into four categories based on their structure. Unsupported polymer gloves are generally made from rubber, which allows for high dexterity and tactile sensitivity combined with protection against chemicals and biological agents. When used on their own, knitted gloves provide a high degree of breathability and may protect against cutting if made with a cut-resistant yarn. However, they offer no protection against chemicals and puncture. Coated gloves include a textile support, generally a knitted glove, which is partially or completely coated with a polymer. This allows combining resistance to chemicals, puncture and cutting (if the yarn is cut-resistant) with some level of flexibility. Finally, sewn gloves are used with woven and
Gloves nonwoven materials, including leather, to provide more complex structures by combining pieces of different materials positioned in specific arrangements. Various types of materials can be used to manufacture protective gloves, and new materials are regularly developed to improve their performance. Fibres/ yarns include traditional materials like cotton, nylon and polyester, as well as spandex/elastane to provide elasticity, and Kevlar®, Spectra®, Dyneema®, glass fibre and steel for cut resistance. Yarns may combine different types of fibres/ filaments in complex twisted or coresheath structures for improved performance. Gloves may also be made from natural or synthetic leather as well as special textiles, such as SuperFabric® and TurtleSkin® for resistance to needle puncture. Polymers used to produce gloves include various types of rubbers (natural rubber, neoprene, nitrile rubber and butyl rubber), polyurethane, polyethylene and polyvinyl chloride. Glove manufacturing techniques depend on the type of material, structure and final properties sought. Natural and synthetic fibres and yarns may be woven, knitted or made into a nonwoven, i.e. with the fibres randomly oriented. Then, the various parts of the glove are sewn together. Most
unsupported and coated gloves are produced through a dipping process, which involves immersing a form, covered or not with a textile liner, in a polymer suspension. They can also be produced by punching and welding. Finally, injection-, compression- or blown-moulding may also be used to manufacture unsupported polymer gloves. Protective gloves can also be categorized according to their service life. Disposable gloves are intended for short-term, single use. They are not to be washed or reused because they quickly lose their performance characteristics. Some types of gloves may be used for longer periods of time and some may even be washed, if and as indicated by the manufacturer. However, they must be replaced regularly since the level of protection they provide gradually decreases through washing.
Choosing wisely Wearing protective gloves may help reduce the risks of injury from mechanical and other hazards. However, their selection is a delicate compromise between the protection they provide other considerations—functionality and comfort not least among them.
More information about protective gloves against mechanical hazards may be found in the “Information Document for Selecting Gloves for Protection against Mechanical Hazards,” which is available at
www.irsst.qc.ca/media/documents/PubIRSST/RG-738.pdf The document also includes a list of protective glove manufacturers. 26
Head2toe Protection 2015 Volume 2
•
Lab
Analyzing Vocs: regulations, standards and tests Valerio Izquierdo VP Expertise & Textile Laboratories CTT Group
28
Head2toe Protection 2015 Volume 2
•
Lab Indoor air pollution is recognized as a risk for human health. Air contaminants can be microbiological agents, particles or volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Most people are constantly exposed to VOCs because many objects they use everyday release them. This is the case for carpeting, vinyl flooring, composite wood products, paints, caulking, upholstery and mattresses— all commonly found in most households. Medical studies and data indicate that some levels of VOC concentration may in fact have an environmental impact as well as an impact on human health. Consequently, certain materials are under regulation and need to be evaluated to determine their conformity with regional regulations. However, manufacturers are finding it hard to navigate through the numerous regulations. Because the focus is on indoor air quality, the regulations mainly cover building materials: paints and coatings, adhesives, flooring materials and others. Many products, such as paints and caulking, have been tested and now state their emission levels on the labels. Additionally, furniture is also being evaluated because of the presence of polymers, adhesives, treated wood, textile materials and foams that may be responsible for concentrations of indoor VOCs.
Compliance and Testing Issues One of the main difficulties faced by manufacturers wishing to comply with VOC regulations is that VOCs are part of a big family of chemical products whose definitions vary from one standard to another. In California specification 01350, for instance, the list of VOCs includes a total of 35 target
Even air fresheners and cleaning or disinfecting detergents discharge certain levels of VOCs, which goes to show that a “clean” house might not necessarily be a healthy one.
Existing Regulations for VOCs The following agencies or organizations have specific criteria or guidelines for VOC emissions levels from consumer products: The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) has developed the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) green building certification program, which sets parameters for VOCs generated from building materials in a building’s indoor air. The 2013 CALGREEN Code has specific requirements for building materials, such as sealants, adhesive and caulks, paints and coatings, and resilient flooring systems. In the U.S., several states have their own regulations. For example, Ohio, Indiana and Utah have VOC regulations for paints. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has a strict list of VOC emissions limits for numerous consumer products, including paints and coatings. Certification programs are also available for VOC criteria, such as those developed by Greenguard. Because the automotive industry is also interested in reducing VOC emission levels for the passenger comfort and safety, car makers have their own testing programs, and the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) is working to develop standard test methods.
Head2toe Protection 2015 Volume 2
•
29
Lab
Target VOCs Target VOCs are chemical byproducts or monomers that are not fully polymerised during the manufacturing process. Examples of target chemicals include: Acetaldehyde Benzene Chloroform Dimethyl-formamide Formaldehyde Isopropanol Naphthalene Styrene Toluene Vinyl acetate Chlorobenzene Propylene glycol monomethyl ether Ethylene Dioxane Carbon tetrachloride Xylene Phenol Carbon disulfide Hexane
30
Head2toe Protection 2015 Volume 2
•
compounds that are considered chemicals of concern. With this standard test method, if a high proportion of nonlisted chemicals appears during the evaluation of the product, they have to be quantified and reported as well. Another difficulty resides in evaluating the amount of VOCs emitted by a finished material. Again, California specification 01350 is particularly precise: the specimen must be taken from the production line within 24 hours of its production, then shipped to the lab within 24 hours of sample collection. The lab then has five weeks to start the sample testing procedure, under which the specimen will be placed in an environmental chamber under specific temperature and relative humidity conditions (23°C and 50% R.H.), with specific air change rates, chamber loading factors, and more. Under these test conditions, the specimens are exposed and air is sent through a canister to collect the VOCs emanating from the specimen for 24; 48 and 96 hours. VOC molecules from the material are trapped in the
cartridge and then forced to pass through a gas chromatographer with a mass spectrum (GC-MS) capable of detecting most of these molecules. Some of them, such as formaldehyde, are detected using a high-performance liquid chromatographer with mass spectrum (HPLC-MS). In both situations, the presence of the target VOCs is then detected and the concentrations are calculated by comparing them with pure standard reference materials. Finished products can also be tested. For example, classroom desks and office chairs can be tested whole. When placed in the environmental chamber, these finished products are exposed for 72 and 168 hours. The VOCs emitted are expressed per furniture unit. This method of analysis is described in the BIFMA M7.1 standard test method and incorporated into the California 01350 specification.
Standard Test Methods BIFMA M 7.1 (2011) test method, for determining VOC emissions California specification 01350: testing and evaluation of volatile organic chemical emissions from indoor sources using environmental chambers – version 1.1 (2010) ASTM D7706 - 11 Standard Practice for Rapid Screening of VOC Emissions from Products Using Micro-Scale Chambers For research and development purposes, small-scale equipment for VOC testing has been optimized and is now available to the industry. The equipment—micro-chambers for rapid analysis of VOCs in a finished or raw material—is available at CTT Group, which offers technical support to industries looking to develop materials that are safe for the environment and human health and free from VOC emissions. Head2toe Protection 2015 Volume 2
•
31
PPE
safety in the workplace: through education and PPE
32
Head2toe Protection 2015 Volume 2
•
PPE
An interview with
Peter Clark VP R&D, Apparel Solutions
In 1979, Peter Clark just happened to be driving through an Edmonton neighbourhood when a major pipeline transporting propane to the United States ruptured. In an instant, he found himself in the middle of a violent explosion, leaving him severely burnt, and around him a major portion of the city having to be evacuated. Peter has since become involved in safety, including incident prevention and personal protection. His pro-education approach to burn prevention and safety promotion has earned him several honors and medals. Now working with Apparel Solutions International, he is responsible for keeping the safety apparel manufactured by the company up to current standards, regulations and specifications. Peter currently sits on both the CGSB and NFPA flash fire personal protective equipment (PPE) technical committees, and has worked with multiple committees in the past on policy development. We met with this safety pioneer to find out how PPE users can contribute to preventing burn injury.
Evidence shows that, when used effectively, PPE considerably reduces the risk of injury. Yet you state that education is still the most important aspect of a safe environment. Would you say that PPE users underestimate threats such as flash fires, electrical burns or other dangers in their work environment? Yes, PPE users usually don’t take into account the fact that their protective clothing can actually be ineffective in minimizing or eliminating injuries. For instance, flame-resistant (FR) clothing—meeting CAN/ CGSB-155.20—has proven itself by significantly reducing burn severity in flash fires and saving many lives, but painful burns with long lasting consequences can still occur while wearing this PPE, especially to exposed areas such as the head and hands. Also, FR and arc-rated (AR) clothing’s protective properties can be minimized or even lost if the PPE is not worn or maintained properly, if it is used for protection from longer duration fires, or if exposed to arcs with higher arc
Head2toe Protection 2015 Volume 2
•
33
PPE ratings than it was designed for. A good example to illustrate this would be if someone was working in close proximity to vehicles travelling at a high speed, and was depending solely on his high-visibility apparel (meeting CSA Z96) for protection.
However, education alone can not stop fire in its path. This is where engineering comes into play. Were should R&D concentrate its efforts to help workers in hazard elimination, and in so doing get one step closer to ultimate protection from burn injury? Beforehand, I must state that I have had the privilege to work with and observe many very safe and successful companies, and I believe we can all learn from their example. According
34
Head2toe Protection 2015 Volume 2
•
“education is critical to help end users understand that while PPE can be invaluable, it is still only the last line of defense.” — Peter Clark
to my observations, these companies achieved their success by always considering the big picture when it comes to safety, and by not trying to rely on one single aspect. They follow established safety procedures first by trying to engineer out all hazards, and, if that is not possible, then by minimizing risk, like erecting safety barriers or imposing standoff distances. Second, they have their workforce trained and empowered to make changes in any of these areas whenever required. And finally, they provide PPE when required, and training on its use and limitations. Personally, I have developed expertise on flash fire, arc flash and highvisibility PPE apparel standards and am on the Clothing System for Protection from High Pressure Steam & Condensate Committee. But as an incident survivor, and from delivering
many seminars to end users, I still think more like an end user myself, and so I believe R&D teams must develop PPE that is more practical and that delivers better performance in challenging work and weather environments, especially in extreme heat and cold. As a burn survivor, who interviewed hundreds of other incident survivors, I believe that more R&D should be done for flash fire PPE, notably on testing procedures that better duplicate real flash fires, as opposed to simple thermal heat sources. For both flash fire and arc flash PPE apparel, we need to improve on testing procedures that more accurately measure and predict burn severity. We have developed good testing procedures and apparel standards that have saved lives and reduced suffering, but these “laboratory burns” and their predicted burn depth and
PPE body surface area percentage, often don’t match real life scenarios. You recognize that there have been important technological advances over the years that have yielded an array of new, safe workwear that is both comfortable and functional. Which components have shown the greatest innovation? Which characteristics have made it to the top-of-the-line clothing for the most dangerous work environments? I believe the major innovations have been to fabrics, due to the development of new fibres and to expertise in blending fibres with different properties for better performance. Now, inherently flame-resistant fabrics are becoming available in fluorescent colours, enabling high-visibility PPE apparel that is also FR and AR. We also now have FR and AR fabrics that can provide superior flash fire and electric arc flash protection, and some are even true high-performance moisture management fabrics.
36
Head2toe Protection 2015 Volume 2
•
Many purchasers are now requesting that clothing be third-party certified. How can this apparent obstacle to business translate into an opportunity for textile manufacturers? It seems to me that third-party garment and component certification is a great asset to quality manufacturers, because this helps differentiate them from others who don’t care about meeting safety performance requirements or whose products are unable to meet these requirements. This gives compliant companies an edge that can only be good for their business.
As a member of multiple boards and committees with the CSA, the CGSB, and the NFPA, people see you as being at the forefront of changes to safety standards. To what extent should textile and apparel companies get involved in these groups to further commit to people’s safety? PPE standards are developed using the expertise and capabilities of the participants, and even with the best intentions, these standards will reflect that fact. By companies not participating in such committees, PPE standards most likely will not address issues unique to each region—such as Nordic weather, high altitude, extreme heat—or include solutions made possible by technological developments from their companies. It is therefore very important that industrials, researchers, testing facilities and end users all participate in order to develop safe, effective and practical standards.
Buyers’ Guide
Personal protective equipment
at your fingertips!
38
Head2toe Protection 2015 Volume 2
•
Buyers’ Guide LOOKING FOR PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT GOODS OR SERVICES? WE’VE COMPILED THIS HANDY TOOL TO MAKE SEARCHING EASIER. The first section of this Buyer’s Guide comprises an index which lists companies according to their market or specific expertise. The index is immediately followed by a directory where you can find out more about the companies.Be sure to drop by the exhibition hall and pay them a visit—or look them up online!
expertise HEAD GEAR Block Bindings & Interlinings Ltd. International Sewright MSA The Safety Company
EYE PROTECTION International Sewright MCR Safety MSA The Safety Company
SAFETY FOOTWEAR Footwear Specialties International MEGA Comfort International Vibram USA
RESPIRATORY PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT MSA The Safety Company
Fire-retardant CLOTHING 3M™ Scotchlite™ Reflective Material Block Bindings & Interlinings Ltd. Doubletex Glen Raven Guillemot International Inc. IFR Workwear Inc. International Sewright
Loxy Norway (division of Sto-Nor AS) Majestic Fire Apparel MCR Safety Midwest Quilting Company Ltd. Textiles Monterey (1996) Inc. Workrite Uniform Company Lenzing Fibers Stedfast Inc.
HAND PROTECTION International Sewright MCR Safety
FACE PROTECTION Guillemot International Inc. IFR Workwear Inc. International Sewright MSA The Safety Company
OUTERWEAR (RAINWEAR) Block Bindings & Interlinings Ltd. Doubletex IFR Workwear Inc. International Sewright Loxy Norway (division of Sto-Nor AS) Midwest Quilting Company Ltd. Textiles Monterey (1996) Inc. Workrite Uniform Company
Lenzing Fibers Stedfast Inc.
HIGH-VISIBILITY CLOTHING 3M™ Scotchlite™ Reflective Material Block Bindings & Interlinings Ltd. Doubletex Glen Raven IFR Workwear Inc. International Sewright Loxy Norway (division of Sto-Nor AS) MCR Safety Textiles Monterey (1996) Inc. Lenzing Fibers Stedfast Inc.
EAR PROTECTION MSA The Safety Company
FALL PROTECTION MSA The Safety Company
OTHER Cansew inc. Doubletex International Sewright MEGA Comfort International Head2toe Protection 2015 Volume 2
•
39
Buyers’ Guide markets IMAGEWEAR
Block Bindings & Interlinings Ltd. Cansew Inc. Doubletex IFR Workwear Inc. Lenzing Fibers Midwest Quilting Company Ltd.
TRANSPORTATION
3M™ Scotchlite™ Reflective Material Block Bindings & Interlinings Ltd. Cansew Inc. Doubletex Footwear Specialties International IFR Workwear Inc. International Sewright MCR Safety MEGA Comfort International Midwest Quilting Company Ltd.
ENERGY
3M™ Scotchlite™ Reflective Material Block Bindings & Interlinings Ltd. Footwear Specialties International Glen Raven Guillemot International Inc. IFR Workwear Inc. International Sewright MCR Safety MEGA Comfort International Midwest Quilting Company Ltd. MSA The Safety Company Textiles Monterey (1996) Inc.
FOOD processing
Footwear Specialties International MCR Safety
EMERGENCY
3M™ Scotchlite™ Reflective Material Block Bindings & Interlinings Ltd. Cansew Inc. 40
Head2toe Protection 2015 Volume 2
•
Doubletex Footwear Specialties International IFR Workwear Inc. International Sewright Loxy Norway (division of Sto-Nor AS) Majestic Fire Apparel MCR Safety MEGA Comfort International Midwest Quilting Company Ltd. Stedfast Inc.
MEDICAL
Block Bindings & Interlinings Ltd. Doubletex International Sewright Loxy Norway (division of Sto-Nor AS) MCR Safety MEGA Comfort International Lenzing Fibers Midwest Quilting Company Ltd. Stedfast inc.
FORESTRY
Footwear Specialties International IFR Workwear Inc. International Sewright Majestic Fire Apparel MCR Safety MEGA Comfort International Midwest Quilting Company Ltd.
MILITARY
Block Bindings & Interlinings Ltd. Cansew Inc. Footwear Specialties International Glen Raven Guillemot International Inc. International Sewright Lenzing Fibers Majestic Fire Apparel MEGA Comfort International Midwest Quilting Company Ltd. Stedfast Inc.
Textiles Monterey (1996) Inc. Vibram USA
INDUSTRIAL
3M™ Scotchlite™ Reflective Material Block Bindings & Interlinings Ltd. Cansew Inc. Footwear Specialties International Glen Raven Guillemot International Inc. IFR Workwear Inc. International Sewright Lenzing Fibers Loxy Norway (division of Sto-Nor AS) Majestic Fire Apparel MCR Safety MEGA Comfort International Midwest Quilting Company Ltd. MSA The Safety Company Stedfast Inc. Textiles Monterey (1996) Inc. Vibram USA Workrite Uniform Company
HEALTH & SAFETY
3M™ Scotchlite™ Reflective Material Block Bindings & Interlinings Ltd. Cansew Inc. Footwear Specialties International Glen Raven International Sewright Lenzing Fibers Loxy Norway (division of Sto-Nor AS) MCR Safety MEGA Comfort International Midwest Quilting Company Ltd. MSA The Safety Company Workrite Uniform Company
OTHER
Block Bindings & Interlinings Ltd. International Sewright Guillemot International Inc.
Buyers’ Guide directory
3M™ Scotchlite™ Reflective Material
Block Bindings is a manufacturer of waistband, Bias Binding, reflective trim, reflective graphics and chest pieces. We also distribute a full range of interlinings including wovens, wefts stretch, nonwovens, and fusibles, cut-aways and tear-aways for embroidery.
Booth #2319
www.3M.com/Scotchlite 3M Center Bldg 235-2F-06 St Paul, MN, USA 55144 Tel.: 888 364-3577 Fax: 800 713-6329
Booth #3079
Contact
www.cansew.ca
Kevin McGuigan, Global Business Manager Anne Miniely, R&D Technical Manager Margaret Coleman, National Sales Manager Laura Anderson, Global Marketing Manager (laura.anderson@mmm.com) 3M is passionate about protecting the health and safety of workers in all types of industries and workforce environments. This passion helps drive us to continue to innovate across technologies, disciplines, and industries to help keep your workers safe and protected. We strive to deliver comfortable, well-designed personal protective equipment (PPE) that offers your workers the most effective protection available. You can buy 3M Safety PPE, confident in the knowledge that 3M is working hard to provide products that your employees will feel good about wearing.
Cansew inc.
111 Chabanel Street West, Suite 101 Montreal, QC, H2N 1C9, Canada Tel.: 514 382-2807 Fax: 514 385-5530 Contact
Footwear Specialties International Booth # 3367
Jack Schachter, VP (jack.schachter@cansew.ca)
13136 NE Airport Way Portland, OR, USA 97230 Tel.: 888 269-4526 Fax: 800 638-6241
Richard Dore, Sales Manager (rdore@cansew.ca) Cansew Inc. is a vertically-integrated manufacturer and distributor of industrial sewing thread since 1924. We are ISO 9001:2008 certified. Our products carry the UL recognized component trademark and conform to the NFPA, CPSC 16 CFR 1633, Oeko Tex 100 standards; as well as the U.S. and Canadian commercial and military specifications.
Doubletex
Booth #4235
www.doubletex.com
www.blockbindings.com
9785, Jeanne-Mance Montréal, QC, H3L 3B6, Canada Tel.: 514 382-1770 Fax: 514 382-9587 Contact
Allan Rais, President (allan@blockbindings.com)
Randy Williams, Sales Manager (randy.williams@doubletex.com)
Lina Cutrone, Office Manager (lina@blockbindings.com)
Richard Zuckerman, VP (richard.zuckerman@doubletex.com)
Contact
For over 100 years, Doubletex has been providing innovative solutions to the textile industry. As the largest privately owned textile manufacturer, Doubletex honours its promise of quality, versatility, reliability, product innovation and customer service. Doubletex combines quality fabrics with specialty protective finishes and offers one-stop shopping thanks to its Lamination, Non-woven and Quilting divisions.
Hershie Schachter, CEO & President (hershie@cansew.ca)
Block Bindings & Interlinings Ltd.
9500, rue Meilleur, suite 402 Montréal, QC, H2N 2B7, Canada Tel.: 514 381-7493 Fax: 514 381-6725
Anna Baronne, Government Procurement & Customer Relations (anna.barone@doubletex.com)
www.footwearspecialties.com
Contact
Dawn Pearson, VP Operations (dawn@footwearspecialties.com) Footwear Specialties Int’l has three brands: NAUTILUS SAFETY FOOTWEAR was one of the first athletic safety toe brands blending the comfort and support of performance athletic footwear with rigorous safety standards. We offer one of the largest selections of athletic safety footwear to meet the requirements of any job environment and workers today. AVENGER WORK BOOTS offers advanced manufacturing techniques combined with traditional styling and quality materials in order to meet the highest safety standards. Avenger products are tough giving workers the flexible, yet durable, safety they need combined with the comfot and styling they demand. SKIDBUSTER FOOTWEAR was designed to help make the hopitality industry safer and more comfortable. Our slip-resistant outsoles quickly and effectively channel liquids away from the shoe’s surface area to provide maximum slip resistance in all types of wet or oily environments. Skidbuster responds to the needs of today’s food service, cafeteria, and hotel workers. Head2toe Protection 2015 Volume 2
•
41
Buyers’ Guide
Glen Raven Booth #2672
www.glenguard.com 1831 North Park Avenue Glen Raven, NC, USA 27217-1100 Tel.: 800 630-3759 Fax: 336 226-8133
IFR Workwear Inc. www.ifrworkwear.ca 99 Quinn Avenue Red Deer, AB, T4P 0R7, Canada Tel.: 403 347-5480 Fax: 403 347-0070 Contact
Reg Radford, President (reg@ifrworkwear.ca)
Contact
Richard Lippert, Marketing Director (rich.lippert@glenraven.com)
Chris Buckland, Distribution Manager (chris@ifrworkwear.ca)
Our flame-resistant (FR) GlenGuard™ products are marketed in the personal protective equipment market and promise workers lighter, more comfortable workwear. That’s because we are dedicated to making the lightest FR fabrics in the world. It’s also why we make sure our fabrics: Have superior breathability; Reduce the risk of heat stress; Are the most comfortable in the industry; Wick away moisture; Are lightweight. GlenGuard Hi-Vis offers patented no-melt, no-drip protection and is ANSI compliant for use in FR safety vests. GlenGuard is produced by Glen Raven Technical Fabrics. At Glen Raven Technical Fabrics we provide our customers with engineered solutions that solve real world problems. From protective workwear, military and mining applications, to water filtration and automotive headliner fabric, we are uniquely positioned to adapt quickly to market needs.
Erin Buckland, VP (erin@ifrworkwear.ca)
Guillemot International Inc. www.guillemotinc.com 701, avenue Larue Québec, QC, G1C 5L1, Canada Tel.: 418 661-2952 Fax: 418 661-3045 Contact
Daniel Genest, President (dgenest@guillemotinc.com) Nataly Deschamps, Executive Assistant (ndeschamps@guillemotinc.com) Guillemot International has been recognized for creating high-performance knitted fabric (HPK). Specially designed to protect from extreme temperatures, Guillemot fabric meets the needs of customers from different industries, making everything from firefighters’ equipment to car racing balaclavas.
42
Head2toe Protection 2015 Volume 2
•
cotton and polycotton to name a few. The items manufactured are: 1) Arc Flash Protection—coveralls, bib overalls, pants, shirts, parkas, jackets, socks, sleeves, head protection, gloves; 2) Hi-Vis; 3) Welders Clothing; 4) High Heat Clothing; 5) Uniforms; 6) Shop Coats, Lab Coats; 7) Safety Glasses by Edge, Sun Glasses by Edge-Clear Smoky-Polarized, Sun Glasses-Fog Resistant by Edge. Our fabrics are inherently flame-resistant (FR) and are comprised of a proprietary blend of highperformance fibers that provide an extraordinary level of protection against direct flame, extreme heat, molten metal, hot/flammable liquids, and arc flash. CarbonX products will not burn, melt, or ignite and they significantly outperform other FR options. In field tests conducted over the course of several years and across multiple applications
J’Anna Ireland, Executive Assistant (janna@ifrworkwear.ca) IFR Workwear is a Canadian-owned, North American manufacturer of flame-resistant and high-visibility protective workwear. Made from only highly recognized materials such as Nomex IIIA, Westex Ultrasoft and 3M Scotchlite Reflective Material, IFR garments are functional, comfortable and compliant. IFR patented the women’s 2-piece coverall, which caters to all shapes and sizes of both women and men. We stock a large inventory of products and a large range of sizes, including tall sizes in our Red Deer warehouse. We also offer full service embroidery and alterations! We are the trusted leader in quality flame- and arc- resistant workwear.
International Sewright www.safetyclothingcanada.com
Lenzing Fibers Booth #3743
www.lenzing-fibers.com Werkstraße 2, 4860 Lenzing, Austria Tel.: +43 (0) 7672 701-3505 Contact
Oliver Spoecker (o.spoecker@lenzing.com) Lenzing FR® is an inherently flame-resistant fibre used in protective apparel. Applications include the military, petrochemical, molten metal and electric arc protection. TENCEL® is particularly well suited for workwear with the strongest possible tenacity rating of all cellulose fibres, high moisture absorption, reduced bacterial growth and the very best skin-sensory products for excellent performance.
6190 Don Murie Street Niagara Falls, ON, L0G 0B4, Canada Tel.: 905 374 3600 Fax: 905 374 6121 Contact
Lyse Moreau, President (intsewright@safetyclothing.com) Charles Moreau, Sales & Marketing Director (Charles.moreau@safetyclothing.com) Suzanne Rose, Office Administrator (office@safetyclothing.com) International Sew Right manufactures and customdesigns safety clothing with no minimum orders on custom-made garments. The fabrics range from Banwear, Banox, Indura Ultra Soft, Nomex 111A, Kevlar Nomex blend, PBI Kevlar blend, leather, aluminized,
Loxy Norway (division of Sto-Nor AS) Booth #824
www.loxy.com c/o Loxy as P.O.Box 1001 Halden Ostfold, 1787 Norway Tel.: +47 6919 5390 Fax: +47 6919 5768 Contact
Stig Nordli, CEE (stig@loxy.no)
Buyers’ Guide Marit Holm Karlsen, Sales Coordinator (marit@loxy.no) Producer of reflective tape and seam sealing tape. Customers all over the world. Based in Halden, Norway. Offices/production in Sweden, Poland, Germany, China, Vietnam, US.
Larry Garner, CMO Brandy Shirley, Administrative Assistant (bshirley@mcrsafety.com) MCR Safety has over 40 years of experience as a leader in the field of personal protective equipment (PPE). MCR Safety globally manufactures and distributes safety gear marketed as MCR Safety, Memphis Glove, Crews, River City, and US Safety.
Majestic Fire Apparel Booth #3146
www.majhoods.com P.O. BOX 248 255 Wagner St. Lehighton, PA, USA 18235 Tel.: 610 377-6273 Fax: 610 377-6221 Contact
Janeane Matula, Vice President (jmatula@majhoods.com) Majestic Fire Apparel, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of fire-retardant hoods, accessories and arc-rated apparel. Our materials are knit and sewn in our facility located at the foothills of the Pocono Mountains in Lehighton, Pennsylvania. As an ISO 9001:2008 registered company, our policy is to maintain a compliant quality management system. Majestic’s PAC series hoods are all UL-certified to the newest standard: NFPA 1971-2013 Industrial, Welding, and Electrical Hoods, Apparel and Accessories—many of which are third-party certified. Our focus on quality and new product development has contributed to our success in serving customers in the fire and safety industry for over 17 years. Customization is also available, if you don’t see exactly what you’re looking for, contact us.
MCR Safety Booth #2939, 3039, 3139
www.mcrsafety.com 1255 Schilling Blvd. W. Collierville, TN, USA 38017 Tel.: 800 955-6887 Fax: 800 999-3908
MEGA Comfort International Booth #868
www.megacomfort.com 14351 Myford Road, Suite F Tustin, CA, USA 92780 Tel.: 877 634-2266 Fax: 877 634-2002 Contact
Dr. Kevan Orvitz, Founder & CEO (marketing@megacomfort.com) Teddy Lubimzev, Marketing Manager (marketing@megacomfort.com) MEGAComfort Inc. is a leading-edge company that offers a complete range of patent-pending ergonomic anti-fatigue insoles and orthotics. MEGAComfort Products have been clinically proven to reduce employee muscle fatigue as well as reducing pain and increasing worker comfort in multiple field tests. MEGAComfort has been promoting the push away from costly standard floor matting since its inception eight years ago and its Personal Anti-Fatigue Mat Insole was uniquely designed by Dr. Kevan Orvitz as a viable costeffective alternative.
1451 Erin Street Winnipeg, MB, R3E 2S9, Canada Tel.: 204 783-6009 Fax: 204 783-8887 Contact
Mitch Lewellen, CEO
John Paul Rhode, Sales Marketing (jp@ptex.ca)
Jim Brisentine, VP Purchasing
Mid-West Quilting Co. Ltd. has been a resilient partner
44
Head2toe Protection 2015 Volume 2
•
MSA The Safety Company Booth #2515
www.msasafety.com 1000 Cranberry Woods Drive Cranberry Township, PA, USA 16066 Tel.: 724 776-8600 Fax: 724 776-3280 Contact
William Lambert, CEO (william.lambert@msasafety.com) Rick Katx, Executive Direction R&D (rick.katz@msasafety.com) Dave McArthur, Sales and Marketing (dave.mcarthur@msasafety.com) MSA core products include industrial head, eye, face, hearing and communications protection, respiratory protective equipment, fall protection products, portable gas detection instruments and sensors, and fixed gas and flame detection systems. Our products are used in a broad range of industries, including the Energy (Oil, Gas and Petrochemical), Construction/Contractor, Government, and Fire Service markets.
Midwest Quilting Company Ltd. www.mwq.ca / www.pti.ca
Paul Knight, CEO (paul@ptex.ca)
Contact
to the textile industry since 1948. The growing demand for protective fabrics led the company to expand into the safety apparel work-wear market (PPE) with a focus on keeping personnel warm and comfortable in cold climates, while significantly improving the protective values of the garment. As part of the expansion into the PPE market, the company has built an extensive inventory of protective fabrics for justin-time availability. These fabrics include, but are not limited to, treated FR cottons and blends, modacrylic blends, Nomex®, and various meta/para-aramid blends. Located in Winnipeg, Canada, the centre point of North America, the company is strategically positioned for rapid exports worldwide.
Stedfast inc. Booth # 1969
www.stedfast.com 230, rue Saint-Charles S., C.P. 577 Granby, QC, J2G 3Y3, Canada Tel.: 450 378-8441 Fax: 450 378-1558
Buyers’ Guide Contact
Alexander Artus, Technical Director (aartus@stedfast.com) Pierre Robert (probert@stedfast.com) Stedfast is a world leader in manufacturing valueadded laminated and coated textiles. Its textiles, including those resistant to chemical and biological weapons, find applications in industrial settings, healthcare, the military and protective clothing. From comfortable protective clothing, tent fabrics that breathe, camouflage nets and life rafts, to protective fabrics against biological and chemical agents, Stedfast applies superior technologies to meet stringent specifications. Stedair®, waterproof breathable technologies and Stedfast’s coated fabrics offer new levels of protection and comfort that go above and beyond.
Bill Ells, VP Components Sales (bill.ells@vibramusa.com) Vibram is the world leader in high-performance rubber soles, targeted to the outdoor, work, recreation, fashion, repair and orthopedic markets. For more than 70 years, the famous yellow octagon that identifies the brand has been synonymous with quality, performance, safety, innovation and design. Since revolutionizing the sport with the creation of the first rubber sole for mountain climbing in the ‘30s, Vibram has positioned itself as the market standard. Vibram soles, created with a desire to increase safety and protection levels, are the result of a constant commitment to research and development. They proved to be irreplaceable companions during many extreme expeditions. Each new Vibram product is created using only the latest designs and the best compounds for its specific use. New products are always produced with three objectives: to guarantee the best performance, the maximum level of comfort and quality over time.
sign up today to take part in next year’s buyers’ guide:
www.head2toeportection.com
Textiles Monterey (1996) inc. 2575, boul. Saint-Joseph, C.P. 760 Drummondville, QC, J2B 6X1, Canada Tel.: 819 475-4333 Fax: 819 475-4174
Workrite Uniform Company
Contact
Booth #2625
Gilles Desmarais, President (gilles.desmarais@monterey1996.ca)
www.workrite.com
Jean-Sébastien Brière, R&D Director (developpement@monterey1996.ca) Textiles Monterey Inc. is a vertical mill that produces high-end fabrics which go into a multitude of applications and markets, including the military, PPE, uniforms, industrial fabrics, and much more. We also offer high quality textile solutions for electric arc, flash fire resistance, anti-static, high-visibility and tear resistance.
Vibram USA www.vibram.com 9 Damon Mill Square Concord, MA, USA 01742 Tel.: 978 318-0000 Fax: 978 610-6743 Contact
Mike Gionfriddo, President & CEO (Mike.Gionfriddo@vibram.com)
1701 N. Lombard, Oxnard, CA, USA 93030 Tel.: 800 521-1888 Fax: 805 988-1856 Contact
Janet Costa, Marketing Communications Manager (jcosta@workrite.com) Workrite Uniform is a business-to-business (B2B) affiliate of Williamson-Dickie Manufacturing Company (“Dickies”), the number-one global workwear brand. Workrite Uniform Company stands on more than 40 years of trusted experience in flame-resistant (FR) clothing, backed by strong partnerships with top fabric manufacturers. We have a dedicated North American sales force and experienced customer service team to meet all your FR needs. Workrite Uniform is a solely focused leader in the development and manufacturing of FR clothing for industries throughout North America and worldwide. Today, Workrite Uniform offers three top-quality FR brands— Workrite® FR, Dickies® FR and Walls® FR. For more information on Workrite Uniform, visit www.workrite. com or download our mobile app from the iTunes app store or Google Play. Head2toe Protection 2015 Volume 2
•
45
Legal Notice Head2Toe Protection is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts. With the acceptance of an article for publication, the right to publish and translate is transferred to Head2Toe Protection. The contents of this publication may not be reproduced in whole or in part, by any means (including electronic, mechanical or photographic), without the prior written consent of the publisher. Photos © 123RF: Zoran Orcik, Roman Milert, Dmitry Kalinovsky, Flashon Studio, Cloud7days, Natalie Duvanova, Wavebreak Media, Sergey Fesenko, Sergiy Kuzmin, Pixelrobot, Sergey Jarochkin, Andriy Popov, Mitja Mladkovic, Rossella Apostoli, Iophoto, Surat Boonkhong. © iStockphoto: Anika Salsera, Dizzo, Nik962, Poplasen. Publisher CTT Group 3000, Boullé, St-Hyacinthe, QC Canada J2S 1H9 Tel.: 450 778-1870 Fax: 450 778-3901 info@gcttg.com www.gcttg.com Editor in Chief Jacek Mlynarek Tel.: 450 778-1870 jmlynarek@gcttg.com Editors Olivier Vermeersch, Patricia Dolez Valério Izquierdo, Daniel Bertrand Tel.: 450 778-1870 info@gcttg.com Advertising Ann Langlois Tel.: 450 778-1870 Fax : 450 778-3901 alanglois@gcttg.com Accounting Christina Savard Tel.: 450 778-1870 csavard@gcttg.com Translation Text2texte Tel.: 450 349-1010 phr@text2texte.com Design Ateliers Prêt-Presse Tel.: 450 460-5246 pretpresse@videotron.ca Board Of Directors France Doire (Ville de Montréal) Guy Pelletier (Fintex Mécanique & Procédés) Nathalie Houde (Cossette) Roger Sylvestre (Cégep de Saint-Hyacinthe) Jacek Mlynarek (CTT Group) Olivier Vermeersch (CTT Group)
46
Head2toe Protection 2015 Volume 2
•
advertisers index 3M ScotchLite
800 328-7098
www.3m.com/scotchlite BC
Block Bindings
514 381-7493
www.blockbindings.com
25
Cansew
800 361-7722
www.cansewspecialops.com
15
CTT Group
877 288-8378
www.gcttg.com
11
Doubletex
800 311-1770
www.doubletex.com
31
GlenGuard Compliance
336 227-6211
www.glenguard.com
37
IFR Workwear
888 550-6006
www.ifrworkwear.ca
35
International Sewright Co.
905 374-3600
www.safetyclothingcanada.com 27
Loxy – Sto-Nor Industri
47 69 19 53 90
www.loxy.com
Midwest Quilting
877 783-6009
21
Stedfast
450 378-8441
41
Textiles Monterey
819 475-4333
Vibram
978 318-0000
www.stedfast.com
5
9
www.vibram.com IFC
HEAD GEAR
FIRE-RESISTANT FABRIC & CLOTHING
HIGH-VISIBILITY WORKWEAR
EYE, HAND & EAR PROTECTION
SAFETY FOOTWEAR
2016 • Volume 3