SAFETY
including charts with pre-calculated values, drawing together information from the separate manuals. Tis time-saving aid is available, for example, with MSA’s latest temporary horizontal lifeline. Te same product also illustrates
how good design can save time on the physical setting up of a system. It can be deployed by a single worker, aided by its inbuilt, toolless locking and tensioning mechanisms. For absolute certainty, coloured indicators confirm when the device has been correctly locked and tensioned. Te whole process is 75% faster than that of traditional cable systems. A further bonus of clear guidance and simple procedures is that new users can learn to use a system very quickly. Tis saves on training time and budgets. In addition, good design can simplify and speed up daily, pre-shift, annual and other periodic equipment checks and inspections. Combined with robust construction, it can also reduce servicing needs and downtime. MSA has developed quick maintenance procedures which allow some products to be routinely serviced in the field, rather than sent to a workshop.
FEEL GOOD FACTORS Te way PPE looks and feels is another area in which constant improvements are being made. Te importance of these aspects must never be underestimated. Does the appearance of the harness and other PPE items worn by the worker make him or her feel awkward and self- conscious? Or has it been designed to make the wearer look and feel professional? Is it comfortable to wear, or is the user limited and distracted by it?
MSA’s V-Fit safety harness If the user doesn’t like wearing the
item, there’s a risk that he or she will avoid using it – at least occasionally – and choose to work without protection. If its use causes discomfort or restriction of movement, the worker’s ability to carry out tasks effectively and safely may be compromised. An important and worrying issue
in this respect is that traditional PPE designs often fail to cater for the diversity of users. Workers’ sizes and body shapes vary greatly. Tere are also fundamental differences between men and women in terms of PPE design needs. A recent PPE survey by the trade
union Prospect highlighted this problem. It found, for instance, that 44.7% of female respondents but just 15.3% of male respondents reported poor-fitting overalls. Tis is just one simple example of a much wider difficulty which designers of fall protection and other PPE are working to address.
When comparing PPE products, you should think about the whole user experience felt by your employees – both short term and long term. Does
the PPE give a positive feeling, A V-Gard hard hat from MSA 40
www.engineerlive.com visually, ergonomically and comfort-wise?
A V-Flex safety harness
Does it help the wearer to do his or her job well? Do its design and operating features save time for the worker?
IS COMPLIANCE ENOUGH? Any consideration of fall protection measures should include a recognition that falling from heights is industry’s biggest cause of fatal accidents for workers. Your fall protection PPE may be compliant, but does it have sufficient load capacity? Does it in any way hinder your workers and their productivity? Are they happy to wear it or are they sometimes tempted to skip its use? Could it be more robust? Is hanging on to your existing PPE, when improved products may now be available, a false economy? MSA’s designers and engineers continue to push the boundaries of PPE durability and performance. Te company regularly introduces new time-saving features, along with improvements in ergonomics, comfort and style. Te result is a product range that does much more than comply with the latest legal standards – aimed at employers for whom safety is truly a priority.
Alfonso Fernandez is with MSA Safety.
www.msasafety.com
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