Canadian Occupational Safety

25 2019 APRIL/MAY PRODUCTS & SERVICES REFLECTIVE HARD HAT STICKERS Accuform's Viz-Kit kicks up hard hat visibility with reflective stickers. Model-specific or universal styles are available to increase visibility in dark or low-light conditions. The peel- and-stick labels come in pre-cut pieces for easy application. The engineer-grade reflective stickers conform to the contours of a hard hat and are available in blue, orange, red, yellow and white. Stickers from different kits can be mixed and matched to create a unique look. Model-specific kits are available for 3M H700P and R Series cap style, MSA V-Gard standard medium cap, Pyramex Ridgeline full brim HP54 Series, Bullard Classic C-30 cap style and ERB Americana full brim 192-Series hard hats. Viz-Kits are manufactured from non-conductive reflective material. FATIGUE, IMPAIRMENT SCREENING TEST The Safety Association of Saskatchewan Manufacturers (SASM) is the licensed distributor of a new workplace fatigue and impairment screening software called AlertMeter. AlertMeter is a non-invasive, user- friendly way to ensure employees are fit for duty each day. At the start of each shift, employees in safety- sensitive jobs take an easy on-screen test for about 90 seconds. The highly intelligent software is designed to detect impairment from all sources including lack of sleep, emotional stress or drugs and alcohol. "This system is not about the worker's lifestyle; it is expressly about their alertness and ability today when they are exposed to safety risks," said SASM executive director, Ken Ricketts. The daily screen test uses a variety of puzzles to measure a worker's ability to classify various geometric shapes quickly and accurately. The system compares the result to that specific person's past results. An unusual result alerts both the user and their on-duty supervisor that the user may not be fit for duty. AlertMeter was first developed for use in the mines of South Africa in 2014 and soon spread to other countries, including the United States. A licensing agreement with Colorado-based Predictive Safety makes SASM the first organization in Canada to offer AlertMeter. "This is about creating safer workplaces for everyone," said Ricketts, "And the software's track record is impressive. Companies that have made AlertMeter part of their culture of safety have documented significant reductions in WCB (workers' compensation board) claims simply because workers are proven alert and ready to work." CARBON-INFUSED TOUCHSCREEN WORK GLOVES Ironclad Performance Wear has announced the launch of its new Command Series glove line, which incorporates nanoparticle technology to create highly durable touchscreen work gloves. Unlike common coated touchscreen fabrics, which lose conductivity easily, Ironclad infused its abrasion-resistant synthetic leather with conductive carbon ions. The result is permanent conductivity throughout the synthetic leather with touchscreen capability that will not wear out for the life of the gloves. "The amount of technology utilized in the workplace today, such as tablets, touchscreen input terminals and cellphones, has accelerated rapidly," said Eric Jaeger, Ironclad's general manager. "The challenge that we had to overcome was how to incorporate touchscreen capability into our gloves without compromising the strict quality and durability standards that define the Ironclad brand." After months of materials testing and sampling, the team at Ironclad was finally able to achieve this. With the infusion of nanoscale carbon ions into its premium synthetic leather, Ironclad has been able to create a touchscreen material with higher conductivity than a human finger, while still maintaining the durability and 16-point fit system that the brand is known for. The new Command Series line is comprised of 18 touchscreen gloves, built to withstand heavy-duty work environments. METATARSAL AND LACE PROTECTOR The STLFLX MetGUARDZ Metatarsal and Lace Protectors by Swenco Limited deflect and disperse the impact of falling loads. Suitable for most types of safety footwear, MetGUARDZ are secured using existing laces and the straps provided. The patent-pending hinged lacing system makes them easy to take on and off. MetGUARDZ protectors are recommended for workers in construction and shipyards as well as mining, agriculture, forestry, manufacturing, handling and transportation. According to Swenco, the protectors are also an economical solution for visitors, temporary workers, clerical staff and sales people anywhere metatarsal protection is recommended or required. MetGUARDZ meet or exceed both CSA and ASTM metatarsal impact performance criteria; are resistant to slag, acid, alkalis, fuel oil and high and low temperatures; are transferable among users; and provide protection from sparks and dirt, prolonging the life of boots and laces. THE WEIGHT IS OVER The new Z4 Welding/Grinding Respirator from RPB Safety is the lightest professional flip-up in the world, according to the manufacturer. At up to 23 per cent lighter than other brands, the RPB Z4 weighs only 1.77 pounds, yet is packed full of features to keep workers safe and comfortable all day long. Inspired by United States' military innovation, the RPB Z4 has completely re-imagined how a welding shield should fit and perform. Its ergonomic design evenly distributes weight to the sides of the worker's head — eliminating top-heavy pressure points around the forehead and temples — and alleviates strains on the neck and upper back. The design allows users to configure it to their individual preferences, ensuring a customized fit. Features include adjustable head suspension and airflow, optical clarity, optional padding and add-ons, such as communications and lighting accessories.

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