SAFETECH - ΕΞΟΠΛΙΣΜΟΙ ΑΣΦΑΛΕΙΑΣ ΕΡΓΑΣΙΑΣ & ΒΙΟΜΗΧΑΝΙΚΗΣ ΣΗΜΑΝΣΗΣ

JSP EVO ALTA - Standards explained

The new JSP EVO ALTA™ range offers three brand new models of safety helmets covering off EN397, EN12492, and EN50365: ✅EN 12492 - Mountaineering helmet standard • The EN 12492 standard requires impact testing to the crown, side, front and rear of the helmet. • Penetration testing is carried out on the helmet's crown. • Chinstraps are mandatory and must be tested to ensure the strap does not break or elongate when a force of 500N is applied, maximising security during a fall. ✅EN 397 - Industrial helmet standard • The EN 397 standard requires impact testing to the crown of the helmet only. Penetration testing is also carried out on the helmet's crown. •Chinstraps are optional for EN 397 helmets and must release under a force of 150-250N if caught up creating danger for the user. • EN 397 includes additional optional requirements for molten metal and lateral deformation. • EN 397 also includes a 440V electrical insulation option for non-vented helmets which offers extra protection from electrical dangers small enough to enter helmet vents. ✅EN 50365 - Electrically insulating helmet standard • The EN 50365 standard applies to helmets used for working live installations up to 1000V. • Helmets must fulfil the requirements of EN 397 to be fully certified to this standard. • EVO ALTA Baseworker™ offers the higher, all-round impact protection of an EN 12492 helmet with an EN 397 compliant chinstrap and additional performance benefits.

Sound advice: Hearing protection in the workplace

From the alarm clock in the morning, to chatting with family, friends and colleagues, and navigating our environment, for many of us hearing forms a vital connection to our surroundings. Our ears distinguish frequency, tone, and can even isolate a particular sound to determine the direction it is coming from. The parts of the ear that perform these complex functions are necessarily sensitive and therefore susceptible to damage by exposure to high noise levels. While it is easy to list the ways we rely on our hearing, noticing harm can prove more difficult. Hearing damage is often undetectable until the effects present in a condition such as noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) or tinnitus, by which point it is irreversible. NIHL can be extremely isolating, having major impacts on lifestyle and mental health. Tinnitus can be very distressing, causing disrupted sleep or insomnia. With 95 new cases of occupational deafness in 2019 reported through the Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (IIDB), and an estimated 17,000 UK workers suffering work-related hearing problems reported via the 2017/18 to 2019/20 Labour Force Survey, exposure to harmful noise remains a major risk across many industries. Noise exposure must be controlled effectively now to avoid life-changing hearing problems later. High level noise Exposure to high-level noise damages the Corti, an organ located in the cochlea within the inner ear. Damage can be temporary – experienced as ringing in the ears after a loud concert, for example, called temporary tinnitus. Temporary threshold shift is another example, which makes sounds below a certain level inaudible for a period of time following exposure. These conditions are temporary because the Corti recover once exposure has ended. If, however, exposure to harmful noise is experienced on a regular basis, the ears do not have the ability to a healthy state, meaning permanent damage is sustained. Extremely high noise has the potential to cause permanent damage immediately. The point at which noise becomes harmful is determined by the decibel (dB) level of the sound and the length of time that a person is exposed to the noise. The decibel scale is a logarithmic ratio between any two sound levels. The addition or subtraction of decibels is different to normal linear calculations – adding 3 dB doubles the noise level, subtracting 3 dB halves it. Exposure action values and limits designate when noise becomes harmful and how to protect against the effects. In the UK, the overall exposure limit is a daily / weekly average noise exposure of 87 dB or peak sound pressure of 140 dB. Exposure action values set levels at which appropriate action must be taken to protect employees. The lower exposure action value (LEAV) is an average noise exposure of 80 dB or peak sound pressure of 135 dB, requiring employers to provide information and training, and make hearing protection available. The upper exposure action value (UEAV) is an average of 85 dB, or peak sound pressure of 137 dB, and requires employers to take measures to reduce exposure and provide correct hearing protection for employees. Exposure must be reduced to a safe level of 80 dB at the ear using workplace controls and PPE. Assessing noise levels In order to assess noise levels and determine the controls required, a risk assessment must be carried out. HSE publications INDG362 and L108 give information on conducting a noise risk assessment. Noise must be assessed to determine exposure levels in order to identify the controls required. Guidance can provide the sound output levels associated with some machinery or tasks, but often noise levels are measured in the risk assessment. On any job, controlling noise effectively begins in the planning stages. Selection of materials, equipment, and processes can reduce noise at source. Following the hierarchy of control, elimination or avoidance of the task altogether is best. This encourages businesses to find alternative ways of working that do not present a noise hazard. If this is not possible, tools can be adapted to reduce sound output. The workplace can be arranged to exclude or enclose noise, creating ‘hearing protection zones’ where noise-emitting processes take place, enabling employees in other areas to work safely without hearing protectors. Where personal hearing protection is required, it is important to select genuine, quality products offering adequate attenuation. All hearing protectors must be certified to the PPE Regulation, with conformity markings on the product or packaging. Products must conform to the relevant performance standard. The EN 352 suite of standards cover hearing protectors: EN 352-1 and -3 set requirements for ear defenders, headband and mounted; EN 352-2 gives requirements for earplugs; EN352-4, -5, -6, -7, -8 cover a range of requirements for electronic products, including level-dependent attenuation, active noise reduction, and communication features. A simplified method of identifying appropriate protection and comparing the performance of products is the SNR method. SNR stands for Simplified Noise Level Reduction (or Single Number Rating), indicating the noise reduction offered – the SNR value can be subtracted from the overall noise level to calculate the sound pressure at the ear when wearing that particular hearing protector. Hearing protection testing results are assessed to determine performance based on three parameters, H, M, and L. The terms refer to the noise reduction of the chosen hearing protector at High, Medium and Low frequencies. The H,M,L data provides a method of estimating the attenuation offered by a hearing protection product at each of the frequencies. The full attenuation data for hearing protectors shows the performance of the product against a range of frequencies: 63Hz, 125Hz, 250Hz, 500Hz, 1000Hz, 2000Hz, 4000Hz, and 8000Hz. Full attenuation performance data can be required for hearing protector calculators, to select appropriate ear defenders or earplugs for measured noise levels. Overprotection Noise is one of the only risks against which it is possible to overprotect. While high-level noise is harmful, sounds such as speech, warning signals, and approaching vehicles are vital for safe and productive working. This means that the highest SNR value is not necessarily best, as high attenuation can isolate the wearer and put them at risk of an accident. A product with performance closest to the required level should be selected, to provide adequate protection without introducing additional risk. Compatibility To ensure adequate protection, it is imperative to select compatible hearing protectors, making sure they are fitted correctly and remain so at all times within the hazard zone. Ear defenders work by creating a tight seal with the wearer’s ears. This is created through ‘headband force’, referring to the force exerted by the headband or helmet/ faceshield and attachments. Spectacle frames, respirator straps and other PPE, plus long hair and ear jewellery, can compromise the seal if allowed to pass beneath the ear defender cushion. Mounted ear defenders must be tested in combination with the helmet(s) and/or faceshield(s) with which they are intended for use, in order to verify the headband force created by the products working together. Tested and certified compatibility verifies performance, ensuring that the combination provides adequate attenuation without exerting too much pressure, which can overprotect the wearer and cause discomfort. Compatibility is an important consideration when selecting earplug hearing protectors. Banded or corded earplugs may be unsuitable due to the risk of becoming caught on or being pulled loose by another PPE item, machinery, or other structures in the workplace. Ear jewellery must be removed where it affects the seal at the ear canal. Communication Team communication is key to safe and efficient working but noise in the workplace can make this difficult. The inability to communicate clearly can cause mistakes or misunderstandings, and make wearers feel isolated from teammates, which can be a temptation to remove PPE. It is important to ensure communication can take place, which can be achieved through administrative controls, such as an area of refuge where workers can communicate safely, or by using a dedicated communication solution. Electronic hearing protectors offer several benefits for communication. Level-dependent attenuation and active noise reduction enable wearers to hear safe sounds, including speech and warning signals, while attenuating harmful noise. Team communication, mobile calling, and entertainment audio features facilitate communication across sites without the need to remove hearing protection, plus a way to send safety announcements, and play music where permitted. With the electronic features switched off, products provide passive attenuation to a stated SNR value. Hearing damage can occur slowly, presenting only once it is too late to reverse. To avoid life-changing conditions such as NIHL and Tinnitus it is vital to ensure workplace noise is controlled effectively. Eliminating noise hazards in the planning stage and introducing workplace controls is advised to reduce exposure at source. Where hearing protection is required, it must provide adequate attenuation without overprotecting, be suitable for the wearer and environment, and compatible with other PPE.

What types of RPE are available?

Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) is required for workers in many environments where airborne substances pose a hazard to health. With a range of RPE available, an understanding of the general features offered by different respirators helps with selecting adequate and suitable protection. Learn more about different types of RPE below. Particle filtering half masks / Disposable dust masks These respirators are certified to EN 149 and provide protection against particulates. Masks are divided into three classes according to performance: - FFP1: Low filter performance (80% efficiency) - FFP2: Medium filter performance (94% efficiency) - FFP3: High filter performance (99% efficiency) Disposable dust masks are tight-fitting RPE, requiring wearers to be clean-shaven in the area of the face seal and fit testing to be carried out. Reusable half masks Half mask respirators are certified to the EN 140 standard. They are designed to be used with compatible filters certified to EN 143 or EN 14387. The level of protection provided is determined by the type and class of filters used. Half masks are tight-fitting RPE, requiring wearers to be clean-shaven in the area of the face seal and fit testing to be carried out. Reusable full face masks Full face respirators are certified to EN 136 which classifies masks according to use: - Class 1: Light Duty - Class 2: General Use - Class 3: Special Use These respirators are designed to be used with compatible filters meeting EN 143 or EN 14387. The protection level provided is determined by the type and class of filters used. Full face masks are tight-fitting RPE, requiring wearers to be clean-shaven in the area of the face seal and fit testing to be carried out. Powered air purifying respirators (PAPR) PAPR devices with a helmet or hood are certified to the EN 12941 standard. A motor delivers filtered air to the head top, maintaining an atmosphere of positive pressure. Respirators are classified by performance level: - TH1: Maximum inward leakage performance, 10% - TH2: Maximum inward leakage performance, 2% - TH3: Maximum inward leakage performance, 0.2% A range of filters can be fitted to PAPR devices, offering protection against gas and particulate hazards. PAPR devices certified to EN 12941 are loose-fitting RPE. They do not require face fit testing and can be used by wearers with neatly trimmed, well-groomed facial hair.

How to protect your eyes from UV radiation and sunglare?

As the weather gets warmer and the sun comes out, it is important to protect your eyes. Two common threats, especially in the warmer seasons, are UV radiation and sunglare. It is, therefore, necessary to wear the proper eye protection to prevent problems with vision and damage to the eyes caused by the sun. What is UV radiation? UV (Ultraviolet) radiation is a form of optical radiation, which comes from the sun. It is on the invisible spectrum. UV rays include wavelengths from 100 – 380 nm. The properties of UV light pose a risk to the eyes without the correct protection, just as UV rays from the sun can damage the skin without the correct sunscreen. UV radiation is split into three different types: UVA, UVB and UVC. They are based on the measure of their wavelength. UVA rays have the longest wavelength. People will usually only come in to contact with UVA rays, and a small amount of UVB rays. What is sunglare? Sunglare is a type of solar radiation in the visible light spectrum, including wavelengths 380 – 780 nm. It is sunglare that prevents us from being able to see properly in bright conditions, without using sunglasses or an appropriate shade. Sunglare on water or other reflective surfaces can be extremely dangerous for operatives driving or operating machinery, as well as causing damage to the eyes themselves. Why protect against UV radiation and sunglare? Harmful optical radiation can damage the eyes in different ways depending on its wavelength and properties. Visual complaints caused by UV radiation and sunglare are often temporary but can lead to long-term problems. Partial or total blindness can be caused by exposure to UV radiation, which can occur suddenly or gradually over time. UV radiation can also cause an inflammation of the cornea known as ‘photokeratitis’ – snow blindness is an extreme form of photokeratitis. It is also important to protect against sunglare to avoid other injuries or accidents. While solar radiation can cause significant damage to the eyes, it also has the potential to prevent workers from being able to see properly which can lead to trips and falls as well as more serious injuries when using machinery. Which products provide UV protection? Eye protectors with shade markings beginning 2-, 2C-, 3-, or 5- provide certified protection against UV radiation. Lenses beginning 5- offer sunglare protection and provide higher levels of UV protection because they are a darker shade, allowing less light to pass through. Spectacles, goggles, and faceshields are available with UV protective lenses. For the best levels of protection, use lenses manufactured with a special additive that filters UV light in the 400nm range – these are commonly referred to as ‘UV400 lenses’. Which products provide sunglare protection? Eye protectors with shade markings beginning 5- or 6- provide certified protection against sunglare. These types of lenses also provide UV protection at a higher level than clear lenses due to the darker shade. Options for sunglare filtering include smoke, indoor / outdoor, mirrored, and polarised lenses. Mirrored lenses offer the ideal protection against sunglare, reflecting solar rays before filtering UV radiation. Polarised lenses block horizontal reflections, eliminating glare, making them ideal for driving and working around water. Smoke lenses marked 5-2.5 offer glare protection while providing true colour recognition, important for applications involving driving. Darker smoke shades are most suitable in direct sunlight and bright glare conditions. Indoor / outdoor lenses marked 5-1.4 to 5-1.7 provide UV and sunglare protection, and also reduce the dazzling effects of blue light. These lenses are ideal when moving between light and dark areas. Safety spectacles generally offer the widest range of lens shade options for sunglare protection, but goggles and faceshields are also available with sunglare protective lenses.

How to fit your JSP Ear Plugs

Ear plugs work by blocking the ear canal to limit noise level at the inner ear. The ear plugs must be fitted correctly to ensure they attenuate sound to the intended level in order to protect the wearer’s hearing. Different styles of ear plug require different techniques, to ensure they fit the ear properly and provide the appropriate level of attenuation. It is also important to check whether ear plugs are disposable or reusable. Some products can be cleaned for reuse, whereas others are disposable and intended for single use only. 1. With clean hands, roll the ear plug between your fingers to compress. 2. Hold the top of the ear and pull gently upwards. Insert the plug into the ear canal. 3. When the ear plug is fitted snugly in the ear canal, hold for 30 seconds to allow the plug to expand. 4. Repeat this process on the opposite side. Only a small amount of the ear plug should be visible sticking out of each ear. 5. To remove, pinch the end of the plug and pull gently. 6. Dispose of the ear plugs. Soundstoppers™ banded 1. Hold the banded ear plug in both hands in front of you. 2. Take one end of the banded ear plug in one hand, with the other hand pull the ear lobe back to open up the ear canal. Place the ear plug into the ear. Repeat this process on the opposite side. 3. Ensure the banded ear plugs are fitted correctly. 4. To remove the ear plugs, hold by the band and gently remove. 5. Clean ear plugs after each use. Maxifit™ Pro 1. Hold the top of the ear and pull gently upwards. Insert the plug into the ear canal using a rotating action. 2. Repeat this process on the opposite side. Only the stalk of the Maxifit™ pro plug should be visible sticking out of each ear. 3. To remove, pinch the stalk of the plug and pull gently. 4. Clean ear plugs after each use. Damage is often undetectable to those exposed to harmful noise, meaning irreversible conditions, such as tinnitus or noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL), can occur before the effects are felt by the individual. As the wearer is unable to tell whether or not their hearing is being damaged, it is imperative to fit hearing protectors correctly to ensure protection.

How to protect against construction dust?

Construction dust poses a huge hazard on site. Inhaling dusts from stone, concrete, wood and other construction materials can cause devastating and irreversible illnesses later in life. Despite greater awareness and improved control measures, there are still thousands of cases of preventable lung disease due to past exposure at work in the construction industry every year[1]. Learn what the risks are and how to control construction dust effectively to protect the health of those working on and around site. Why is construction dust dangerous? The term ‘construction dust’ encompasses 3 main types of dust: 1. Silica dust or Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS) – found in many construction materials including stone, concrete, mortar, tiles and sand. Using power tools to cut, grind or drill these materials breaks the silica into a very fine dust called Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS). 2. Non-silica dust – materials with no or very low amounts of silica include gypsum, cement, limestone, marble and dolomite. 3. Wood dust – created by working hard and soft woods with hand or power tools. Silica dust is especially dangerous because a small amount can cause significant harm. The UK long-term (8 hour) workplace exposure limit (WEL) for silica dust is 0.1mg/m3. Impacts on health Regularly breathing harmful dusts over an extended period of time can cause a variety of lifelong illnesses, including lung disease and cancer. Cancer Construction jobs pose the highest risk of occupational cancer, with the industry contributing 3500 deaths and 5500 diagnoses each year.[2] Most occupational cancers in construction are lung cancers caused by exposure to asbestos and silica.[3] Lung cancer and mesothelioma, a type of cancer mainly caused by inhalation of asbestos fibres, are the most common forms of cancer leading to death. COPD Chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD) occurs in later life: it is estimated that over a million individuals currently have the disease in the UK, with over 25,000 deaths each year. The leading cause is smoking, but past exposure to fumes, chemicals and dusts at work have also contributed to many present cases. Research shows that about 15% of COPD cases are likely to be work-related, indicating as many as 4000 occupational deaths each year in the UK[4]. Respiratory hazards that can cause COPD include various dusts, including silica, coal and grain, as well as certain fumes and chemical vapours. Silicosis Silicosis is an incurable lung disease cause by inhaling silica dust, usually over a period of many years. Silica dust can cause inflammation when particles enter the lung and, over time, lead to areas of hardened and scarred lung tissue (fibrosis). Those suffering from silicosis can become bed-bound and die prematurely due to heart failure. Asthma Occupational asthma is an allergic reaction that can occur in certain individuals when exposed to certain substances. These substances, referred to as ‘respiratory sensitisers’ or asthmagens, cause a change in the airways known as ‘hypersensitive state’. Substances and materials that can cause occupational asthma include: - Chromium (VI) compounds – present in stainless steel welding fumes, cement, and used in electroplating. - Hardwood dusts – general term covering a variety of wood dusts, around 40 species of which can cause occupational asthma. - Softwood dusts – general term covering a variety of dusts mainly derived from coniferous trees. Occupational exposure to cedar dust is particularly associated with the development of asthma. Typically it takes several years for the effects of exposure to respiratory hazards in the workplace to develop and symptoms often do not arise until several years after exposure, by which time it may already be too late and result in permanent disability or early death. Why are construction sites high risk? Construction presents a high risk of exposure to harmful dusts due to the materials and processes used. The use of silica-containing materials, as well as other stone and wood, means there are a number of extremely harmful contaminants on site. The tools and processes used also contribute to the high level of risk. Power tools create a fine dust that is released into the air and easily inhaled. Even sweeping up after a job can result in harmful dust exposure. Tasks that can cause exposure to construction dust include: - Cutting, grinding and breaking concrete or stone – creates fine silica dust (RCS) - Cutting and sanding woods – creates fine wood dust - Dry sweeping – disturbs fine dust, making it easy to inhale Dust levels are affected by the following factors: 1. Equipment – The equipment used impacts the amount of dust released into the workplace. - High-energy power tools create high amounts of dust - Using tools with built-in extraction can help to reduce dust levels. 2. Work method – The way a task is completed can increase or reduce dust exposure. - Dry sweeping a dusty floor risks high exposure. - Vacuuming or wet brushing instead helps to keep dust levels low. 3. Work area – Where the work is completed has an effect on dust levels. - A well-ventilated workplace helps to prevent dust building up. - Arranging the work site to keep people away from dusty areas can help to reduce exposure. 4. Time – How long the task takes affects how much dust is created. - Reducing the amount of time spent carrying out dust-producing tasks can reduce exposure. - Planning for a job should aim to minimise the amount of time spent on tasks that create dust. How to protect people on site Protecting against construction dust involves more than just providing respirators. PPE is the last line of defence in the hierarchy of controls. Combatting construction dust exposure begins in the planning stages. An effective respiratory protection programme aims to remove hazards and reduce contaminant levels as much as possible before using a respirator. Respiratory protective equipment (RPE) After implementing workplace controls, RPE may still be required to reduce exposure to a safe level. RPE must be adequate for the hazard and suitable for the task, workplace and wearer. For construction dust, the general requirement is a UK Assigned Protection Factor (APF) of 20 for protection against particulates. Required protection levels can vary depending on measured concentration levels and a full assessment must be completed prior to selection of RPE. To achieve an APF of 20 there are a number of RPE options available. Tight-fitting respirators, which include disposable respirators, half masks and full face masks, must be fit tested before use. Wearers must also be clean-shaven in the area around the face seal whenever they wear the respirator. Consider other hazards Other hazardous substances may be present in different forms, such as gases and vapours, that can require additional or alternative types of protection. One commonly used material that can require additional protection is MDF (medium density fibreboard). MDF is made from recycled wood pressed together with adhesives, solvents, or binders. Some MDF can also contain formaldehyde. Under high temperatures, gases and vapours are given off, such as when cutting with power tools. Working with MDF can therefore require a combination filter with a gas/vapour element. Non-compliant and inappropriate equipment RPE must be compliant with the relevant standards and PPE legislation to be safe for use. Some non-compliant equipment and inappropriate alternative products exist on the marketplace that should be avoided.

Types of fall protection systems

Personal fall protection systems are made up of different components connected to operate in a specific way. These systems are designed to protect the user by either preventing or arresting a fall. Following the hierarchy of control, preventing a fall should always be first choice for carrying out work at height where possible. Work Restraint A system whereby a person is prevented from reaching zones that present a fall risk by using personal fall protection equipment (PFPE). 1. Limit of user’s movement 2. Harness attachment point 3. Anchor 4. Lanyard 5. Fall risk area Work Positioning A system that enables a person to work supported by PFPE in tension, in such a way that a free fall is prevented. The work positioning device can entirely support the user (full support of weight by the device) or provide partial support. Fall Arrest A fall arrest system physically links the user to the workplace structure by a series of interconnected components which together protect the user, should a fall occur, by applying an arresting force and deceleration through a specified arrest distance. In the event of a fall, the three objectives of a fall arrest system when used correctly are: To prevent workers reaching a hazard by arresting the fall. Absorb the energy of the fall to reduce impact on the worker. Personal fall protection systems standard, EN 363, requires the impact force on the user to be no more than 6 kN. Have a minimum distance of deceleration: this distance will vary depending on the fall arrest system used. Rope Access – Work in Suspension A form of work positioning, initially developed from techniques used in climbing and caving, which applies practical ropework to allow workers to safely access difficult-to-reach areas. Rope access technicians descend, ascend, and traverse ropes for access and work while suspended by their harness. A work seat may also be used. The support of the rope is intended to eliminate the fall risk, but a fall arrest system should always be used in conjunction as a redundancy system – this can be achieved by using two ropes, a movement line and a safety line.