1st Safety News

Kee Safety Introduces New Keeline Wire System

admin — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 09:41:16 +0000

A new, wire-based horizontal life line system is launched this month by working at height safety specialist, Kee Safety. Designed as a flexible, cost-effective and continuous fall protection solution, the KeeLine® system is ideal for use by working teams carrying out essential rooftop maintenance tasks.

KeeLine® comprises an 8mm Gr.316 stainless steel wire, electro-polished brackets, detachable travellers and powder coated anchors which can be assembled to create spans of up to 15m for simultaneous use by up to three users. The system also incorporates an Inline Shock Absorber. This ensures that KeeLine® can be installed on a wide variety of lightweight, modern roof constructions whilst minimising the load to an acceptable level. The system’s unique ‘see-through’ top fix posts require minimal roof penetration and eliminate the need for expensive ‘fall-over’ posts at every support.

A range of KeeLine® fixing options provides maximum versatility. The system can be installed on most modern roof types or where fixing to the main roof structure is required, KeeLine® is compatible with our existing Postanka® anchors. If no roof penetration is desired, then KeeLine® can be used with the Kee Safety Wireanka® range of deadweight anchors for a safe temporary or permanent solution. A KeeLine® for Structures option is also available to allow mounting directly to concrete, steel, brick or stonework either in a horizontal or overhead application.

KeeLine® is straightforward to specify using bespoke calculation software. CE approved, it conforms fully to EN795 Class C, OSHA 1915.159, 1926.502M, ANSI Z359.1 2007 and AS/NZS 1891.2.

For full details on KeeLine® and the company’s range of compatible Personal Protection Equipment, including harnesses, lanyards, helmets, knee pads and boots, visit www.keesafety.com/uk. Full technical support and advice is available direct from the company.

Kee Safety Ltd is the UK division of Kee Safety International, a global safety company with offices in Canada, France, Germany, Poland, UAE and USA. The Kee Safety International business is divided into four sectors; Safety Components, Safety Systems, Safe Access Solutions and Safe Fixings. Safety Components incorporates the top-selling Kee Klamp^® fittings, the corrosion-resistant Kee Lite^® range and DDA compliant Kee^® Access fittings typically used in handrailing and other tubular structure applications. Safety Systems incorporates a number of collective and personal fall protection solutions, including KeeGuard^® roof edge fall protection, Kee Dome^® skylight guardrail, Kee® Walk rooftop walkway system and the Kee Anchor^® portable deadweight man anchor system. Safe Access Solutions covers the industrial flooring and hand railing systems provided by the group’s British Standard Gratings business. Finally, in Safe Fixings the company offers the versatile BeamClamp^® and BoxBolt^® steelwork fixing solutions widely used in curtain walling and other secondary steelwork applications.

Zoning in on Portable Gas Detection with new Draeger X-zone 5000

admin — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 07:50:55 +0000

Transportable gas detection has entered a new era with the launch of the Draeger X-zone 5000 wireless monitoring unit. Easily positioned and providing clear alarms, these robust, waterproof units ensure increased levels of safety by detecting and communicating the presence of a wide range of toxic, combustible and explosive gases over longer distances. Bringing Zone 0 ATEX performance, longer sensor life, enhanced battery life and more flexibility to area monitoring, the Draeger X-zone also offers a lower cost of ownership.

Using a variety of alarms to warn of different types of gases, up to 25 Draeger X-zones can be used at any one time, acting as wireless monitors around a specific zone, including those areas where an explosion hazard might exist. This networking and synchronised signalling capability means that people can be guided away from the potential hazard.

Allowing gas ingress from every side, independent of wind direction, the units are designed for use with Draeger X-am portable gas detection instruments. When used in conjunction with the Draeger X-am 5000, for example, it can be fitted with up to four sensors to detect as many as five gases at once. In this instance, by using a catalytic Ex-sensor together with two electrochemical sensors and a combination, double sensor for CO and H₂S, it will provide simultaneous measurement of gases and vapours such as hydrocarbons, hydrogen, O₂ and other explosive, combustible or toxic gases.

Continuous monitoring

Deployed at varying distances apart, the transportable measuring heads continuously monitor a number of different gases. Easy to see, even from a distance, a green LED band around the circumference of the unit indicates that the air is clean. As soon as one of the units detects a gas it immediately transmits an alarm to each of the others, the LED bands of the alarming unit change to red while the others show green and red signals, and unambiguous visual and alarms are issued. At the same time, a loud evacuation alarm is emitted and a patented 360º alarm amplifier ensures that it is heard with the same intensity in all directions.

Unlike portable instruments which usually leave the scene with the wearer, the units can be left inside the zone, constantly issuing an alarm as long as the danger exists. Facilitating an easy, unmistakable evacuation in the event of a gas hazard, they also alert other personnel to the presence of a danger zone.

For continuous monitoring of confined spaces and other areas that are difficult to access, an optional integrated pump can be used for distances of up to 45m. Approved to IP67 for dust and water ingress, the unit can also be used with external equipment such as alarm horns, lamps or traffic lights. In addition, the fenceline signal and alarm contact point can be forwarded to a central control room for further management procedures.

Low cost of ownership

Fast, reliable and accurate, the latest miniaturised Draeger XXS high performance sensors offer extended life capabilities of up to 8 years for electrochemical sensors, and up to 4 years for catalytic sensors.

Two different types of rechargeable batteries enable continuous operation for either 60 or 12 hours and the unit can be charged via conventional methods or, for maximum convenience and trouble-free operation, via a modern induction charger.

Further information: David Fenton, Draeger Safety UK Limited, Ullswater Close, Blyth Riverside Business Park, Blyth, Northumberland, NE24 4RG. Tel: 01670 352891, fax: 01670 356266, www.draeger.com.

A Supertouch Glove Revolution

admin — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 14:05:38 +0000

Supertouch® are one of the most recognised names within the UK Hand Protection and Workwear industry. This year sees the expansion of their disposable gloves range with the introduction of two new products: Vynatrile® and Flexo®, but how do they compare to the ‘standard’ materials?

Latex has traditionally been the material of choice for both medical and industrial disposable gloves due to it’s unrivalled dexterity, however allergies to latex are prevalent amongst both the general population and healthcare professions. New advances in material technology are closing the gap between latex and synthetic materials resulting in excellent quality, allergy-free alternatives.

Supertouch® are now introducing two new products to their disposables range. Vynatrile® gloves are made from a combination of both vinyl and nitrile and offer the advantages of both materials. Vynatrile® gloves offer strength, protection and a snug fit combined with the sensitivity and lower cost offered by their vinyl counterparts, making them perfect for non-sterile medical use.

Flexo® gloves are a synthetic vinyl glove also known as “stretch vinyl”. Again, these gloves bridge the gap between traditional vinyl and latex gloves in order to create a worthy alternative to both latex and nitrile. Whilst still cheaper than nitrile, these Flexo® gloves offer superior fit, sensitivity and tensile strength making them a strong contender for both medical and industrial use.

As both Vynatrile® and Flexo® are made from synthetic materials and are 100% latex-free, they pose no allergy risk. These gloves are the ideal choice for encouraging an allergy-free environment without compromising on quality, comfort or protection.

For more information, please call us on 0845 130 9922 or email sales@supertouch.com.

Noise Measurement…. Easy, dose it!!

admin — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 13:06:01 +0000

Pulsar Instruments Plc have recently launched their new and improved doseBadge system.

The kit now includes a new ‘fast charge’ function on the updated charger unit, meaning the badges can be fully charged and ready to use in as little as three hours. This represents real savings in terms of time and money.

The revolutionary doseBadge is a self-contained noise measurement device that has no cables, displays or controls, making it the ideal solution for capturing the reality of the wearers’ daily noise exposure levels.

The kit is extremely robust and simple to use. This system is the perfect for both professionals who are new to noise measurement and also those who have established that dosimetry is their preferred method of compliance with the Noise at Work regulations. The dBLink software that is supplied as standard with the kit allows users to quickly and easily analyse and transform data into informative report formats.

Sarah Brack of Pulsar Instruments says; ‘Our doseBadge System is perfect for the busy Health & Safety manager, who has limited time for noise measurement. The doseBadge can be started at the beginning of a shift and stopped at the end. Measurement data can then be downloaded for analysis from the Reader Unit when it’s convenient. It really is that simple.’

For more information on the Pulsar doseBadge, please contact:

01723 518011 or email sales@pulsarinstruments.com

Visit our website: www.pulsarinstruments.com

Two stands for Alpha Solway at Safety and Health Expo 2010

admin — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 16:16:12 +0000

WE HAVE SO MUCH TO TALK ABOUT – WE’VE GOT 2 STANDS AT THIS YEARS SHOW! COME AND SEE US AT HALL 2, STANDS O85 & P83

It’s been another busy year for all the staff at Alpha Solway, which culminates in the launch of our first ever disposable chemical suit ‘alphachem X’ and the unveiling of our brand new ‘chem cre8’ bespoke design system at this years Safety and Health Expo 2010.

alphachem X – chemical protection with that little Xtra!

alphachem X is a brand new, innovative and affordable range of limited life garments that are manufactured to the highest quality and certified to the latest EN standards. The range offers three separate garments, each designed for varying levels of protection, which provide superior levels of safety and exceptional garment durability. The new improved design also offers enhanced freedom of movement and thereby increased wearer comfort whilst maintaining maximum durability at all times. All three fabric types are colour coded for ease of identification and utilize the latest multi-layer laminate technology. This makes the alphachem X range suitable for a wide variety of applications, including pharmaceutical, agricultural, industrial, food hygiene, biological, utility and many more. “We are delighted to be launching our first ever disposable chemical range at this years show,” explains Mike Gibbons, Sales Director of Alpha Solway. “We have been searching for suitable fabrics for several years, but until now have never been able to find a range that could offer the quality or durability we demanded. alphachem X is the perfect answer – it gives us a range of disposable chemical garments that are well designed and cost effective and is a welcome addition to the Alpha Solway range of chemical protective clothing!”

chem cre8 – designed by you

chem cre8 is an innovative new system from Alpha Solway that allows the customer to take control of the design of their individual chemical suits. Tony O’Donovan, Clothing Product Manager explains, “With such flexibility, suits can now be created to meet the most exacting of requirements, yet still ensure wearer comfort and maximum safety at all times. Alpha Solway will even confirm the EN Standards to which your specific design will conform.” “Why not join us on Stand P83 where we will be demonstrating LIVE how the chem cre8 system works. We’ll even create your very own bespoke garments right in front of your eyes!”

ALPHAMESH – continues to deliver

Originally launched in 2008, the ALPHAMESH range includes the ALPHAMESH A-SERIES* and the ALPHAMESH 8000 SERIES. The ALPHAMESH A-SERIES* offers a metal free, mesh shell, fold flat respirator with a preformed nose bridge that is both practical and easy to fit, whilst the ALPHAMESH 8000 SERIES is its moulded equivalent. Now firmly placed within the market, the ALPHAMESH range of masks continues to be a popular and competitive product that offers improved wearer comfort whilst maintaining an excellent fit and exceptional performance even in extreme conditions. Its additional improvements of a wider head strap to allow for a more secure fit and colour co-ordinated adjustable clip to the head strap on the FFP2 model has further enhanced wearer usability and popularity.

FIT 2 FIT – Accredited Fit Test Provider

Having worked closely with the BSIF and HSE over the past 18 months in the development of a suitable accreditation scheme for Face Fit Testing, Alpha Solway proudly continue to be one of the first ‘FIT2FIT – accredited RPE Fit Test Providers’. The scheme confirms the competency of a particular individual to perform face piece fit testing, by ensuring they have passed an industry recognised exam and demonstrated a thorough knowledge of how to fit test in any or all of the four testing method. The accreditation not only shows compliance to current RPE regulations but also helps ensure the health of your employees in the workplace, when considering a suitable fit test provider.

Brilliant New Temporary ATEX LED Floodlite

admin — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 14:34:53 +0000

Wolf Safety has launched the Wolf LED Floodlite, a high performance, low maintenance, ATEX compliant Hazardous Area Floodlite, using high output, high efficiency LEDs and designed to be transportable specifically for use in temporary applications and installations.

The Wolf WF-300 LED Floodlite range is CE marked to the ATEX Directive for use in Zone 1 and 2 potentially explosive gas and dust atmospheres, with 48 ultra bright high power LEDs producing 3,300 lumens of brilliant white light, brighter than a 200 watt halogen incandescent lamp. Cable powered from voltages of 100 to 254V AC or 24 to 48V AC/DC, the Lamp has low power consumption at 58 watts, is T4 rated and has a low enclosure surface temperature, eliminating the risk of burns.

Supplied as standard with 20 metres of SY Cable, ATEX plug, and integral stainless-steel stand; the LED Floodlite can also be fitted with an ATEX socket, to allow the lamps to be linked together for quick and easy setup of multiple LED units in temporary installations.

Constructed from powder coated marine grade aluminium alloy and sealed dust and watertight to IP66/67, this very low maintenance Wolf LED Floodlite is available with a medium flood as standard, or a wide angle beam to order. Other accessories include a sacrificial lens protecting films for grit blasting and painting applications, magnet fixings and tripod options.

For more information, please visit the website at www.wolf-safety.co.uk or call the sales office on +44(0)114 2551051.

Lavendon Group PLC enjoys Gold celebration at RoSPA Awards

admin — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 13:16:12 +0000

Lavendon Group PLC is celebrating winning the prestigious Royal Society for Prevention of Accidents Gold Award for Occupational Health and Safety. Gold Awards are given by RoSPA to organisations that can demonstrate the highest standards of health and safety at work.

To be one of the companies to receive the accolade in 2010, Lavendon had to demonstrate that it had reduced the number of accidents and cases of ill health at work – and has robust health and safety management systems in place.

The award was presented at a ceremony at the Hilton Metropole Hotel, at the NEC, near Birmingham last month.

David Rawlins, RoSPA’s Awards Manager, said: “Lavendon Group PLC has shown a commitment to protecting the health and well-being of its employees and others. Organisations which do this deserve to have such dedication recognised and that’s where the RoSPA Awards come in.

“As well as there being clear ethical reasons and legal requirements for good health and safety management, there is also a strong business case. RoSPA is delighted to publicly honour organisations which have demonstrated their work to improve performance in this sphere.”

Andy Wright, Chief Executive of Lavendon Access Services, said: “Winning the RoSPA Gold Award is fantastic news and reflects the incredible amount of hard work our staff put in to maintaining the focus and commitment that Lavendon Access Services has towards improving health and safety. We are determined to take a leadership role in continuously raising health and safety standards in our industry.

“Many of our clients set the same high standards of excellence in health and safety, so it is very important that we have been able to show, through this RoSPA Gold Award, that we are continuously striving to ensure their workplaces are as safe as possible.”

Highlights of the entry included the ‘Safety Starts with You’ campaign, which continues to introduce an innovative, common approach to health and safety across the company’s 43 UK depots.

The TechX programme, designed to set consistently high standards of practice in key operational areas (including engineering and equipment maintenance, environmental management, procurement, housekeeping and health and safety) demonstrated a significant impact in promoting more efficient, effective and safer practices.

This is just the latest award in recent months for Lavendon and its companies. Earlier this month, Lavendon Access Services won the Tool, Equipment and Plant Hire Company of the Year and the Effective Health and Safety Management awards at Hire Awards of Excellence 2010, given by the Hire Association of Europe. Last month it was also named Company of the Year in the International Awards for Powered Access.

For further information regarding Lavendon Group PLC please contact: Emily Lowth. Tel: +44 (0)1455 206719 or email: emily.lowth@lavendongroup.co.uk

Hitch and go with the new SnowEx spreader trailer

admin — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 08:30:47 +0000

Broadwood International, UK and European distributor of SnowEx salt and grit spreaders, has further improved the V-Maxx range this season with the introduction of the VMT-250 trailer. Offering fully road legal specifications, including brakes, suspension, lighting and hand brake, the VMT-250 trailer is designed to carry the SP-7550 and SP-8500 spreaders from the SnowEx V-Maxx range.

“Where the VMT-250 trailer really scores is when it’s used in conjunction with a pick-up or 4×4,” says Roy Wolfenden, general manager of Broadwood International. “Using a SnowEx spreader on the pick-up bed is fine for some applications, but maintenance contractors appreciate the fact that by using a trailer you free up the vehicle load bed for other duties. For example you can carry a full load of salt or grit, which effectively doubles up your spreading capacity as you already have the spreader full of material.”

Teamed up with the new trailer, V-Maxx spreaders are ideal for councils, airports, hospital car parks, MOD bases, and maintenance contractors, and retain the unique SnowEx features of on-the-move in-cabin control of spread width and rates, even when mounted on the VMT-250 trailer. V-Maxx spreaders are the flagship range from SnowEx, designed to perform in the most demanding conditions, and, as Roy Wolfenden states, “when you use the VMT-250 trailer with a spreader you can be ready to spread in minutes – no mounting up – just hitch to the towing vehicle and get spreading.” This feature alone makes the VMT-250 invaluable for operators needing to get out and spread with minimal downtime.

All SnowEx spreaders feature polyethylene hoppers, which mean no more corrosion worries and a lighter weight without sacrificing payload capacity, while powerful 12v motors drive industrial grade spinners, augers and vibrator systems to give a steady flow of material. With hopper capacities from 1200 litre in the SP-7550 to a mammoth 3200 litre in the SP-9500, the V-Maxx series offers a solution for all larger salt spreading requirements, winter after winter.

Contact Broadwood International on 01420 478111 or visit www.snowexeurope.com

NEBOSH welcomes two new members to its Accreditation Department

admin — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 08:23:15 +0000

NEBOSH has expanded its Accreditation Department with two new full time Accreditation Advisors. Ian Cooke and Rick Lawton will be the regular point of contact for course providers and will assist with any practical issues concerned with the delivery of NEBOSH qualifications, as well as how to become accredited for additional qualifications.

Ian has worked at NEBOSH for over 3 years and moved into the accreditation role to build upon his existing relationship with course providers and offer them the support needed to deliver NEBOSH qualifications in the most effective way possible. In will be covering all course providers in the South

Rick has a background as a Watch Manager in the Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting Service and running his own business prior to joining NEBOSH. Rick feels he brings to the role a diverse range of skills previously acquired in the Health and Safety sector. Rick will be covering all course providers in the North.

Matthew Powell-Howard, Accreditation Manager commented: “We decided to expand the roles within our Accreditation department to offer an enhanced service to our course providers. Their role is to establish relationships and support NEBOSH in the delivery of qualifications.”

Allianz Insurance to sponsor RoSPA MORR Trophy in 2010

admin — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 12:59:42 +0000

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents’ prestigious award for managing occupational road risk (MORR) will be sponsored by Allianz Insurance plc for the first time in 2010.
The RoSPA/Allianz MORR Trophy will be presented to the organisation which demonstrates the most effective and cohesive MORR programme, supported by historical performance data.
The winner will be chosen from among the entries for RoSPA’s non-competitive MORR achievement awards. Organisations entering for an MORR award must also submit an entry into the main RoSPA Occupational Health and Safety Awards.
RoSPA has campaigned for more than a decade for work-related road risk to be taken seriously by employers and regulators. In the UK, it is estimated that between a quarter and a third of all road crashes involve a person and/or a vehicle at work at the time. This means that every week about 200 people are killed or seriously injured in “at-work” crashes.
It is not the first time that RoSPA and Allianz have worked together. In 2007, Allianz Commercial and RoSPA joined forces to promote the importance of effective risk management for company car and van fleets. The continuing partnership entitles Allianz Commercial motor fleet customers access to a range of services provided by RoSPA at preferential rates.
Kevin Clinton, RoSPA’s head of road safety, said: “Driving is probably the most dangerous thing that most of us do for work and having an effective system in place to manage the risks makes sense for moral, legal and business reasons. While many firms have a long way to go on this issue, others are demonstrating that they take the safety of their employees extremely seriously. We are grateful to Allianz Insurance for its sponsorship of an award that will not only recognise good practice but will also set a fine example for other firms to follow.”
Mike Powell, Allianz commercial marketing manager, said: “Allianz are proud to be sponsors of this award. Running a safer business and demonstrating employee safety contributes to security and stability.
“These are two key qualities which will ensure your business future is protected too.
“By working with RoSPA and making changes to the way that you manage road risks today, you can help safeguard your business and employees tomorrow.”
Entry for the 2010 RoSPA Awards has just opened. For the first time in the scheme’s 54-year history, organisations can pre-register (before December 24) for discounted entry. They then have until February 12 to send full submissions. A new award for the waste and recycling industries will also be presented in 2010.
The RoSPA Awards are open to organisations of all sizes and types. In addition to looking at accident records, they consider health and safety management systems and recognise practices such as strong leadership and workforce involvement.
Prospective entrants can find out more about the awards at the next RoSPA Awards Networking Event on December 2 in Coventry (see www.rospa.com/events/awardsnetworking/).
For more information, or to request an entry form, visit www.rospa.com/awards, call 0121 248 2090 or email awards@rospa.com