Keep ‘em Safe

The use of personal protective equipment is essential to keep employees both safe and healthy.

A good safety program is incomplete without providing employees with the proper training and equipment.

By Kerry Clines, Senior Editor

Sensear

The new SM1xSR Bluetooth ear muffs from Sensear use a patent-pending SENS (speech enhancement, noise suppression) technology to isolate and enhance speech, yet suppresses dangerous background noise to protect a miner’s hearing while allowing him or her to communicate clearly and safely within distances of up to 50 meters. The comfortable, simple-to-use ear muffs allow ear-muff-to-ear-muff communication beyond 85dB(A), as well as face-to-face, two-way radio or cell phone communication, without the need to remove them.

Miller Electric Mfg. Co.

Miller Electric says its new Arc Armor Titanium Series welding helmet is built on a shell design that is lightweight for extended wear, provides excellent skin coverage, reflects radiant heat, and features a quick-release front cover lens to reduce welder downtime. The Titanium 1600 features a 16-square-inch shade #10 passive lens. The Titanium 7300, Titanium 9400, and Titanium 9400i feature an auto-darkening lens, auto-on/auto-off, grind mode, independent arc sensors, excellent low-amperage TIG performance, and magnifying lens holder. They meet ANSII Z87.1-2003 high impact standards.

Red Wing Shoes

Red Wing says its new boots feature ForceShield technology. The material meets ASTM F2413-05 metatarsal standards for impact, yet remains soft, flexible, and breathable under normal conditions. The boots offer a non-metallic safety toe, electrical hazard protection, and a metatarsal guard that protects feet from falling objects without the stiffness and bulk of traditional metguards. Two boot models, 4421 and 4422, feature lightweight ankle protection against side impacts as well.

Miller Electric Mfg. Co.

Miller Electric added safety glasses to its Arc Armor line of protection products. The glasses are designed for comfort, fit, and durability and are available in three different frame colors in either clear or shade 5.0 lenses. Features include rubber ear pads, form-fitting orbital eye coverage, shatter-proof polycarbonate lenses, anti-scratch coating, and soft foam eye guards that are said to keep out dust and perspiration. The safety glasses meet ANSI standards.

Providing the right training for your employees will help ensure that your operation runs smoothly and safely.

Colorado Stone, Sand and Gravel Association

Several new training CDs for the aggregate industry are available from the Colorado Stone, Sand and Gravel Association. Part 46 New Miner Training covers the four hours of required training a miner needs to begin work. Task Training covers five jobs and five (soon to be seven) pieces of equipment in more detail. Both training CDs include videos, quizzes, and certificates that show the time spent on each module. The Operators’ Guide to MSHA Programs and Activities provides training and quick reference information on the Mine Safety and Health Administration’s (MSHA) required reporting and forms, as well as plant inspections and penalties.