Grainger, the leading broad line supplier of maintenance, repair and operating (MRO) products serving businesses and institutions, released its list of the “Top 10 Asked Safety Questions for 2016.”
This is the second year in a row for this Top 10 list, which is based on more than 120,000 customer questions fielded by Grainger technical product specialists throughout the year.
(This is part two of a two part series. Read part one here.)
6. Which respirator cartridge should I use when painting? What about protection from mold?
It’s always best to consult your paint’s SDS to ensure you’re purchasing the right kind of filtration. By consulting the SDS, you can ensure the filter you select will be appropriate for the level of airborne contaminants, your frequency of use, and the temperature and humidity of your worksite. While particulate filters might be enough for an outdoor paint job, painting within a confined space is going to require much more restrictive filtration.
Although OSHA has no thresholds for mold exposure, when dealing with mold, N-95 disposable respirators are recommended at a minimum.
7. Can I use different manufacturer’s fall protection equipment together?
While it can be easier to purchase an entire system from one vendor — ensuring that lanyards, connectors, lifelines, deceleration devices, and harnesses are all compatible — a complete system can be assembled from a patchwork of vendors. Always use the utmost caution when assembling and evaluating any fall arrest system, and ensure your team has sufficient expertise when mixing and matching equipment sets.
Pros: Using a single brand can be advantageous if legal issues arise from an accident.
Cons: Purchasing an entire fall arrest system from a single vendor can be considerably more expensive than piecemeal equipment purchases.
8. What is the difference between a “bump test” and a “calibration” for an air monitor
This one is pretty simple:
- Bump test – Tests for functionality. If the gas is there, the alarm will go off. These should be done daily to ensure the monitor is doing its job.
- Calibration test – Tests for accuracy. If the gas is there — in a high enough concentration — the alarm will go off. Calibration tests don’t need to happen as often but should still be a part of routine maintenance.
9. What does the date stamp on my electrical rated rubber insulating gloves mean?
That stamp indicates when the manufacturer tested the gloves. Your gloves should be tested every six months after the stamped date. Ensure that no insulated gloves are put into service unless they’ve been electrically tested before service and within the last 12 months.
10. Do I need leather protector gloves over my electrical rated rubber insulating gloves and if so, what length glove should I get?
The short answer is yes. You need leather gloves over your insulating rubber gloves. The only exceptions are when manual dexterity or small part manipulation are required.
For length, the insulating glove cuff must be longer than the leather protector glove cuff. Here are the OSHA requirements for the length of the rubber glove cuff:
- Class 0 and 00 Gloves – 1/2”
- Class 1 Gloves – 1”
- Class 2 Gloves – 2”
- Class 3 Gloves – 3”
- Class 4 Gloves – 4”
*The information provided is intended for general purposes only. It is not a substitute for review of product information and instructions, or applicable government regulations or industry standards, and should not be construed as legal advice or opinion.
This article was originally posted on Grainger's The Safety Record.