There are many elements of workplace health and safety; fall protection is just one piece of a complete system. In this article, we take a look at some of the changes beyond the OSH Act that have helped lead to this marked improvement.
A Helpful Guide to OSHA’s New Silica Standard
If your crew works with silica, you’ve probably heard about OSHA’s updated construction regulation that goes into effect starting mid-2017. However, you may not be clear on the details and what it means for your team.
Why Do Disposable Respirators Have a Defined Shelf Life?
If you’re responsible for managing inventories of personal protection equipment, you should be aware that most disposable respirators have a limited shelf life, after which they should no longer be used.
The New Fall Protection Code, ANSI/ASSE Z359.1 Overhaul
ANSI/ASSE Z359.1 addresses the means of occupational fall prevention and fall arrest. It is anticipated that this newly overhauled standard will help to increase awareness and provide guidance to the complete ANSI/ASSE Z359 Fall Protection Code.
Tips on How to Write your Respiratory Protection Success Story
You might be doing everything right when it comes to following respiratory protection regulations, but without good records it can be difficult – if not impossible! – to prove it.
The Difference Between Medical Evaluation and Fit Testing
While poor fitting gloves are an inconvenience, a poor fitting respirator is much more. If a tight-fitting respirator doesn’t fit right, it is not just a matter of comfort or convenience – it will not create a proper seal and puts your health at risk.
How to Fit, Wear, and Inspect your Fall Protection Gear
In this article, which first appeared in CoatingsPro Magazine in the May 2016 issue, authors Mark Caldwell and Tim Thompson address the importance of using fall protection equipment—for people and for tools—properly.
Importance of Respirator Fit
A good fit means the respirator will seal to your skin. A respirator can only work when air passes through the filter. Air will take the path of least resistance, so if the seal isn’t there, the air will go around rather than through the respirator – and therefore lessen the protection.
Importance of a User Seal Check
You’ve put on your respirator and other safety equipment. It’s time to get to work. You know your employer chose appropriate equipment for your job, and you passed your annual respirator fit testing. So you’re good to go, right? Not until you perform one easy task that should be an ingrained habit every time you use a respirator: a user seal check.
3M and the Science of Fit Testing
3M has been applying fit test science to respirator wearers’ life for years. We even pioneered the creation of the saccharin qualitative fit test protocol – the first qualitative fit test for filtering facepiece respirators based on taste of a test agent.