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OSHA workplace rules make the use of rubber insulating equipment mandatory, in order to protect workers from electrical shock and arc flash hazards on the job, even when the smallest potential of contact with low or high voltage exists. Employees that work on electrically-energized circuits and equipment use their hands, making them the most susceptible part of the body to electrical shock. Rubber insulating gloves are the only protective gear designed for constant contact with, and protection from, energized conductors and equipment. However, no rubber insulating glove is safe forever. ASTM F496 Standard Specification for In-Service Care of Insulating Gloves and Sleeves require regular inspection and testing of in-service electrical protective equipment. Previously, section 7 of ASTM F496 was subject to interpretation and misunderstanding regarding the maximum test interval for either new gloves or in-service gloves. In 2024, the ASTM Committee F18 (Electrical Protective Equipment for Workers) addressed this issue with an update to the ASTM F496 standard clarifying the difference between new gloves (reference 7.1.1) and gloves previously put into service (reference 7.1.2).

There’s more to picking out the right cut-resistant glove than just choosing the one with the highest cut protection. Different jobs require certain types of protection, and too much protection can hinder performance. It’s important to understand the cut protection classifications to determine which glove is right for each task. Ansell’s Hyflex® Ultra-Lightweight Portfolio makes it easy, offering a perfect blend of protection, performance, and comfort.

Utility workers face dangerous work every day, and especially during the summer months with the outdoor elements presenting additional workplace hazards that can lead to an increase in accidents, injuries, and illnesses. Whether it’s heat stress, prolonged sun and UV ray exposure, storm-related weather, low visibility, slips, trips, and falls, or falling debris, these five expert-approved tips help beat the heat on the lines this summer and keep utility workers safe and productive.

Electrolytes power your body’s natural processes. We’ve all heard nutritionists, coaches, and athletes spread the word that electrolytes are important when working out and replenishing fluids. But they don’t always take the time to go over exactly what they are and why they’re important. Well, we don’t want to keep you in the dark, especially about something that’s essential to your health. So, here’s a primer on electrolytes and why you need to keep them in mind throughout the workday.

May is National Electrical Safety Month (NESM). As a leading manufacturer and distributor of rubber insulating products, arc flash safety clothing and kits, and the largest NAIL4PET-Accredited Test Lab, Saf-T-Gard is dedicated to serving industries where worker safety and protection from electrical current are critically important. This blog examines procedures that can help protect workers from on-the-job electrocutions and electrical injuries and prevent lost time, legal liability, increased insurance premiums, citations, penalties, and hefty fines as well as unnecessary spending.

April is National Welding Month. Learn more about what PPE and other measures that can be taken to protect those who engage in important welding and grinding applications.

The International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA), in conjunction with industry stakeholders, has introduced ANSI/ISEA 100-2024, a new industry standard aimed at improving head protection for workers in low-impact environments. Learn how this voluntary consensus standard has outlined performance requirements for industrial bump caps and bump cap inserts, ensuring they meet specific safety benchmarks for workplace use.

No rubber insulating gloves are safe forever. It is (and has been) common practice for rubber insulating gloves to be inspected daily before use and periodically retested at an electrical testing facility. ASTM F496 Standard Specification for In-Service Care of Insulating Gloves and Sleeves has provided guidance. Previously, section 7 of ASTM F496 was subject to interpretation and misunderstanding regarding the maximum test interval for either new gloves or in-service gloves. In 2024, the ASTM Committee F18 (Electrical Protective Equipment for Workers) addressed this issue with an update to the ASTM F496 standard clarifying the difference between new gloves (reference 7.1.1) and gloves previously put into service (reference 7.1.2).

ANSI/ISEA has released a new edition of the ANSI/ISEA 105 standard (2024 ed.). The changes include a new standardized marking to help both distributors and end-users better identify the critical protection and performance levels of a work glove.

For the first time in almost 20 years, OSHA has issued a new release to employers and employees regarding their approach to electrical safety. This guidance is designed to better protect commercial, industrial, and residential electricians from arc flash hazards and consists of four parts while emphasizing the underutilization of personal protective equipment (PPE) to provide Americans working on energized electrical equipment the proper protection from electrical arc hazards.

While our general choices in appearance are made to influence how others see us, studies show that what we wear also influences our cognitive behavior. A Northwestern study by Hajo Adam and Adam Galinsky explored how people react psychologically to wearing certain articles of clothing and determined that worker performance is influenced by how they associate with what they wear. That being said, how do food workers associate with their PPE?

Understand the vital PPE requirements for ensuring safety of technicians in the fast-growing electric vehicle sector and stay protected with Enespro.

Millions of workers across the U.S. reply on respiratory protection to keep them safe on the job. OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134 requires employers to establish and maintain a written respiratory program to protect their employees who wear respirators. Additionally, the proper selection of respirators must be made according to the guidance of ANSI Z88.2. This blog article outlines and simplifies the steps to selecting the right equipment.

Ensure your team's safety with the latest standard in dropped object prevention. This essential standard helps keep everyone protected and promotes a safer workplace culture. Stay ahead in the industry by staying compliant and safeguarding your workplace.

Honeywell is focusing on making PPE as lightweight and breathable as possible, to increase comfort for the wearer and compliance level on job sites during the summer months. Read our expert’s recommendations for employers looking into PPE for warmer weather for their crews. As the hot days of summer months bear down, finding the right Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for your workers goes a long way in ensuring their safety, good health, and comfort.

See more about how different types of protective eyewear models can not only help protect workers but may also increase the comfort level.

When it comes to electrical safety PPE, you need to know if the hazard they’re asking about is electrical shock, arc flash or both. If it’s related to shock, the tests required by the standards will help answer most of the questions for you. Arc flash is not as cut-and-dried and, although the standards provide some guidance, safety professionals typically must use their best judgement. There are also two distinctly different categories this question falls into. One is related to safety and the other involves the financial impact.

It is essential to understand all the conditions that can create explosive environments. While many workplaces might seem safe, there could be hidden dangers that require the proper equipment to enter them safely.

Protect workers, reduce fire risks, and improve productivity by storing flammable fuels and chemicals in code-compliant flammable storage safety cabinets.

Equipping harnesses with suspension trauma safety straps is an easy and effective way to help delay and possibly help prevent the onset of negative symptoms brought on by orthostatic intolerance resulting from a fall from height while in a full-body harness.