Saf-T-Gardian Newsletter - A Fresh Look at the Safety Industry

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  BRINGING WORKERS HOME SAFELY SINCE 1936

 Saf-T-Gardian Newsletter - Your #1 Safety Resource

January 2019

 

     
 
Introducing the New
Saf-T-Gard® 
Versa-Gard® Flex G2 & G4 Cut-Resistant Gloves Made with GorillaYarn
   
 

The Saf-T-Gard® Versa-Gard® Flex Gloves Series recently expanded with the addition of the VGF-5512 and VGF-5524 styles marking the debut of Saf-T-Gard® GorillaYarn, a proprietary new yarn blend designed to supply continuous comfort without compromising cut resistance.

As the largest living primate on earth, gorillas possess herculean strength with a generally soft and gentle nature. Similarly, the new Saf-T-Gard® Versa-Gard® Flex G2 & G4 Cut-Resistant Gloves Made with GorillaYarn exhibit an inherent strength and softness. The gloves’ polyurethane coated palms are highly resistant to abrasions, punctures, snags and tears, grip well on wet or oily surfaces, and when combined with GorillaYarn shells, provide an ideal balance of comfort and cut protection. Additional features and benefits include the following:

  • Carefully crafted using Saf-T-Gard GorillaYarn, a proprietary, engineered, cut-resistant yarn blend, these 13‑gauge seamless machine knit gloves are designed for protection against hazards in some of the toughest work environments and deliver powerful comfort and ANSI A2 (VGF-5512) and A4 (VGF-5524) cut resistance
  • Polyurethane palm coating channels away oils and ensures a secure grip while also providing significant resistance to abrasions, punctures, snags and tears
  • The back of the glove is uncoated for breathability
  • Ergonomically-designed hand shape is form fitting, flexible and offers increased dexterity and tactile sensitivity for small parts handling
  • Continuous knit wrist color-coded elasticized finish reduces fraying and provides a visual aid in sizing for easy sorting and dispensing
  • Ideal for use in assembly, small parts handling, metal/glass handling, maintenance, construction, food processing and general-duty industrial applications

Both styles are available in sizes 7-11 and are sold by the dozen. Try on a pair of Versa-Gard Flex G2 & G4 Cut-Resistant Gloves Made with GorillaYarn today to experience the new gentle giants of cut-resistant hand protection, and see for yourself how comfort and cut-resistance together are not going extinct. Click here to view and order them online, or call customer service at 1-800-548-GARD (4273).

   
 
Saf-T-Gard®
Reflect-A-Gard® RG-2005 Vests Deliver Visible Safety and Savings!
 
 
 

Save as much as 68% on Saf-T-Gard® Reflect-A-Gard® RG-2005 Class 2 Hi-Viz Breakaway Safety Vests now through March 31, 2019.

Saf-T-Gard can help keep you seen and safe on the job in the
Reflect-A-Gard RG-2005 Class 2 Hi-Viz Breakaway Safety Vests with the following features and benefits:

  • Fluorescent lime polyester mesh fabric offers high visibility and breathable comfort
  • Two (2) horizontal and two (2) vertical 2” reflective stripes deliver ANSI/ISEA-107 Class 2 Level 2 compliance
  • The vest is designed to separate harmlessly from the body in the event that it gets caught
  • The five (5) breakaway points include two (2) on the shoulders, two (2) on the sides and one (1) in the center
  • One (1) inner pocket at left chest for convenient storage and transportation of work materials
  • Hook-and-loop closure provides easy on/off and comfortable, secure fitting
  • Available in sizes Medium-5XL
  • Sold individually or 50 each/case by size
  • $3.25/each or $112.50/case of 50 each by size ($50 minimum order)
  • Save 14% more per vest when you order by the case

Click here to view them online, or call customer service at 
1-800-548-GARD (4273)
 today with any questions or to place your order.

   
  Join Saf-T-Gard for the e-Hazard Arc Flash and Low Voltage Qualified Electrical Safety Training Class 
     
 
 

Do you know all of the best work practices in electrical safety and how to apply them in real-world situations? Are you aware of the proposed changes for the 2018 edition of NFPA 70E, Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace?

Sign up for the Low Voltage Qualified (LV) Electrical Safety Training Class (including OSHA & NFPA 70E – version 2018) sponsored by the electrical safety experts e-Hazard and Voltgard® (a division of Saf-T-Gard International, Inc.) on Tuesday, March 19, 2019 from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. CDT at the Courtyard by Marriott – Chicago Deerfield 800 Lake Cook Road Deerfield, IL 60015 to learn all of this and more, including how NFPA 70E page cuts your PPE training by 75%, common places for arc flash, misunderstood NFPA 70E concepts, fixable things you didn’t know about your electrical system that could wreck your plant, electrical safe work habits and a practical understanding of the NFPA 70E standard (and great ideas from trainers who have implemented them)!

Afterward, take a tour of the Saf-T-Gard® Voltgard® Test Lab, the largest, independent, NAIL4PET-accredited test lab for rubber insulating products in the United States!

The cost to attend the one-day seminar for Low Voltage Qualified (LV) Electrical Safety Training is $400 per person. Please contact e-Hazard at register@e-hazard.com or (502) 716-7073 with any questions or concerns.

   
     Respiratory Solutions for New Silica Standards
    
 

The United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has published its final rule to help curb various silica-related diseases including silicosis in America's workers by limiting their exposure to respirable crystalline silica. Moldex strongly encourages anyone exposed to crystalline silica to review and understand the entire regulation prior to work. The regulation, preamble, United States OSHA Fact Sheet on Construction and FAO are available on the OSHA website and should be consulted to help ensure a complete understanding of this regulation (www.OSHA.gov).

About 2.3 million workers are exposed to respirable crystalline silica in their workplaces, including 2 million construction workers who drill, cut, crush, or grind silica-containing materials such as concrete and stone, and 300,000 workers in general industry operations such as brick manufacturing, foundries, and hydraulic fracturing, also known as fracking.

Key Provisions of New Standards with Regard to Respiratory Protection:

  • Reduces the permissible exposure limit (PEL) for respirable crystalline silica to 50 micrograms per cubic meter of air, averaged over an 8-hour shift
  • Requires employers to provide respirators when engineering controls cannot adequately limit exposure

Two Different Standards

OSHA developed two standards to protect workers from exposure to respirable crystalline silica-one for construction, and the other for general industry and maritime-in order to allow employers to tailor solutions to the conditions in their workplaces.

Construction industry stakeholders indicated the need for guidance and a standard that is different than a standard for general industry. Among their concerns was the impracticality of exposure monitoring based on short duration of task and constantly changing conditions, such as weather, job sites and materials. In response OSHA developed 29 CFR 1926.1153, Table 1. It identifies 18 common construction tasks that may generate high exposures to respirable crystalline silica and for each task, specifies engineering controls, work practices, and respiratory protection that effectively protect workers.

Employers who fully and properly implement the engineering controls, work practices, and respiratory protection specified for a task on Table 1 are not required to measure respirable crystalline silica exposures to verify that levels are at or below the PEL for workers engaged in the Table 1 task. United States OSHA does not specify the type of respirator to be used, only the minimum assigned protection factor (APF) the respirator must have per 29 CFR 191 0.134(d)(3)(i)(A).

Saf-T-Gard makes it as easy as possible for you to choose the Moldex Respiratory Products that abide by OSHA’s new silica standards. Click here to access a list of the Moldex Respiratory Product recommendations by task as well as an overview of the new silica standards.

Saf-T-Gard carries a comprehensive line of Moldex Respiratory Products, including disposable respirators, reusable full and half-mask respirators, cartridges and filters and respiratory accessories. Click here to view them online, or call customer service at 1-800-548-GARD (4273) for more information.

   
 
 Water or Electrolytes: Which Is More Important in Maintaining Hydration?
 
 

Electrolytes are essential ions in the human body for proper electrical activity. Maintaining the concentration of electrolytes is crucial for proper fluid balance, nerve function, muscle contraction, and other physiological processes in the body. Some of the main electrolytes in the human body include sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. The intake of electrolytes is primarily through fluids and foods, while the output of electrolytes is mostly from physical exercise, sweating, and urination.

It is important to note that water does not contain electrolytes, so electrolyte replacements are necessary to remain properly hydrated. The flow of water in the body follows the concentrated areas of electrolytes. Sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium are all lost from the body in sweat. These electrolytes work together to maintain homeostasis and water equilibrium. An imbalance of electrolytes can be harmful, and can lead to sickness or even death.

Click here to download the Sqwincher Electrolyte white paper and learn more about the roles of major electrolytes in the body, the importance of maintaining the right concentrations, and the daily requirements.

Saf-T-Gard provides a wide range of Sqwincher Hydration Solutions in a variety of flavors, formulas and dispensing options. Click here to view and order online, or call customer service at 1-800-548-GARD (4273).

   
 
New NIOSH Tools Can Help Identify Dampness and Mold in Schools and General Buildings
 
 

NIOSH developed the Dampness and Mold Assessment Tool for both general buildings and schools to help employers identify and assess areas of dampness in buildings.

Office buildings, schools, and other nonindustrial buildings may develop moisture and dampness problems from roof and window leaks, high indoor humidity, and flooding events, among other things. Damp building conditions promote the growth of mold, bacteria, fungi, and insects. Occupants in damp buildings can be exposed to pollutants in the air from biological contaminants and the breakdown of building materials.

Research has shown that a number of health problems are associated with exposure to building dampness and mold including:

  • Respiratory symptoms (such as in the nose, throat, or lungs)
  • Development or worsening of asthma
  • Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (a rare lung disease in which lungs become inflamed as an allergic reaction to inhaled bacteria, fungi, organic dusts, and chemicals)
  • Respiratory infections
  • Allergic rhinitis (often called “hay fever”)
  • Bronchitis
  • Eczema

The Dampness and Mold Assessment Tools guide users through assessing all rooms, whether in a school or a general building, for areas of dampness and mold and identifying the source(s) of the dampness and mold. The tools provide an easy-to-use checklist and instructions for assessing and recording any damage that is found and for tracking conditions through time.

You can find more information about dampness and mold in buildings, including action steps for management and building owners and workers, on the NIOSH website.

 
 
 
Saf-T-Gard Catalog
 
 

The time for better safety is now!


Click here to request a FREE copy of our current, full-line, Saf-T-Gard International, Inc. catalog today, and learn how to better GARD yourself with Saf-T-Gard.


Featuring more than 3,900 different line items from more than 100 different brands and 14 different product categories, this catalog is an excellent resource and provides a wealth of information to keep you safe and productive for even the most rigorous applications!

 
   
 
Closeout Corner - Don't Miss These Great Deals!
 

 

Saf-T-Gard is making it easier than ever to save big on your favorite safety items with the “Closeout Corner” featured monthly in the Saf-T-Gardian newsletter.

 

Click here to view the reduced pricing on all of your must-have items to take advantage of this limited-time pricing and inventory.

 

Be sure to check back next month for even more products and savings!

 
 

 
OSHA Proposes Revised Beryllium Standard for General Industry  

 

OSHA issued a proposed rule on December 10, 2018 to revise the beryllium standard for general industry.

The proposed changes are designed to clarify the safety standard and improve compliance. The proposed rule would amend selected paragraphs of the standard, and also replace Appendix A, Operations for Establishing Beryllium Work Areas. Comments on the proposed rule must be submitted by February 9, 2019.

Click here for more information and to read the press release.

 
   
Safety Tips  
 

1. I RESOLVE IN 2019 . . . to reduce both the number and rate of occupational injuries and illnesses where I work

2. I RESOLVE IN 2019 . . . to be pro-active, not reactive, in addressing worker safety and health

3. I RESOLVE IN 2019 . . . to consider safety products not as commodities but as the specialized equipment necessary to protect our most valuable assets - our workers

4. I RESOLVE IN 2019 . . . to invest in saving lives through CPR training and acquiring automated external defibrillators for our company

5. I RESOLVE IN 2019 . . . to extend the safety commitment to my home and family

 
   

Q&A

 
 

Question - What's the penalty for violating an OSHA standard?

 

Answer - OSHA penalties range from $0 to $70,000, depending upon how likely the violation is to result in serious harm to workers. Other-than-serious violations often carry no penalties but may result in penalties of up to $7,000. Serious violations may have penalties up to $7,000. Repeat and willful violations may have penalties as high as $70,000.

 

Penalties may be discounted if an employer has a small number of employees, has demonstrated good faith, or has few or no previous violations. For more information on OSHA penalties, see Section 17 of the OSH Act or information on penalties in the OSHA Publication "All about OSHA."

 
 
Saf-T-Gard Spotlight  

 

Ray Jackson is a Customer Service Representative and has been with Saf-T-Gard for more than ten years.

What Ray likes about Saf-T-Gard:

"The people I work with. Everybody is friendly and helpful. It's a good group of people."

What makes Ray's day:

"When I know that I've been able to help a customer, even if it's something simple."

Ray's outside interests are:

"Golf, camping, reading and spending time with friends."

Anything else:

"I like traveling!”

 
   
Factoid  

 

What is OSHA's definition of appropriate training and equipment for an employee standing outside while another employee enters an area with an atmosphere that is immediately dangerous to life or health (IDLH)?

The Respiratory Protection Standard mandates that employees who are required to wear respirators must receive comprehensive training that they understand. The employees must be informed of the following: 

  • The reason why the respirator is necessary
  • The limitations and capabilities of the respirator
  • How to inspect and maintain the respirator
  • How to put on and remove the respirator
  • How to recognize medical signs and symptoms that may prevent the effective use of the respirator
  • The requirements of the respirator standard
  • How to use the respirator effectively, including situations in which the respirator malfunctions

In addition, prior to entering an IDLH environment to provide an effective emergency rescue, standby employees must be informed of the following: 

  • The person to notify for necessary additional assistance, and how to protect themselves against the IDLH atmosphere if an emergency arises
  • How to provide emergency assistance
  • How to use the appropriate rescue devices as well as communication devices
  • Worksite-specific procedures developed by the employer

Standby employees must be equipped with the appropriate equipment such as pressure-demand or other positive-pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), or a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure supplied-air respirator with auxiliary SCBA.

29 CFR 1910.134(g)(3)(vi)(B), which addresses retrieval equipment, is a performance-based standard; there are no requirements for specific rescue equipment. The employer is required to use appropriate retrieval equipment, unless its use would increase the overall risk associated with rescue from the IDLH environment.

 
 
As I See It  

 

It is January 2019 – Happy New Year! This year, 2019 is our 83rd year as a privately-held family business. A lot of the records from that long ago are simply not available, but from my father’s memory the last time he was interviewed, 1936 is about right for our start as a rubber glove manufacturing company in Chicago. There’s a lot to be said for family values. Some big companies brag about the fact that they are still a family business. And with so many other nameless mega-companies to choose from, isn’t it nice to depend on a privately-held family business where safety is not a commodity but is a passion? Remember the old TV show Cheers and its theme song “Where Everybody Knows Your Name?” Those are the kind of values that we try to share with our customers. We are real people with names and families and we like to think that our customers recognize and appreciate our family values, too. I am sure that we have all experienced calling a company whose impersonal call center was in another country staffed by someone looking at a computer screen. We hope that all of our customers experience just the opposite when they call Saf‑T‑Gard and find our phone answered by friendly, personable, qualified team members who can greet many customers by name, even on the phone. And just as our personal values are to care for our family and friends, and to be concerned for their health and safety, every team member at Saf-T-Gard wants to share that value with our customers because the products we sell and the services we perform keep our customers’ workers safe and healthy so they can return home after work to their families and friends. Those are true family values, truly representative of Saf-T-Gard International - Bringing Workers Home Safely Since 1936.

       
Proud to partner with: Saf-T-Gard International, Inc.
205 Huehl Road
Northbrook, IL USA
Phone: 1-847-291-1600
Fax: 1-847-291-1610
Email: CustomerService@saftgard.com
www.saftgard.com
  Saf-T-Gard is a major manufacturer, distributor, importer and exporter of safety solutions for industry since 1936.
 
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