Best Practices in Safety
Protecting workers and maintaining a safe working environment with the newest, state-of-the-art personal safety gear and ergonomic protection will continue to play an essential role in lowering the number of workplace injuries, as well as enhance overall safety throughout the…
Posted: August 23, 2024
Protecting workers and maintaining a safe working environment with the newest, state-of-the-art personal safety gear and ergonomic protection will continue to play an essential role in lowering the number of workplace injuries, as well as enhance overall safety throughout the shop floor.
VR Significantly Improves Personal Safety for Heavy Lifting Operations
Allgon (Gothenburg, Sweden), a global leader in industrial radio control solutions, is proud to announce that its subsidiary, Åkerströms Björbo, has launched an innovative virtual training tool designed to significantly improve personal safety during heavy lifting operations. Åkerströms Björbo, renowned for its commitment to safe and sustainable radio control solutions, has developed proprietary VR simulators that provide a realistic and secure training environment for crane operators. These simulators enable operators to practice critical tasks such as precision driving, handling load swings, and safely maneuvering around suspended loads. The training tool includes several modules, culminating in a final exam where participants receive a detailed performance summary. “With our VR training, operators can perform risky maneuvers in a safe, visual world that is designed to be authentic and engaging, optimizing the learning experience,” said Magnus Kenger, business developer at Åkerströms. “We can also provide other personnel on the work site with a chance to experience the crane operator’s work, enhancing overall understanding and further improving safety.” The simulator is ideal for both introductory and refresher training for crane operators, ensuring they maintain the necessary skills for safe and efficient crane handling. Training intervals can be optimized and results documented, providing employers with reliable data to extend operators’ licenses. Feedback from heavy industry representatives highlights that many complex and dangerous tasks require extensive training. By practicing these tasks in a safe, digital environment, a safer work environment is fostered, and costs are reduced due to increased efficiency and fewer injuries. Hans Åkerblom, CEO and Sales Manager, shared his enthusiasm, “The VR training, combined with our Access_Ctrl service, ensures that all operations adhere to established safety standards, drastically reducing the risk of human error. Access_Ctrl also enables effective monitoring and control of all lifting operations, optimizing safety and efficiency in the workplace.” Overall, Åkerströms enhances its total offering through a comprehensive solution for maximum safety at industrial sites or as a standalone offering to educational institutes and schools. This innovative training tool marks a significant advancement in ensuring the safety and competence of crane operators within the industry.
Ergonomic Protection Helps Fight Musculoskeletal Disorders
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, musculoskeletal disorders are the most frequently recorded injuries in construction, masonry and many occupations. Tasks that routinely require kneeling and bending can put an employee at significant risk. Personal protective equipment (PPE) such as knee pads and back support can help reduce the risk of injury and minimize joint fatigue.
Brass Knuckle® Safety Products’ (Alpharetta, GA) ergonomic protection, including knee pads and back support, is designed to help alleviate musculoskeletal disorders resulting from risk factors at work, including heavy lifting, bending, reaching overhead, kneeling for prolonged periods of time, pushing and pulling heavy loads, and working in awkward body postures.
When work brings you to your knees—literally—Brass Knuckle has you covered with knee pad solutions that have excellent protection and varying degrees of stability, flexibility, and comfort. BKKN100 is a light-duty cushioned and adjustable knee pad; BKKN200 is heavy-duty protection with hard
contoured cap.
Brass Knuckle BKBS back support offers reinforcement that can help workers avoid back injuries and fatigue in occupations that require stooping, lifting, carrying, or even holding static positions for long periods of time. These supports feature elastic suspenders to distribute body stress and tapered abdominal panels to better conform to the body.
When engineering the hazard away cannot be easily done, Brass Knuckle offers modern, lightweight ergonomic protection products in styles designed to keep workers in compliance.
www.brassknuckleprotection.com
Safety Glasses Fight Lens Fog Indoors or Out
Fogging lenses can strike in both indoor and outdoor working conditions. Brass Knuckle® Safety Products’ (Alpharetta, GA) Spectrum eye protection has options to fight fog no matter where work has to get done. This powerful ANSI Z87.1+ protection weighs less than one ounce, and the rimless lenses are manufactured with exclusive BK-Anti-FOG protection.
Temperature changes, humidity, sweat, rain, and moisture all contribute to lens fog. Spectrum Clear Lens allows maximum light transmission, indoors or out, without changing or distorting vision or colors (91% of light passes through). Spectrum Smoke Lens provides all-over tint for normal outdoor conditions (18% of light passes through). Amber, blue, and mirrored lenses* are also available.
BK-Anti-FOG lens protection lasts 15 times longer than EN 166/168 standards. Fog is thousands of tiny water bubbles formed when air moisture condenses on lenses. BK-Anti-FOG is extreme anti-fog performance that improves both worker safety and productivity. The special coating is permanently bonded directly onto the lens surface and will not wear off or wash off. Glasses retain fog-fighting properties for a longer duration with no reapplying and no maintenance needed.
Spectrum eye protection is loaded with other features, too. Bowed, super-flex temples touch the wearer only behind the ears, eliminating all pressure points while delivering the optimal fit. The ratcheting flexible temples and second-generation PivotEase™ nose piece offer a true face-hugging design that inspires compliance. Spectrum lenses are also anti-scratch, anti-static, and UV protected.
*Mirrored lenses do NOT have BK-Anti-FOG.
www.brassknuckleprotection.com
Exclusive Features Enhance new Welding Helmet
ESAB (North Bethesda, MD) has introduced the advanced Savage A50 LUX model to its full line of welding helmets. The new automatic helmet includes premium features found on ESAB’s Sentinel™ helmet, such as the HALO™ headgear and advanced OpTCS™ true-color viewing at a flawless EN 1/1/1/1 optical level. In addition, it boasts a number of exclusive new features, like an integrated work light, redesigned shell, quick-release front lens and simplified auto-darkening filter (ADF) user interface. The lightweight and comfortable Savage A50 LUX meets the wants and needs of any operator and is competitively priced.
“One of the most frequent requests we receive is for an integrated work light,” said Kevin Beckerdite, PPE global product manager, ESAB. “We went big on this request. The Savage A50 LUX helmet has a 50-lumen integrated LED front head light designed to improve operator’s productivity and safety by illuminating low-light environments. Located on the front-top area of the helmet behind the cover plate, the light is protected from spatter, runs on its own AA battery and automatically shuts off with light or when the arc starts.”
The new Savage 50 LUX welding helmet features an exclusively designed molded lens recessed in the helmet shell, reducing scratches and damage when laying the helmet on its front. In the event of outer lens replacement, the helmet is developed with a new quick-release design that is easy to access, for fast replacement. The unique attachment system uses shaped ridges to grasp the lens with thumb and finger and simply press the right side of the lens to easily pop off. The new lens just slides into the left side and clicks into place.
The large 9.3-sq.-in. (60 cm) viewing lens has perfect optics at the highest EN 1/1/1/1 level eliminating the potential for obscured or distorted viewing. Its second generation OpTCS True-Color ADF technology, broadening color intake across a flatter spectrum, reduces eye fatigue and allows the operator to see the heat-affected zone and weld puddle with absolute clarity, essential when bead placement is critical. With a large, unrestricted shade level range of 5-13, this helmet offers more options than others in its class. A total of nine different shade levels covers every shade needed for welding and cutting, from oxyfuel and plasma cutting to low-amperage TIG to high-amperage welding with large electrodes. It also provides a low, passive state shade 3 ADF level for clear weld inspection.
An exclusive feature on the Savage A50 LUX is its simple, push button digital ADF interface for quick adjustments. The simple five button user interface with simplified LCD graphic display is glove-friendly and extremely intuitive. In addition, external grind and LED work light buttons mounted to the left-side of the helmet allow operators to adjust helmet functionality for various areas of fabrication in seconds, increasing their productivity.
The Savage A50 LUX is designed with ESAB’s signature rounded, low profile shell for better clearance in tight areas and more protection from light and sparks. Operator comfort is predominant with its five-contact-point Halo headgear, which better distributes helmet weight and offers thousands of fit adjustments. The Savage A50 LUX weighs 1.27 lbs., providing comfort for long workdays.
The Importance of Safety Showers and Eye/Face Wash Stations
Metal working processes expose workers to various chemical hazards that can cause serious health issues if not properly managed. Welding, grinding, and other metalworking activities release hazardous fumes, gases, and particles that can be inhaled or come into contact with the skin. To mitigate these risks, it’s crucial to have proper safety equipment in place, including safety showers and eye wash stations. These emergency fixtures should be easily accessible and located within 10 seconds reach of the hazardous work areas.
For an all-in-one solution, the Hughes cubicle shower with lidded eye/face wash from Hughes Safety Showers (Sarnia, Ontario, Canada) features an integral sump to easily direct contaminated water to a drain and can be supplied with strip screens to prevent overspray. Complying to European standards, the safety shower provides a water flow rate of 76 liters per minute for a thorough decontamination. The lidded eye/face wash connects to the water valve for automatic operation when the lid is pulled down, delivering 12 liters per minute of water via the aerated diffusers for an improved washing action.
In areas where a plumbed-in water supply is unavailable, the Hughes gravity fed, self-contained eye/face washes are ideal. Our wall or table-mounted options have wide openings for ease of filling and are simple to operate using the pull-down manifold on the front of the units. Both comply to the European standard, EN 15154, delivering a controlled flow of potable water for 15 minutes.
Employers should train workers on the location and proper use of these safety fixtures, as well as the importance of immediate flushing for at least 15 minutes in case of chemical exposure.
New PAPR Systems Offer Various Head Assemblies for Enhanced Visibility
increased welding time, comfort and compliance.
Miller Electric Mfg. LLC (Appleton, WI) has released new PAPR II systems. Designed to maximize comfort, convenience, compliance and, ultimately, productivity, these cutting-edge respiratory protection systems have been engineered to improve respiratory compliance and performance in the most demanding industrial applications. The new PAPR II lineup includes PAPR II with T94-R™, PAPR II with T94i-R™, XL, PAPR II with T94iH-R™ Hard Hat and PAPR II with Face Shield.
PAPR II solutions offer unmatched versatility and convenience with one standardized PAPR II system, catering to various applications like welding, metal grinding, finishing and more. Operators can now seamlessly transition between different operations to streamline their workflows and enhance overall efficiency.
One of the standout features of the PAPR II lineup is its lightweight design — weighing on average 21% less than other systems, with a battery that’s up to 65% lighter. Combined, the lighter blower and decreased battery weight help to significantly reduce lower back strain and fatigue. This allows operators to wear the system comfortably throughout long workdays, increasing both arc-on time and compliance.
Additional features of PAPR II systems include:
- An assigned protection factor, or APF, of 25 on all models and up to 1,000 APF with an optional heavy-duty head seal on hard hat and face shield models for added protection.
- ClearLight™ 2.0 Lens Technology that offers two times the clarity to allow operators to safely and accurately view the workplace and puddle.
- A Dualtec™ manifold system that connects at the base of the neck and splits to each side of the face to provide better helmet balance along with uniform and adjustable air distribution.
- An included spare replacement battery that equips welders with 20 hours of runtime. Unlike competitive PAPRs, you get up to six more hours of battery life plus a setup that features two batteries in lieu of one, minimizing downtime and increasing uninterrupted arc-on time without operators carrying excessive weight.
“The Miller PAPR II solutions represent an advancement in respiratory protection for industrial professionals,” said Eric Sommers, product manager at Miller. “With the ease of transitioning between tasks, enhanced features and increased comfort, we believe these systems will redefine the way operators approach their work, ultimately improving productivity, safety and compliance.”
Work Safely Under the Most Rugged Conditions
With the safe radar system PSENradar from Pilz (Canton, MI), protection zone monitoring can be implemented in rugged environments for additional applications. Thanks to an expanded field of vision functions, the radar sensors are easier to integrate into different production environments. The flexibility resulting from adaptable fields of vision offers particular advantages in confined spaces. It is also now possible to connect to the open safety protocol Safety over EtherCAT FSoE: there is less work involved in wiring and the costs are lower. In addition to the available radar sensors with a detection range of 0-to-5 meters, the safe radar sensor PSEN rd1.2 sensor F-FOV LR is now also available with a range of 0-to-9 meters. Efficient safeguarding of mobile applications is possible as a result.
New on both sensor devices are the options for flexible configuration of fields of vision: besides the symmetrical viewing angle, asymmetrical and corridor-like viewing angles can now also be configured. This enables the PSENradar to be used reliably in various production environments. It also saves space in the production area, particularly in the event of cramped conditions in which machines are located immediately next to one another, for example, or when walkways run directly past machinery.
Now that the settings for the field of vision can be configured more individually, the radar sensor can be positioned more flexibly, without restricting the production operation. Not only does this provide greater safety in rugged environments, but it also boosts productivity.
Together with the configurable small controller PNOZmulti 2 from Pilz, PSENradar offers a safe complete solution for protection zone monitoring — including safe data transfer with FSoE in the EtherCAT communication system.
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