Products Health & safety: PPE Cases of occupational dermatitis are preventable in the workplace
Every year thousands of workers across all industries require time off work as a result of occupational dermatitis despite the fact that most cases are easily preventable according to workplace equipment supplier Slingsby. Figures from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) reveal there are around 40,000 new diagnoses of occupational skin diseases each year. Symptoms of dermatitis include redness, itching, scaling, rashes, hives or blistering of the skin and it can commonly be caused by soaps, cleaners, wet work and chemicals. Lee Wright, marketing director, at Slingsby explains: “The two most common forms of dermatitis usually seen
in the workplace are allergic dermatitis or irri- tant contact dermatitis and the majority of businesses and organisations use substances that can cause both types.
Slingsby has compiled the following tips to minimise the chances of occupational dermatitis occuring:
• Consider substituting potential skin irritants with products that have lower skin reactivity. • Provide adequate soaps and barrier creams. • Offer appropriate PPE, such as gloves and coveralls.
• Encourage early reporting of symptoms and protect employees while the causes are investigated.
• Where other individuals in the same group have similar skin problems risk assessment and management strategies should be reviewed. • Offer regular health surveillance for all employees exposed to substances that can cause dermatitis. • Maintain appropriate health records for employees. • If a doctor confirms a case of occupational dermatitis, it must be reported as an occupational disease to the HSE. • Explain the likely workplace causes of occupational der- matitis and how to recognise the symptoms. • Promote good personal hygiene and good housekeeping in the workplace. Slingsby
www.slingsby.com
T: 01274 535030 Enter 324
Aftershokz mobile headphones with in-line microphone use bone conduction technology to deliver stereophonic sound through the listener’s cheekbones.
As the headphones sit on the cheekbone and there is nothing in, on or covering the ears, users are still able to hear ambient noises around them.
They enable anyone who par- ticipates in outdoor activities to comfortably and safely listen to portable music, while still being able to hear oncoming traffic, car horns and other warning noises. Now the headphones are also thought to be suitable for use in factories where ambient noises could include forklift trucks, warning alarms and machine noises. Alternatively, a user in an
Underglove for waste sector
The waste and recycling industry is one of the most dangerous environments to work in with nine fatal injuries and 481 non-fatal major injuries occurring in 2010/2011 which is why specialist in developing and producing hand protec- tion, Polyco has introduced the Wastemaster, specifically for the waste and recycling sector. Created using HexArmor SuperFabric technology this underglove is said to offer unparalleled resistance against pucture and abrasion as well as flexi- bility and comfort without compromis- ing on protection. Polyco T: +44 (0)20 84439010
www.polyco.co.uk Enter 326
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industrial environment might use them while wearing ear defenders at the same time. They come with an in-line microphone and if a call comes in, Aftershokz technology auto- matically interrupts and activates the in-line mic, making active communications easier and safer. The Aftershokz headphones were originally developed for use by military special ops and
Bone conduction technology keeps factory workers safe Ear plugs with individual fit
SWAT teams worldwide to enable them to keep their ears open in order to hear movements of both their targets and other members of their units.
Factory Equipment trialled the headphones for a few weeks and found the sound quality and comfort factor to be good. Bear in mind they won’t iso- late the sound which means those around you might still be able to hear some of what you’re listening to. However, from a user’s point of view they do what they say they do – allow you to hear all ambient noise or warning sounds around you, thus keeping you safe. Pinpoint Consumer Electronics T: 01606 558428
www.aftershokz.co.uk Enter 325
Atex certified hearing instruments Siemens has expanded its range of Atex certified hearing instruments
to provide exceptional sound quality to those working in explosive environments. Five of Siemens hearing instruments products have been cleared for use in potentially explosive atmospheres such as mines, factories, agricultural silos, rigs, oil and gas platforms, water and chemical processing environments. The certified products will benefit people with hearing loss that work with flammable gases, mists, vapours or combustible dusts.
Siemens’ portfolio of Atex certified products includes a range of hear- ing instruments that cater for a variety of individual requirements. This includes Behind-the-Ear (BTE) instruments that offer the highest com- fort and usability such as the Motion XCEL range and the versatile dis- creet Receiver-in-Canal (RIC) instruments such as the Pure Carat XCEL. The only waterproof digital hearing instrument in the world, Aquaris, is also now certified for use in explosive environments. In addition to being waterproof it is also dust and shock- proof. Combined with a sports clip, Aquaris stays on the ear in any situation and takes away the chal- lenges of working in industrial environments. Siemens’ Life, a smal, stylish hearing solution, also joins the Atex certification list, alongside Nitro, a high-power device designed to enrich the lives of those with severe hearing loss. Siemens
T: 01293 423725
www.siemens.co.uk/hearing Enter 327
Leading safety equipment manufacturer uvex’s latest edition to its extensive range of hearing protection is the uvex xact-fit. The xact-fit (pictured) makes ear plugs an individual fit similar to that of left and right handed gloves. The ergonomically designed stems and the oval foam pods mimic the shape and contours of the ear canal said to make the fitting of the uvex xact- fit hygienic, convenient and easy. The uvex xact-fit is suitable for noise
environments below 100 decibels or for those people exposed to intermit- tent noise or people moving in and out of noise areas. It is corded for increased security and
the replaceable pods increase the life and value of the product.
The uvex hi-com is said to be anoth-
er revolutionary hearing protector. The oval shape, moulded from soft PU foam is the same shape as the ear canal, therefore making it comfortable. The design of the uvex hi-com is said to reduce background noise but also retain excellent speech recognition through the increased surface contact between the plug and the ear canal. It also said to reduce distracting inner sounds that some other earplugs reflect back to the ear-drum. uvex Safety T: 01252 731200
www.uvex-safety.com Enter 328
SEPTEMBER 2012 Factory Equipment
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