VOL7/NO3/SUMMER 2 02 0
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
CONTENTS
VOL 7 | NO 3 | SUMMER 2 0 2 0
FEATURES
12
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.
®
• Keeps extension ladders from slipping on slick surfaces such as composite decking • Unique design of foam creates tiny suction cups that grip the surface, even when wet • Light weight for easy use, weighs less than 6 pounds • Works on smooth surfaces, plastic, wood, concrete, etc., even when wet • Prevents marring and scratches to deck caused by ladder feet • Attaches to the bottom ladder rung, with adjustable strap, for easy movement of ladder along wall • Fits most extension ladders, up to 21” wide • Replaceable self-adhesive foam pad
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Working Concepts, Inc.
888-456-3372 • www.softknees.com • info@softknees.com Patent Pending
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.
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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.
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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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