Chemical sector – Understanding hazards and protection for workers

05-09-20240

Chemical sector – understanding hazards and protection for workers

In the chemical sector, where hazardous materials are handled daily, even a minor problem can lead to major risks. An experienced process operator at a busy factory discovered an unusual odor one day and experienced mild eye irritation during routine checks. What seemed like a minor anomaly turned out to be a serious problem when it was discovered that an extraction system was leaking. Thanks to the employee’s quick response, more serious consequences were avoided. This situation shows how important it is to be vigilant at all times.

In this article, we focus on chemical hazards in the chemical sector. We explain what chemical hazards entail, identify the five most common types, and provide advice on how to protect against them. Finally, we make recommendations for appropriate PPE to ensure worker safety.

What are chemical hazards?

Chemical hazards are the risks created by the use, storage, production, or processing of chemicals. These hazards can lead to serious health effects, accidents, and environmental damage. Understanding and managing these hazards is important for ensuring a safe work environment and reducing risks to both people and the environment.

Types of chemical hazards

There are several chemical hazards in the chemical sector. We focus on the five most common, give an example for each, evaluate the degree of dangerousness and the impact they can have on workers.

Toxicity:

- Exposure to toxic substances can cause both acute and chronic health effects, such as poisoning, respiratory problems, and long-term organ damage or cancer (RIVM, 2023)
- Example: Benzene is a chemical used in the production of plastics, resins, and synthetic fibers
- Degree of dangerousness: very dangerous ⚠️⚠️

Corrosivity:

- Corrosive substances can cause severe burns on skin contact and damage to eyes and respiratory tract when vapors are inhaled (Arboportaal, s.a.)
- Example: Sulfuric acid is widely used in the chemical industry, for example in the production of fertilizers
- Degree of dangerousness: very dangerous ⚠️⚠️

Flammability:

- Chemicals that easily catch fire pose a high risk of fires and explosions
- Example: Acetone is a widely used solvent in the chemical industry and in laboratories
- Degree of dangerousness: high danger ⚠️

Explosiveness:

- Substances that can explode under certain conditions pose a serious physical hazard to employees
- Example: Ammonium nitrate is used as fertilizer and in explosives
- Degree of dangerousness: very dangerous ⚠️⚠️

Chemical Reactivity:

- Highly reactive substances can cause unexpected reactions when in contact with other chemicals or with water, leading to hazardous conditions such as explosions or the release of toxic gases
- Example: Sodium is a highly reactive metal often used in the chemical industry
- Degree of dangerousness: high danger ⚠️

How do you protect yourself from these substances?

Protection from chemicals in industry requires a combination of measures to ensure safety and the use of appropriate PPE. The choice of PPE should always be based on a risk assessment of the specific working conditions and the properties of the chemicals being worked with. It is essential that PPE be used and maintained correctly to ensure maximum protection.

Below we share the most common PPE in this industry and the associated safe work procedures:

PPE

Respiratory protection:
- Gas and vapor masks: for protection from harmful gases and vapors
- Dust masks: for protection from inhalation of hazardous substances such as powders or fibers

Our recommendations:

The 3M visor helmet is combined with the 3M Versaflo motor-powered system that is suitable for use in an ATEX environment and provides long-lasting and optimal protection for the respiratory tract, head and face.


3M M-306 VISOR HELMET Art. Nr.: 4.38.520.00	3M VERSAFLO TR-819E STARTER KIT Art. Nr.: 4.38.580.00	MOLDEX 255501 DUST MASK FFP3 NR D WITH EXHALATION VALVE Art. Nr.: 4.82.555.00

Eye protection:
- Safety glasses: for protection from chemical splashes or dust particles
- Face shields: for protection from larger amounts of liquids or as additional protection on top of safety glasses.

Our recommendation:

UVEX ULTRASONIC 9302-285
WIDE-VIEW GOGGLES Art. Nr.: 7.17.589.00

Hand protection:
- Chemical-resistant gloves: made of materials such as nitrile, neoprene, or butyl rubber, depending on the nature of the chemicals being worked with

Our recommendations:


OXXA® X-PRO-CHEM 51-900 Art. Nr.: 1.51.900.00	ANSELL ALPHATEC SOLVEX 37-900 Art. Nr.: 1.90.377.00

Body protection:
- Parka: provides light protection and resists splashes of liquids, making it suitable for everyday use in environments where the risk of chemical exposure is minimal. However, more intense or high-risk chemical work requires specialized protective clothing.
- Coverall: which is specially designed to withstand the specific chemicals being worked with. The coverall provides full body coverage and protection from chemical exposure, which is essential for working safely in high-risk environments.

Our recommendations:


SIOEN 7223 HEDLAND PARKA Art. Nr.: 2.60.572.00	DUPONT TYCHEM 2000 C OVERALL Art. Nr.: 2.67.442.00

Foot Protection:
- Safety shoes: with steel toecap and chemical-resistant material, are suitable for everyday use
- Safety boots: provide extra protection for specific higher-risk tasks, such as working with larger amounts of chemicals or in areas with high splash

Our recommendations:


EMMA BILLY SAFETY SHOE S3 Art. Nr.: 5.93.330.00	DUNLOP JOBGUARD FULL SAFETY BOOT S5 Art. Nr.: 5.26.226.00

Hearing protection:
- Earplugs or earmuffs: If the noise level in the workplace is high, such as from the use of machinery.

Our recommendations:


uvex X-FIT 2112-001 EARPLUG Art. Nr.: 3.17.205.00	MSA V-GARD HIGH EAR MUFF WITH HELMET ATTACHMENT Art. Nr.: 3.17.132.00

Head protection:
- Safety helmets: To protect against falling objects or as protection when working in explosive environments.

Our recommendation:

MSA V-GARD 500 UNVENTILATED
SAFETY HELMET
Art. Nr.: 6.16.867.00

Safe Work Procedures

Training and Education: ensure that all employees are well versed in proper chemical handling procedures, including the use of PPE and emergency procedures
Safe Storage: store chemicals in approved, labeled containers in safe, well-ventilated locations according to manufacturer’s recommendations and laws and regulations
Proper Use: follow all chemical use instructions and avoid unnecessary exposure by using safe work practices

Need help?

Would you like advice or additional information on suitable products for use in the chemical sector? Contact us today on T. +31 (0)181 47 50 00. Our enthusiastic team will be happy to tell you more!

Knowledge centre, Food industry

Food industry – The importance of food safety and hygiene

07-08-20240

Food industry – the importance of food safety and hygiene

Have you ever wondered what has to happen before your meal is safely on your plate? After all, there is a whole process that goes into making sure our food is free of harmful bacteria, viruses and contaminants. From the farmer planting the crops to the moment you prepare a tasty dinner for your family, every stage in the food chain is essential for food safety.

This article provides an understanding of what food safety means and why it matters. It highlights key hazards within the food industry and explains why hygiene plays such an essential role. In addition, we discuss the use of color coding in the food industry and provide recommendations for appropriate PPE to protect workers and ensure hygiene.

What is food safety?

Food safety refers to the measures and conditions necessary to ensure that food is safe for consumption and does not pose health risks. This includes a wide range of activities and procedures that ensure the safety and quality of food, from production to consumption.

Why is food safety essential?

Food safety is essential for several reasons. It prevents foodborne illness and outbreaks, protects vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly, and ensures that consumers have confidence in the food supply. In addition, it promotes international trade by meeting global standards. It also reduces food waste through proper storage and processing, contributing to sustainability. In short, food safety contributes to our health, economic stability and the environment.

Major hazards in the food industry are:

Biological hazards: Microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites that can cause food-related illnesses.

Suitable PPE: Disposable gloves, hair and beard nets, mouth caps, and protective coveralls to prevent contamination.

Chemical hazards: Unintended chemicals such as pesticides, detergents, additives and heavy metals that can contaminate food.

Suitable PPE: Chemical-resistant gloves, safety glasses, and respiratory masks to avoid inhalation or skin and eye contact.

Physical hazards: Foreign objects such as glass, metal, plastic and other materials that may accidentally enter food.

Suitable PPE: Cut-resistant gloves, protective eyewear, and metal detectable garments.

It is essential that food processors use and comply with appropriate PPE to minimize risks to employees and consumers.

Hygiene

Hygiene in the food industry is vital to ensure food safety and quality. It includes strict adherence to cleaning protocols, personal hygiene of employees, and keeping equipment and work areas clean. Good hygiene practices minimize the risk of food-related illnesses and strengthen consumer confidence in the safety of food products.

In addition to these measures, detectors also play an important role in the food industry. Detectors can be used to identify possible contamination such as metal particles, glass, or other foreign objects in food products during the production process.

Color coding

Color coding is used in the food industry for identifying PPE, among others. This system helps clearly distinguish different types of protective equipment used by workers in different work areas. Following are some examples of different color coding for PPE.

Examples of Color Coding in the Food Industry

Gloves:

- Blue: Often used for general food processing because this color is virtually absent from natural food products and can be easily noticed if, for example, a piece of glove gets into the food.
- White: is often used in dairy sectors or when handling unprocessed foods where a high degree of hygiene is required. Their color makes dirt highly visible, which helps maintain hygiene. However, the hygienic quality of gloves is mainly determined by how they are used and maintained, not just by their color.

Hair Nets and Beard Nets:

- White or Blue: Used in various production areas to easily identify workers and prevent contamination.

Aprons and Overalls:

The color of aprons and coveralls are primarily used to recognize and differentiate workers by department so that contamination is prevented:

- Green: Often used in environments where fruits or vegetables are processed. The green color makes dirt and contamination highly visible.
- Red: Used in areas where raw meat is processed, such as butcher shops, because it helps to clearly see which workers are working with meat.
- White: Commonly used in food processing environments because of its association with cleanliness and hygiene.

Shoes and Shoe Covers:

- Different colors of shoe covers can be used to indicate which areas in the facility are safe to enter, or to distinguish between different hygiene areas.

Our recommendations

OXXA® X-GRIPPAZ-PRO-LONG 44-545 GLOVE

Art. Nr.: 1.44.545.00

ANSELL ACTIVARMR 78-103 GLOVE

Art. Nr.: 1.90.786.00

SIOEN 8042 BRATISLAVA APRON 90 X 120 CM

Art. Nr.: 2.64.592.00

DUNLOP FOODPRO PUROFORT MULTIGRIP SAFETY BOOT S4

Art. Nr.: 5.30.102.00

OXXA® COVER 201 BARET

Art. Nr.: 6.32.022.01

UVEX ASTROSPEC 2.0 9164-065 SAFETY GOGGLES

Art. Nr.: 7.25.670.50

SIOEN 8161 CORK (KLEEN) SLEEVE

Art. Nr.: 2.65.682.00

Need help?

Would you like advice or additional information on suitable products for use in the food industry? Contact us today on T. +31 (0)181 47 50 00. Our enthusiastic team will be happy to tell you more!

Knowledge centre, Offshore & marine

Offshore & marine – protection against noise & weather conditions

02-07-20240

Offshore & marine – Protection against noise & weather conditions

In the offshore and marine industry, safety is very important due to the unique challenges workers face on a daily basis. Noisy conditions and variable weather are some of the factors that make a safe work environment at sea difficult. It is important to address these issues to maintain both worker well-being and work efficiency.

In this article, we provide insight into noise exposure, the need for protection and methods for measuring noise levels. Furthermore, the impact of weather conditions on offshore sites and vessels is discussed, including recommendations for PPE to protect workers.

Noise pollution

When is noise harmful?

The degree of damage from noise depends on several factors, such as the intensity of the noise, the duration of exposure and personal sensitivity. The limit value (legal standard) is 80 dB(A) at an exposure of 8 hours per day. As an employer, it is essential to provide hearing protective equipment at this level. When exposed to noise levels above 85 dB(A) for extended periods of time, employees may suffer hearing damage. In these cases, the employer should take technical and organizational measures, such as clearly marking workplaces with pictograms indicating that wearing hearing protection is mandatory. Short-term exposure to noise levels above 120 dB(A) can cause immediate damage, such as hearing loss or tinnitus (ringing in the ears). It is important, however, to strike a balance between protecting against harmful noise and being able to hear important sound signals such as fire alarms. Too much noise protection can cause you to miss these signals and compromise your safety.

What is dB(A)?

dB(A) is a unit of measurement for sound levels, where the “A” stands for “A-weighted.” This system applies a weight to the sound level depending on frequency to better match the sensitivity of human hearing. This system takes into account that human hearing perceives different frequencies differently. dB(A) is often used in workplace noise measurements because it better matches how people experience sound. Below is a table showing the maximum exposure time at a given sound pressure level without being harmful.

Noise level (in dB(A))	Maximum time
80 dB(A)	8 hours
83 dB(A)	4 hours
90 dB(A)	48 minutes
100 dB(A)	5 minutes
110 dB(A)	30 seconds

What is SNR rating?

SNR is a Single Number Rating, a system defined by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standard ISO 4869.

Independent laboratories test hearing protection to determine the SNR value, which can be used to compare different hearing protectors for noise reduction. To determine the sound pressure at your ear, you subtract the SNR number from the average measured sound level. This is explained below with some examples.

A higher SNR value indicates that a hearing protector attenuates more, but it is important to note that the SNR is a rough estimate. Hearing protectors attenuate low and high tones differently, which is why the H, M and L values are needed to compare attenuation at different frequencies.

H: High frequencies between 2000 and 8000 Hz
M: Medium frequencies between 1000 and 2000 Hz
L: Low frequencies between 63 and 1000 Hz

Noise levels at offshore sites and ships pose a significant risk to workers, especially during activities such as oil and gas extraction, construction work and shipping. Noise sources can range from machinery and generators to helicopters and ships, which can lead to hearing damage. Hearing protection, such as earplugs or hearing protectors, is therefore crucial to protect workers’ hearing.

Our recommendations

3M H540A ear muff with headband	MSA V-Gard 500 unventilated safety helmet	MSA V-Gard HIGH ear muff with helmet attachment

Art. Nr.: 3.19.010.10	Art. Nr.: 6.16.867.00	Art. Nr.: 3.17.132.00

Weather conditions

Weather conditions at offshore sites and ships have a direct impact on worker safety. Wind, waves, rain, fog and limited visibility affect their daily activities and safety. Protective clothing, including waterproof clothing, thermal protection and good visibility is necessary to protect workers from these elements.

Would you like to learn more about working with (winter) weather conditions, explaining the various standards that matter with PPE. Then click here.

Our recommendations

Sioen 3073 Winseler parka	OXXA® X-Cut-Thermo IP 51-805	Jallate Jalartic safety boot S3

Art. Nr.: 2.42.545.00	Art. Nr.: 1.51.805.00	Art. Nr.: 5.76.050.00

Need help?

Want advice or additional information on the right products when working in Noisy conditions? Contact us today on T. +31 (0)181 47 50 00. Our enthusiastic team will be happy to tell you more!

Knowledge centre, Manufacturing industry

Cut Resistance – The Sharp Side of Safety in the Manufacturing Industry

02-07-20240

Cut Resistance: The Sharp Side of Safety in the Manufacturing Industry

Safety is paramount in any manufacturing environment, especially in the manufacturing industry where workers are exposed to potentially dangerous situations on a daily basis. An essential aspect of this safety is protecting workers from cuts, a common risk when handling sharp materials and tools.

The manufacturing industry includes all companies and processes involved in making stuff. This can be anything from cars and electronics to clothing and furniture. It’s all about transforming raw materials or parts into finished products that people can use.

In these industries, where machine work and handling sharp tools are everyday occurrences, ensuring cut safety should be a top priority.

In this article, we will take a closer look at the standards that are important when selecting cut-safe gloves for use in the manufacturing industry. We will cover various aspects, including European standards such as EN 388:2016+A1:2018, which assess the performance of protective gloves against mechanical hazards. We will also provide examples of gloves that meet different cut classes, ranging from light protection to heavy industrial applications.

Cutting hazards: risks of hand injury

In the manufacturing industry, employees face a variety of cut protection risks. Some of these risks include:

Machines and tools: The use of machines and tools increases the risk of contact with sharp edges of metal parts.
Materials: Processes in the manufacturing industry, such as handling metal materials or glass, increase the risk of contact with sharp edges.
Work Environment: Manufacturing work environments can include sharp edges and rough surfaces.

In general, workers in the manufacturing industry are constantly exposed to various cutting hazards, and proper hand protection is critical to prevent cuts and ensure workplace safety.

Standards around cut resistance

EN 388:2016+A1:2018 – Protection against mechanical risks.

This standard defines performance values for the resistance of gloves to mechanical risks such as abrasion, cut, tear, puncture and, where applicable, impact. Below the pictogram are four numbers and two letters indicating the performance level for a specific risk.

In standards EN 388, the “X” stands for “not tested” or “not applicable” to a specific feature of the glove. This means that the feature in question has not been assessed according to the standards testing methods. For example, if a glove is rated 3X43C, this means that the glove has not been tested for cut resistance, but has been tested for abrasion resistance (3), tear resistance (4), puncture resistance (3) and cut resistance according to EN ISO 13997 (C).

EN ISO 13997: Cut resistance

In many cases, work gloves refer to different cut class levels, with these classes corresponding to performance levels A through F as defined by the EN ISO 13997 standard. It is a convenient way to quickly understand what level of protection a glove provides without having to go into detail about the testing methods and results.

Cutting class A
Minimum cut risks, for example in finer inspection and assembly work.
Cutting class B
Slight cut risks, for example in light industrial tasks where workers come into contact with sharp-edged materials such as packaging materials.
Cutting class C
Moderate cutting risks, in environments where employees are exposed to high cutting hazards.
Cutting class D
Significant cutting hazards, for example when working with heavier machines and tools, such as industrial cutters or heavy knives.
Cutting class E
High cutting hazards, in very heavy industrial applications such as when cutting high-density glass panels.
Cutting class F
Very high cutting risks, for example specialized industrial applications such as when working in metalworking or performing precision cutting.

Cutting classes in practice
We do not carry cutting class A as cut resistant gloves, as they only protect against minimal risks. We show a glove for cutting classes B through F, to give an idea of the different options available depending on the degree of cutting risk:

CUTTING CLASS B	CUTTING CLASS C	CUTTING CLASS D	CUTTING CLASS E	CUTTING CLASS F

OXXA® X-Diamond-Pro 51-770	uvex C500 foam	OXXA® E-Mission-Prime Cut D 52-720	Showa S-TEX 581	Ansell HyFlex 11-542
Art. Nr.: 1.51.770.00	Art. Nr.: 1.91.445.00	Art. Nr.: 1.52.720.00	Art. Nr.: 1.11.556.00	Art. Nr.: 1.90.215.00

Need help?

With a good understanding of the risks and available protective equipment, companies in the manufacturing industry can create a safer and healthier work environment for their employees. Want advice or additional information on the right products? Contact us today at T. +31 (0)181 47 50 00. Our enthusiastic team will be happy to tell you more!

Knowledge centre, Transportation & logistics

Transportation & logistics – Working safely in winter conditions

02-07-20240

Transportation & logistics – Working safely in winter conditions

In the transportation and logistics industry, the use of winter-resistant PPE plays a crucial role in ensuring worker safety. Winter conditions, such as low temperatures, dark days, snow and sleet, expose workers to specific risks that require proper PPE. Winter-resistant PPE is essential to protect workers in these types of conditions. Consider lined visibility clothing, thermal gloves and non-slip footwear. These PPE not only reduces the risk of accidents and injuries, but also provides a more comfortable work environment.

The importance of investing in appropriate PPE for winter cannot be underestimated, as it significantly improves employee productivity and safety, even in challenging winter conditions. Therefore, in this blog we will explain to you more about the different hazards (low temperatures, visibility and rain) and important requirements/standards in the transport and logistics sector as well as help you choose the right PPE.

Cold working conditions

Why protect against cold?
In the transportation and logistics industry, the use of cold-resistant PPE is essential to protect workers from the challenging weather conditions during the winter months. The impact of low temperatures, snow and sleet can pose significant risks to the health and safety of personnel engaged in loading/unloading, transportation and road construction, among others. Cold-resistant PPE, including insulated clothing and thermal gloves, not only provides comfort and protection from the cold, but also promotes productivity.

Standards: EN 342

EN 342 is a European standard that sets specific requirements for protective garments designed against cold conditions, with temperatures of -5°C or below. The standard tests clothing based on A) thermal insulation, B) breathability and C) water resistance. For A and B only, the standard also sets requirements. For C) water resistance, clothing can only be tested, but no requirements are set. Requirements for water resistance are, however, set by EN 343 (standard for protection against rain). You can read more about this later in this blog.

Gloves are also tested for low temperatures, namely according to European standard EN 511 (up to -50°C). The pictogram for this (the same as EN 342) goes along with 3 performance levels: A) convective cold (1-4), B) contact cold (1-4) and C) waterproofness (0 or 1).

Our recommendations
To work safely and comfortably in cold conditions, we would like to recommend some PPE, which are suitable for both outdoor and indoor work (cold stores, warehouses, etc.). For example, if you are looking for a warm and comfortable jacket, take a look at the ones below (all three are EN 342 certified).


Fristads Airtech 4035 GTT jacket Art. Nr.: 2.42.682.00	Blåkläder 4886 jacket Art. Nr.: 2.80.187.00	Sioen 2123 Vermont jacket Art. Nr.: 2.42.970.00	Sioen 440A Cabin overall Art. Nr.: 2.62.428.00

Good hand protection is obviously not to be missed. Therefore, we recommend the following gloves so that employees can work both safely and securely in low temperatures.


OXXA® X-Pro-Flex All-Season 51-500 glove Art. Nr.: 1.51.500.00	uvex unilite thermo plus glove Art. Nr.: 1.91.040.00	OXXA® E-Nature-Thermo 52-800 glove Art. Nr.: 1.52.800.00	OXXA® X-Grip-Thermo 51-850 glove Art. Nr.: 1.51.850.00

Visibility

Why visibility clothing?
Limited daylight hours and often adverse weather conditions, such as fog, rain and snow, significantly increase the risk of accidents and incidents in winter. Visibility clothing, equipped with eye-catching reflective elements, therefore plays a crucial role in making workers more visible to vehicles and colleagues. Whether they are logistics personnel, road construction workers or traffic controllers, wearing this visibility clothing contributes to a safer working environment for everyone while performing outdoor work in winter.

Standards: EN ISO 20471
Visibility clothing must be certified according to European standard EN ISO 20471. This standard sets requirements for the fluorescent surface and reflective material on visibility clothing. Based on this, all visibility clothing is classified into 3 classes.

Class 3, the highest class, can be achieved by a single garment or a combination of garments from class 1 and 2 (e.g. jacket and pants). Such a combination must be certified to ensure that all requirements are met.

In addition, the RWS (‘Rijkswaterstaat’) standard may also apply in the Netherlands and is in principle similar in terms of requirements to the EN-ISO 20471 standard. However, Rijkswaterstaat has added a number of additional specifications that focus mainly on the amount of reflective stripes on visibility clothing.

Our recommendations
There are different types of visibility clothing to enhance safety. Choosing the right products always depends on the risks and factors involved. Consider, for example, the type of work, the location, the weather conditions and the amount of light. We would like to recommend the products below (all class 3 classified) from our wide range of visibility clothing, including jackets, pants and overalls.


OXXA® Aka 0966 pilot jacket RWS Art. Nr.: 2.60.966.00	OXXA® Alberto 0980 parka Art. Nr.: 2.60.980.00	Sioen 682A Birkum raincoat & 083V Turup pants Art. Nr.: 2.60.530.00 & 2.30.860.00	OXXA® Alistair 5707 overall RWS Art. Nr.: 2.45.707.00

We also have various garments for traffic controllers so that they too are highly visible. For example, the class 3 certified OXXA Ana parka. Need something with high visibility to put on over your current clothing? Then check out the OXXA Amelia vest; specifically made according to the applicable rules for traffic controllers.


OXXA® Ana 0925 parka Art. Nr.: 2.60.925.00	OXXA® Amelia 0125 traffic controller vest Art. Nr.: 2.60.125.00

For staff who spend a lot of time in the car or truck and only spend short periods outside, we also have very comfortable and breathable visibility clothing. Perfect for longer periods behind the wheel with still class 3 certified visibility!


OXXA® X-Viz-Cap 6230 hooded sweater RWS Art. Nr.: 2.76.231.00	Sioen 9933 Fuller softshell jacket Art. Nr.: 2.51.117.00

Rain

Why protect against rain?
In the Netherlands, we cannot avoid the rain. Especially in the winter and autumn months, a significant proportion of employees from the logistics and transport sector work outdoors. Earlier we looked at the visibility of rainwear, but of course staying dry during longer periods of rain is also very important. The right clothing and (hand) shoes are essential for working safely and comfortably in these conditions.

Standards: EN 343 and safety classes
Clothing can also be tested for water resistance, namely according to European standard EN 343. This standard tests for two properties, namely X: water penetration (waterproofness) and Y: water vapor resistance (breathability). Here, class 4 is the highest classification for both. Optional testing can also be done using the rain tower test. This is indicated by the R class (an X means that this has not been tested for).

In addition to clothing, it is also important that shoes be waterproof. Work shoes have different safety classes; the most common being S1, S2, S3 and S7 (new). These classes indicate, among other things, whether a shoe is waterproof. Class S2 and S3 shoes, for example, are water-resistant against splashing water for at least 60 minutes. If employees work in a really wet environment, protection against splashing water is sometimes insufficient. Then you need waterproof shoes, which fall under safety class S7, or boots.

Our recommendations
To work dry as well as comfortable in wet conditions, we recommend clothing certified to the EN 343 standard. The following garments provide very good protection against water penetration and are therefore ideal for use in heavy rain.


Sioen 4820 Dortmund jacket & 4500 Rotterdam pants Art. Nr.: 2.42.360.00 & 2.43.360.00	OXXA® Walaka 5200 jacket & Warwick 5300 pants Art. Nr.: 2.45.200.00 & 2.45.300.00	OXXA® Maka 2665 parka Art. Nr.: 2.42.665.00	Blåkläder 4890 jacket Art. Nr.: 2.80.192.00

Cold temperatures and rain also affect the type of safety shoes you should wear. In addition to the previously mentioned waterproof feature, a shoe with non-slip resistance gives you extra protection in slippery conditions due to rain, snow or sleet. Therefore, we recommend the following S3 rated safety shoes.


Redbrick Pulse High safety shoes S3 Art. Nr.: 5.14.355.00	uvex quatro STX 8407/2 safety shoes S3 Art. Nr.: 5.12.146.00

On the other hand, do you come into contact with water for long periods of time? Then choose the following S3, S5 or S7 certified safety boots.


Jallatte Jalartic CAP safety boot S3 Art. Nr.: 5.76.055.00	Dunlop Purofort RigPRO full safety fur lining safety boot S5 Art. Nr.: 5.54.256.00	Redbrick Pulse Boot Black + Wool S7S Art. Nr.: 5.14.391.00

Finally, waterproof gloves should not be missing. Below is a selection from our space range of waterproof (lined) gloves, to be used when working in wet conditions.


OXXA® X-Pro-Winter-Dry 51-870 glove Art. Nr.: 1.51.870.00	Showa 406 glove Art. Nr.: 1.11.557.00	Ansell AlphaTec 58-201 glove Art. Nr.: 1.90.398.00

Need help?
Want advice or additional information on the right products when working in winter conditions? Contact us today on T. +31 (0)181 47 50 00. Our enthusiastic team will be happy to tell you more!

Knowledge centre, Metal industry

Metal industry – Thermal hazards under the microscope

02-07-20240

Metal industry – Thermal hazards under the microscope

The metal industry is known for its complex and high-risk environment, with exposure to various thermal hazards a major concern. From intense heat at melting furnaces to the rays of welding arcs and Uv radiation, workers face potential hazards on a daily basis. The proper use of heat-resistant and flame-retardant PPE is vital to preventing injury and ensuring workplace safety.

This article offers insight into three thermal hazards and emphasizes the importance of protection that is heat-resistant and flame retardant. It also discusses the impact of Uv radiation and infrared radiation as thermal stresses, and recommends appropriate PPE to protect workers.

Thermal hazards

Working in the metal industry involves several hazards. The three hazards we will focus on in this article are:

High Temperatures and Heat Radiation: Melting furnaces and heat treatment processes generate extreme heat (above 1000°C), which can lead to burns and heat stress.
Contact with Hot Surfaces: Workers may accidentally touch hot metal pieces or machine parts, which can cause burns.
UV and infrared radiation: Originating from welding arcs and natural sunlight, can be harmful to workers’ skin and eyes, leading to skin burns and eye injuries such as photokeratitis.

To mitigate these hazards and effectively protect workers, it is important to use PPE that is not only heat-resistant and flame retardant, but also protects against Uv radiation and infrared radiation. Below we explore the importance of these protective measures and how they contribute to a safer work environment in the metal industry.

Heat resistance

Heat resistance refers to a material’s ability to withstand high temperatures without melting, deforming, catching fire or losing its function. It means that the material retains its strength and properties even when exposed to extreme heat. Heat-resistant materials are crucial in applications where high temperatures are involved, such as in the metal industry.

Flame retardant

Flame retardant refers to the ability of materials to slow or prevent the ignition and spread of flames when exposed to an ignition source, such as heat or a flame. This means that flame retardant materials burn more slowly and produce less smoke and toxic gases when burned, reducing the risk of fire and injury.

Normeringen

Clothing:

For clothing during welding operations, EN ISO 11611 and EN ISO 11612 are important standards. These standards set requirements for materials, construction and performance, such as flame spread resistance and heat durability. Clothing that meets these standards protects against thermal hazards such as molten metal spatter and flames, slows flame spread and minimizes risk of burns. This increases worker safety and confidence in welding operations.

Gloves:

EN 12477 specifies requirements for welding gloves, focusing on protection against thermal hazards during welding. EN 407 focuses on general heat resistance of gloves, including protection against heat and flame. Both standards are relevant to welding activities.

Foot Protection:

EN ISO 20345 specifies requirements for safety shoes in various industrial environments, including the metal industry. Shoes that meet this standard provide protection against falling objects, sharp objects and slip hazards. They also provide thermal protection against heat, but the degree of protection can vary depending on factors such as the design and materials of the shoes.

Our recommendations:


HAVEP 2892 OVERALL Art. Nr.: 2.15.270.00	OXXA® MARCUS 0391 LASJACK Art. Nr.: 2.70.391.00	OXXA® WELD-COMFORT 53-740 GLOVE Art. Nr.: 1.53.740.15	UVEX 2 CONSTRUCTION 6510 SAFETY SHOE S3 Art. Nr.: 5.12.310.00

UV radiation and infrared radiation

In the metal industry, Uv radiation and infrared radiation are an additional form of heat exposure, especially during welding, cutting, grinding and outdoor work where workers are exposed to direct sunlight. The intense Uv radiation and infrared radiation from welding arcs and natural sunlight can be harmful to the eyes and skin, leading to acute thermal damage, such as skin burns, and eye injuries such as welding eyes or photokeratitis. Protective measures such as wearing welding helmets and welding goggles with UV filters and infrared filters are vital to prevent injury.

Standards

Eye protection:

For eye protection during welding work, standards EN 166, EN 170 and EN 171 are relevant.

EN 166 specifies general requirements for personal eye protection, including specifications for resistance to impact, optical clarity and protection against ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Eyewear complying with EN 166 provides basic eye protection and can be used in a variety of industrial environments, including welding.

EN 170 specifies the requirements for UV filters used in eye protection equipment. In welding operations, protection from Uv radiation is essential due to the intense light rays released. Eyewear with filters complying with EN 170 provides protection against harmful Uv radiation, keeping workers’ eyes safe during welding.

EN 171 specifies requirements for infrared filters used in eye protection equipment. In welding operations, protection from UV and infrared radiation is essential. Goggles and welding hoods with filters complying with EN 171 provide protection against harmful UV and infrared radiation, keeping workers’ eyes protected during welding.

Our recommendation:

UVEX FUTURA 9180-145 WELDING GLASSES
Art. Nr.: 7.25.661.95

Need help?

Want advice or additional information on the right products when working with thermal hazards? Contact us today on T. +31 (0)181 47 50 00. Our enthusiastic team will be happy to tell you more!

Knowledge centre, Installation technology

Installation technology – Protected working with high voltage

25-03-20240

Installation technology – Protected working with high voltage

High-voltage installations are crucial components of modern electricity networks. Examples of work involved include installing, maintaining, operating and repairing these installations. These installations also pose significant risks to workers performing these activities, such as electrocution or arc flash.

In this article we tell you more about these hazards, relevant standards and recommend suitable PPE so that you can give clients the right advice when working with high-voltage installations.

Dangers of high voltage

Working with high voltage involves several dangerous risks, which can cause serious injury and sometimes even death. The two risks we will focus on in this article are:

Electrocution: high voltage can cause electric shock, which varies in severity depending on the amperage and duration of exposure. Even small amounts of current can be life-threatening.
Arc Flashover: arc flashovers (also known as “arc flashes”) involve extreme temperatures, bright flashes of light, flying (molten) shrapnel, pressure waves with loud bangs and toxic copper fumes. This can lead to serious risks to workers, including internal and external burns, blindness, hearing damage and copper poisoning from inhaled gases.

Important standards around high voltage

The above hazards show that the entire body is at risk of injury from electrocution or an arc. Protective clothing, head protection and arm and hand protection is therefore essential. These types of PPE come with some important standards that must be met.

Clothing: IEC 61482-2
This is an international standard specifically aimed at protecting workers from the thermal hazards of an electric arc in case of exposure. Within this standard, clothing can be tested in 2 ways, namely:

IEC 61482-1 via the ‘open arc’ test: in this test, test material is struck by an 8kA arc from a distance of 30 cm. The resulting ATPV value (Arc Thermal Performance Value) indicates the amount of energy (cal / cm²) to which the material or garment can be exposed and still provide 50% protection against second-degree burns. The higher this value, the better the protection.
EN 61482-2 via the “box test”: in this method, an arc is generated from one direction (the box) for a short duration (500ms) by short circuit at 4kA or 7kA. The result for this test is pass or fail. Passing 4kA results in APC 1 (Arc Protection Class) and passing 7kA results in APC 2. Passing APC 2 often requires combinations of different garments.

Clothing: IEC 61482-2
EN 60903 is a European standard that specifically addresses electrical safety of gloves. This standard tests insulating gloves for different voltages and divides them into 6 classes, namely 00 to 4 (see table below). Want to extend the life of insulating gloves while having the right mechanical protection? Then combine insulating gloves with suitable overgloves.

Class	Maximum AC operating voltage	Maximum DC operating voltage
00	500V AC	750V DC
0	1000V AC	1500V DC
1	7500V AC	11250V DC
2	17000V AC	25500V DC
3	26500V AC	39750V DC
4	36000V AC	54000V DC

Head protection: EN 50365 & GS-ET-29

European standard EN 50365 applies to electrically insulating helmets for use when working up to a voltage of 1000V AC or 1500 Volts DC.

Face shields provide additional protection against the dangers of an electric arc, such as flying shards or molten pieces of metal. The face shields of this type of helmet are tested according to standard GS-ET-29. This standard, like the box test, tests for either 4kA or 7kA. This also results in either a Class 1 or Class 2 rating.

Foot protection: EN 50321

For work with voltage installations, electrically insulating boots conforming to EN 50321 are applicable. Boots meeting this standard with class 00 provide protection up to a maximum of 500V AC and boots meeting class 0 up to a maximum of 1000V AC.

Our recommendations

Clothing

HAVEP 50292 jacket	HAVEP 80345 pants	Sioen 7227 Nash jacket

Art. Nr.: 2.48.749.00	Art. Nr.: 2.27.633.00	Art. Nr.: 2.42.675.00

Gloves

Ansell ActivArmr RIG014Y glove	uvex power protect V1000 glove	Ansell ActivArmr 96-003 glove

Art. Nr.: 1.89.907.00	Art. Nr.: 1.91.411.00	Art. Nr.: 1.89.925.00

Head protection

MSA V-Gard 950 Class 1 unventilated safety helmet	MSA V-Gard 950 Class 2 unventilated safety helmet

Art. Nr.: 6.16.876.11	Art. Nr.: 6.16.876.12

Boots

Dunlop Acifort High Voltage safety boot SB

Art. Nr.: 5.25.132.00

ARC-Configurator
Not only the outer layer should provide protection against an arc; the underlying layers should also provide the worker with additional protection in the event that the hazard penetrates the outer layers. A higher level of ARC protection can be obtained by combining several layers of ARC protective clothing.

Opting for a multi-layer solution also offers workers more flexibility. For example, if they wear an ARC Class 1 long-sleeved polo shirt as a bottom layer AND an ARC Class 1 softshell jacket as a top layer, ARC Class 2 protection level is achieved. So the combination provides a higher level of protection, and one layer can be taken off if only ARC Class 1 is required.

Sioen 581A Telfs Polo shirt	Sioen 9705 Umiat softshell jacket	Sioen 9633 Playford softshell jacket

Art. Nr.: 2.60.102.00	Art. Nr.: 2.60.683.00	Art. Nr.: 2.49.100.00

Use Sioen’s ARC configurator to see what clothing you can combine for the different layers to achieve the desired results. This also shows the ATPV and ELIM values; which are also used to determine the required protection of a worker exposed to the thermal risks of an arc.

MORE INFORMATION

Need help?
Want advice or additional information on the right products when working with high voltage? Contact us today on T. +31 (0)181 47 50 00. Our enthusiastic team will be happy to tell you more!

Knowledge centre