The Leader - Summer 2020 - PPE

VOL7/NO3/SUMMER 2 02 0

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

CONTENTS

VOL 7 | NO 3 | SUMMER 2 0 2 0

FEATURES

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26

Safe and Sound: Personalized Protection to Prevent Hearing Loss

Selecting the Right Respirator for the Hazard

By Dr. Robert M. Ghent,

Manager for Air-Purifying

Advanced Engineer/Scientist—

and SCBA Respiratory

Research Audiologist,

Protection, Honeywell

Honeywell Safety Products and David Lerch, CSHO—General Industry, Product Development Manager, Cintas Corporation

16

Make the Most of Your Investment in Fall Protection PPE

By Thomas E. Kramer, PE, CSP— Managing Principal, LJB Inc.

22

What Matters Most When Choosing AR/FR PPE?

By Lynn Feiner, Sr. Offering

30

Chemical Protective Clothing 101: A Primer on Permeation, Penetration, and Degradation

By Norman W. Henry III,

Curtis Hintz & Robert N. Phalen

34

Have You Heard?

Understanding Hearing Loss Prevention

By International Safety Equipment Association

COLUMNS

By Rich Lippert, QSSP,

Technical Director and International Sales Manager, GlenGuard

36

Women in Safety Spotligh t

Improving PPE Fit for Women Impacts the Psychosocial Safety of All Workers

By Abby Ferri, CSP

40

Innovating Beyond "Shrink it and Pink it"

By Gabriella DeYoe, Freelance Writer and Robotics Coach

vpppa.org

4 6 10 45

Global Safety and Health Watch From the Perspective of a First Responder: COVID-19 and Personal Protective Equipment OSHA Corner OSHA Safe + Sound Campaign

SECTIONS 9 44 46

Infographic Corner Membership Corner Ad Index Leader—Summer 2020

3

Global Safety and Health Watch

By Jamie Mitchell Communications Coordinator, VPPPA, Inc.

Making A Splash in the Future of Health Care “Go through the alphabet… recite the chorus of Dolly Parton’s song, “Jolene”… sing the “Happy Birthday” song…

W

ashing your

drinking, recreational or

hands for

wastewater), if a health care

percent of the population

at least 20

facility did not have proper

is using a safely managed

seconds with

water for sanitation purposes,

drinking water source;

that could lead to issues with

however, about 2 billion people

soap and water is common practice and has been emphasized even more during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Being able to easily sanitize our hands and surfaces is crucial to preventing disease, while water is also necessary for health and hydration.

Numerous deaths and diseases could be prevented with access to safe, clean water—but approximately one in four

the virus.]

The World Health Organization (WHO) kicked off the new decade with a

world. The WHO and its partners are working with 35 low and middle-income

the basics when it comes to

health care locations. The

water, sanitation and hygiene

goal is “for all countries

(WASH) services. A study

to have included WASH

published in The Lancet (a

services in plans, budgets

general medical journal) noted:

and implementation efforts

“Health-care-associated

by 2023, and by 2030 all

infection is the most frequent

health care facilities globally

available from the developing world.” If a patient takes an oral medication with unsafe water, or a worker is simply thirsty and takes a drink, they can contract a waterborne illness. Poor water quality, or a lack of WASH services, is a major risk for patients at any time, especially now during

health care facility) that is not the typical sterile environment we are used to seeing. Yet, this

(*Improved sanitation includes sanitation facilities that hygienically separate human excreta from human contact.)

management service.

What happens when you ingest unclean water?

When micro-organisms and chemicals are in water supplies, people can develop severe illnesses. According to the WHO, “Contaminated water and poor sanitation are linked to transmission of diseases such as cholera, diarrhea, dysentery, hepatitis A, typhoid,

39 percent lack soap for handwashing.

and polio… Globally, 15 percent of patients develop an infection during a hospital stay, with the proportion much greater in low-income countries.”

Roughly 842,000 deaths occur

health care sites lack hand

each year from diarrhea, a

hygiene abilities and cannot

preventable disease.

safely dispose of health carerelated waste. According to the

[While the risk of COVID-19

International Journal of Hygiene

transmission through water

and Environmental Health,

is likely to be low (the virus

regarding these resource-limited

is not believed to spread via

health care settings:

Leader—Summer 2020

33 percent lack improved sanitation.

is not the case worldwide. Many

the COVID-19 pandemic.

4

the WHO says that 22 percent

and 22 percent with no waste

services.” From a United States to picture a hospital (or other

least developed countries,

have no sanitation services

should have basic WASH perspective, it can be difficult

that is contaminated. In the

no water service, 21 percent

priorities includes improving WASH services around the

are using a drinking source

of health care facilities have

challenges. One of these top

countries to upgrade their

worldwide, but few data are

50 percent lack access to piped water.

list of urgent global health

health facilities globally lack

result of unsafe patient care

An estimated 71 percent

39 percent lack adequate infectious waste disposal.

What is being done?

Millions of people face these harsh circumstances at their local health care centers, but a variety of organizations vpppa.org

are working to help improve conditions. During the 2014

• How Ghana’s national standards for WASH in health

Ebola outbreak in Liberia,

care facilities improved

Water Mission (a nonprofit

quality of care.

organization) partnered with UNICEF to provide water treatment systems to hospitals and Ebola treatment

By 2025, half of the world’s population will be living in water-stressed areas, according

centers. During the current

to the WHO. A lack of safe

coronavirus pandemic Water

water does not only impact

Mission continues to provide

health, hygiene and health care.

support, safe water and

Spending time and potentially

hygiene solutions to health

risking one’s safety to collect

care facilities. For example,

water is dangerous, keeps

Water Mission provides Potable

children out of school, and

Water Chlorinators, which treat

preoccupies time. In 2015 the

water with chlorine so it can be used to maintain hygiene and eliminates waterborne diseases.

Progress takes

time, effort and resources, but

strides are being

WHO and UNICEF developed the Water and Sanitation for Health Facility Improvement Tool.

This tool “aims to guide small, primary health care facilities in low- and middle-income settings through a continuous

for all.

Member States also adopted

protect the planet and ensure that all people enjoy peace and

services being accessible in all

prosperity by 2030.” One of

health care facilities. Therefore,

the 17 goals include providing

the WHO and UNICEF created a

safe and affordable drinking

document featuring, “Practical

water by 2030. This will

Steps to Achieve Universal Access

require investing in suitable

health facilities through multi-level leadership.

• How Cambodia used a

situation analysis to embed WASH into health system and

•

quality improvement plans.

www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241516433 www.globalgoals.org/resources apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/311618/9789241515511-eng. pdf?ua=1 www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/publications/wash-in-hcf-qa-2april.pdf?ua=1 www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/drinkingwater#:~:text=Contaminated%20water%20and%20poor%20 sanitation,A%2C%20typhoid%2C%20and%20polio. www.cdc.gov/healthywater/global/index.html www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/en/ www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/vision_2030_9789241598422. pdf?ua=1

infrastructure, providing appropriate sanitation facilities, and encouraging hygiene.

Progress takes time, effort and resources, but strides are being made toward clean and safe water for all. To stay informed about this topic: email LISTSERV@who.

How Lebanon used a national

int with the text "subscribe

census to prioritize and inform

WATERSANITATION" in the

WASH improvements for

body of your email, or check out

primary health care centers.

the sources at right.

vpppa.org

www.undp.org/content/undp/en/home/sustainable-developmentgoals/goal-6-clean-water-and-sanitation.html

Goals (or the Global Goals),

to prioritize action on WASH

• How Ethiopia achieved cleaner

www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/facilities/healthcare/en/

the Sustainable Development which hope to “end poverty,

For example, a few include:

watermission.org/covid-19-safe-water/

In 2015 United Nations

issued a Global Call to Action

studies from successful countries.

www.who.int/news-room/photo-story/photo-story-detail/urgenthealth-challenges-for-the-next-decade

targeted actions.”

Nations Secretary-General

to Quality Care” as well as case

apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/311618/9789241515511-eng. pdf?ua=1

assessments, prioritization of risk, and definition of specific,

Back in 2018 the United

www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/vision_2030_9789241598422. pdf?ua=1

cycle of improvement through

made toward clean and safe water

SOURCES:

Leader—Summer 2020

5

From the Perspective of

A FIRST RESPONDER

By Lee Vernon Code3 Medical Services, LLC

COVID-19 and Personal Protective Equipment

H

When and where do we use PPE?

Can I use a bandana or t-shirt as a mask?

for bodily fluids (blood,

respiratory protection there are

decades, I have been using PPE

saliva, urine, feces, droplets

only two real options that will

since I first started my career

of particulates i.e. sneeze or

fully protect you from certain

back in 1993. It is something

cough) or some type of chemical/

particulates like COVID-19.

that was ingrained into me

particulate that we do not

Those two options are a N95

as a first responder as my

want to enter our bodies via

mask or an air purifying

profession repeatedly exposes

mouth, nose or eyes. It could be

respirator. Per the FDA.Gov:

aving been a professional firefighter/EMT for nearly three

me to bodily fluids and other potential germs and infections.

With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the general public is now taking part in the usage of PPE. However, the lack of education and understanding of proper PPE use can have negative consequences. If PPE is not used at all, or used improperly, people can increase their chances of infection and crosscontamination. With that, let’s review the fundamentals when it comes to using PPE, specifically N95 masks, gloves and eye protection, so you can protect yourself and your coworkers when it matters.

Anytime there is a potential

something as serious as dealing with a trauma or sick patient to working with certain substances in the work force. The main culprits of those particulates have the potential to enter our bodies and cause either infection or exposure with negative consequences. When you look at infections or poisonings, the primary way those take place are through the mucus membranes of the mouth, nose and eyes.

Those pathways are moist, which traps particulates, and they are also the main routes to our respiratory system and

No! When it comes to

“An N95 respirator is a respiratory protective device designed to achieve a very close facial fit and very efficient filtration of airborne particles.

The 'N95' designation means that when subjected to careful testing, the respirator blocks at least 95 percent of very small (0.3 micron) test particles. If properly fitted, the filtration capabilities of N95 respirators exceed those of face masks. However, even a properly fitted N95 respirator does not completely eliminate the risk of illness or death.”

blood stream. Protecting those

The other option is an air

openings is critical to keeping

purifying respirator which uses

the bad things out. Since our

cartridges, filters, or canisters

skin acts as a barrier, the main

to remove contaminates from

ways to enter the body are now

the air you breathe. Both

reduced to those openings on our

require a tight fit around

face and/or open wounds. That

the face. With air purifying

is why it is important to cover all

respirators, they may require a

exposed openings into the body.

fit test to work as intended.

VPPPA members have free access to a variety of COVID-19 resources and webinars. Visit vpppa.org/education/webinars to learn more.

6

Leader—Summer 2020

vpppa.org

N95 Specifics

The N95 is intended to fit tightly or snuggly around the mouth and nose. It has a padded aluminum insert above the nose that is intended to form fit around the bridge of the nose down to the cheek. The bottom of the mask pulls down to fit snuggly around the bottom of the chin. It has two rubber bands that secure the mask to one’s head with one band going around the back of the head above the ears and the other below the ears. The combination of this ensures a tight fit that minimizes an opening around the mask. The mask is also made specifically to limit extremely small particles from getting through. All of this is something you will not get from a home-made mask or any other mask for that matter.

Something to be aware of for men with long facial

The mask needs to be snug against the face covering the nose and mouth with the straps going above and below the ears around the back of the head. When properly worn there is no opening anywhere around the mask for particulates to enter unimpeded.

hair: the mask will not fit as intended because the facial hair will not allow the mask to fit snugly against the skin of the face, therefore allowing particles to possibly work their way around the mask.

Taking off the mask is another process that needs to be done correctly. You want to make sure that when you apply the mask, you put the straps above and below the ears and that the nose and mouth is

Something to be aware of for men with long facial hair: the mask will not fit as intended because the facial hair will not allow the mask to fit snugly against the skin of the face, therefore allowing particles to possibly work their way around the mask.

completely covered. Once you are done, we want to be cognizant that their may be germs or contaminants on the outside of the mask. Whether you are wearing gloves or not, be sure to clean your hands with sanitizer or soap and water. Then, WITHOUT touching the mask, use your fingers to grasp the rubber bands and pull the bands over and away from your face. The mask will simply fall away from your face and you will have control via the bands. At that point, dispose of properly and rewash your hands. That removal process will eliminate touching the area of the mask that is most contaminated.

When removing the N95 mask, disinfect hands, grab the rubber bands and pull over and away from the face while NOT touching the main part of the mask which could be contaminated.

Once removed, discard accordingly into a trash can and re-wash your hands. vpppa.org

Note: According to OSHA, "The employer shall not permit respirators with tightfitting facepieces to be worn by employees who have facial hair that comes between the sealing surface of the facepiece and the face, or that interferes with valve function."

Leader—Summer 2020

7

Latex-free Gloves

Gloves are used to protect

When removing first glove, pinch the outside to obtain a purchase point for removal.

where fluid or particles could

entire day defeats the purpose

enter the body and be a route

of limiting exposure as all one

for infection or exposure.

is doing is simply spreading

Adding simple eye protection

germs or cross contaminating

that covers the entire eyes (top/

everything they touch by doing

care or dealing with a specific chemical. Once done with that specific detail, you remove the gloves and put another pair on if needed. Otherwise, you simply wash or disinfect your hands and move along.

bottom/sides) to prevent fluid

As you remove, be sure to pull AWAY from the body and face in order to not splash contaminates toward your body or face. Once removed, ball glove up in remaining gloved hand for disposal.

now taken the contaminates and moved them directly to

Upon removing the second glove, grab underneath the glove as to not touch the outside which could be contaminated.

your mucus membranes for

Just like the first glove, remove away from the body while trapping both gloves for disposal.

When it comes to removing

squirting everywhere, you want to cover as much of yourself up as possible as to keep that

If PPE is not worn and taken off correctly, then you run the risk of cross contaminating things (including yourself) or you reduce the effectiveness of

and practice safe hygiene habits.

bare hands and that you remove

In the end, your life could

them direction wise, away from

depend on it.

your face and body. That way,

of gloves in a proper container

instance and they have blood

world today, use common sense

exterior of the glove with your

Again, once removed, dispose

care of someone in such an

that is currently going on in the

you do not touch any part of the

contaminants toward yourself.

responder. If you are taking

its intended purpose. With all

gloves, you want to be sure that

not run the risk of splashing

via our face.

substance at work.

whatever is needed to complete

if you have a mishap, you do

that we do not want to ingest

with a virus or a chemical/

not touch anything other than

hands thoroughly.

could potentially have particles

difference when we are dealing

for the intended purpose, do

done, then wash/disinfect your

your eyes if wearing gloves that

eyes, and hands. There is no

wearing gloves, wear them

your face, remove them when

case you forget to not touch

blood out of your mouth, nose,

potential infection. If one is

the task at hand, do NOT touch

it at least provides a barrier in

accident, and you are the

shouldn’t or worse‌ touching

them. By doing that, you have

highly suggested. If anything,

perspective of a trauma

wearing gloves when they

eyes when they are wearing

and particles from entering is

I try to put things in

We see too many people

their face, nose, mouth, or

masks, and/or gloves but no eye eyes are a moist membrane

contaminates. Wearing them the

specific purpose, like patient

We see a lot of people wearing protection. Remember, your

your hands from germs and/or

so. Gloves are to be worn for a

Eye Protection

Once removed, the glove is inside out with all contaminates and both gloves are ready for disposal.

or trash can, and wash/disinfect your hands.

NOW WASH YOUR HANDS. 8

Leader—Summer 2020

vpppa.org

Infographic Corner

NIOSH estimates that

30 million U.S. workers are exposed to noise levels high enough to cause

irreversible hearing loss.

The N95 respirator blocks at least

95 percent of very small (0.3 micron) particles.

Statistics show that overall Recent studies have shown that

77 percent of workers

who are in the most high-risk and high-exposure jobs in terms of

exposure to coronavirus are women.

The skin

is the second most important

route of exposure in the workplace.

vpppa.org

fall fatalities

and the associated costs to organizations are increasing, even though the amount of money spent on PPE has made fall protection PPE a nearly

billion-dollar industry.

Hearing loss disability is costing employers an estimated

$242 million in workers’ compensation payments each year.

Leader—Summer 2020

9

OSHA Corner

PPE and Safety & Health Management Systems in a Public Health Pandemic

P

The need for effective

for employees during a period

equipment (PPE) has

where other hazard control

PPE has never been more

work areas such as hospital

been used for decades

measures are not feasible.

important. The recent

emergency and intensive

to protect workers

Many industries use PPE to

pandemic spread of COVID-19

care units, first responders

protect workers from expected

has placed a heightened

operations, processing

and unexpected hazards; assist

importance on the availability

facilities and public

in compliance with regulatory

and use of PPE and other

standards; and as an integral

protective measures for

component of comprehensive

many industries, including

safety and health management

healthcare, meatpacking,

from hazards we can see, as well as those we cannot.

PPE is equipment worn to minimize exposure to hazards that cause serious workplace injuries and illnesses. These injuries and illnesses may result from contact with chemical, radiological, physical, electrical, mechanical, or other workplace hazards. Personal protective equipment may include items such as gloves, safety glasses and shoes, earplugs or muffs, hard hats, respirators, or coveralls, vests and full body suits.

1

In occupational safety and health, the use of PPE is considered the last line of protection against many hazards, and across many industries. The hierarchy of controls for industrial hazards is elimination and substitution, engineering controls, work practice controls, administrative controls and use of PPE. Although considered a last line

systems (SHMS) and programs.

grocery, postal, airline and

The use of PPE

use of PPE has gone from being

has gone from

being a last line of defense to

serving a much

more important

role in protecting workers.

An underpinning tenet shared by all VPP participants is a comprehensive Safety and Health Management System (SHMS). A SHMS demonstrates, in part, the employer’s

public protective services. The a last line of defense to serving a much more important role in protecting workers.

Approximately three to five percent of VPP sites perform essential services where transmission of COVID-19 has been significant. The use of PPE for worker protection in this public health pandemic

appropriate PPE. Identifying appropriate and necessary PPE is critical. The possible need for an additional layer of PPE to protect workers from COVID-19 has made PPE selection and use decisions, more challenging. So, it is important to identify any additional hazards (personal or process) that may result from the use of new types of PPE being worn instead of, or in addition to, the normal PPE. The use of non-PPE cloth face coverings “face masks” in

important role in SHMSs.

society has become a normal

Assessing the need for

practice in the workplace and

appropriate types of PPE is

in public. These face masks are

important. The selection and use

not considered PPE and are not

of pandemic-related protective

to be used as direct protection

equipment can be based on

for workers exposed to

numerous factors, including:

respiratory hazards, including

1. The ever-changing science

COVID-19. The primary

commitment to a standard of

and epidemiological data on

excellence in safety and health

function of the cloth face mask

transmission and exposure

culture. A comprehensive SHMS

is to protect other people

sources of COVID-19;

from possible transmission

is built from the framework

as varied as the hazards they

of four primary elements and

are intended to protect against.

numerous sub-elements. The

The use of PPE, outside of the

application and proper use of

work areas to control

healthcare industry, primarily

PPE can play a key role in each

transmission of the

provides interim protection

of the SHMS elements.

virus, particularly in

Leader—Summer 2020

transportation systems; 4. Lack of availability of

has taken on an even more

of defense, PPE and its uses are

10

congregant and crowded

ersonal protective

2. Human transmission of the virus; 3. Challenges to reconfiguring

of the virus from the wearer.

For more information on face coverings, please see OSHA’s latest guidance.

Employee training on the use of PPE is critical to a vpppa.org

safety and health programs.

is one of those threads. The

strategies based on a thorough

has published dozens of

Employee training should

PPE program is most effective

hazard assessment, using

guidance materials about the

include information on the

when it affects each SHMS

appropriate combinations

pandemic, including a series

different types of PPE used

element. Incorporating the

of engineering and

for specific jobs and how

of industry-specific guidance

influx of new and rapidly

administrative controls, safe

they could differ from other

changing information about

work practices, and personal

documents to help employers

clothing, coverings, gloves,

the COVID-19 pandemic can

protective equipment (PPE)

masks that may be required

be challenging even in the

to prevent worker exposures.

based on the workplace

best of SHMS.

Some OSHA standards

conditions and exposures presented by the pandemic.

A VPP SHMS is robust and

control measures they can employees. Each document

occupational exposure to

workers from exposure to,

transmission of the virus and incorporate to protect their

that apply to preventing

Measures for protecting

evaluate the level of risk for

also contains a section on

SARS-CoV-2 also require

related PPE for that industry.

continually improving. An

and infection with, SARS-

effective SHMS embodies

CoV-2, the virus that causes

a structure that allows

Coronavirus Disease 2019

incorporation of new

(COVID-19), depend on the

and changing hazards,

type of work being performed

processes, policies and

and exposure risk, including

in collaboration with the

www.osha.gov/SLTC/covid-19/

standards, without significant

potential for interaction

Centers for Disease Control,

controlprevention.html.

modification. One sign of

with people with suspected

a functional SHMS is the

or confirmed COVID-19 and

presence of common threads

contamination of the work

that run through each

environment. Employers

1

www.osha.gov/SLTC/personalprotectiveequipment/index.html

element, and a PPE program

should adapt infection control

2

www.osha.gov/SLTC/covid-19/controlprevention.html

vpppa.org

employers to train workers on elements of infection prevention, including PPE.

2

Since February 2020, OSHA,

These documents and many other COVID-19 resources are available on OSHA’s website, located at https://

SOURCES:

Leader—Summer 2020

11

Safe Sound

&

Personalized Protection to Prevent Hearing Loss

12

Leader—Summer 2020

vpppa.org

By Dr. Robert M. Ghent, Advanced Engineer/Scientist— Research Audiologist, Honeywell Safety Products and David Lerch, CSHO—General Industry, Product Development Manager, Cintas Corporation

One of the most prevalent workplace hazards is not seen, it is heard. According to the

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), workplace-related hearing loss is

the most common occupational disease in the US.1 It is usually the result of repeated

exposure to excessive noise—sound levels

greater than 85 A-weighted decibels (dBA).2 Each year, about 22 million U.S. workers are

exposed to hazardous noise levels at work.3

National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) data reveals that workers who report a history

of occupational noise exposure are most

prevalent in the Mining sector (61%), followed by the Construction (51%), Manufacturing

(47%), Utilities (43%) and Transportation and Warehousing (40%) sectors.4

N

oise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) results from exposure to noise of an intensity and duration known to increase the risk of damage to structures of the inner ear.2 Typically, every person is born with approximately 30,000 hair cells

in each ear, but over time these cells get damaged, for example by exposure to occupational noise, and subsequently their ability to pick up and transmit sound is reduced . Once these hair cells are damaged, there is no way of repairing them.5 Because hearing damage is permanent, it is essential for businesses

to protect their workers’ hearing, especially when a workforce is exposed to loud machinery and heavy equipment. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires employers to implement a hearing conservation program when noise exposure is at or above 85 (dBA) averaged over 8 working hours, or an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA).6 Thankfully, NIHL can be avoided by implementing hearing loss prevention strategies and technology. vpppa.org

Leader—Summer 2020

13

Every year, an estimated

$242 million is spent on workers’ compensation for hearing loss disability.9

Listen to the Costs of Hearing Loss

can help protect employees

workers will continue wearing

from occupational hearing loss

it correctly throughout the day

Hearing loss can significantly

by instituting a comprehensive

and what level of noise they will

affect an employee’s quality of

hearing protection program

be exposed to. That is where

life. Research has shown that

that includes conducting a noise

new technology comes in.

hearing loss may be linked to

hazard assessment, informing

other disabling conditions,

workers of hazards present

including cognitive decline,

and prioritizing the fit of

diabetes and heart disease.7

hearing protection devices

Additional problems created

(HPDs) to increase wear time

by occupational hearing

and protection.

loss can include impaired

There are many types of

communication with family

HPDs including earmuffs,

members, the public and

earplugs and molded earplugs,

coworkers and a diminished

each providing excellent

ability to monitor the work

attenuation for different

environment (warning signals,

applications. However, if not

equipment sounds, etc.).1

fitted correctly, they all let

Effects of NIHL are not only

in noise, putting hearing at risk.10 For example, there can

also significant implications

be a significant difference in

for a business, including on

individual attenuation levels

their bottom line. In 2017,

from the same type of earplugs

employers were required to pay

depending on how well the

$1.5 million in penalties for not

individual has fitted them.10 Systems are available that

Additionally, every year, an

allow for individual fit testing

estimated $242 million is spent

of hearing protectors to assess

on workers’ compensation for

how much attenuation an

hearing loss disability.9 Other

individual user will receive.

costs can also be incurred as a

The goal of fit testing is to

result of lost productivity while

provide an individual user

workers are absent through

with feedback on whether they

illness and increased accidents

are properly wearing a given

resulting from impaired

hearing protector and that it

communication and isolation.

offers sufficient protection for the condition in which it is to

Finding Protection that Fits

be used. Once the appropriate

increased by workers wearing

focus on how to fit HPDs to

Hearing damage risk is

inadequate or ill-fitting protection, often because of insufficient training.10 Employers

11

attenuation is determined, fit testing enables the user to attain protection.

Although OSHA recognizes fit testing as best practice,

12

it is not required. However, the importance of fit testing is increasingly being acknowledged by the safety industry. For example, a new

Leader—Summer 2020

available that incorporate hear-through circuitry to enable the user to hear sounds at a safe level while being protected from hazardous headsets, workers do not need to remove their hearing protection devices to communicate or hear conversations, alarms and other important sounds in their environment.

Meanwhile, next-level technology can monitor, analyze and detect hazards before hearing loss appears. Web and mobile app data services wirelessly linked to headsets will provide real-time visibility of individual workers’ actual noise exposure and protection levels. For example, Honeywell’s VeriShield Smart Hearing Solution combines cloudbased software and connected, protective headsets to monitor sound in real time and analyze patterns to help companies better protect workers from noise-induced hearing loss.

This technology will give safety professionals actionable insights to provide personalized hearing loss prevention solutions for every worker.

Prevention is Key

Hearing loss is irreversible

standard for fit-testing system

and often goes undetected

performance in the USA (ANSI/

because it does not produce

ASA S12.71-2018) was approved

visible symptoms. By educating

and published by the American

organizations and employees

National Standards Institute

on how to properly use their

(ANSI) in 2018.13

HPDs, and implementing new

However, fit testing alone is

14

Smart headsets are now

noise. By using these smart

felt by individuals, but there are

protecting workers from noise.8

Personalized PPE Technology

technology, employers can

not enough to ensure complete

help prevent hearing loss.

hearing protection because

Integrating smart wearables

there is no way of knowing if

with cutting-edge software vpppa.org

and cloud-based services gives both workers and safety

SOURCES:

managers the means to measure

1

www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/96-115/diseas.html#Hearing%20Loss

and monitor noise exposure

2

CAOHC manual as a compendium reference: Hutchison, T.L. & Schulz, T.Y. (2014). Hearing Conservation Manual (5th ed). Milwaukee, WI: Council for Accreditation in Occupational Hearing Loss.

used to implement proactive

3

www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/noise/default.html

safety measures before hearing

4

damage occurs.

asa.scitation.org/doi/10.1121/1.5134465

5

www.cdc.gov/nceh/hearing_loss/how_does_loud_noise_cause_hearing_loss.html

6

www.osha.gov/SLTC/noisehearingconservation/#:~:text=OSHA%20requires%20employers%20to%20 implement,%2Dweighted%20average%20(TWA).

7

www.nia.nih.gov/health/hearing-loss-common-problem-older-adults

8

www.assp.org/docs/default-source/psj-articles/f1cannady_0320.pdf?sfvrsn=0

9

www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/noise/about.html#:~:text=Approximately%2022%20million%20U.S.%20 workers,compensation%20for%20hearing%20loss%20disability.

10

Murphy, W.J., Stephenson, D.C., Witt, B. & Duran, J. (2011). Effects of training on hearing protector attenuation. Noise & Health 13(51), 132—141.

11

www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.95

12

www.hearingconservation.org/assets/docs/AllianceRecommendationForFitTesting_Final.pdf

13

webstore.ansi.org/Standards/ASA/ANSIASAS12712018

in real time. This data can be

Responding is Dr. Robert M. Ghent, Jr., research audiologist and manager of the Howard Leight Acoustical Testing Laboratory for Honeywell Safety Products, with contributions from Cintas Corporation’s First Aid & Safety division. Honeywell is working to help transform the way the world works. For more information, visit www.honeywellsafety.com.

Cintas can be a resource when it comes to PPE in the workplace. Contact a local Cintas First Aid & Safety facility in your workplace to view their product line offering or resources when it comes to hearing conservation, or visit www.cintas.com/ firstaidsafety.

®

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vpppa.org

Leader—Summer 2020

15

MAKE THE

OF

YOUR INVESTMENT IN FALL PROTECTION

By Thomas E. Kramer, PE, CSP— Principal, LJB Inc.

16

Leader—Summer 2020

vpppa.org

program, and it can also be the most

W

costly. Unfortunately, these investments

Fall protection equipment is the most visible aspect of a fall protection

can be poured down the drain if personal fall protection systems are not implemented correctly. Buying equipment, giving it to workers and

hen workers aren’t

organizations to choose

given everything

equipment as the solution for

they need to safely

many fall hazards. However,

implement PPE, they

statistics show that overall fall

can suffer from a false sense

fatalities and the associated

of security. If fall protection

costs to organizations are

equipment is not the most

increasing, even though the

effective solution, or workers

amount of money spent on

are not trained to use it properly,

personal protective equipment

hazards can actually be

has made fall protection PPE a

increased. Here are some tips to

nearly billion-dollar industry.

not only protect your personnel,

Clearly, buying equipment is not

but also your investment in fall

enough to ensure safety.

protection PPE.

When selecting abatement solutions, guidance should

doing a few toolbox talks is not enough.

Minimize Use

be taken from the Hierarchy

Properly stocking, maintaining, servicing

equipment on the market—

widely accepted strategy, which

and using fall protection equipment can

ease of use and relatively

be the difference between life and death for workers at height.

The prevalence of fall protection combined with the perceived low initial cost—often leads

of Controls. According to this measures the effectiveness and defeatability of hazard abatement methods, PPE should always be the last choice for a solution and only used when other options are not feasible. To reduce the most risk and minimize long-term costs, organizations should favor elimination, substitution and engineering control solutions.

vpppa.org

Leader—Summer 2020

17

When workers aren’t given everything they need to safely implement PPE, they can suffer from a false sense of security.

If fall protection equipment is not the most effective solution, or workers are not trained to use it properly, hazards can actually be increased.

Obtain Stakeholder Input

solution. When employee input

Because worker tasks and

organizations benefit from

put themselves at risk. On the

behaviors affect many aspects

more buy-in, enhanced

other hand, using PPE-based

of fall protection systems,

productivity and increased

solutions means you haven’t

it’s critical to engage all

morale for their program.

removed the workers from the

stakeholders in the evaluation

hazard or the hazard from

process before equipment is

the workers.

purchased or a fall protection

With engineering control solutions, employees have to actively overcome barriers to

Since PPE is the most defeatable—or easiest to overcome—solution, relying on PPE leaves an organization with significant residual risk. Personal fall protection systems can be extremely complex, especially relative to engineering controls. Some potential concerns with fall protection equipment are:

• Condition of individual

equipment components

• Proper equipment specified for the system

• Equipment component compatibility

• Adherence to free fall limitations

• Fall clearance requirements • Swing fall hazards • Potential for misuse 18

Leader—Summer 2020

system is designed and

helps determine solutions,

Follow Manufacturer’s Instructions It is critical to ensure that

installed. An organization can

workers are using the

easily lose time, money, safety

equipment in a way that clearly

and productivity if the wrong

aligns with the manufacturer’s

solutions are implemented.

instructions. If not, it is likely

By understanding

that the manufacturer hasn’t

how workers would use

tested it accordingly, which

different abatement options,

could lead to catastrophic

organizations can select the

failure. And, if a worker uses

most functional solution,

it outside its intended use, the

rather than dictating one and

manufacturer may not be liable

forcing workers to adjust.

in the event of a fall incident.

Otherwise, the solutions may

Recently, more organizations

be technically compliant, but

have been asking equipment

functionally impractical for

manufacturers for additional

workers, and possibly, unsafe.

testing to ensure the product is

When the best fall protection

fit for their specific applications.

solution is not obvious or

Manufacturers and

cannot be agreed, it can be

distributors are required to

helpful to invest in a conceptual

provide information on proper

design process, where options

use and potential limitations

are discussed and debated to

in the instruction material

achieve group endorsement of a

provided with the product. vpppa.org

Relevant information can also be found within the ANSI Z359 product standards that provide guidance on the use and limitations associated with specific product categories.

Use Guidance From ANSI Z359 Standards

Expanding on that last point, when it’s time to buy new equipment, the ANSI/ASSP Z359.1-2016 standard— officially named the Fall Protection Code—is the most current and robust resource for information to ensure procurement of the right equipment to meet today’s standards. And, it is frequently being updated.

The goal of

fall protection training is to

impact behavior.

Adult learners

especially need to

understand how the

information they’re being trained

on effects their

day-to-day work.

First, it’s important to note

requirements for performance,

information they’re being

design, marking, qualification,

trained on effects their day-to-

instruction, training,

day work. Participants grasp

inspection, use, maintenance

training content best when it’s

and removal from service of full

customized to the workers,

body harnesses, connectors,

their unique environments

lanyards, energy absorbers,

and their responsibilities.

anchorage connectors, fall

Organizations may need to

arresters, vertical lifelines and

accommodate a variety of

self-retracting lanyards.

learning preferences, so it’s important to use a variety of

Provide Appropriate Training

teaching methods (lecture,

Only well-informed individuals

application exercises to increase

can make the right decisions

ownership, understanding, and

about fall protection. That’s

retention of critical material.

video, etc.), as well as practical

Because different employees

that a voluntary consensus

why it’s critical to ensure

standard like ANSI is not

proper training for the people

have different responsibilities

the law, but it complements

who supervise or use fall

related to fall protection, there

OSHA and other governmental

protection systems. Regular,

are various levels of training

regulations. Even with

ongoing training supports

to consider. The ANSI Z359.2

the updated OSHA rule on

the other major elements of

standard outlines the following

walking-working surfaces

a fall protection program and

levels of training, including

and fall protection systems

increases the effectiveness of

required training content for

becoming effective in 2017,

each step—from identifying

each type of training:

the general nature of OSHA

and assessing fall hazards to

regulations does not provide

using the controls that are

specific guidance about the fall

provided to protect workers.

protection equipment being used in the market today.

For equipment components, the Z359 standards establish vpppa.org

The goal of fall protection training is to impact behavior.

Adult learners especially need to understand how the

• Awareness—anyone in an

environment with fall hazards

• Authorized Person—users of fall protection equipment

• Competent Person—

supervisors of workers at height Leader—Summer 2020

19

the requirements of their

purpose is to save a falling

roles. Some organizations,

worker. That’s why it’s

including the U.S. Army Corps

also critical to have active

of Engineers,1 have prescribed a

systems re-certified regularly.

required length (24 hours) for

Changes in personnel and

training to ensure all subjects

environments, which happen

can be properly covered.

in every workplace, can render

Focus On Certified Systems

active systems ineffective and unsafe. As circumstances and environmental conditions

Supervisors and users of fall

change, organizations must

protection equipment may

confirm that the systems’

know that their equipment

applications and components

meets the latest ANSI Z359

are still viable for their

standards, but they can’t

intended purpose.

typically confirm that the whole system meets the standards. Simply said, most fall protection systems lack documentation or are improvised. While that may have been accepted when 29 CFR 1926 Subpart M became effective in 1995, a lot has changed in 25 years.

Documentation must show that the system is fit for service and that workers can use it safely.

There are five primary elements to consider when certifying a fall protection system. Each of the fundamentals listed below must be evaluated to ensure that all aspects of a given

Well-planned and properly designed fall protection systems can only function if they are installed and used properly.

system are acceptable for use.

1. Suitability of system 2. Anchorages 3. Equipment 4. Procedures 5. Training

• Qualified Person—designers

Well-planned and properly designed fall protection systems

of fall protection systems

can only function if they are

• Refresher Training—anyone

installed and used properly.

whose work has changed or

Engaging trained engineering

hasn’t received training in

and safety professionals to

more than two years

certify the entire process—

While the standard does

construction to final close-

not dictate an exact length for training courses, it does provide guidance on the subjects that should be covered to ensure personnel can safely fulfill

from initial planning through out—dramatically increase the reliability of installed fall protection systems.

No matter how old a fall protection system is, its sole

Conclusion

To be effective, fall protection programs must strike a balance between cost efficiency, compliance, safety and usability. In some cases, fall protection PPE is not the best answer, and in some cases it is.

If fall protection equipment is the chosen method to protect employees, be sure to apply these best practices to protect workers and benefit from your investment.

Thomas Kramer, PE, CSP (LJB Inc.) is a safety consultant and

structural engineer with 24

years of experience. He is a

dually registered professional engineer and certified safety

professional, who has become an internationally recognized

expert in applying engineering

and safety practices to reduce risk for workers at heights. He

specializes in the assessment and design of fall protection

systems, as well as fall protection program development. He is

passionate about educating others on fall protection and

serves as the Chair of the ANSI

Z359 Committee and president of the International Society

for Fall Protection. He has also

given more than 200 technical

sessions and workshops on the topic across the United States and in a dozen countries.

SOURCE: 1

20

Leader—Summer 2020

www.publications.usace.army.mil/Portals/76/Publications/EngineerManuals/EM_385-1-1.pdf vpppa.org

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WHAT MATTERS MOST WHEN CHOOSING

By Rich Lippert, QSSP, Technical Director and International Sales Manager, GlenGuard

When PPE becomes the method for mitigating the possibilities of either arc flash or flash fire, even the most flawlessly engineered garment will fail to protect if it is not worn compliantly. When garments are uncomfortable or don’t fit properly, wearers are more likely to take shortcuts that ultimately compromise their own safety. By specifying arc-related (AR)/flameresistant (FR) garments that are comfortable, durable and versatile, you can ensure that workers stay safe and compliant in any condition.

22

Leader—Summer 2020

vpppa.org

Comfortability

Whether in the frozen winters of North Dakota or a sweltering summer in Texas, comfort is critical to AR/FR garment compliance. There are four key elements to consider when evaluating the comfort of PPE: weight, drying time, permeability and moisture dispersion.

FR fabric should weigh as little as possible while still providing the required level of protection. By specifying garments made from lightweight, breathable fabrics, you’ll be helping to ensure that your team has every advantage against harsh weather conditions.

In the summer, heat stress can lead to devastating consequences for workers who spend most of their day outside. From accidentinducing confusion to headaches, muscle cramps and nausea, heat stress is a critical threat to workers during the hotter months of the year, and offering breathable clothing is one way to prevent it from wreaking havoc on your team. Likewise, when workers are battling sub-zero conditions, keeping moisture away from the skin can help prevent frostbite and hypothermia from interfering with the task at hand.

Many of today’s innovative AR/FR garments feature advanced wicking capabilities that keep wearers cool and dry, drawing moisture away from the body and dispersing it into the air where it can evaporate.

Lightweight, breathable PPE garments help workers stay focused on the task at hand without taking safety risks or getting distracted by how uncomfortable they are. With the right FR garments specified, workers will not want to roll up their sleeves or unbutton their collars, risking the critical protection from arc flash or flash fire in the event of an incident. If workers are comfortable in their workwear, they’ll be less likely to make lifethreatening mistakes.

vpppa.org

Leader—Summer 2020

23

Laundering and Repairs

Checklist YES

Durability

exposing them to harsh sunlight

Aside from comfort, the

or industrial conditions, where

durability and performance of

they could degrade or become

a garment is another factor in

compromised over time. When

wearer compliance. When dirt,

it comes to laundering these

sweat and grime are all a part

garments, AR/FR garments

of a day’s work, your AR/FR

should be generally washed

should be able to stand up to the

separately from daily wear,

conditions in which it will be

using the specific suggestions

used. Whether your team takes

unique to the garment for water

Check the manufacturer’s tags for specific instructions on laundering the garment

their AR/FR home to wash, or

temperature. This is to prevent

you utilize an industrial laundry

contamination and lint, which

to ensure the proper care and

may reduce the AR/FR garment’s

Visually inspect garment before and after laundering to see if there is any damage

maintenance of their garments,

effectiveness. Additionally,

their AR/FR should hold up

extra chemicals like bleach,

during the laundering process

fabric softeners, or starch must

without degrading the safety of

be avoided, as they can lead

the garment.

to breakdown of protective

NO

General Care—Laundering

Wash separately from daily wear (non-AR/FR clothing) Check the garment label for the recommended water temperature Do not use bleaches or peroxides, fabric softeners (including dryer sheets) or starch Use liquid detergent for best results Avoid washing in hard water due to the possibility that mineral buildup can negatively impact the FR properties over the course of multiple washes Tumble dry on low settings or permanent-press setting, do not over dry

General Maintenance—Repairs Check the manufacturer’s guidelines for specific instructions on how to repair damage or return the damaged garment All repairs must use AR/FR thread If patching, the patch fabric must have the same rating as the garment, e.g.

CAT 2 GlenGuard 5.3oz fabric could not be repaired with a CAT 1 GlenGuard 4.5oz patch Your employer is responsible for making certain that they train you, the employee, on how to properly use PPE and the care and maintenance of that PPE, this includes AR/FR uninforms

24

Leader—Summer 2020

measures within the garment

There are many

(though this is primarily true for

you can’t control

flame-resistant properties are

variables that

in the field, but

you can control compliance.

Because it’s not just what your

workers wear, it’s how they wear it.

treated FR garments).

Specifying garments whose inherent to the very fibers of the clothing is one way to provide enduring protection. Whereas many garments are treated for flame-resistant qualities by applying a chemical finish to fiber or fabric once it’s been woven or knitted, inherent FR fabrics have protection manufactured into their DNA. That means these types of garments are much easier to maintain and preserve over

In light of the critical guidelines for maintaining the integrity and safety of worker PPE, many safety programs are choosing to opt for garments made from inherently FR fabric. A lot of AR/FR gear is treated with a topical chemical solution that gives it a layer of protection from things like arc flashes or flash fire. But when those garments are exposed to repeated wear-and-wash cycles, this treatment may break down, dramatically reducing the garment’s safety properties.

To help slow this breakdown,

treated FR fabrics. The FR protection is part of the core of the fiber itself, and therefore cannot be washed away or chemically altered. Many of today’s top AR/FR garments are also manufactured with solution-dyed fibers to enhance color retention, meaning that a worker’s uniform will not only stay protective longer, it won’t look old and worn out, either.

Versatility

There is never a one-sizefits-all approach when it comes to AR/FR. Because your

garments must be stored in a

work is application-specific,

manner that is conducive to care

your AR/FR should be too. But

and damage prevention. This

that doesn’t mean your AR/

means refraining from stuffing

FR can’t be versatile. Some of

shirts into a crowded bin or

today’s top garments come in a vpppa.org

range of vibrant colors that go

be more comfortable, thus

beyond traditional colorways.

enabling the wearer to be more

Investing in quality PPE fabric

compliant. For example, a

is beneficial to a sustainable,

shirt designed specifically for

high-quality safety program—

women needs a higher waist,

in addition to keeping your

narrower shoulders, shorter

workers safe and compliant.

sleeves, and more space in

When PPE is engineered and

the chest and hips. These

designed with the application

differences aren’t more than

and wearer in mind, it’s a win-

a few inches, but those inches

win for everyone.

can be crucial. Longer sleeves

As the number of women

may get caught in machinery.

working in the industrial

Wider collars may not be able

trades continues to increase,

to keep sparks and debris out.

PPE designed specifically

There are many variables that

for women will become

you can’t control in the field,

increasingly important.

but you can control compliance.

Oversized garments with

Because it’s not just what your

excess fabric can become an

workers wear, it’s how they

additional hazard. But the

wear it. And workers that are

design adjustments go beyond

in AR/FR that is comfortable,

just offering smaller sizes

durable, and versatile are more

and additional colors. The

likely to wear their garments

proportions of the garments

safely and compliantly, no

need to be different to ensure

matter what condition or task

the PPE will fit correctly and

they are up against.

vpppa.org

Rich Lippert, QSSP, is Technical Director and International Sales Manager for GlenGuard®—a flame-resistant and arcresistant (AR/FR) fabric used for workwear. In his current role, Lippert manages GlenGuard’s international sales, oversees all product testing procedures and collaborates closely with R&D on product developments and product line extensions.

Rich’s experience in other sales & marketing roles helps Glen Raven Technical Fabrics identify market needs and accelerate product development.

Rich graduated from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale with a bachelor’s degree in Marketing, and is involved in a variety of safety and business organizations including NFPA, ASSP, NSC and a serves on 3 ASTM committees: D13; F18, and F23.

Leader—Summer 2020

25

fits tightly to the face

disposable 26

Leader—Summer 2020

vpppa.org

SELECTING THE

resistant to droplets

Right Respirator FOR THE HAZARD

By Lynn Feiner, Sr. Offering Manager for Air-Purifying and SCBA Respiratory Protection, Honeywell

Recently there has been an increased demand for personal protective equipment (PPE) in

should follow a written

nontraditional areas, such as office environments,

respiratory protection

retail establishments and airline travel. Use of PPE

government regulations. In

in new industries engenders a need for education on

must comply with OSHA

the proper use of PPE. Honeywell offers convenient

program and meet all local the United States, employers 29CFR1910.134 and in Canada, the respiratory program

digital apps to help individuals understand the

must meet the respective

correct ways to wear, use and discard PPE.

including compliance with CSA

T

Province’s regulations, Standard Z94.4, if required.

All workers should familiarize

oday, we are focusing on choosing the right respirator for the hazard or contaminant, which will go a long way toward protecting workers’ health. According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), the

basic purpose of any respirator is simply to protect the respiratory system from inhalation of hazardous atmospheres. NIOSH is the organization that provides guidance about respirator research, certification and training. They even created a helpful Guide to Industrial Respiratory Protection. The goal of their certification program is to help increase worker protection from airborne contaminants by certifying

vpppa.org

Please note that the occupational use of respirators

themselves with the required respirators and additional personal protective equipment appropriate for their worksites.

All programs should include evaluation, training and fit testing. Workers should have the opportunity to handle the facepiece or respirator, learn how to inspect it, don and doff, have it properly fitted, wear it in a normal

respirators that meet the minimum performance requirements based

air environment, and finally,

on federal regulations.

wear it in a test atmosphere.

Leader—Summer 2020

27

Respirators used when working with airborne particles or in healthcare settings are designed to fit tightly to the face to prevent inward leakage and require a rigorous fitting process.

Choosing the Correct Respirator

rated 100 offer 99.97%

(OSHA) and the Centers

efficiency and are considered

for Disease Control and

High-Efficiency (HE or

Prevention (CDC) guidelines

there are several factors to

HEPA) filters.

before beginning work. N95

consider. First, we need to

Bear in mind, NIOSH-

Before selecting a respirator,

determine the hazard or contaminant. Contaminants can take the form of particulates, gases or vapors:

• Particulates include dusts, mists and fumes

• Gases include acid gases like chlorine, and other gases such as ammonia

• Vapors include organic

vapors and mercury vapor Next, determine the

respirator is modified in any way, and such modifications can result in serious injury, illness or death. Modifications will also void the NIOSH certification and warranties.

Respirator Options 1. Disposables

The simplest form of face covering is the surgical mask,

contaminant. How much of the

generally made of three layers

contaminant is in the work area

of spun-bond material or

and will the work area be open

fabric. They're resistant to

or enclosed?

droplets such as those caused

Then determine how long the

by coughing or sneezing and

respirator will need to be worn.

are typically used as a barrier

Is it just for a few hours at a

for any particles the wearer

time or will it need to be worn

may expel. These surgical

for 8 hours or more each day?

masks are unable to prevent

Finally, determine if there

you from breathing in very

is a need for higher protection

small viral particles. Most

based on the nature of the

surgical masks are not NIOSH

hazard or contaminant.

certified respirators. Those that are NIOSH certified are known

respirators based on their

as surgical N95 respirators.

physical and performance

Respirators used when

tested or certified as offering protection against pathogens or viruses such as COVID-19.

2. Elastomeric Respirators

Elastomeric respirators, such as half facepiece or full facepiece, are tight-fitting respirators where the facepieces are made of thermal elastomers or silicone.

These can be used repeatedly, cleaned, disinfected, stored and re-used, according to the CDC.2 It is important to note that the FDA does require fluid resistance or other ASTM testing of elastomeric respirators.

The half-facepiece is a tightfitting, air-purifying respirator covering the nose and mouth while the full-facepiece respirator covers the user’s nose, mouth, eyes and face, offering additional protection.

Elastomeric respirators may also have sealing surfaces and adjustable straps that accommodate a better fit.

3. Powered Air-Purifying Respirators (PAPRS)

characteristics, including

working with airborne particles

filtration efficiency. Filters are

or in healthcare settings are

rated according to whether,

designed to fit tightly to the

and how quickly, they degrade

face to prevent inward leakage

Respirators (PAPRS) are used

when exposed to oil-based

and require a rigorous fitting

when higher respiratory

aerosols or whether they do not

process. These respirators

protection is required, to

degrade. The rating has both a

should be selected according

defend industrial workers and

letter and a number.

to the efficiency of respirator

emergency responders from

filters in filtering aerosols,

particulates such as silica dust,

and according to the type of

bacteria, mold spores and

procedure to be carried out.

heavy dust. PAPRS are a type

• N: Not for use with oil-based aerosols, degrades quickly.

• R: Restricted use. Change after •

1 shift as it starts to degrade.

N95 filtering facepiece

Powered Air Purifying

of air-purifying respirator

P: Oil Proof, does not

respirators, also known as

that use a battery-operated

degrade when exposed to

disposables, have become

motor blower to pull ambient

oil-based aerosols.

a popular choice for use by

air through an air-purifying

healthcare workers in contact

element to the inlet covering.

filters are rated 95, 99 or

with patients with infections

Simply put, the system uses

100, which corresponds

that can be transmitted

a blower instead of lung

to the percentage of one

through airborne droplets.

power to draw air through

micrometer particles

When working with airborne

the filter. This allows the user

removed by the filter. A 95

particles, we recommend

to breathe comfortably with

rating means that the filter

checking with your supervisor,

less resistance, as the airflow

removes 95% of particles of

facility, Occupational Safety

is delivered directly into the

that size from the air. Filters

and Health Administration

headgear from the blower.

• Number: Particulate

Leader—Summer 2020

function as intended if the

concentration level of the

NIOSH tests and certifies

28

certified respirators may not

respirators typically are not

vpppa.org

Although there may be a

pressurized with breathing

• Gas and vapor cartridges

should be changed based

higher capital expenditure

air, and additional air is drawn

when choosing to implement

in based upon the wearer’s

on a site-specific change

PAPRs into an employer’s

breathing requirements).

out schedule

respiratory protection program,

Pressure demand SARs require

this expense may be justified

a high-pressure supply source

since PAPRs may:

due to their performance

• Reduce the need for fit testing

requirements. A high-pressure

if used with loose-fitting

supply source would be either

facepieces, hoods or helmets

a cylinder or “cascaded”

Increase comfort to the wearer

cylinders of breathing air, or

• • Integrate multiple types of

the compressed air supply

• Keep Dry: Filters and

cartridges become ineffective when they get wet. This is also true for disposable respirators.

• Discard: Throw away any broken or dirty/damaged

respirators or replace the damaged parts. For instance,

PPE into one NIOSH-approved

within a facility as long as it

Elastomeric masks are

system (head, eye, face and

is filtered and monitored to

designed to be repaired,

respiratory protection)

ensure it meets OSHA’s purity

not tossed.

4. Supplied Air Respirators

requirements for breathing air.1 In addition to finding the right respirator for the hazard,

Supplied-Air Respirator

you should think about comfort,

Systems (SARs) utilize air from

fit and price. Disposable

an external air source that is

respirators that include an

Health and safety is the top priority when anyone is working with or around hazardous materials.

Lastly, as the need for PPE for use in public spaces increases, choosing the right mask for the hazard couldn’t be more important.

Workers should speak with their supervisors and safety

With the increase in demand for respirators, Honeywell has increased production of N95 respirators at multiple facilities and has developed convenient safety packs for use when traveling by air.

managers about specific respirators, their employer’s written respiratory protection program and additional worksite requirements.

With the increase in demand for respirators, Honeywell has increased production of N95 respirators at multiple facilities and has developed convenient

independent of the hazardous

adjustable nose clip offer a

safety packs for use when

environment. The basic SAR

better fit for more facial sizes

traveling by air. The kits, which

is comprised of a respirator

and types. Disposables with an

come in sealed packets, contain

facepiece—which could be a

exhalation valve will be cooler

gloves, masks and wipes and

tight-fitting half mask or full-

and minimize the build-up of

are designed to better protect

face mask, or a loose-fitting

carbon dioxide inside the mask.

airline passengers and crew

hood or helmet assembly—

Any time you are working

while flying.

connected via an air supply hose

with or around hazardous

to a source of breathing air.1

materials that require a

top priority when anyone

respirator remember to practice

is working with or around

these safety tips:

hazardous materials. Evaluating

Basic SARs are most commonly used in either one of two modes: continuous flow (the breathing air flows into the facepiece at a standard, steady rate) or pressure demand (the facepiece is continually

• Change filter: Filters should be changed when:

• Breathing becomes difficult • The filter is getting clogged with the particulates

Health and safety is the

and understanding the nature of the hazard, its concentration level and the necessary duration of wear helps the user choose the right respirator.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: safety.honeywell.com/en-us/software-and-services/mobile-apps-and-online-tools aerospace.honeywell.com/en/pages/cleaner-air-travel

SOURCES: 1

www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.134

2

www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/elastomeric-respirators-strategy/index.html

vpppa.org

Leader—Summer 2020

29

PROTECTIVE CLOTHING A Primer on Permeation, Penetration, and Degradation

By Norman W. Henry III, Curtis Hintz & Robert N. Phalen *This article originally appeared in April 2020 issue of The Synergist©, the magazine of AIHA©.

30 Leader—Summer 2020

vpppa.org

The mantra is that protective clothing is the “last line of defense” against chemical exposure, used when engineering and administrative controls cannot be applied or when there is a residual risk after their implementation. However, even though industrial hygienists (IH) are trained to treat chemical protective clothing (CPC) as a last resort, it remains common in many workplace scenarios. For example, handling chemicals at all stages of production and use, from the research lab to the waste facility, is often done manually, with the protection of gloves and garments, so that the risk of potential skin contact cannot be avoided. Furthermore, proper CPC should always be available in the event of a chemical spill or other emergency.

IH

In June 2020, Wiley will publish

s know the importance

on test data generated from standard

of CPC, but not always

methods, such as ASTM F739, first

an updated Quick Selection Guide of

the extent to which CPC

published in 1983.

Chemical Protective Clothing, 7th

materials can resist any of

This article focuses on common

Edition. It provides permeation data on

the numerous chemicals present in the

CPC testing standards. Not all

approximately 1,000 chemicals, brands,

workplace, particularly those new to

testing standards are available

and mixtures for 27 representative barrier

the market. In these circumstances, IHs

for all products. The three main

materials produced by manufacturers.

continually face the problem of how to

types of testing used to assess CPC

select appropriate CPC while lacking data

chemical resistance are penetration,

on the materials’ chemical resistance.

degradation, and permeation.

A study reported in the 1971 chapter on protective clothing in the CRC Handbook of Laboratory Safety evaluated the

Permeation Testing

Breakthrough Time

The BT is the time to first detection, in minutes, of the chemical passing through the material to the inner side. Due to the

Permeation is the process by which a

differences in sensitivities of analytical

liquid or gas moves through a protective

methods, BT is often normalized (NBT) to

the neoprene suits used at a plant

clothing material, glove, suit, or

represent detection of a specific amount

where workers experienced cyanosis

other garment on a molecular basis.

in µg per cm2 of material. Caution

(blue appearance of the skin, indicating

Permeation requires the sorption of

must be exercised when comparing BT

lack of oxygen in the blood). The study

liquid or gas molecules into the outer

data, as detection limits vary among

determined that butyl was more resistant

material surface, diffusion of these

sources. The value of having a BT, or

to amines than neoprene. After the plant

molecules through the material, and

better yet, an NBT, is that it provides an

changed to butyl suits, cases of cyanosis

then subsequent desorption from the

indication of how long the material will

decreased. The first permeation test

opposite side (Figure 1). Under ideal

resist a chemical before it contacts the

cell generated the data to support the

conditions, this process obeys Fick’s

underlying skin. However, BT does not

permeation resistance of butyl. A standard

Law of diffusion and is very predictable.

indicate the amount of a chemical that

test method was needed in order to

With chemical permeation, the two key

will permeate in a given amount of time

determine permeation resistance. At that

measures are the breakthrough detection

or account for the chemical’s toxicity or

time, only the NIOSH criteria documents

time (BT) and the permeation rate (PR).

any hazard associated with it.

on various commodity chemicals reported

Together the BT and PR provide the end

guidance on permeation resistance,

user with critical information on “how

recommending simply that workers

soon” and “how fast” the chemical

wear “impervious” protective gloves and

permeates the CPC. Manufacturers that

either a maximum rate of permeation

suits, often without mention of specific

conduct permeation testing with their

or the rate at equilibrium (known as the

materials. Fortunately, IHs have made

products often provide this data to

steady-state permeation rate or SSPR).

great strides since the 1970s and into the

customers in chemical resistance charts,

The permeation rate indicates how fast

21st century. We are now able to select

along with penetration and degradation

the chemical will move through the

appropriate protective clothing based

data in some cases.

material following breakthrough, which

permeation of aromatic amines through

vpppa.org

Permeation Rate

The PR, in units of µg/cm2/min, is

Leader—Summer 2020

31

Unfortunately, despite recent

penetration by liquid chemicals.

efforts, they are not well

Solids, gases, and biological

harmonized. For a complete

materials can also penetrate

review of current practices

CPC but are evaluated by

and test methods for chemical

different methods.

permeation, we recommend

Figure 1. Permeation is the process by which a liquid or gas moves through protective clothing on a molecular basis.

The F903 and ISO 13994

“Glove Permeation of Chemicals:

methods test penetration by

The State of the Art of Current

applying the challenge agent

Practice, Part 1,” published in

to the outside surface of a

the December 2019 issue of

test specimen of a protective

the Journal of Occupational

garment within a special

and Environmental Hygiene.

test cell. Typically, the

The paper compares various

challenge agent is also slightly

standards for testing, identifies

pressurized for part of the

research gaps, and even

test cycle. Several different

discusses the value of whole

pressure or time sequences for

glove testing and simulated

different situations are listed

movement. The authors state

in the standard. For example,

that ASTM F739 and the original

Procedure C, specified by NFPA

1-inch test cell (Figure 2) should

for testing protective garments

be the primary permeation test

for emergency response, calls

cell for all the standards. They

for 0 pounds per square inch

also recommend harmonization

gauge (psig) for 5 minutes,

among standards, especially

followed by 2 psig for 1 minute,

in the determination of a

followed by 0 psig for 54

normalized BT and SSPR.

minutes. The test lasts for 60

Harmonization and further

minutes and results in either a

improvement will likely simplify

“pass” or a “fail.” (Observation

CPC selection, help expand

of the challenge agent on

existing databases, and instill

the inside surface of the test

more confidence among end

specimen results in a fail.) The

users, but use of more innovative

time needed to reach this point

equipment and analytical

is recorded for the chemical in

instrumentation for testing

question, and the manufacturer

would add cost to products. For

reports to customers.

now, we must select appropriate protective clothing using the current available test methods for permeation, with an

Figure 2. The ASTM F739 test cell.

understanding that different manufacturers use different can be of importance with more hazardous substances. Where the BT provides a lag-time for exposure, the PR can give a more

penetration data is the manufacturer of the protective garment in question. However, recognizing whether the provided data is for penetration as opposed to permeation, and understanding the

reliable indication of potential

chemical through zippers,

difference between the two,

skin exposure over time.

weak seams, pinholes, cuts,

can be difficult for end users

or imperfections on a non-

selecting CPC. Manufacturers

molecular level. Penetration of

of protective garments often

chemicals through protective

provide penetration data for

The American National

clothing can result in dermal

products intended for chemical

Standards Institute,

exposures, but typically on a

splash situations where actual

ASTM International, the

larger scale than is seen

exposure is unlikely. In the

International Organization

with permeation.

event of chemical contact, the

Standard test methods

expectation is that the wearer

the National Fire Protection

for determining penetration

will stop the task and doff the

Association have published

include ASTM F903 and

contaminated garment before

permeation standards.

ISO 13994, which focus on

the chemical permeates it. In

for Standardization, and

Leader—Summer 2020

Penetration Testing

Often, the best source of

Penetration is the flow of a

For More Information on Standards

32

test methods.

Use of Penetration Data

vpppa.org

contrast, manufacturers of

elastomers and coated fabrics.

garments for severe scenarios

The chemical contact time

where contact is expected likely

and temperature varies, so

provide permeation data instead

results are not comparable

of penetration data.

from one dataset to the next.

Ideally, the data will be

Interpretation of the results

clearly identified as either

is not well defined, and

permeation or penetration,

performance ratings can vary.

but users should also pay

The AIHA Chemical Protective

attention to any footnotes or

Clothing book provides an

comments that identify the

example (Table 1) of how one

test method used. As discussed

manufacturer rated degradation

in this article, ASTM F903 is

based on weight change.

Table 1. Degradation Ranking Based on Weight Change Source: AIHA Chemical Protective Clothing, 2nd Edition

commonly used for determining resistance to penetration while ASTM F739 is the method of choice for determining resistance to permeation.

Degradation Testing

ANSI/ISEA 105

The ANSI/ISEA 105 degradation method relates more to testing chemical protective gloves and puncture resistance, but results can indicate chemical

Norman W. Henry III, MS, CIH, FAIHA, is a consultant for Safety and Health

by Protection (SHBP).

Curtis Hintz, CIH, CSP, is an industrial hygiene manager with The Dow Chemical Company in Freeport, Texas.

Chemical degradation is a

degradation and incompatibility.

change in one or more physical

Significant changes in puncture

properties of a material following

resistance can indicate chemical

contact with a chemical. It

action on the material and

is an indication that certain

changes in its molecular

chemical action on the material

structure. More notably, the

will degrade its desired barrier

method provides a consistent

properties. The data may be

set of testing conditions and a

useful to end users, but more so

rating scale ranging from one to

for manufacturers to ensure that

nine, which allows end users to

reliable chemical permeation

compare and choose products

testing can be performed.

that meet their needs.

ASTM International: ASTM D471, Standard Test Method for Rubber Property—Effect of Liquids (2016).

EN 374-4

ASTM International: ASTM F739, Standard Test Method for Permeation of Liquids and Gases Through Protective Clothing Materials Under Conditions of Continuous Contact (2012).

In most testing strategies, the chemical is immersed or put in contact with one side of

The EN 374-4 method is similar

Robert N. Phalen, PhD, CIH, FAIHA, is an associate professor of Occupational Safety and Health at University of Houston-Clear Lake in Houston, Texas.

RESOURCES: AIHA: Chemical Protective Clothing, Second Edition (2003).

AIHA: Personal Protective Clothing in The Occupational Environment: Its Evaluation, Control and Management, Third Edition (2011).

American National Standards Institute: ANSI/ISEA 105, American National Standard for Hand Protection Classification (2016).

the material for a set time, at

to ANSI/ISEA 105 but does not

an elevated temperature, and

include a rating scale and also

ASTM International: ASTM F903, Standard Test Method for Resistance of Materials Used in Protective Clothing to Penetration by Liquids (2018).

then evaluated for changes

allows for evaluating weight

in weight, thickness, volume,

CRC: “Protective Clothing” in CRC Handbook of Laboratory Safety (1971).

change. The percent change may

tensile properties (associated

not be reported to end users.

International Organization for Standardization: ISO 13994, Clothing for Protection against Liquid Chemicals—Determination of the Resistance of Protective Clothing Materials to Penetration by Liquids Under Pressure (2005).

with molecular structure), or other physical characteristics such as color or shape. The results can indicate chemical incompatibility and potential for product failure but may not correlate with the product’s barrier properties under use. The three common testing standards used with CPC are ASTM D471, ANSI/ISEA 105, and EN 374-4.

ASTM D471

Protecting the Skin

The skin is the second most important route of exposure in the workplace. While IHs are well aware of chemical protective clothing, they may not be as knowledgeable of the

International Organization for Standardization: ISO EN 374-4, Determination of Resistance to Degradation by Chemicals (2013).

Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene: “Glove Permeation of Chemicals: The State of the Art of Current Practice, Part 1: Basics and the Permeation Standards” (December 2019).

Wiley: Quick Selection Guide to Chemical Protective Clothing, Sixth Edition (June 2014).

tests used to determine CPC performance. Knowing the basics of permeation, penetration, and degradation can help IHs and end users select the best

The ASTM D471 method is

garments for protecting against

often used with rubber-like

dermal exposures.

his article can also be found online at synergist.aiha.org/202004-chemical-protective-clothing-101?utm_source=Twitter&utm_ T medium=social&utm_term=AIHA+Main. This article originally appeared in April 2020 issue of The Synergist©, the magazine of AIHA©. vpppa.org

Leader—Summer 2020

33

By International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA)

T

he National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) estimates

that 30 million U.S. workers are

Safety and prevention

at work means different

things to different

people in different

careers. To some, it’s

protecting hands or

feet, others watch for falling objects and

many protect their eyes and face from potential

dangers. However, one

of the most common

workplace hazards isn’t

seen—it’s heard.

34 Leader—Summer 2020

exposed to noise levels high enough to cause irreversible

A Bigger Problem Than We Know

While these numbers are shocking, they are likely low.

According to NIOSH, to be officially recorded in OSHA’s statistics, a person’s hearing

hearing loss. According to the

loss must be ruled work-

Centers for Disease Control and

related, and the hearing loss

Prevention (CDC), workplace-

must be severe enough that the

related hearing loss is the most

worker has become hearing-

commonly reported injury. In

impaired. Given hearing loss is

fact, an estimated 24 percent

a gradual process, a worker can

of all hearing loss in the United

have measurable occupational

States has been attributed to

hearing loss, but not yet be

workplace exposure.

deemed “hearing-impaired.”

As such, it should come as

While the Bureau of Labor

no surprise that hearing loss

Statistics says occupational

disability is costing employers

hearing loss is the most

an estimated $242 million

commonly recorded work-

in workers’ compensation

related illness in manufacturing,

payments each year.

for example, accounting for one

Not only is hearing damage

in nine recordable illnesses,

devastating to the worker and

those numbers don’t include

costly for the employer, but it

the many other workers whose

can contribute to workplace

hearing loss has not yet reached

underperformance and increase

its worst level.

chances for added injury due to

“Employers and workers

reduced situational awareness

need to take this seriously,”

or the inability to hear a

urges International Safety

warning siren or signal.

Equipment Association (ISEA) vpppa.org

President Charles Johnson.

“Permanent hearing loss is irreversible. It’s personally and economically devastating. But, it’s usually preventable with proper hearing protection.”

When Can Hearing Damage Occur?

If you need to raise your voice to speak to someone three feet away, noise levels might be over 85 decibels. Decibels are measured on a logarithmic scale, which means that a small change in the number of decibels results in a huge change in the amount of noise and the potential damage to a person's hearing. For example, if a sound is 80 decibels, and we add another 10 decibels, the sound will be 10X more intense.

Everyday noises, especially in the workplace, are more dangerous than people realize.

Carpenters are exposed to 85-90 dBA (dBA scale is based on intensity and on how the human ear responds), while groundskeepers are exposed to 82-102 dBA.

How Noise is Regulated in the Workplace OSHA sets legal limits on noise

exposure in the workplace based on a worker's time-weighted average over an eight-hour day.

OSHA's permissible exposure limit (PEL) for sound is 90 dBA for all workers for an eight-hour day. The OSHA standard uses a 5-dBA exchange rate. This means that for every doubling of noise (measured in decibels), the safe exposure that a person can withstand (measured in time) must be cut in half.

HearingAtWork.org to download

exposure time.

apps and request free earplugs.

Occupational Hearing Loss is Preventable

There is More to be Done

hearing loss in the workplace,”

cumulative and permanent, it is

it is recommended hearing

“Individuals with hearing loss,

important, and often required,

protective equipment be used to

including those who lost their

for businesses to protect

prevent hearing loss, then that

hearing because of workplace

workers’ hearing.

is the level at which hearing

exposures, may suffer

protection should be required.

depression, stress and social

Because hearing damage is

OSHA requires workers to wear well-fit hearing protection including ear plugs, muffs, or both, when engineering, or administrative controls are not feasible to reduce exposure.

Hearing protection is part of a hearing conservation program, which is required when noise exposure exceeds 85 dBA. A hearing conservation program consists of the following elements:

• • Audiometric testing

Monitoring noise levels (hearing test)

• Training • Access to hearing

protective equipment Noises over 85 dBA warrant

If 85 dBA is the level at which

So believes the Occupational

said Dan Glucksman, director of government affairs at ISEA.

isolation, with significant costs

Hearing Health Coalition

to state healthcare systems. It

(American Academy of

benefits employers, businesses

Audiology, American Industrial

and the government to set more

Hygiene Association, American

conservative requirements on

Speech Language and Hearing

par with the rest of the world.”

Association, ISEA, National

Coalition members would

Safety Council and North

welcome support from

America’s Building Trades

safety leaders. Right now,

Union), which seeks support

the Coalition is asking the

for lowering both the PEL for

Michigan legislature to support

hazardous occupational noise

a resolution calling on the

to 85 dBA and the exchange rate

state to adopt a non-binding

to 3 dBA.

appendix that would show

Most other nations have adopted the more conservative noise protection levels of the 85-3 system. Multi-state companies such as United

the use of protection. Without

Technologies Corp., Vulcan

all worker exposures to noise

proper protection, prolonged

Materials, Northrup Grumman

should be controlled below

noise exposure in a factory

and Colgate-Palmolive have

a level equivalent to 85 dBA

setting can compound the

already taken this positive

for eight hours. NIOSH also

hearing loss incurred from

step to protect their workers.

recommends a 3-dBA exchange

everyday noises.

The Department of Defense

Multiple smart phone

(DoD) requires use of hearing

by 3 dBA doubles the amount

apps are available to help

protectors when noise levels

of the noise and halves the

measure sound level. Visit

reach 85 dBA.

vpppa.org

would dampen the harmful effects of noise-induced

NIOSH recommends that

rate so that every increase

“Requiring the 85-3 system

recommended amount of

employers how to structure an 85-3-based hearing conservation program. After that, the Coalition plans to reach out to other states.

If your company has operations in Michigan or California, and you would like to join this effort, please contact Dan Glucksman, ISEA’s public affairs director, at 703-7956064 or at dglucksman@ safetyequipment.org.

Leader—Summer 2020

35

PPE FORW Improving

FIT

Impacts the Psychosocial Safety of All Workers

By Abby Ferri, CSP

Like NASA’s women's spacesuit fit controversy of 2019, the coronavirus pandemic made PPE headline news again in 2020. Recent studies have shown that 77 percent of workers who are in the most high-risk and high-exposure jobs in terms of exposure to coronavirus are women . . .

36

Leader—Summer 2020

vpppa.org

These women workers are

manufacturing, and

impact of ill-fitting PPE should

more likely to be exposed to

transportation have grown,

not be ignored as it can lead

because of lack of properly

increasing 23.5 percent from

to injuries, poor performance,

fitting PPE. Photos of healthcare

2016 to 2017 per the BLS, now

and difficulty in retaining

professionals with bruises and

making up 9.1 percent of the

good workers because they

abrasions on their faces from

construction workforce and 29

feel indifferent about the

poorly fitting PPE were shared

percent of the manufacturing

organization’s safety culture.

widely on social media, and

workforce per a 2016 Deloitte

nurses retooled 20-year old

study. This trend will continue

report found that the Army’s

stockpiles of expired masks by

as studies show that companies

traditional unisex combat

stapling the crumbling straps to

with high gender diversity are 21

uniforms, essentially designed

the facepiece and then putting a

percent more likely to experience

for men, fit women poorly in

homemade cloth mask over that

higher than average profitability

their shoulders, bust, hips, and

for extra “protection.” Grass

(McKinsey & Co, 2018). This

seat. The Army redesigned their

roots community initiatives

growing population of dynamic

unisex combat uniform as a step

formed to help these workers:

and productive workers deserve

to further integrate women into

individuals used their personal

better options than being left

the U.S. Armed Services. The new

3D printers to make spacers

to DIY or otherwise expected

uniform was designed to help

for respirator straps, and

to take matters into their own

women feel more professional,

home crafters knitted similar

hands for properly fitted PPE.

and featured narrower shoulders,

solutions and cloth masks.

Considering women’s fit and

a slightly tapered waist, and a

function positively impacts

more spacious seat. The new

mindset has been on jobsites,

workers of all genders, height,

uniform was also intended for

manufacturing floors, oilfields

weight, and other dimensions by

better comfort and aesthetics

and other workplace settings

ensuring availability of more size

for both women and men, and

for years as women have

and fit options in the workplace.

94% of respondents remarked

This shift has been slow in

that the cut of the new combat

A 2008 U.S. Army focus group

WOMEN This do-it-yourself (DIY)

cuffed, pinned, sliced and sewn solutions for ill-fitting PPE.

industries that usually consider

uniform allowed them to present

Most of this homemade PPE

the male body as the default,

a better military appearance.

provided women an unsafe

universal, or neutral starting

or unapproved garment as in

point. Consider the significant

used anthropometric data to

the case with altering flame

height discrepancy between

design their new uniforms.

resistant (FR) clothing. The DIY

the average American man at

Anthropometry is the science

approach has no place in our

5 feet 9 inches tall and average

of defining human body

workplaces where professionals

American woman at 5 feet 4

dimensions and physical

have access to assessment tools

inches tall (CDC). Designing or

characteristics. Coincidentally,

to identify what workers need to

purchasing PPE for the average

most anthropometric data used

protect them and the ability to

person of any gender leaves

for PPE and apparel for the non-

purchase the necessary gear.

many workers lacking PPE that

military workforce is based on

The number of women in

fits and can leave them feeling

men in the military in the 1950s

traditionally male-populated

under protected, undervalued

and 1970s. Just like the U.S. Army

fields like construction,

and anxious. The psychosocial

found, our modern workforces

vpppa.org

The Army successfully

Leader—Summer 2020

37

As inclusivity, diversity, and equity concerns are more intentionally and thoughtfully approached by safety professionals and their organizations, PPE can be a catalyst and driving force.

are more diverse than those

scientific challenges related to fit

early samples, and new data

and function.

should be gathered and acted

Back in 1999, between

upon. The National Institute for

the establishment of the two

Occupational Safety and Health

NIOSH Anthropometry Labs,

(NIOSH) has led this effort with

the Department of Labor’s

their Anthropometry Labs in

Health and Safety of Women

Morgantown and Pittsburgh

in Construction (HASWIC)

developed in 1995 and 2001

workgroup published a report

respectively. The stationary

“Women in the Construction

and mobile lab technology uses

Workplace: Providing Equitable

3-dimensional digital scanning

Safety and Health Protection"

to develop computer-generated

which unfortunately still rings

human models. The process uses

true. At that time, PPE was

hand-held scanning devices

one of seven improvement

that quickly produce high-

areas identified, with fit and

resolution scans. While this is

availability being top concerns.

great information, it is not yet

With little movement on these

widely used in PPE and apparel

topics in the past 20+ years, a

manufacturing to solve real and

committee of American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) and International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA) members convened in the fall of 2019 to develop guidance for safety professionals and others who select and purchase PPE for

Photo Courtesy of PEO Soldier (www.stripes.com/news/armyuniform-designed-for-womennow-for-all-1.191106#gallery)

women in various industries.

The ASSP/ISEA committee

Before and after ill-fitting PPE.

and Selection of Personal

item following the ASSP’s

Protection Equipment and

Women’s Workplace Safety

Apparel Available for Women.”

Summit in the fall of 2018. At

The committee consists of

that event, keynote speaker

13 professionals in various

Cori Wong, Ph.D., assistant

and the manufacturing and

equity at Colorado State

distribution of PPE. The final

University, introduced the

product will be a document of

concept of “going to the

value to safety professionals,

margins of the margins”

PPE and apparel manufacturers,

doing this, she explained, safety professionals can

distributors, and those making PPE purchasing decisions.

As inclusivity, diversity,

identify solutions that have a

and equity concerns are

positive impact on the greater

more intentionally and

workplace, not just those who

thoughtfully approached by

need extra support. As the ASSP/

safety professionals and their

ISEA committee applies this

organizations, PPE can be a

thinking to the context of PPE

catalyst and driving force.

fit, the margins of the margins

PPE will always be the “last

are women in our workplaces

resort” when considering how

who are short and curvy, tall

to protect workers from an

with a larger than average shoe

identified hazard, but it can be

size, as well as men who may

a first glance way of evaluating

be shorter, taller, narrower or

a workplace’s culture. When

wider than average.

workers are provided properly

The committee is currently

38 Leader—Summer 2020

industries and roles in EH&S,

vice president for gender

to address challenges. By

Photo Credit: Jane Henry, Founder of SeeHerWork

titled “Guidance for the Fit

was established as an action

fitted PPE and apparel, they

drafting the ASSP/ISEA

navigate the workplace more

Z590.6 Technical Report

confidently with the mindset vpppa.org

that their employer has

publication until late 2020 or

them questions, provide

genuinely considered their

early 2021. Safety professionals

sample PPE and apparel

needs. This improved outlook

already have access to the best

for rigorous testing and

provides obvious benefit for

resources to solve the PPE fit

feedback in real work

the individual, and has positive

issue and immediately begin

situations, and continue

implications for crew, team, and

to impact the psychosocial

organizational performance.

The ASSP/ISEA Z590.6 Technical Report is not due for

to educate yourself on

safety of their workplace,

anthropometric data to make

that resource is the workers

better purchasing decisions

of your organization. Ask

rooted in science.

SOURCES: www.washingtonpost.com/business/2019/03/28/nasas-spacesuit-saga-women-see-their-own-stories/ autonomy.work/portfolio/jari/ time.com/5807918/health-care-workers-selfies-coronavirus-covid-19/ www.kare11.com/article/news/investigations/hcmc-nurses-wear-expired-masks/89-b1763ab2-d7b944b6-b0f1-6d2a152d5496 mnnurses.org/cloth-masks-really/ www.sdstate.edu/news/2020/04/graduate-uses-3d-printer-make-facemask-strips www.mckinsey.com/business-functions/organization/our-insights/delivering-through-diversity www.ishn.com/articles/102057-keeping-workers-safe-through-anthropometric-research www.osha.gov/doc/accsh/haswicformal.html thecollaborative.colostate.edu/ Onyebeke LC, Papazaharias DM, Freund A, et al. Access to properly fitting personal protective equipment for female construction workers. Am J Ind Med. 2016;59(11):1032-1040. doi:10.1002/ajim.22624

Pictured above: Article author and safety professional, Abby Ferri.

trusted Your

advisor with innovative safety solutions.

Trust Dräger to grow and support your business.

No matter the industry, Dräger is a proven leader in safety equipment, from our fixed fire and gas detection systems to our portable gas detection and respiratory protection lines. And after 130 years, we continue to share our expertise to meet the business goals of our family of partners. See how becoming a Dräger manufacturer rep or channel partner puts trusted advisors by your side for product distribution and profits. For more info, call 1-800-4DRAGER or visit us at www.draeger.com.

Dräger. Technology for Life®

vpppa.org

Leader—Summer 2020

39

T I K N I R H S T I K N I P & D N O Y E B G

N I T A V O N N

I

ch tics Coa & Robo r e it r eW reelanc eYoe, F D a ll ie r By: Gab

40 Leader—Summer 2020

vpppa.org

T T

What is PPE?

evidence of a pent-up ded.

PPE (Personal Protective

With legacy safety equipment

Equipment) is protective

companies focused on the more

clothing, gloves, shoes, helmets and more, designed to protect the wearer from dangers in their surrounding

lucrative volumes of men’s gear, this has left the door wide open for driven women to innovate on behalf of their fellow ladies.

thousands of careers require the use of protective equipment.

Historically, the demanding industries requiring the use of PPE have been dominated by men, who are over-represented in STEM and the trades. This resulted in equipment companies focusing their product offerings to accommodate male bodies.

Meanwhile for women, their proposed solution was to shrink the men’s gear and add some “girly” colors to it.

This “shrink it and pink it” approach, results in potential safety hazards due to ill-fitting workwear with clothing that is too loose and long in some places, and too tight and awkward in others. Additionally, the PPE industry has largely prioritized utility over aesthetics, with a primary focus on function.

Wearing male-oriented form factors, women inadvertently dress down, coming to work in clothing that does not represent their personality. These psychological factors have been shown to negatively impact both performance and promotability.

Women deserve PPE that is made specifically for their bodies while inspiring confidence and allowing them to bring their entire self to work.

Designed by women, for women

in manufacturing and construction, or similarly demanding industries, who want a fashionable look and ankle stability. Named after the unit for electrical resistance (Ω), Omegas

environments. From engineers to construction workers to nurses,

The Omega EH safety boot is perfect for women

Women are done waiting and have taken matters into their own hands. . .

Anastasia Kraft is one such innovator who set out to forever change the perception of steel toe shoes. Ana’s story is similar to thousands of women in the manufacturing industry. She loved her job but felt incredibly frustrated by the lack of women’s safety shoe options on the market. Being forced to wear bulky work boots while maintaining a professional dress code proved to be a constant challenge. With absolutely no options on the market for fashionable steel-toe boots, Ana took it upon herself to fuse safety and style into a unified concept, founding Xena Workwear.

Shoes, shoes, shoes Anastasia spent two years

dedicating herself to learning about safety standards, shoecraft and developing the world’s first truly stylish ASTM-certified safety shoe for women.

Xena currently offers four different models and ships them worldwide. The Gravity and Gravity ESD shoes are stunning steel toes that are the first of their kind, offering women an opportunity to

Women are done waiting and

wear a stable yet stylish heels

have taken matters into their

while on the job. Additionally,

own hands, founding their own

the ESD variant features an

equipment companies focused on

Electrostatic Dissipative

female-centric product design.

certification, helpful for those

The push for gender-specific

in the chemical and electronics

PPE is a recent one but the

manufacturing industries.

have an official Electrical Hazard rating from ASTM, protecting the wearer from inadvertent electrical shock. Xena has also just announced the release of a brand new Omega variant in a smoky gray, marking the brand’s first vegan leather offering. By using a breathable, high performance material, the company hopes to shift the public’s poor perception of early generation vegan leathers and focus on the amazing material science developments of the past few years.

Confidence is in style PPE should be versatile and

prepared for any environment, just like the women who wear it. Xena subscribes to this belief and their boots are made to take women from the shop floor to the board room, feeling confident and powerful the entire time. Wearing Xena means

Pictured above: Anastasia Kraft, Founder of Xena Workwear.

women in demanding industries are truly dressed for success.

For Xena Workwear, it’s about so much more than just the shoes. The overwhelming gender disparity in the STEM fields is always top of mind.

That thought ultimately drives Xena’s vision—to strengthen a growing community of female leaders who will inspire the next generation of girls to explore careers in STEM and the trades.

The dream is a workforce full of women, feeling unencumbered by man-made limitations, wearing their confidence like a badge.

And sometimes, that badge looks like a pair of badass boots.

early success stories of female entrepreneurs in this space is vpppa.org

Leader—Summer 2020

41

FEATURED P R O D U C T S

RADIANS, INC.

Radians SV59W—Type R/ Class 2 Ladies Heavy Duty Surveyor Safety Vest Mary Padron mpadron@radians.com / 901-266-2533 www.radians.com

GLENGUARD

Women’s Ariat FR Featherlight Work Shirt Rich Lippert grtfmarketing@glenraven.com / 336-227-6211 www.glenguard.com The Ariat® flame-resistant Featherlight Work Shirt, made

Made for women, by women, the SV59W ladies vest

from ultralight 5.3 oz 100 percent inherent GlenGuard®

features a zipper closure, a large back “plan” pocket,

fabric, offers the ultimate in lightweight protection. Made

reinforced wear points, and long-wearing web

with Moisture Movement Technology™ to keep you cool

reinforcement along outer edges. To customize fit, use the

and dry, the Featherlight is built to fight the heat.

cinch inside the back “plan” pocket.

3M

3M™ SecureFit™ Protective Eyewear Christian Plewacki cjplewacki@mmm.com www.3m.com/3M/en_US/worker-health-safety-us/ personal-protective-equipment/secure-fit/ A patented design that self-adjusts to individual head sizes and shapes. This design provides the same level of comfort to individuals across a diverse workforce.

42

Leader—Summer 2020

vpppa.org

PPE FOR WOMEN

MAJESTIC GLOVE

75-3239W High Visibility Mesh Vest with DOT Reflective Chainsaw Striping Steve Kirk Steve.Kirk@majesticglove.com www.majesticglove.com

Be sure to check out all of these featured products and companies online!

BOLLE SAFETY

RUSH+SMALL : Safety glasses that fit your needs Bill Godfrey bill.godfrey@bolle-safety.com / 1-913-202-2711 www.bollesafety-usa.com Because we are all different, you have unique needs in

Intensify your safety standards with Majestic's line of high

regards to safety eyewear. Bollé Safety has designed these

visibility safety vests specifically designed for women.

ultra-wraparound and comfortable Z87+ safety glasses to

Featuring breathable chainsaw reflective striping with DOT

protect all people. Designed on the basis of our top seller

contrast, drawstring adjustable waist, seven pockets, heavy

product, RUSH+ SMALL’s frame was modified to perfectly

duty zipper closure, mic tabs, and side zippers for relief from

fit narrow faces, with the guarantee of the utmost safety.

binding. Meets ANSI/ISEA 107-2015 class 2, type R standard.

Coupled with our exclusive Platinum® AS/AF coating, RUSH+ SMALL are available in a wide range of lenses technologies to protect you in all environments.

QUAD CITY SAFETY

Women’s Protective Footwear Dalene Shaw SDS@quadcitysafety.com / 563-445-2170 boots.quadcitysafety.com Don’t get stuck wearing men’s footwear in smaller sizes.

Women are an essential part of the industrial workforce.

That is why we have a full line of boots and shoes tailored to your needs.

vpppa.org

Leader—Summer 2020

43

Membership Corner

Summer Members of the Month

Follow us on social media!

Congratulations to our

Summer (June, July, August) Members of the Month: Paul Schimelpfenig, Kelli Heflin and Vicky Stansifer. Want to nominate someone for VPPPA Member of the Month? Email membership@vpppa.org. You

Facebook @VPPPA Twitter: @VPPPA Instagram: @VPPPA_Inc

can also check out all of the previous Members of the

VPPPA + MindWise Innovations Monthly Behavioral Health Q&A Column To continue the important conversations that were the focus of the Winter 2020 issue of the Leader magazine (mental health and the workplace), VPPPA has partnered with experts at MindWise Innovations to present a monthly Q&A article addressing questions that members might be hesitant to ask about. These online columns will address your questions about mental health, substance abuse, brain injuries, family issues and more. We will be posting a new column on the third Thursday of each month. To submit your own question, visit: learn.mindwise.org/qa.

Month on our website.

LinkedIn: VPPPA, Inc.

VPPPA webinars are a great way to get the most out of your membership!

Visit vpppa.org/educations/webinars for a listing of upcoming webinars.

VPPPA Wins Three APEX Awards

The 32 Annual Awards for Publications Excellence (APEX Awards), released their 2020 winners, and VPPPA was chosen for three awards.

VPPPA was a Grand Award Winner for Design & Illustration for the Autumn 2019 Issue of the Leader magazine.

VPPPA also received an Award of

VPPPA webinars

cost $85 for non-members

Excellence recognition in the category Magazines, Journals, & Tabloid’s—Most Improved, for the Leader.

Rounding up the three awards was another Award of Excellence Recognition in the Social Media Blog Content Category for the VPPPA Blog.

As a VPPPA member you currently have access to over

20 webinars

$85 x 20 webinars =

1,700 $ worth of content for ONE membership!

44 Leader—Summer 2020

vpppa.org

OSHA Safe + Sound Campaign

Go Home Safe and Sound

S

afe + Sound is a year-

successes of workplace safety

round campaign that

and health programs and

encourages every

offers information and ideas

workplace to have a

on how to keep America’s

safety and health program

workers safe. The week-long

that incorporates elements

event encourages employers

of management leadership,

to highlight employee

worker participation and

contributions to improving

a systematic approach to

workplace safety and to launch

finding and fixing hazards.

new safety initiatives.

Implementing a meaningful

In 2019, over 55,000

safety and health program

participants received regular

takes dedicated planning,

safety and health messages

but even incremental

and more than 3,300

improvements are valuable.

businesses participated in Safe

Safe + Sound emphasizes

+ Sound Week.

that wherever you are in your

Last year, VPPPA was a

safety and health journey,

key influencer in promoting

you can always take a step in

Safe + Sound Week on their

the right direction. Safety and

communication channels and

health programs can prevent

providing information on

workplace illness and injuries,

safety and health programs.

improve businesses’ safety

Safe + Sound Week is a

and health performance,

worthwhile way to engage

save money and increase

VPPPA members and to

competitiveness.

support safety and health

Safe + Sound provides a

programs since every worker

number of resources for small-

deserves to go home safe and

and medium-sized businesses

sound at the end of each day.

to help develop their safety and health programs.

Safe + Sound is supported by a team of seven organizers, including VPPPA, as well as over 220 partner organizations, and individual businesses who are committed to raising awareness about workplace safety and health.

Commemorating Safe + Sound Week 2019

Register Now

This year, Safe + Sound Week will be held from August 10-16, 2020. Organizations or businesses of any size or in any industry looking for an opportunity to show their commitment to safety to workers, customers, the public or supply chain partners, are welcome to participate.

There are several ways to

workplace or an event that is

gov/safeandsound. Once you

free and open to the public.

subscribe to the listserv, you

Activities should directly

will receive our “Safe and

relate to safety and health,

Sound At Work” participant

engage your workers, and be adapted to how your workplace is currently operating. As an organizer, VPPPA will feature ways to participate.

Join Safe + Sound

Show your commitment to

newsletter, which contains updates like new resources on safety and health programs or information on Safe + Sound activities. You can also follow Safe + Sound 2020 activities and share content on social media using #SafeAndSoundAtWork.

Safe + Sound Week is a

participate in Safe + Sound

safety and health by joining

Questions? Email us at

nationwide event held each

Week. Your company can either

Safe + Sound. Sign up for our

safeandsoundcampaign@

August that recognizes the

host a private event for your

mailing list at www.osha.

dol.gov.

vpppa.org

Leader—Summer 2020

45

www.vpppa.org

Be sur e to ch eck out the Featur ed Produc t Listin g on pages 42–43 .

VPPPA National Board of Directors Chairperson Vacant

Vice Chairperson Terry Schulte, NuStar Energy, LP Treasurer Vacant Secretary Dan Lazorcak, CSP, Honeywell International Director from a Site With a Collective Bargaining Unit Jack Griffith, CH2M Hill Plateau Remediation Company Director from a Site Without a Collective Bargaining Agent Johnathan “JD” Dyer, Shermco Industries Director from a DOE-VPP Site Stacy Thursby, Navarro—DOE Legacy Management Support Director from a VPP Contractor/ Construction Site Brad Gibson, S&B Engineers & Constructors Director-at-Large Kristyn Grow, CSP, CHMM, SGE Cintas Corporation Director-at-Large Sean D. Horne, Valero Energy Director-at-Large Vacant Director-at-Large Shelly Ettel, PCAPP Director-at-Large Bill Linneweh, CSP, Hendrickson International Director-at-Large Andy Youpel, SGE, Brandenburg Industrial Service Company

Ad Index

Advertiser Website

Page

AIM www.aimforsafety.com 5 Bollé

www.bollesafety-usa.com 48

39 Draeger www.draeger.com/en-us_us/Home Gas Clip

www.gascliptech.com 2

Glove Guard gloveguard.com

11

Grace Industries

www.gracefallsafety.com 25

Roco Rescue

www.rocorescue.com 47

Working Concepts www.softknees.com

15

Editor Kerri Carpenter, VPPPA, Inc. Associate Editor Jamie Mitchell, VPPPA, Inc. EDITORIAL MISSION

The Leader (ISSN 1081-261X) is published quarterly for VPPPA members. The Leader delivers articles from members for members, safety and health best practices, developments in the field of occupational safety and health, association activities, educational and networking opportunities and the latest VPP approvals. Subscriptions are available for members as part of their membership benefits and at a 50 percent discount beyond the complimentary allotment. The nonmember subscription rate is $25 a year.

Ideas and opinions expressed within The Leader represent the independent views of the authors.

Postmaster >> Please send address changes to: VPPPA, Inc. • 7600 Leesburg Pike, East Building, Suite 100 • Falls Church, VA 22043-2004 VPPPA, Inc., the premier global safety and health organization, is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) charitable organization that promotes advances in worker safety and health excellence through best practices and cooperative efforts among workers, employers, the government and communities.

46 Leader—Summer 2020

VPPPA contacts

o reach the VPPPA National Office, call (703) 761-1146 or visit T www. vpppa.org. To reach a particular staff member, please refer to the contact information below.

Sara A. Taylor, CMP Director of Operations staylor@vpppa.org

Jamie Mitchell Communications Coordinator jmitchell@vpppa.org

Natasha Cole Events Coordinator ncole@vpppa.org

Heidi Hill Senior Event Sales & Advertising Coordinator hhill@vpppa.org

Philecia Marasco Registrar & Administrative Coordinator pmarasco@vpppa.org Kerri Carpenter Communications & Outreach Manager kcarpenter@vpppa.org

Katlyn Pagliuca Membership Manager kpagliuca@vpppa.org Sierra Johnson Special Projects Coordinator sjohnson@vpppa.org

vpppa.org

7600 Leesburg Pike, East Building, Suite 100 Falls Church, VA 22043-2004 Tel: (703) 761-1146 Fax: (703) 761-1148 www.vpppa.org VPPPA, a nonprofit 501(c) (3) charitable organization, promotes advances in worker safety and health excellence through best practices and cooperative efforts among workers, employers, the government and communities.

SCAN QR CODE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT VPPPA, INC.

http://bit.ly/jVQcBo

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