Your Hard Hat Has an Expiration Date?

       
    Expiration Stamp

It is hard to believe, but a Hard Hat, and it may be the one you are
wearing right now has an expiration date.  This date is imprinted on the inside of the hat by the manufacturer.  It is recommended that a Hard Hat be replaced every five years.  If you work outside then you may have to replace them every two years.  This may be the result of ultraviolet radiation that will cause a natural degradation over time of the plastic.

You Can Test your Hard Hat– To See What Condition Your Hard Hat is in you can do the Crackle “Pop” Test.  To perform this test all you have to do is hold the Hat upside down and squeeze the two sides together if you hear a cracking sound then the jig is up and you need a new Hard Hat.  If your ear plugs are in when you do the test then what can I say?  But seriously your hat will no longer provide the necessary protection that you will need in the event of any impact to your head.

Now let’s talk about the inside webbing of your Hard Hat, that is recommended to be replaced every 12 months.  The webbing comes out and should be replaced because of all the wear and tear.  The webbing acts as your shock absorber and creates a secure fit for your head.  The idea is to keep your hat on so there are no near miss accidents that cause you injury.

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There is only one effective way to wash your hands?

 Hands often act as culture samples of disease-causing pathogens from person to person.  You can humans or animals and contaminated foods or water can transport bacteria.  Hand washing with soap works by interrupting the transmission of disease.  Proper hand washing and drying includes using all the right products.  For example Tissue and towel products are integral in helping maintain clean and hygienic surroundings, at your home, at the office or anywhere else you may hang your hat.  Have you ever seen the dispensers now showing up at all your local grocery stores? You bet, wipe off the handle of the cart, I do.  But washing your hands includes using soap.  Researchers from the University of Michigan found that Antibacterial soaps are no more effective than plain soap for killing disease causing germs.  Studies also show that drying your hands with paper towels significantly reduces the presence of bacteria that is commonly found on your hands.  That makes sense; you are the one and only using that towel making it an important part of the bacteria reduction process.

 There are minimum resources you will need in order to wash your hands effectively.

Here are some of them:

• You will need a Sink.
• Suitable treated and/or filtered warm water source.
• A “Hands-free” paper towel dispenser.
• Soap that is non-irritating or sensitizing.

Now let’s look at the actual process of Hand Washing:

• You will need to moisten your hands with warm water.
• Using a Total Hand Washing time, including lathering with soap of 15 to 20 seconds.

After your Hand Washing you will need to:

• Rinse well in warm water at an adequate flow rate. During the rinse, hands and fingertips should be positioned down into the sink, with the rinse progressing from elbow or forearm to fingertip. This way, water is drained from the fingertips into the sink.
• It’s important to remove all soap residues from hands during rinsing, since prolonged exposure to soap components can cause irritation.

Last but not least you need to dry off your hands with:

• Single-use paper towels, ideally from a hands-free dispenser, this has been proven above all other methods to effectively remove most unwanted germs and loose skin cells.
• Dry hands thoroughly, since wet hands can pick up and transfer more contamination.

Key Success Factor: The Hand Washing sink must be well maintained, with regular cleanup and replenishment of soap and paper towels. 

Amerisource Industrial Supply Company

Stocks and offers all KIMBERLY-CLARK PROFESSIONAL hand towels.  We packaged, and ship with safety and satisfaction of the customer in mind. Proper storage and use in a dispenser further maintain the cleanliness of the products. Customers who wash their hands and dry them with our towels can be confident of gaining hygienic benefits and reducing the spread of infectious organisms.

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Testing Reveals High Contamination Levels of Everyday Objects in Major U.S. Cities; Gas Pump and Mailbox Handles are Among the Dirtiest

Kimberly-Clark Professional* Findings Also Show People Encounter Armies of Germs Just Getting to WorkEach Day; Results Reinforce Importance of Proper Hand and Surface Hygiene as Critical to a Healthy Workplace ROSWELL, GA [DATE] –Just in time for cold and flu season, new testing in six major U.S. cities reveals that gas pump and mailbox handles may be among the dirtiest surfaces Americans touch. The results, released today by Kimberly-Clark Professional*, show that more than 60 percent of gas pump and mailbox handles and more than 40 percent of escalator rails and ATM machine buttons can be highly contaminated, potentially exposing people to illness-causing bacteria. Illness in the workplace is not just a health issue, but can also have a major economic impact. Each year companies lose $1,685 per employee due to absenteeism and presenteeism (employees coming to work while sick). 

 The testing was conducted by trained hygienists in high traffic locations in Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, Miami and Philadelphia. Using a Hygiena System SURE II ATP Meter, a device commonly used to monitor sanitary conditions in industry, Hygienists swabbed the objects to measure levels of Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP). ATP is present in all animal, vegetable, bacteria, yeast and mold cells. Detection of ATP indicates the presence of contamination by any of these sources. Everyday objects with an ATP reading of 300 or higher are considered to have a high risk for illness transmission. In all, more than 350 separate swabs were taken and analyzed.

 The percentage of public surfaces tested and found to have high levels of contamination (an ATP count of 300 or higher), includes:

•  71 percent of  Gas Pump Handles
•  68 percent of  Mailbox Handles
•  43 percent of  Escalator Rails
•  41 percent of  ATM Buttons
•  40 percent of  Parking Meters/Kiosks
•  35 percent of  Crosswalk Buttons
•  35 percent of  Vending Machine Button

“People do not realize the amount of contamination they are exposed to going to work each day and doing everyday things like filling their gas tank or riding on an escalator,” said Dr. Charles Gerba, Professor of Microbiology at the University of Arizona. “This new testing is compelling because it underscores the importance of hand and surface hygiene. Most cold and flu viruses are spread because people touch surfaces in their immediate area and then touch their faces, other objects and other people. Washing and drying your hands frequently throughout the day, can help prevent your risk of getting sick or spreading illness around the office.” 

“The likelihood for illnesses to transfer from the objects that people use every day like ATMs and parking meters is eye-opening,” said Brad Reynolds, North American Platform Leader, The Healthy Workplace Project*, Kimberly-Clark Professional*. “These findings indicate that illness-causing germs are everywhere and have the potential to travel with you into your office space. That’s why we developed The Healthy Workplace Project* – a unique approach to hand and surface hygiene that helps employees understand and reduce the spread of cold and flu germs throughout their workplaces.”

The Healthy Workplace Project* is a new, multi-faceted program that Kimberly-Clark Professional* has designed to help companies provide their employees with a healthier and more productive office environment. The program provides educational materials in conjunction with hand and surface hygiene products to employees, arming them with the tools and knowledge necessary to break the cycle of germ transmission in the office. By reinforcing the importance of “washing, wiping and sanitizing” through The Healthy Workplace Project*, employers can help reduce that impact.

About Kimberly-Clark Professional*

Kimberly-Clark Professional* is dedicated to providing essential solutions for a healthier, safer and more productive workplace. These include a unique portfolio of innovative, cost-effective and sustainable offerings for office buildings and lodging properties, healthcare facilities, manufacturing environments, laboratories and cleanrooms, educational facilities, food preparation and processing operations, and home professionals. Kimberly-Clark Professional* offers a comprehensive array of hand hygiene and contamination control solutions to break the germ transmission chain and help create a healthier workplace as well as wiping and safety solutions that minimize risk and drive productivity. Its trusted global brands include Kleenex

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One innovative Skin Care Hand Soap dispenser

 The STOKO® Refresh 4 in 1 dispensing system is the latest cost – cutting Innovation from the worldwide leader in skin care solutions. Now, one durable, attractive, easy – to – use and economical dispenser is all you need for all of your hand hygiene programs.

 One dispenser works with four Skin Care systems

1. Thick Foam encourages frequent washing and proper skin care– environmental friendly and easy on your budget
2. Concentrated spray cleansers and sanitizers deliver superior STOKO quality at the lowest cost per use 
3. Mild liquid cleansers are ideal for use in high – traffic or high – volume work areas 
4. Hand sanitizing gel effectively sanitizes hands without water, killing 99.99% of germs that can cause illness

Flexible skin care System

• Complete system choice with abilityto switch product type at any time
• Easy to operate, simple and quick to refill
• Secure key–entry or convenient  Keyless push–button option
• One dispenser for all product types
• Can be customized with customers logo or colors

Economical Skin Care

•Low Cost per use
•High use per refill

Durable Skin Care Dispenser

• Sturdy, high impact dispenser housing
• Low maintenance, clean design

Better for the environment

• Environmentally preferred ingredients
• Conforms to recognized ecological standards
• Complete system choice with ability to switch product type at any time
• Easy to operate, simple and quick to refill
• Secure key–entry or convenientkeyless push–button option
• One skin care dispenser for all product types
• Can be customized with customer’s logo or colors

 Economical Skin Care Products

• Low cost per use
• High use per refill

Durable

• Sturdy, high impact dispenser housing
• Low maintenance, clean design

STOP throwing money down the drain.

STOKO Refresh 4 in 1 – the best solution for facility operation and business profit!

 Cost effective

• Save time. Save money
• Simplify your purchasing – no morefiguring out which product goes inwhich dispenser
• Streamline your inventory – no needto stock multiple dispensers
• Competitively priced refills
• Improve cash flow – less inventoryto carry
• No confusion at point of use – you always have the right dispenser at hand

Trusted quality from one world class supplier

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Stay Hydrated At Work This Summer

Whether you work outside in the hot summer sun or inside an air conditioned office, staying hyrdated is key to staying healthy. Your body depends on water for survival. Did you know that water makes up more than half of your body weight? Every cell, tissue and organ in your body needs water to function correctly. For example, your body uses water to maintain its temperature, remove waste and lubricate joints. Water is essential for good health.

Working outside in the sun or in high temperature environments puts you at risk for dehydration, heat stroke, heat cramps and heat exhaustion. It is important to replenish your body frequently with water lost due to perspiration, breathing, and going to the restroom. Even if you don’t feel thirsty, take frequent breaks to get water or activity drinks containing electrolytes like Sqwincher.

Even when you are working in an office environment,  it can be tiring thanks to the effects of the stuffy atmosphere and dry air conditioning. Drinking more water can improve your concentration and keep you focused on your work. Take frequent trips to the water cooler or drink electrolyte rich activity drinks. It is recommended that you drink 48-64oz. of water per day! So drink up and stay healthy and focused this summer!

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Hot Tips to Handle Heat Stress

1. Beware of heat exhaustion, heat cramps or heat stroke when you’re involved in strenuous activity in environments of 90 degrees Fahrenheit or above.

2. Take time to allow your body to adjust to high-heat, high-humidity environments before exertion begins.

3. If you work in protective clothing and equipment, your chances of heat stress are greatly increased. In work environments above 81 degrees Fahrenheit or above, experts recommend no employees spend more than 15 minutes of any one hour in an impervious suit unless cooling has been provided to the suit or the employee is wearing a heat stress monitor.

4. Don’t depend on thirst or sweat as an indicator of escalating body heat. Thirst is not always a dependable gauge and sweat may evaporate quickly, especially in dry heat environments. Instead, be aware of the temperature and humidity, and drink fluids with electrolytes at regular intervals.

5. Know the symptoms of heat stoke, head exhaustion and heat cramps, and respond quickly!

6. Remember, it is much easier to prevent heat stress injuries than to recover from them. Be aware of the environment in which you work and drink plenty of fluids with electrolytes on a regular basis throughout the work day.

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Cotton Prices Continue to Soar!

Over the past several months the cost of cotton has increased over 30% and is predicted to continue to rise. Terrible weather conditions, increased crude oil prices and high demand are the culprits behind the shortages and resulting price increases.

Cotton is currently selling at a record-breaking price of approximately $2 per pound. Several of our products such as gloves, mops, personal protective apparel and some first aid products will be effected by these unfavorable market conditions. If you purchase any of these products – please be aware that prices will be rising.

We are working with our vendors to minimize the effects of the price increases on our cotton products, but due to the shortage of product and high demand, the prices will inevitably rise over the upcoming months. We assure you that we are watching the market carefully and are doing our best to keep you informed. Thank you for your support and understanding. And as always, feel free to contact us if you have any questions or concerns!

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Protocol for Disinfecting Clostridium Difficile Colitis Contact Surfaces

1)     For general cleaning purposes, follow procedures established for resident/isolation room cleaning. Use appropriate personal protection equipment.

2)     Disinfect using a mixture of bleach and water (10 parts water to 1 part bleach).

3)     Trigger spray bleach and water mixture on to all hard/non-porous surfaces. Let dwell and wipe dry using disposable towels.

4)     Collect used towels and dispose of in a secure medical waste area.

5)     Wash hands and arms thoroughly.

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 CALL AMERISOURCE FOR ALL YOUR RESPIRATORY NEEDS AND ASSISTANCE

These instructions are for using irritant smoke when conducting qualitative fit testing of persons qualified to wear respirators under a respirator program which complies with OSHA regulation 29CFR 1910.134. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure that the persons administering qualitative fit tests are able to, conduct test properly, recognize invalid tests and assure that test equipment is in proper working order.

If  employment conditions require respiratory protection an employer is required to have a written respiratory program on file that specifies

1. Hazards & airborne contaminants
2. Defined exposure areas and required protection
3. Air sampling data with exposure limits
4. Respiratory change out procedure and control

Each employee that is required to wear respirator protection must have an annual fit test and respiratory health fitness medical exam and clearance.

Part I. OSHA-Accepted Fit Test Protocols

A. Fit Testing Procedures — General Requirements

The employer shall conduct fit testing using the following procedures. The requirements in this appendix apply to all OSHA-accepted fit test methods, both QLFT and QNFT.

1. The test subject shall be allowed to pick the most acceptable respirator from a sufficient number of respirator models and sizes so that the respirator is acceptable to, and correctly fits, the user.

2. Prior to the selection process, the test subject shall be shown how to put on a respirator, how it should be positioned on the face, how to set strap tension and how to determine an acceptable fit. A mirror shall be available to assist the subject in evaluating the fit and positioning of the respirator. This instruction may not constitute the subject’s formal training on respirator use, because it is only a review.

3. The test subject shall be informed that he/she is being asked to select the respirator that provides the most acceptable fit. Each respirator represents a different size and shape, and if fitted and used properly, will provide adequate protection.

4. The test subject shall be instructed to hold each chosen facepiece up to the face and eliminate those that obviously do not give an acceptable fit.

5. The more acceptable facepieces are noted in case the one selected proves unacceptable; the most comfortable mask is donned and worn at least five minutes to assess comfort. Assistance in assessing comfort can be given by discussing the points in the following item A.6. If the test subject is not familiar with using a particular respirator, the test subject shall be directed to don the mask several times and to adjust the straps each time to become adept at setting proper tension on the straps.

6. Assessment of comfort shall include a review of the following points with the test subject and allowing the test subject adequate time to determine the comfort of the respirator:

(a) Position of the mask on the nose

(b) Room for eye protection

(c) Room to talk

(d) Position of mask on face and cheeks

7. The following criteria shall be used to help determine the adequacy of the respirator fit:

(a) Chin properly placed;

(b) Adequate strap tension, not overly tightened;

(c) Fit across nose bridge;

(d) Respirator of proper size to span distance from nose to chin;

(e) Tendency of respirator to slip;

(f) Self-observation in mirror to evaluate fit and respirator position.

8. The test subject shall conduct a user seal check, either the negative and positive pressure seal checks described in Appendix B-1 of this section or those recommended by the respirator manufacturer which provide equivalent protection to the procedures in Appendix B-1. Before conducting the negative and positive pressure checks, the subject shall be told to seat the mask on the face by moving the head from side-to-side and up and down slowly while taking in a few slow deep breaths. Another facepiece shall be selected and retested if the test subject fails the user seal check tests.

9. The test shall not be conducted if there is any hair growth between the skin and the facepiece sealing surface, such as stubble beard growth, beard, mustache or sideburns which cross the respirator sealing surface. Any type of apparel which interferes with a satisfactory fit shall be altered or removed.

10. If a test subject exhibits difficulty in breathing during the tests, she or he shall be referred to a physician or other licensed health care professional, as appropriate, to determine whether the test subject can wear a respirator while performing her or his duties.

11. If the employee finds the fit of the respirator unacceptable, the test subject shall be given the opportunity to select a different respirator and to be retested.

12. Exercise regimen. Prior to the commencement of the fit test, the test subject shall be given a description of the fit test and the test subject’s responsibilities during the test procedure. The description of the process shall include a description of the test exercises that the subject will be performing. The respirator to be tested shall be worn for at least 5 minutes before the start of the fit test.

13. The fit test shall be performed while the test subject is wearing any applicable safety equipment that may be worn during actual respirator use which could interfere with respirator fit.

14. Test Exercises.

(a) Employers must perform the following test exercises for all fit testing methods prescribed in this appendix, except for the CNP quantitative fit testing protocol and the CNP REDON quantitative fit testing protocol. For these two protocols, employers must ensure that the test subjects (i.e., employees) perform the exercise procedure specified in Part I.C.4(b) of this appendix for the CNP quantitative fit testing protocol, or the exercise procedure described in Part I.C.5(b) of this appendix for the CNP REDON quantitative fit-testing protocol. For the remaining fit testing methods, employers must ensure that employees perform the test exercises in the appropriate test environment in the following manner:

(1) Normal breathing. In a normal standing position, without talking, the subject shall breathe normally.

(2) Deep breathing. In a normal standing position, the subject shall breathe slowly and deeply, taking caution so as not to hyperventilate.

(3) Turning head side to side. Standing in place, the subject shall slowly turn his/her head from side to side between the extreme positions on each side. The head shall be held at each extreme momentarily so the subject can inhale at each side.

(4) Moving head up and down. Standing in place, the subject shall slowly move his/her head up and down. The subject shall be instructed to inhale in the up position (i.e., when looking toward the ceiling).

(5) Talking. The subject shall talk out loud slowly and loud enough so as to be heard clearly by the test conductor. The subject can read from a prepared text such as the Rainbow Passage, count backward from 100, or recite a memorized poem or song.

Rainbow Passage

When the sunlight strikes raindrops in the air, they act like a prism and form a rainbow. The rainbow is a division of white light into many beautiful colors. These take the shape of a long round arch, with its path high above, and its two ends apparently beyond the horizon. There is, according to legend, a boiling pot of gold at one end. People look, but no one ever finds it. When a man looks for something beyond reach, his friends say he is looking for the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.

(6) Grimace. The test subject shall grimace by smiling or frowning. (This applies only to QNFT testing; it is not performed for QLFT)

(7) Bending over. The test subject shall bend at the waist as if he/she were to touch his/her toes. Jogging in place shall be substituted for this exercise in those test environments such as shroud type QNFT or QLFT units that do not permit bending over at the waist.

(8) Normal breathing. Same as exercise (1).

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Latex Allergies & Glove Selection

A Latex Allergy is an allergic reaction to natural rubber latex most commonly found in latex gloves and balloons. Symptoms can include hives or welts, swelling of the affected area, runny nose, sneezing, headache, reddened itchy or teary eyes, sore throat or hoarse voice, abdominal cramps, chest tightness, wheezing or shortness of breath, and anaphylaxis, a life-threatening reaction. Latex-allergic individuals can also develop asthma or occupational asthma, as well as cross-reactive allergies to foods such as bananas, avocados, kiwi fruits and chestnuts.

The Glove Connection
Most allergic latex reactions occur from finished rubber products that are made via a dipping method, as with gloves. Manufactured latex products, such as gloves, may contain additive chemicals that have a propensity to cause delayed hypersensitivity reactions manifested as contact dermatitis. Workers who use latex gloves (and other gloves) may get irritant dermatitis on their hands from numerous causes (e.g., sweating, powder, frequent handwashing). The allergenic proteins in latex may be carried on cornstarch powders that are used as a lubricant on some gloves, resulting in respiratory exposure.

Workers in labs, cleanrooms, and other controlled environments who wear gloves on a regular basis should be aware that they have options for protective gloves:

• Vinyl – known for being very clean, inexpensive and static dissipative. However, vinyl gloves retain heat and have poor moisture vapor transmission.
• Natural Rubber Latex – has the best cost/performance ratio of any material available. It is durable and easy to manufacture. However, it has no inherent static dissipative features.
• Nitrile – offers very good puncture resistance and exhibits broader chemical resistance than that of natural latex, especially with solvents. Nitrile also has very good static dissipative features not found in natural rubber latex.

In addition to issues around allergies and sensitivities, a glove’s material can have a dramatic influence on its comfort. For example, latex gloves are typically viewed as being more comfortable, while vinyl gloves tend to be more uncomfortable due to the rigid nature of vinyl. Nitrile gloves are now becoming more comfortable, however. In fact, some suppliers are using new nitrile-based production technologies to combine the sensitivity of latex with the protection of nitrile for gloves that provide the best of both worlds – sometimes at a value price.

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