Blackwoods - Safety Spotlight

Edition 2 / May 2021

NEW

HOW PREPARED ARE YOU?

SILICOSIS PREVENTION. IMPLEMENTING MEASURES USING THE HIERARCHY OF CONTROLS // PAGE 07

// CONNECT WITH A BLACKWOODS TECHNICAL SAFETY SPECIALIST

OUR INTEGRATED APPROACH TO SAFETY For over 140 years, we’ve been Australia’s leading industrial and safety equipment provider. You’ll find us across the country on construction sites, mine sites, and on desert roads, making sure workers are protected when it matters most.

We work with customers to understand the specific hazards they face. Drawing on the knowledge of our technical team, we share the expertise needed to review, test and manage safe work practices.

Where stock is critical and time is limited, we can provide streamlined solutions using smart technology to help you better manage inventory, reduce cost, free-up capital and improve productivity.

14 23

08

08 / C HANGES IN WORKPLACE EXPOSURE STANDARDS

Workplace exposure standards (WES) represent the concentration of an airborne hazardous chemical, that are not expected to cause adverse effects on the health of an exposed worker. A review of the current scientific evidence for silica dust, showed that the WES should be reduced to prevent adverse health effects in workers.

14 / LAYERING FOR ALL SEASONS Whether you’re on a construction in the CBD or a mining site in regional Queensland, the weather and temperature can change rapidly at any time. An effective layering system allows you to adapt your clothing when temperatures rise or fall. With the right layers of workwear, there’s no need to second-guess the weather.

23 / HEARING PROTECTION Previously, the most efficient way for employers to quantify the amount of noise reduction a hearing protector provided to an individual in the workplace, was to use a “single number rating” such as the noise reduction rating (NRR). However, research shows that there can be a large range in attenuation achieved by individuals in the workplace, for identical protectors.

2

28

Safety Spotlight

28 / STORESAFE Most supply chain businesses have a common problem: How do they safely store and access large amounts of goods, which are often heavy, in limited space? One option is to design pedestrian-free warehouses, but in many situations that is not practical or even possible.

Edition 2 / May 2021

When managing safety on worksites, knowledge is the key to prevention. Our goal is to stay abreast of the latest safety standards, recommendations and technology so we can keep our customers informed.

Our Technical Safety Specialists are experienced in a wide range of industries, from mining to construction. They offer a wealth of hands-on practical knowledge and a passion for helping customers stay informed and protected.

Our global sourcing expertise and capability coupled with long-standing relationships with market leading manufacturers throughout the world ensures our customers are provided with any best-practice developments and innovations in the safety space.

With fit-for-purpose product selection guidance, sourcing, delivery and post purchase support in line with applicable standards, we have everything you need to get the job done safely, and if we don’t have it, we can get it.

But our approach goes far beyond simply supplying safety products. We invest time and expertise in our customers and share our broad depth of knowledge, so they are equipped to ensure that every employee, contractor and visitor returns home healthy and injury free.

It’s what we refer to as our assess, inform, equip model. At each stage of the process, we collaborate with clients to ensure they get the right product, technical knowledge, and training, at the right time.

Our holistic approach to safety is what sets us apart and it’s something we’re incredibly proud of.

Because when our customers can do their job safely and confidently, then we know we’ve done ours.

Together we’re helping build a better AUSTRALIA. ASSESS | INFORM | EQUIP

3

OUR INTEGRATED APPROACH TO SAFETY For over 140 years, we’ve been Australia’s leading industrial and safety equipment provider. You’ll find us across the country on construction sites, mine sites, and on desert roads, making sure workers are protected when it matters most.

We work with customers to understand the specific hazards they face. Drawing on the knowledge of our technical team, we share the expertise needed to review, test and manage safe work practices.

Where stock is critical and time is limited, we can provide streamlined solutions using smart technology to help you better manage inventory, reduce cost, free-up capital and improve productivity.

14 23

08

08 / C HANGES IN WORKPLACE EXPOSURE STANDARDS

Workplace exposure standards (WES) represent the concentration of an airborne hazardous chemical, that are not expected to cause adverse effects on the health of an exposed worker. A review of the current scientific evidence for silica dust, showed that the WES should be reduced to prevent adverse health effects in workers.

14 / LAYERING FOR ALL SEASONS Whether you’re on a construction in the CBD or a mining site in regional Queensland, the weather and temperature can change rapidly at any time. An effective layering system allows you to adapt your clothing when temperatures rise or fall. With the right layers of workwear, there’s no need to second-guess the weather.

23 / HEARING PROTECTION Previously, the most efficient way for employers to quantify the amount of noise reduction a hearing protector provided to an individual in the workplace, was to use a “single number rating” such as the noise reduction rating (NRR). However, research shows that there can be a large range in attenuation achieved by individuals in the workplace, for identical protectors.

2

28

Safety Spotlight

28 / STORESAFE Most supply chain businesses have a common problem: How do they safely store and access large amounts of goods, which are often heavy, in limited space? One option is to design pedestrian-free warehouses, but in many situations that is not practical or even possible.

Edition 2 / May 2021

When managing safety on worksites, knowledge is the key to prevention. Our goal is to stay abreast of the latest safety standards, recommendations and technology so we can keep our customers informed.

Our Technical Safety Specialists are experienced in a wide range of industries, from mining to construction. They offer a wealth of hands-on practical knowledge and a passion for helping customers stay informed and protected.

Our global sourcing expertise and capability coupled with long-standing relationships with market leading manufacturers throughout the world ensures our customers are provided with any best-practice developments and innovations in the safety space.

With fit-for-purpose product selection guidance, sourcing, delivery and post purchase support in line with applicable standards, we have everything you need to get the job done safely, and if we don’t have it, we can get it.

But our approach goes far beyond simply supplying safety products. We invest time and expertise in our customers and share our broad depth of knowledge, so they are equipped to ensure that every employee, contractor and visitor returns home healthy and injury free.

It’s what we refer to as our assess, inform, equip model. At each stage of the process, we collaborate with clients to ensure they get the right product, technical knowledge, and training, at the right time.

Our holistic approach to safety is what sets us apart and it’s something we’re incredibly proud of.

Because when our customers can do their job safely and confidently, then we know we’ve done ours.

Together we’re helping build a better AUSTRALIA. ASSESS | INFORM | EQUIP

3

// T HE INDIGENOUS

AUSTRALIA PROGRAM

The Fred Hollows Foundation works tirelessly to ensure no Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person is needlessly blind or vision impaired and they can always exercise their right to sight and good health.

94% of vision loss for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults is preventable or treatable, and in many cases, vision loss can be corrected overnight. Yet, when 35 per cent of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults have never had an eye exam, there is still a lot of work to be done.

The Fred Hollows Foundation’s Indigenous Australia Program invests in improving and increasing access to culturally appropriate eye care services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.

This is achieved through: • Delivering eye care services to address refractive error, cataract, diabetic retinopathy and the elimination of trachoma.

• Investing in Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations to help them deliver eye care to their own communities.

• Increasing and improving services in remote communities, so all Australians can access the eye care they need.

• Providing training and support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health professionals.

HERE IS OUR PROGRESS: 1980

2008

6x

GOAL = NO GAP

2016 3x

10x

In 1980 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people were 10x more likely to be blind than other Australians. Since then, the gap has been significantly reduced. ... But still MORE NEEDS TO BE DONE as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are still:

3x

40%

TO BE BLIND

CATARACT SURGERY

MORE LIKELY

LONGER WAIT FOR

12x

MORE LIKELY TO HAVE

A BLINDING CATARACT

THE GOOD NEWS IS BLINDNESS & VISION LOSS IS 94% OFPREVENTABLE OR TREATABLE

CLOSING THE GAP WITH THE FRED HOLLOWS FOUNDATION Over the past 10 years, Blackwoods has donated more than $3 million to The Fred Hollows Foundation’s Indigenous Australia Program. Much of this support has been generated from the sale of eye and face protection in the PROSAFE Safety range.

By choosing PROSAFE, you are not only receiving quality safety equipment, you are also directly contributing to improving the eye health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.

This life changing work isn’t possible without you!

4

Safety Spotlight

Indigenous Australians are three times more likely to go blind than other Australians, so The Fred Hollows Foundation has partnered with Blackwoods to help close this gap in eye health. Through increased investment in the delivery of high quality, affordable and culturally-appropriate services, we are ensuring all Australians have equal access to eye care.

CLICK FOR

CLICK FOR

about Blackwoods’ partnership with The Fred Hollows Foundation

about The Fred Hollows Foundation work in Australia

MORE INFO.

MORE INFO.

Edition 2 / May 2021

ASSESS | INFORM | EQUIP

5

// T HE INDIGENOUS

AUSTRALIA PROGRAM

The Fred Hollows Foundation works tirelessly to ensure no Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person is needlessly blind or vision impaired and they can always exercise their right to sight and good health.

94% of vision loss for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults is preventable or treatable, and in many cases, vision loss can be corrected overnight. Yet, when 35 per cent of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults have never had an eye exam, there is still a lot of work to be done.

The Fred Hollows Foundation’s Indigenous Australia Program invests in improving and increasing access to culturally appropriate eye care services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.

This is achieved through: • Delivering eye care services to address refractive error, cataract, diabetic retinopathy and the elimination of trachoma.

• Investing in Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations to help them deliver eye care to their own communities.

• Increasing and improving services in remote communities, so all Australians can access the eye care they need.

• Providing training and support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health professionals.

HERE IS OUR PROGRESS: 1980

2008

6x

GOAL = NO GAP

2016 3x

10x

In 1980 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people were 10x more likely to be blind than other Australians. Since then, the gap has been significantly reduced. ... But still MORE NEEDS TO BE DONE as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are still:

3x

40%

TO BE BLIND

CATARACT SURGERY

MORE LIKELY

LONGER WAIT FOR

12x

MORE LIKELY TO HAVE

A BLINDING CATARACT

THE GOOD NEWS IS BLINDNESS & VISION LOSS IS 94% OFPREVENTABLE OR TREATABLE

CLOSING THE GAP WITH THE FRED HOLLOWS FOUNDATION Over the past 10 years, Blackwoods has donated more than $3 million to The Fred Hollows Foundation’s Indigenous Australia Program. Much of this support has been generated from the sale of eye and face protection in the PROSAFE Safety range.

By choosing PROSAFE, you are not only receiving quality safety equipment, you are also directly contributing to improving the eye health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.

This life changing work isn’t possible without you!

4

Safety Spotlight

Indigenous Australians are three times more likely to go blind than other Australians, so The Fred Hollows Foundation has partnered with Blackwoods to help close this gap in eye health. Through increased investment in the delivery of high quality, affordable and culturally-appropriate services, we are ensuring all Australians have equal access to eye care.

CLICK FOR

CLICK FOR

about Blackwoods’ partnership with The Fred Hollows Foundation

about The Fred Hollows Foundation work in Australia

MORE INFO.

MORE INFO.

Edition 2 / May 2021

ASSESS | INFORM | EQUIP

5

RESPIRATORY HAZARD PREVENTION OUR SPECIALIST

// S ILICOSIS PREVENTION.

SAFETY + REGULATIONS

IMPLEMENTING MEASURES USING THE HIERARCHY OF CONTROLS

IMPACT PROTECTION

THE TINY PROTAGONIST INJURING AUSTRALIANS What can be 100 times smaller than a grain of sand, yet it may be fatal for those who inhale it? While obvious answers would include the Covid-19 virus and Asbestos fibres, there is another lethal protagonist that is killing Australians. Silica dust is estimated to cause over 230 cases of lung cancer each year in Australian workers.

PROTECTION IN THE WORKPLACE

Other related illnesses linked to silica exposure include kidney disease, scleroderma (causing scar tissue in joints, skin, and other organs), bronchitis, and emphysema.

Recently, the media has drawn attention to the three primary silica-related diseases that are incurable and potentially fatal. Silicosis can be diagnosed as acute or accelerated which can develop within weeks to months of a person’s exposure to silica dust or chronic silicosis which can takes years to develop.

DANGEROUS GOODS

CLICK FOR

MORE INFO. Or contact your Technical Safety Specialist

6

Safety Spotlight

Silica is an abundant mineral found in rocks and soil. It is hazardous to health when its dust particles are fine enough to reach deep inside the lungs. These particles are known as Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS) and, over time, they can cause scarring of the lungs within the alveoli, which are the tiny air sacs that enable the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide during the breathing process. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified RCS as a Group 1 carcinogen, which indicates that it causes cancer in humans.

In the workplace, silica dust can be generated when materials containing silica are crushed, cut, drilled, polished, or ground. These materials include sand, stone, concrete, mortar, bricks, tiles, plastics, and composite stone products such as kitchen and bathroom benchtops. About 600,000 Australians are exposed to silica dust in the workplace.

The Industries most at risk include (but are not limited to) construction, mining, engineering, stonemasonry, and farming.

As awareness increases, there is one overwhelming message: Exposure to RCS can be fatal, but if the correct workplace procedures are followed, this exposure causing adverse health effects is avoidable.

Edition 2 / May 2021

Under the Model Work Healthy and Safety Regulations (Jan 1, 2021), employers or duty of care holders must assess and evaluate RCS (Respirable Crystalline Silica) exposure levels in their respective workplaces to determine the associated hazards and risks, and what could be the result of these.

In helping to make this obligation efficient and effective, Greencap Australia provides a thorough five-step process: 1. Workplace information gathering 2. Basic workplace characterisation: Workers are categorised into groups according to occupation/work tasks/activities which will relate to their potential level of exposure to RCS 3. Exposure assessment and Risk Profiling

1. ELIMINATION Elimination of RCS

2. SUBSTITUTION

Replacing products such as engineered stone benchtops with products that contain lesser amounts of silica

3. ISOLATION

Designating specific areas and appropriate positioning of workers to minimise or remove exposure to RCS

4. Hazard control and risk mitigation 5. Reassessments In managing risks, it is imperative to implement the Hierarchy of Controls (to the right) that are listed in order of the most to least effective.

In almost all situations, a combination of these controls is needed to best protect workers. In adhering to any of the above, the primary motivation is the knowledge that exposure to RCS can kill, but it is preventable.

4. ENGINEERING

Application of controls such as on-tool (other) local exhaust ventilation (LEV), wet cutting, and the use of tools with dust collection attachments

5. ADMINISTRATIVE & PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)

High standard housekeeping, shift rotations, and the use of effective protective clothing and respiratory equipment (RPE)

CLICK FOR

MORE INFO. 6535QL SERIES P2 Construction Respirator Kit

Or contact your Technical Safety Specialist

ASSESS | INFORM | EQUIP

7

RESPIRATORY HAZARD PREVENTION OUR SPECIALIST

// S ILICOSIS PREVENTION.

SAFETY + REGULATIONS

IMPLEMENTING MEASURES USING THE HIERARCHY OF CONTROLS

IMPACT PROTECTION

THE TINY PROTAGONIST INJURING AUSTRALIANS What can be 100 times smaller than a grain of sand, yet it may be fatal for those who inhale it? While obvious answers would include the Covid-19 virus and Asbestos fibres, there is another lethal protagonist that is killing Australians. Silica dust is estimated to cause over 230 cases of lung cancer each year in Australian workers.

PROTECTION IN THE WORKPLACE

Other related illnesses linked to silica exposure include kidney disease, scleroderma (causing scar tissue in joints, skin, and other organs), bronchitis, and emphysema.

Recently, the media has drawn attention to the three primary silica-related diseases that are incurable and potentially fatal. Silicosis can be diagnosed as acute or accelerated which can develop within weeks to months of a person’s exposure to silica dust or chronic silicosis which can takes years to develop.

DANGEROUS GOODS

CLICK FOR

MORE INFO. Or contact your Technical Safety Specialist

6

Safety Spotlight

Silica is an abundant mineral found in rocks and soil. It is hazardous to health when its dust particles are fine enough to reach deep inside the lungs. These particles are known as Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS) and, over time, they can cause scarring of the lungs within the alveoli, which are the tiny air sacs that enable the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide during the breathing process. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified RCS as a Group 1 carcinogen, which indicates that it causes cancer in humans.

In the workplace, silica dust can be generated when materials containing silica are crushed, cut, drilled, polished, or ground. These materials include sand, stone, concrete, mortar, bricks, tiles, plastics, and composite stone products such as kitchen and bathroom benchtops. About 600,000 Australians are exposed to silica dust in the workplace.

The Industries most at risk include (but are not limited to) construction, mining, engineering, stonemasonry, and farming.

As awareness increases, there is one overwhelming message: Exposure to RCS can be fatal, but if the correct workplace procedures are followed, this exposure causing adverse health effects is avoidable.

Edition 2 / May 2021

Under the Model Work Healthy and Safety Regulations (Jan 1, 2021), employers or duty of care holders must assess and evaluate RCS (Respirable Crystalline Silica) exposure levels in their respective workplaces to determine the associated hazards and risks, and what could be the result of these.

In helping to make this obligation efficient and effective, Greencap Australia provides a thorough five-step process: 1. Workplace information gathering 2. Basic workplace characterisation: Workers are categorised into groups according to occupation/work tasks/activities which will relate to their potential level of exposure to RCS 3. Exposure assessment and Risk Profiling

1. ELIMINATION Elimination of RCS

2. SUBSTITUTION

Replacing products such as engineered stone benchtops with products that contain lesser amounts of silica

3. ISOLATION

Designating specific areas and appropriate positioning of workers to minimise or remove exposure to RCS

4. Hazard control and risk mitigation 5. Reassessments In managing risks, it is imperative to implement the Hierarchy of Controls (to the right) that are listed in order of the most to least effective.

In almost all situations, a combination of these controls is needed to best protect workers. In adhering to any of the above, the primary motivation is the knowledge that exposure to RCS can kill, but it is preventable.

4. ENGINEERING

Application of controls such as on-tool (other) local exhaust ventilation (LEV), wet cutting, and the use of tools with dust collection attachments

5. ADMINISTRATIVE & PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)

High standard housekeeping, shift rotations, and the use of effective protective clothing and respiratory equipment (RPE)

CLICK FOR

MORE INFO. 6535QL SERIES P2 Construction Respirator Kit

Or contact your Technical Safety Specialist

ASSESS | INFORM | EQUIP

7

RESPIRATORY HAZARD PREVENTION

Below (left) demonstrates the amount of pure RCS you need to inhale in a day to exceed the old WES and the on the right the amount for the new RCS WES.

OUR SPECIALIST

Jason went on to say, “the primary focus of the legislation has been driven via the prevalence within the engineered stone industry. However, that doesn’t dilute the risk to workers in other industries working with products that contain silica”.

SAFETY + REGULATIONS

Victoria was the first state to implement the change into jurisdictional WHS laws in December 2019. All other Australian states and territories followed suit in 2020, most doing so when Comcare, the national regulator for work, health, and safety, implemented the change on July 1st.

Compliance is required under Commonwealth, state, and territory laws, however, each jurisdiction has its own processes. For example, in New South Wales, on-the-spot-fines and penalties up to $100,000 can be imposed on employers who fail to notify SafeWork NSW of an adverse health monitoring report

“With the changes in effect now, it is critical that workplaces review their historical air monitoring data and current controls to ensure they are effective and that they are not exposing their workers to potential harm”, says Jason Linford, Practice Manager

IMPACT PROTECTION

PROTECTION IN THE WORKPLACE DANGEROUS GOODS

Because of the changes that are occurring, please check with the relevant regulator in your state or territory for the latest information.

“With the lowering of the RCS WES all industries within Australia need to revisit their current workplace situations to strengthen their ongoing controls to prevent exposure of workers to RCS. They need to be looking to the upper end of the Hierarchy of Control strategies such are Substitution, Isolation and Engineering controls in particular (but not limited to) to lower the overall levels airborne silica onsite”, says Jason Green, Principal Consultant – Occupational Hygiene (COH)®, Greencap.

To get a better understanding of the risk, it is important to engage with a Certified Occupational Hygienist or Occupational Hygienist recognised by the Australian Institute of Occupational Hygienists (aioh.org.au) or equivalent.

– Occupational Hygiene, Greencap.

// R ESPIRABLE CRYSTALLINE SILICA.

EXPOSURE STANDARDS REDUCTION AND WHAT IT MEANS FOR YOU

Legislative frameworks are continuing to evolve.

Different states and territories are introducing their own industry-specific Codes of Practice and Compliance Codes, some of which are legally enforceable while others only represent guidance.

CLICK FOR

MORE INFO. Or contact your Technical Safety Specialist

In recent years there has been a concerning increase in the number of Australian workers diagnosed with Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS) related health conditions, particularly silicosis. RCS refers to silica particles that are small enough to penetrate deep into the lung and may cause significant health effects that can lead to death. As a result, much attention is being paid to the legislative framework about RCS. In 2018, Safe Works Australia (SWA) launched a review of national exposure standards for atmospheric contaminants in the workplace, and in December 2019 it announced a major change to the Workplace Exposure Standard (WES) for RCS. A WES stipulates the legal limit for an atmospheric contaminant in the workplace.

In the case of RCS, the WES was halved from its eighthour time weighted average (TWA) of 0.1 milligrams per cubic metre (0.1mg/m3) to 0.05 milligrams per cubic metre (0.05mg/m3).

8

Safety Spotlight

It must be stressed that exceeding the exposure standard does define the difference between a safe and unsafe working environment. It is possible that some people could suffer from adverse health effects when exposed to a lower level than 0.05mg/m3.

“Take a look at the dusty work being done around you on concrete or pavement, if you see visible emissions of dust you are probably over the exposure limit” says Julie Sullivan, Team Manager – Occupational Hygiene (CIH)®, Greencap.

Edition 2 / May 2021

Delivering risk management solutions including planning, identifying, assessing & monitoring, and implementing controls for Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS) RCS Service include: • Risk-Based Hygiene Management Plans • Hazard Identification • Workplace Monitoring

• Risk Assessments • Exposure Mitigation • Respiratory PPE Advice

Learn more at:

greencap.com.au/silica

ASSESS | INFORM | EQUIP

9

RESPIRATORY HAZARD PREVENTION

Below (left) demonstrates the amount of pure RCS you need to inhale in a day to exceed the old WES and the on the right the amount for the new RCS WES.

OUR SPECIALIST

Jason went on to say, “the primary focus of the legislation has been driven via the prevalence within the engineered stone industry. However, that doesn’t dilute the risk to workers in other industries working with products that contain silica”.

SAFETY + REGULATIONS

Victoria was the first state to implement the change into jurisdictional WHS laws in December 2019. All other Australian states and territories followed suit in 2020, most doing so when Comcare, the national regulator for work, health, and safety, implemented the change on July 1st.

Compliance is required under Commonwealth, state, and territory laws, however, each jurisdiction has its own processes. For example, in New South Wales, on-the-spot-fines and penalties up to $100,000 can be imposed on employers who fail to notify SafeWork NSW of an adverse health monitoring report

“With the changes in effect now, it is critical that workplaces review their historical air monitoring data and current controls to ensure they are effective and that they are not exposing their workers to potential harm”, says Jason Linford, Practice Manager

IMPACT PROTECTION

PROTECTION IN THE WORKPLACE DANGEROUS GOODS

Because of the changes that are occurring, please check with the relevant regulator in your state or territory for the latest information.

“With the lowering of the RCS WES all industries within Australia need to revisit their current workplace situations to strengthen their ongoing controls to prevent exposure of workers to RCS. They need to be looking to the upper end of the Hierarchy of Control strategies such are Substitution, Isolation and Engineering controls in particular (but not limited to) to lower the overall levels airborne silica onsite”, says Jason Green, Principal Consultant – Occupational Hygiene (COH)®, Greencap.

To get a better understanding of the risk, it is important to engage with a Certified Occupational Hygienist or Occupational Hygienist recognised by the Australian Institute of Occupational Hygienists (aioh.org.au) or equivalent.

– Occupational Hygiene, Greencap.

// R ESPIRABLE CRYSTALLINE SILICA.

EXPOSURE STANDARDS REDUCTION AND WHAT IT MEANS FOR YOU

Legislative frameworks are continuing to evolve.

Different states and territories are introducing their own industry-specific Codes of Practice and Compliance Codes, some of which are legally enforceable while others only represent guidance.

CLICK FOR

MORE INFO. Or contact your Technical Safety Specialist

In recent years there has been a concerning increase in the number of Australian workers diagnosed with Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS) related health conditions, particularly silicosis. RCS refers to silica particles that are small enough to penetrate deep into the lung and may cause significant health effects that can lead to death. As a result, much attention is being paid to the legislative framework about RCS. In 2018, Safe Works Australia (SWA) launched a review of national exposure standards for atmospheric contaminants in the workplace, and in December 2019 it announced a major change to the Workplace Exposure Standard (WES) for RCS. A WES stipulates the legal limit for an atmospheric contaminant in the workplace.

In the case of RCS, the WES was halved from its eighthour time weighted average (TWA) of 0.1 milligrams per cubic metre (0.1mg/m3) to 0.05 milligrams per cubic metre (0.05mg/m3).

8

Safety Spotlight

It must be stressed that exceeding the exposure standard does define the difference between a safe and unsafe working environment. It is possible that some people could suffer from adverse health effects when exposed to a lower level than 0.05mg/m3.

“Take a look at the dusty work being done around you on concrete or pavement, if you see visible emissions of dust you are probably over the exposure limit” says Julie Sullivan, Team Manager – Occupational Hygiene (CIH)®, Greencap.

Edition 2 / May 2021

Delivering risk management solutions including planning, identifying, assessing & monitoring, and implementing controls for Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS) RCS Service include: • Risk-Based Hygiene Management Plans • Hazard Identification • Workplace Monitoring

• Risk Assessments • Exposure Mitigation • Respiratory PPE Advice

Learn more at:

greencap.com.au/silica

ASSESS | INFORM | EQUIP

9

DIFFERENT TYPES OF HAZARDOUS DUST SILICA DUST Concrete, bricks, tiles, mortar and sandstone (also known as Respirable Crystalline Silica or RCS)

CONTAINMENT

If hazardous dust is part of your workplace, you need to apply measures set out by the Hierarchy of Controls which include Elimination, Substitution, Isolation, Engineering, and Administrative and Personal Protective Equipment. (For more details see page 7). As part of the Engineering stage, it is essential to use the appropriate vacuum cleaner. This means the equipment is designed and rated to ensure dust is safely captured and contained.

Under the binding Australian Standard for vacuum cleaners, AS/NZS 60335-2-69:2017, dusts are categorised according to the level of danger they present in the workplace:

WOOD DUST Softwood, hardwood and wood-based products like MDF and plywood

LOWER TOXICITY DUSTS Gypsum (e.g. in plasterboard), limestone, marble and dolomite

L- Class: Only slightly hazardous, and no special precautions for disposal.

M-Class: Hazardous and must be disposed of with low dust development.

H-Class: Extremely hazardous. Carcinogenic and pathogenic. Dust-free disposal.

RESPIRATORY MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

WHY SHOULD WE HAVE THIS FOR OUR WORKERS? A key component of WES compliance for RCS (Respirable crystalline silica) is the use of Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) and the associated training of workers. As mentioned on page 7 in this edition of Safety Spotlight, the use of RPE represents part of the final tier of the Hierarchy of Controls (the last line of defence) and should only be considered after the higher tiers have been implemented and/or no other safety measures are available.

A documented Respiratory Protection Plan is a requirement of the Australia/New Zealand Standard (AS/NZS 1715) that covers personal respiratory protection and risk management in the workplace. The Process and Plan should include these elements:

Any workplace with RCS requires a vacuum cleaner with an H-Class rating.

As with all equipment, make sure the relevant workers are properly trained and informed in how to use the vacuum cleaner.

• Exposure assessment: The determination of what hazards are present and at what levels

• Fitting of equipment

• Appointment of a Program administrator

Of course, not all dust is the same. It can vary in particle size, shape, composition and physical properties It is the duty of employers and workers to know and understand the different dusts that are prevalent in their workplace, and then take the appropriate safety measures.

• Respirator selection: Information used to select respirators

• Respirator Maintenance: Comprehensive procedures for inspection and maintenance of respirators, and the schedule for cartridge changes

• Medical evaluation: Copies of screening/evaluation documents and questionnaires • Respirator training: Documents used for the training of new employees and refresher training of existing employees • Issue of RPE

• Wearing of RPE (where required)

• Disposal of equipment • Record Keeping • Program evaluation: The criteria used to audit the program (every year at a minimum), and summaries of findings

Every worker should use a tight-fitting respirator with an effective face seal. Types include Disposable, Reusable and Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPR). At the very least, a P2/N95 rated half-face respirator should be worn. Importantly, there is no one-sizefits-all approach, and some people may need to try a variety of masks before the correctly fitted and appropriate respirator is found.

IMPACT PROTECTION

SAFETY + REGULATIONS

OUR SPECIALIST

HAZARD PREVENTION

RESPIRATORY

// C LEANING = SAFE

SILICA HALF FACE RESPIRATOR KIT

PROTECTION IN THE WORKPLACE

A REVOLUTION IN RESPIRATORY PROTECTION n n n n n

High protection PAPR P3/TM3 99.95% Reusable and cost-effective No belts or hoses Comfortable and lightweight - 500g IP Rated 66 water tolerant*

DISPOSABLE RESPIRATOR VERTICAL FLAT FOLD – P2

NT 40/1 TACT TE H WET & DRY VAC + ACCESSORIES

DANGEROUS GOODS

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CLICK FOR

MORE INFO.

REQUEST A DEMO Visit blackwoods.com.au/cleanspace

Or contact your Technical Safety Specialist

10

Safety Spotlight

*CleanSpace ULTRA

Edition 2 / May 2021

MORE INFO. Or contact your Technical Safety Specialist

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11

DIFFERENT TYPES OF HAZARDOUS DUST SILICA DUST Concrete, bricks, tiles, mortar and sandstone (also known as Respirable Crystalline Silica or RCS)

CONTAINMENT

If hazardous dust is part of your workplace, you need to apply measures set out by the Hierarchy of Controls which include Elimination, Substitution, Isolation, Engineering, and Administrative and Personal Protective Equipment. (For more details see page 7). As part of the Engineering stage, it is essential to use the appropriate vacuum cleaner. This means the equipment is designed and rated to ensure dust is safely captured and contained.

Under the binding Australian Standard for vacuum cleaners, AS/NZS 60335-2-69:2017, dusts are categorised according to the level of danger they present in the workplace:

WOOD DUST Softwood, hardwood and wood-based products like MDF and plywood

LOWER TOXICITY DUSTS Gypsum (e.g. in plasterboard), limestone, marble and dolomite

L- Class: Only slightly hazardous, and no special precautions for disposal.

M-Class: Hazardous and must be disposed of with low dust development.

H-Class: Extremely hazardous. Carcinogenic and pathogenic. Dust-free disposal.

RESPIRATORY MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

WHY SHOULD WE HAVE THIS FOR OUR WORKERS? A key component of WES compliance for RCS (Respirable crystalline silica) is the use of Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) and the associated training of workers. As mentioned on page 7 in this edition of Safety Spotlight, the use of RPE represents part of the final tier of the Hierarchy of Controls (the last line of defence) and should only be considered after the higher tiers have been implemented and/or no other safety measures are available.

A documented Respiratory Protection Plan is a requirement of the Australia/New Zealand Standard (AS/NZS 1715) that covers personal respiratory protection and risk management in the workplace. The Process and Plan should include these elements:

Any workplace with RCS requires a vacuum cleaner with an H-Class rating.

As with all equipment, make sure the relevant workers are properly trained and informed in how to use the vacuum cleaner.

• Exposure assessment: The determination of what hazards are present and at what levels

• Fitting of equipment

• Appointment of a Program administrator

Of course, not all dust is the same. It can vary in particle size, shape, composition and physical properties It is the duty of employers and workers to know and understand the different dusts that are prevalent in their workplace, and then take the appropriate safety measures.

• Respirator selection: Information used to select respirators

• Respirator Maintenance: Comprehensive procedures for inspection and maintenance of respirators, and the schedule for cartridge changes

• Medical evaluation: Copies of screening/evaluation documents and questionnaires • Respirator training: Documents used for the training of new employees and refresher training of existing employees • Issue of RPE

• Wearing of RPE (where required)

• Disposal of equipment • Record Keeping • Program evaluation: The criteria used to audit the program (every year at a minimum), and summaries of findings

Every worker should use a tight-fitting respirator with an effective face seal. Types include Disposable, Reusable and Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPR). At the very least, a P2/N95 rated half-face respirator should be worn. Importantly, there is no one-sizefits-all approach, and some people may need to try a variety of masks before the correctly fitted and appropriate respirator is found.

IMPACT PROTECTION

SAFETY + REGULATIONS

OUR SPECIALIST

HAZARD PREVENTION

RESPIRATORY

// C LEANING = SAFE

SILICA HALF FACE RESPIRATOR KIT

PROTECTION IN THE WORKPLACE

A REVOLUTION IN RESPIRATORY PROTECTION n n n n n

High protection PAPR P3/TM3 99.95% Reusable and cost-effective No belts or hoses Comfortable and lightweight - 500g IP Rated 66 water tolerant*

DISPOSABLE RESPIRATOR VERTICAL FLAT FOLD – P2

NT 40/1 TACT TE H WET & DRY VAC + ACCESSORIES

DANGEROUS GOODS

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CLICK FOR

MORE INFO.

REQUEST A DEMO Visit blackwoods.com.au/cleanspace

Or contact your Technical Safety Specialist

10

Safety Spotlight

*CleanSpace ULTRA

Edition 2 / May 2021

MORE INFO. Or contact your Technical Safety Specialist

ASSESS | INFORM | EQUIP

11

RESPIRATORY

// R ESPIRATOR FIT TESTING

HAZARD PREVENTION

HOW IMPORTANT IS IT?

OUR SPECIALIST

Fit-Testing of any RPE in the workplace is a mandatory requirement of the Australian/New Zealand Standard AS/NZS1715, and a number of specific OHS regulations relating to RCS. Any Fit-Test aims to ascertain if there is a suitable match between the face of a worker and the RPE facepiece they may wear.

A Fit-Test should occur when an RPE is first issued and at least every year after that. A Fit-Test should also be carried out whenever a wearer’s facial characteristics have or may have altered because of such factors as dental work, cosmetic work, injuries, surgery and weight changes. “Many other factors can come into play, such as growth or removal of facial hair. Even dirt can be an obstruction to a good effective seal,” says Maria Fox, Blackwoods’ Technical Safety Specialist (Nth QLD).

SAFETY + REGULATIONS

There are two types of Fit-Test: 1. QUALITATIVE: A pass/fail test during which the wearer tries to taste and/or smell a test agent. This is only for half-face respirators. Some tests may produce inaccurate results because of workers’ different sensitivities to taste and smell. These results can lead to inadequate fitting and protection.

IMPACT PROTECTION

2. QUANTITATIVE: Specialised equipment measures the amount of air or aerosols that leaks into the respirator.

Suitable for half-face, full-face and tight fitting PAPR (Reusable and Powered Air Purifying Respirators).

Maria went on to say, “It’s important for every business to continually perform Fit-Tests for their workers, to achieve an effective face seal. It prevents injuries and can save lives.”

TECHNICAL SAFETY SPECIALIST - VIC/TAS ‘Calm laid-back kind of guy, gets on well with everyone no matter who they are – a GM or a welder - and pretty good with the dad jokes too!’

Yes, that sums up Drew Dauncey, a popular Blackwoods Technical Safety Specialist in Victoria, renowned for his great technical knowledge, especially in gas detectors, height safety, respiratory and fire-retardant workwear.

Drew began his career in safety with Protector Safety Supply in 1998. His commitment was soon recognised, and in the following years he progressed from warehouse to account management roles. Nowadays, he provides technical and product support about all aspects of PPE to the customer and sales teams. He works across a broad cross-section of industries, including manufacturing, construction, and petrochemical.

Drew is an affable guy who is fastidious about maintaining his knowledge in safety standards and new product development. He has never been one to compromise ethics for the sake of a sale, rather provide the right solution for the job.

Customers comment on his genuine approach, and his passion for his work.

YOU CAN CONTACT DREW ON +61 408 624 653

Drew.Dauncey@blackwoods.com.au

The use of RPE is just one of many critical requirements in an evolving landscape that continues to examine how workers should best be protected from the minute and deadly RCS (Respirable Crystalline Silica) particles that can penetrate deep into the lung.

CLICK FOR

MORE INFO.

PROTECTION IN THE WORKPLACE

DREW DAUNCEY

Or contact your Technical Safety Specialist

For the latest information concerning any issue related to RCS in the workplace, contact the relevant regulator in your state or territory.

DANGEROUS GOODS

TYPES OF RESPIRATORS

Disposable Respirator

12

Safety Spotlight

Half Face Respirator

Full Face Respirator

Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR)

Edition 2 / May 2021

Visit www.blackwoods.com.au/dust-safety for more information

ASSESS | INFORM | EQUIP

13

RESPIRATORY

// R ESPIRATOR FIT TESTING

HAZARD PREVENTION

HOW IMPORTANT IS IT?

OUR SPECIALIST

Fit-Testing of any RPE in the workplace is a mandatory requirement of the Australian/New Zealand Standard AS/NZS1715, and a number of specific OHS regulations relating to RCS. Any Fit-Test aims to ascertain if there is a suitable match between the face of a worker and the RPE facepiece they may wear.

A Fit-Test should occur when an RPE is first issued and at least every year after that. A Fit-Test should also be carried out whenever a wearer’s facial characteristics have or may have altered because of such factors as dental work, cosmetic work, injuries, surgery and weight changes. “Many other factors can come into play, such as growth or removal of facial hair. Even dirt can be an obstruction to a good effective seal,” says Maria Fox, Blackwoods’ Technical Safety Specialist (Nth QLD).

SAFETY + REGULATIONS

There are two types of Fit-Test: 1. QUALITATIVE: A pass/fail test during which the wearer tries to taste and/or smell a test agent. This is only for half-face respirators. Some tests may produce inaccurate results because of workers’ different sensitivities to taste and smell. These results can lead to inadequate fitting and protection.

IMPACT PROTECTION

2. QUANTITATIVE: Specialised equipment measures the amount of air or aerosols that leaks into the respirator.

Suitable for half-face, full-face and tight fitting PAPR (Reusable and Powered Air Purifying Respirators).

Maria went on to say, “It’s important for every business to continually perform Fit-Tests for their workers, to achieve an effective face seal. It prevents injuries and can save lives.”

TECHNICAL SAFETY SPECIALIST - VIC/TAS ‘Calm laid-back kind of guy, gets on well with everyone no matter who they are – a GM or a welder - and pretty good with the dad jokes too!’

Yes, that sums up Drew Dauncey, a popular Blackwoods Technical Safety Specialist in Victoria, renowned for his great technical knowledge, especially in gas detectors, height safety, respiratory and fire-retardant workwear.

Drew began his career in safety with Protector Safety Supply in 1998. His commitment was soon recognised, and in the following years he progressed from warehouse to account management roles. Nowadays, he provides technical and product support about all aspects of PPE to the customer and sales teams. He works across a broad cross-section of industries, including manufacturing, construction, and petrochemical.

Drew is an affable guy who is fastidious about maintaining his knowledge in safety standards and new product development. He has never been one to compromise ethics for the sake of a sale, rather provide the right solution for the job.

Customers comment on his genuine approach, and his passion for his work.

YOU CAN CONTACT DREW ON +61 408 624 653

Drew.Dauncey@blackwoods.com.au

The use of RPE is just one of many critical requirements in an evolving landscape that continues to examine how workers should best be protected from the minute and deadly RCS (Respirable Crystalline Silica) particles that can penetrate deep into the lung.

CLICK FOR

MORE INFO.

PROTECTION IN THE WORKPLACE

DREW DAUNCEY

Or contact your Technical Safety Specialist

For the latest information concerning any issue related to RCS in the workplace, contact the relevant regulator in your state or territory.

DANGEROUS GOODS

TYPES OF RESPIRATORS

Disposable Respirator

12

Safety Spotlight

Half Face Respirator

Full Face Respirator

Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR)

Edition 2 / May 2021

Visit www.blackwoods.com.au/dust-safety for more information

ASSESS | INFORM | EQUIP

13

RESPIRATORY HAZARD PREVENTION

LAYERING FOR ALL SEASONS

OUR SPECIALIST

Remember the days when your parents or other adults nagged away at you before you went outside?

‘Where are your gloves?’; ‘Have you got your hat?’; ‘Do you have your jumper?’ Most of us experienced those types of questions for a good reason: Australia has a harsh, diverse climate with a vast range of conditions that need to be carefully assessed and prepared for.

SAFETY + REGULATIONS

In the workplace, wearing the appropriate clothes is not just about being comfortable. If you’re kitted with the correct workwear your comfort can improve your efficiency, and of course, safety. We are now at the transition time between seasons, and that means whether you’re an employer or a worker, it’s time to ask an essential question: Do you have the suitable workwear for the months ahead?

The answer can be difficult because the clothing needs to protect you from the elements and workplace hazards; determining the appropriate workwear can be challenging but is essential in environments that can change significantly during a single shift of work. For example, you may start your day before dawn where the darkness necessitates you wear night compliant hi-vis clothes; the cold also means you must wear layers to keep warm, yet within a few hours the temperature rises to the extent that you shed all but one of these layers.

Each layer has its own role. The base layer must provide compression and support of muscles and enable efficient blood circulation without the risk of clotting. The mid layers must be breathable, warm, and at times when layers are stripped, they should also satisfy hi-vis requirements.

In addition to breathability and hi-vis elements, the outer layer should be waterproof and provide workplace relevant protection, including Ultra-Violet Protection (UVP). Importantly, the air gap between each layer provides additional warmth and protection.

So, as we approach winter, what are you thinking?

Remember, we can’t control the weather, but we can apply flexible and suitable solutions for each workplace which improve comfort, efficiency and safety.

Choosing an effective layering system is essential for everyone whose workplace weather varies.

The main layers are:

CLICK FOR

MORE INFO.

PROTECTION IN THE WORKPLACE

IMPACT PROTECTION

BASE

DANGEROUS GOODS

MID

OUTER 14

Safety Spotlight

Edition 2 / May 2021

ASSESS | INFORM | EQUIP

15

RESPIRATORY HAZARD PREVENTION

LAYERING FOR ALL SEASONS

OUR SPECIALIST

Remember the days when your parents or other adults nagged away at you before you went outside?

‘Where are your gloves?’; ‘Have you got your hat?’; ‘Do you have your jumper?’ Most of us experienced those types of questions for a good reason: Australia has a harsh, diverse climate with a vast range of conditions that need to be carefully assessed and prepared for.

SAFETY + REGULATIONS

In the workplace, wearing the appropriate clothes is not just about being comfortable. If you’re kitted with the correct workwear your comfort can improve your efficiency, and of course, safety. We are now at the transition time between seasons, and that means whether you’re an employer or a worker, it’s time to ask an essential question: Do you have the suitable workwear for the months ahead?

The answer can be difficult because the clothing needs to protect you from the elements and workplace hazards; determining the appropriate workwear can be challenging but is essential in environments that can change significantly during a single shift of work. For example, you may start your day before dawn where the darkness necessitates you wear night compliant hi-vis clothes; the cold also means you must wear layers to keep warm, yet within a few hours the temperature rises to the extent that you shed all but one of these layers.

Each layer has its own role. The base layer must provide compression and support of muscles and enable efficient blood circulation without the risk of clotting. The mid layers must be breathable, warm, and at times when layers are stripped, they should also satisfy hi-vis requirements.

In addition to breathability and hi-vis elements, the outer layer should be waterproof and provide workplace relevant protection, including Ultra-Violet Protection (UVP). Importantly, the air gap between each layer provides additional warmth and protection.

So, as we approach winter, what are you thinking?

Remember, we can’t control the weather, but we can apply flexible and suitable solutions for each workplace which improve comfort, efficiency and safety.

Choosing an effective layering system is essential for everyone whose workplace weather varies.

The main layers are:

CLICK FOR

MORE INFO.

PROTECTION IN THE WORKPLACE

IMPACT PROTECTION

BASE

DANGEROUS GOODS

MID

OUTER 14

Safety Spotlight

Edition 2 / May 2021

ASSESS | INFORM | EQUIP

15

RESPIRATORY HAZARD PREVENTION

Electricity is so abundant in our lifestyles that we often forget it is even there. However, in the workplace it can be a serious health and safety concern that can cause death and injuries from electrocution, shock, arc flashes, and arc blasts. But many injurious incidents are preventable if the relevant safety codes and standards are adhered to.

OUR SPECIALIST

NFPA 70E® is an internationally applied standard developed by the global non-profit organisation, National Fire Protection Association. The document, updated for 2021, clearly defines electrical safety related work practices that pertain to all alternating (AC) and direct current (DC) systems. The document contains risk controls that can be implemented by both employers and employees, and they are a reminder that electrical safety in the workplace is the responsibility of both management and workers.

IMPACT PROTECTION

SAFETY + REGULATIONS

As we have seen with Covid-19, wearing the appropriate level of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is critical for anyone exposed to workplace hazards. PPE does not only refer to clothing, but also to helmets, masks, visors, goggles, and many other articles that are designed to protect the wearer. In workplaces in which electrical safety is prominent, arc flash risk assessments can determine the level of PPE required. The greater the electrical hazard, the higher the PPE ‘arc rating’ that a worker must use to withstand a potential arc-flash incident. The rating is determined by the amount of energy that can be delivered to a point at a specific distance from an arc flash and it is measured by calories per square centimetre (Cal/cm2).

The levels of PPE required are classified under Hazard Risk Categories (HRC): HRC 1 (Minimum arc rating: 4 Cal/cm2) HRC 2 (Minimum arc rating: 8 Cal/cm2) HRC 3: (Minimum arc rating: 25 Cal/cm2)

Hard Yakka manufactures an extensive array of PPE clothing, including its ShieldTec FR Range (8.4 Cal/cm2 & HRC 2) which meets the most stringent international standards for flame resistant garments, including NFPA 70E®. Each product undergoes a series of meticulous tests to ensure they reduce heat stress while also maximising comfort, functionality, and durability in Australia’s variable and demanding conditions.

These tests include one for abrasion and tensile strength, washing, perspiration, seam and piling, and colour. To ensure it remains a market leader in workwear, Hard Yakka is always researching ways to provide the very best products across all its ranges.

“Hard Yakka Inherent FR fabric is sourced from one of the world’s most reputable FR fabric suppliers, most recently awarded for ‘Industrial Water Conservation’ in 2020”, says Workwear Group.

“Each batch of our FR Apparel meets strenuous testing parameters to ensure our workers are safe when wearing our products on site, but also providing performance workwear in a heavy heat stress environment.”

CLICK FOR

MORE INFO. Or contact your Technical Safety Specialist

PROTECTION IN THE WORKPLACE

HRC 4: (Minimum arc rating: 40 Cal/cm2)

Hard Yakka Y06730

DANGEROUS GOODS

ARC FLASH PROTECTION 16

Safety Spotlight

Edition 2 / May 2021

CHOOSE THE RIGHT LEVEL OF PROTECTION FOR YOUR INDUSTRY

Y04350 SHIELDTEC FR OPEN FRONT SHIRT WITH FR TAPE

Y04370 SHIELDTEC LENZING FR OPEN FRONT SHIRT WITH TAPE

ASSESS | INFORM | EQUIP

17

RESPIRATORY HAZARD PREVENTION

Electricity is so abundant in our lifestyles that we often forget it is even there. However, in the workplace it can be a serious health and safety concern that can cause death and injuries from electrocution, shock, arc flashes, and arc blasts. But many injurious incidents are preventable if the relevant safety codes and standards are adhered to.

OUR SPECIALIST

NFPA 70E® is an internationally applied standard developed by the global non-profit organisation, National Fire Protection Association. The document, updated for 2021, clearly defines electrical safety related work practices that pertain to all alternating (AC) and direct current (DC) systems. The document contains risk controls that can be implemented by both employers and employees, and they are a reminder that electrical safety in the workplace is the responsibility of both management and workers.

IMPACT PROTECTION

SAFETY + REGULATIONS

As we have seen with Covid-19, wearing the appropriate level of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is critical for anyone exposed to workplace hazards. PPE does not only refer to clothing, but also to helmets, masks, visors, goggles, and many other articles that are designed to protect the wearer. In workplaces in which electrical safety is prominent, arc flash risk assessments can determine the level of PPE required. The greater the electrical hazard, the higher the PPE ‘arc rating’ that a worker must use to withstand a potential arc-flash incident. The rating is determined by the amount of energy that can be delivered to a point at a specific distance from an arc flash and it is measured by calories per square centimetre (Cal/cm2).

The levels of PPE required are classified under Hazard Risk Categories (HRC): HRC 1 (Minimum arc rating: 4 Cal/cm2) HRC 2 (Minimum arc rating: 8 Cal/cm2) HRC 3: (Minimum arc rating: 25 Cal/cm2)

Hard Yakka manufactures an extensive array of PPE clothing, including its ShieldTec FR Range (8.4 Cal/cm2 & HRC 2) which meets the most stringent international standards for flame resistant garments, including NFPA 70E®. Each product undergoes a series of meticulous tests to ensure they reduce heat stress while also maximising comfort, functionality, and durability in Australia’s variable and demanding conditions.

These tests include one for abrasion and tensile strength, washing, perspiration, seam and piling, and colour. To ensure it remains a market leader in workwear, Hard Yakka is always researching ways to provide the very best products across all its ranges.

“Hard Yakka Inherent FR fabric is sourced from one of the world’s most reputable FR fabric suppliers, most recently awarded for ‘Industrial Water Conservation’ in 2020”, says Workwear Group.

“Each batch of our FR Apparel meets strenuous testing parameters to ensure our workers are safe when wearing our products on site, but also providing performance workwear in a heavy heat stress environment.”

CLICK FOR

MORE INFO. Or contact your Technical Safety Specialist

PROTECTION IN THE WORKPLACE

HRC 4: (Minimum arc rating: 40 Cal/cm2)

Hard Yakka Y06730

DANGEROUS GOODS

ARC FLASH PROTECTION 16

Safety Spotlight

Edition 2 / May 2021

CHOOSE THE RIGHT LEVEL OF PROTECTION FOR YOUR INDUSTRY

Y04350 SHIELDTEC FR OPEN FRONT SHIRT WITH FR TAPE

Y04370 SHIELDTEC LENZING FR OPEN FRONT SHIRT WITH TAPE

ASSESS | INFORM | EQUIP

17

RESPIRATORY HAZARD PREVENTION

How many of us have used a variation of the phrase: ‘Do not judge a person until you’ve walked a mile in their shoes’?

With a few tweaks we can mould this to the construction industry: ‘You can partly judge a person’s level of safety by the boots or shoes they wear.’

OUR SPECIALIST

The Australian Standard AS 2210.3:2019 specifically covers safety footwear. It provides manufacturers, employers, and employees with requirements for footwear used in the workplace. It is a far-reaching Standard because when we look at the construction industry alone, work may involve alterations, renovations, fitting out, maintenance, refurbishment, demolition, dismantling, and site preparation.

This means all PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), including footwear, must be versatile enough to provide workers with a high level of protection across a diverse range of jobs, conditions, and sites.

IMPACT PROTECTION

SAFETY + REGULATIONS

Across Australian workplaces, some of the most common causes of serious injury are slips, trips, and falls, caused by inadequate grip or traction between the sole of the footwear and the ground. Injuries from these accidents include sprains and bruising, breaks and dislocations, and spinal issues and often involve long term rehabilitation or permanent disabilities. These injuries can also be a considerable drain on costs and productivity in Australian workplaces. According to Safe Work Australia, work-related injuries cost the Australian economy around $60 billion every year, representing almost 5 per cent of the nation’s GDP. 984 Safety Boot

It is imperative that the correct fit-for purpose footwear be worn to suit the work environment and tasks being performed.

PROTECTION IN THE WORKPLACE

It is essential that hazard assessments in the workplace be conducted by the employer before work commences. In relation to footwear, the employer needs to consider how and when workers may be exposed to injury hazards, and how protection can be provided.

DANGEROUS GOODS

SOLE DESIGN FIT-FOR-PURPOSE 18

Safety Spotlight

Edition 2 / May 2021

The inconsistent nature of ground surfaces encountered on construction sites such as variations in slope, loose gravel, muddy surfaces, ladders and scaffolding, means the potential risk of injury is substantial.

“Workplace environments and risk factors vary enormously, and work health and safety risk assessments should be consulted before choosing footwear protection,” says Adam Blake, Joint Chief Executive Officer, Blundstone Australia. The correct choice in safety footwear will assist in reducing this risk.

Blundstone is one of the leaders in the provision of safety footwear. Its most popular range, the XFoot Rubber Series, is compliant with AS 2210.3:2019, and the products are so versatile that they are used widely across many industries, including heavy construction. This year two new products have been added to the range.

Supported by thorough research, development and innovation Blundstone is always looking at ways to best provide and improve its footwear, ensuring workers are comfortable and safe.

“Throughout Blundstone’s history, we have prided ourselves on adapting to meet our customer’s needs. In the 1950s we produced boots for Tasmanian Zinc refinery, EZ, with wooden soles to protect against hydrochloric acid and now, in 2021 we’ve taken that same spirit of innovation to produce two new XFoot Rubber styles, that meet the needs of those who need ultimate protection,” says Adrian Blandford Global Work and Safety Range Manager, Blundstone Australia.

CLICK FOR

MORE INFO. Or contact your Technical Safety Specialist

XFOOT RUBBER STYLES 992 LACE UP/ZIP SIDED RUBBER SOLED SAFETY BOOT

984 WATER RESISTANT NUBUCK SAFETY BOOT ASSESS | INFORM | EQUIP

19

RESPIRATORY HAZARD PREVENTION

How many of us have used a variation of the phrase: ‘Do not judge a person until you’ve walked a mile in their shoes’?

With a few tweaks we can mould this to the construction industry: ‘You can partly judge a person’s level of safety by the boots or shoes they wear.’

OUR SPECIALIST

The Australian Standard AS 2210.3:2019 specifically covers safety footwear. It provides manufacturers, employers, and employees with requirements for footwear used in the workplace. It is a far-reaching Standard because when we look at the construction industry alone, work may involve alterations, renovations, fitting out, maintenance, refurbishment, demolition, dismantling, and site preparation.

This means all PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), including footwear, must be versatile enough to provide workers with a high level of protection across a diverse range of jobs, conditions, and sites.

IMPACT PROTECTION

SAFETY + REGULATIONS

Across Australian workplaces, some of the most common causes of serious injury are slips, trips, and falls, caused by inadequate grip or traction between the sole of the footwear and the ground. Injuries from these accidents include sprains and bruising, breaks and dislocations, and spinal issues and often involve long term rehabilitation or permanent disabilities. These injuries can also be a considerable drain on costs and productivity in Australian workplaces. According to Safe Work Australia, work-related injuries cost the Australian economy around $60 billion every year, representing almost 5 per cent of the nation’s GDP. 984 Safety Boot

It is imperative that the correct fit-for purpose footwear be worn to suit the work environment and tasks being performed.

PROTECTION IN THE WORKPLACE

It is essential that hazard assessments in the workplace be conducted by the employer before work commences. In relation to footwear, the employer needs to consider how and when workers may be exposed to injury hazards, and how protection can be provided.

DANGEROUS GOODS

SOLE DESIGN FIT-FOR-PURPOSE 18

Safety Spotlight

Edition 2 / May 2021

The inconsistent nature of ground surfaces encountered on construction sites such as variations in slope, loose gravel, muddy surfaces, ladders and scaffolding, means the potential risk of injury is substantial.

“Workplace environments and risk factors vary enormously, and work health and safety risk assessments should be consulted before choosing footwear protection,” says Adam Blake, Joint Chief Executive Officer, Blundstone Australia. The correct choice in safety footwear will assist in reducing this risk.

Blundstone is one of the leaders in the provision of safety footwear. Its most popular range, the XFoot Rubber Series, is compliant with AS 2210.3:2019, and the products are so versatile that they are used widely across many industries, including heavy construction. This year two new products have been added to the range.

Supported by thorough research, development and innovation Blundstone is always looking at ways to best provide and improve its footwear, ensuring workers are comfortable and safe.

“Throughout Blundstone’s history, we have prided ourselves on adapting to meet our customer’s needs. In the 1950s we produced boots for Tasmanian Zinc refinery, EZ, with wooden soles to protect against hydrochloric acid and now, in 2021 we’ve taken that same spirit of innovation to produce two new XFoot Rubber styles, that meet the needs of those who need ultimate protection,” says Adrian Blandford Global Work and Safety Range Manager, Blundstone Australia.

CLICK FOR

MORE INFO. Or contact your Technical Safety Specialist

XFOOT RUBBER STYLES 992 LACE UP/ZIP SIDED RUBBER SOLED SAFETY BOOT

984 WATER RESISTANT NUBUCK SAFETY BOOT ASSESS | INFORM | EQUIP

19

RESPIRATORY HAZARD PREVENTION

HARDER THAN DIAMONDS HAND PROTECTION? // M ETATARSAL

OUR SPECIALIST

Graphene. Have you heard of it?

In simple terms, Graphene comprises a single layer (monolayer) of carbon atoms packed tightly together in a hexagonal honeycomb lattice. However, this description doesn’t do justice to an extraordinary compound whose features were first characterised by two scientists at the University of Manchester in 2004. How’s this for a portfolio? Graphene has been proven to be harder than diamond and up to 300 times stronger than steel. It also happens to be as thick as just one atom, making it the thinnest compound we know.

PROTECTION

SAFETY + REGULATIONS

With years of rigorous research and development, there is now Kyorene, the brand name for our synthetic yarn that incorporates graphene oxide directly into the fibre. When included in textiles and fabrics, Kyorene products are changing the way we look at protection in the workplace and providing new options for businesses and their workers.

AT 55-336

AT 55-346

IMPACT PROTECTION

“The science of Graphene and innovative uses of Kyorene is characteristic of where safety is heading.

It’s driving the way forward in future product development, particularly as hand injuries are one of the leading problems faced by industry businesses today,” says Brendan Ryan, Blackwoods Technical Safety Specialist.

AT 55-336

Midsole penetration protection

PROTECTION IN THE WORKPLACE

“The benefits the Prosafe Kyroene glove range provides end users include a lightweight and strong construction designed for comfort while offering great flexibility and dexterity, and resistant to cuts and abrasions. The range also provides excellent UV protection, UPF 50+, against the harsh Australian sun”.

The foot is an extraordinary piece of natural engineering. It has 26 bones, 30 joints and about 100 muscles, ligaments, and tendons.

So, it pays to look after it.

In the workplace, foot injuries are often caused by blows to the top of the foot, usually from falling objects. Too many of us know the feeling. As a result, more organisations are making it compulsory for workers to use safety footwear that offers metatarsal protection.

As an aside, the two scientists at the University of Manchester were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics for their research into graphene. Thank goodness for science.

Metatarsals are the five tube-like bones of the mid-foot, and because of their size, location, and little surrounding tissue they are particularly prone to being injured when anything falls onto them. A metatarsal injury can be debilitating because the foot partly relies on these bones for movement, balance, and supporting the body. Metatarsal injuries, which are renowned as being difficult to heal, occur in a wide range of workplaces including construction, fabrication, storage, manufacturing, transportation, agriculture, and retail.

DANGEROUS GOODS

CLICK FOR

MORE INFO. Or contact your Technical Safety Specialist

20

Safety Spotlight

M E T A T A RS A L RA N G E E XT R A F E AT U R E S

Edition 2 / May 2021

Metatarsal protection

Metatarsal protection, as used in the Oliver 55 series models 55-336 & 55-346, is designed to absorb the impact of objects that either fall onto or roll onto the upper foot. According to testing measurements from Standard ASTM-F1614-C up to 90% of force from the most intense blows can be absorbed by the Oliver Metatarsal guards. Importantly, this additional protective feature does not impact on the comfort of the wearer or their capacity to have flexible and efficient movement. They are also lightweight and despite their protective qualities do not feel rigid, constrictive or bulky.

When combined with protective toe caps, metatarsal guards provide strong protection against foot injuries.

CLICK FOR

MORE INFO. Or contact your Technical Safety Specialist

ASSESS | INFORM | EQUIP

21

RESPIRATORY HAZARD PREVENTION

HARDER THAN DIAMONDS HAND PROTECTION? // M ETATARSAL

OUR SPECIALIST

Graphene. Have you heard of it?

In simple terms, Graphene comprises a single layer (monolayer) of carbon atoms packed tightly together in a hexagonal honeycomb lattice. However, this description doesn’t do justice to an extraordinary compound whose features were first characterised by two scientists at the University of Manchester in 2004. How’s this for a portfolio? Graphene has been proven to be harder than diamond and up to 300 times stronger than steel. It also happens to be as thick as just one atom, making it the thinnest compound we know.

PROTECTION

SAFETY + REGULATIONS

With years of rigorous research and development, there is now Kyorene, the brand name for our synthetic yarn that incorporates graphene oxide directly into the fibre. When included in textiles and fabrics, Kyorene products are changing the way we look at protection in the workplace and providing new options for businesses and their workers.

AT 55-336

AT 55-346

IMPACT PROTECTION

“The science of Graphene and innovative uses of Kyorene is characteristic of where safety is heading.

It’s driving the way forward in future product development, particularly as hand injuries are one of the leading problems faced by industry businesses today,” says Brendan Ryan, Blackwoods Technical Safety Specialist.

AT 55-336

Midsole penetration protection

PROTECTION IN THE WORKPLACE

“The benefits the Prosafe Kyroene glove range provides end users include a lightweight and strong construction designed for comfort while offering great flexibility and dexterity, and resistant to cuts and abrasions. The range also provides excellent UV protection, UPF 50+, against the harsh Australian sun”.

The foot is an extraordinary piece of natural engineering. It has 26 bones, 30 joints and about 100 muscles, ligaments, and tendons.

So, it pays to look after it.

In the workplace, foot injuries are often caused by blows to the top of the foot, usually from falling objects. Too many of us know the feeling. As a result, more organisations are making it compulsory for workers to use safety footwear that offers metatarsal protection.

As an aside, the two scientists at the University of Manchester were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics for their research into graphene. Thank goodness for science.

Metatarsals are the five tube-like bones of the mid-foot, and because of their size, location, and little surrounding tissue they are particularly prone to being injured when anything falls onto them. A metatarsal injury can be debilitating because the foot partly relies on these bones for movement, balance, and supporting the body. Metatarsal injuries, which are renowned as being difficult to heal, occur in a wide range of workplaces including construction, fabrication, storage, manufacturing, transportation, agriculture, and retail.

DANGEROUS GOODS

CLICK FOR

MORE INFO. Or contact your Technical Safety Specialist

20

Safety Spotlight

M E T A T A RS A L RA N G E E XT R A F E AT U R E S

Edition 2 / May 2021

Metatarsal protection

Metatarsal protection, as used in the Oliver 55 series models 55-336 & 55-346, is designed to absorb the impact of objects that either fall onto or roll onto the upper foot. According to testing measurements from Standard ASTM-F1614-C up to 90% of force from the most intense blows can be absorbed by the Oliver Metatarsal guards. Importantly, this additional protective feature does not impact on the comfort of the wearer or their capacity to have flexible and efficient movement. They are also lightweight and despite their protective qualities do not feel rigid, constrictive or bulky.

When combined with protective toe caps, metatarsal guards provide strong protection against foot injuries.

CLICK FOR

MORE INFO. Or contact your Technical Safety Specialist

ASSESS | INFORM | EQUIP

21

RESPIRATORY HAZARD PREVENTION OUR SPECIALIST

We may all be unique when it comes to the patterns of our fingerprints, but in the workplace, there is a familiar pattern that many a finger has pointed at. That is, work-related injuries of the hand and wrist, is a common problem that sidelines thousands of Australians per year, around 8,500 hospital admissions.

In addition to repetitive strain, some of the main causes of these injuries include crushing, pinching or jamming of the hand in machinery or doors; contact with sharp edged equipment such as tools, knives and lawnmower blades; the dropping of heavy objects; and puncturing. The damage ranges from bruising to breaks, nerve impairment, and sometimes, amputation. Rehabilitation can be long and arduous, and costly to businesses.

As always, risk prevention is essential. This includes the use of purpose-designed Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

The hand is a remarkable piece of natural engineering and alone contains 35 muscles, so choosing the suitable hand protection, usually gloves, requires careful consideration.

Some key factors are tactility, flexibility, mobility, and comfort. However, these factors mean nothing if there is little or no level of impact protection.

“People are our greatest asset and hands are one of our most used tools, so it is important to select the right glove for the application. By ensuring businesses assess their worksites and provide workers with the right protective gloves, this can decrease injuries whilst increasing overall productivity and efficiency,” says Theo Oostveen Marketing Manager/Business Development, Ansell Ltd. When considering this, some important things to keep in mind are: Material Ask your local Blackwoods representative if your prospective glove has the market leading Thermoplastic Rubber (TPR) Coverage The expansiveness of TPR across the top of the hand, knuckles, thumb, and fingers (including tips).

High Visibility Easily seen products increase awareness of hand location.

Dexterity and Grip KEEP YOUR HANDS SAFE BY PUTTING THEM IN GOOD HANDS!

PROTECTION IN THE WORKPLACE

IMPACT PROTECTION

SAFETY + REGULATIONS

NEGATE THE IMPACT OF HAND INJURIES // HEARING LOSS IS

100% PREVENTABLE

The statistic is concerning: Federal Government research says one-in-six Australians has some level of hearing loss.

While ageing plays its unavoidable role, there is another contributing factor whose impact can be reduced. That is, long term exposure to loud noise, a situation that can be particularly prevalent in some workplaces, including manufacturing, mining, and construction.

Workers may wear a variety of hearing protectors, but how well are they really protected?

To answer this correctly, we need to understand that the effectiveness of hearing protectors depends on how well fitted they are to each individual wearer. Research shows there can be tremendous variations in the amount of noise reduction (attenuation) that identical protectors provide.

Two of the main reasons for this variation are: differences in training, and the proficiency of the wearer to properly insert the protector. This means it’s essential to Fit-Test each worker to ensure they have the best fitting work-specific protection for their environment.

3M™ E-A-Rfit DUAL VALIDATION SYSTEM

3M™ applies a leading technological Fit-Test that uses a quantitative method of assessment: E-A-Rfit Dual Validation System. This enables the simultaneous testing of noise levels inside and outside both ears. An accurate measurement is recorded in just five seconds and is known as a Personal Attenuation Rating (PAR). Hearing protector ratings such as the sound level conversion (SLC80) are derived from measurements gathered in a carefully-controlled laboratory environment. These ratings are an accurate measurement of a hearing protector’s capabilities under the specific test conditions, but, they may not represent what an individual worker will achieve when the device is worn.

PAR verifies the performance of HPDs without relying on laboratory-derived labels (SLC80 rating), which are intended for groups of employees rather than individual workers.

Hearing loss can dramatically affect your lifestyle and ability to work. Protect yourself. Noise induced hearing loss does happen, but it is also 100% preventable.

CLICK FOR

MORE INFO. Or contact your Technical Safety Specialist

R297 Ringers Gloves

DANGEROUS GOODS

CLICK FOR

MORE INFO. Or contact your Technical Safety Specialist

22

Safety Spotlight

Edition 2 / May 2021

ASSESS | INFORM | EQUIP

23

RESPIRATORY HAZARD PREVENTION OUR SPECIALIST

We may all be unique when it comes to the patterns of our fingerprints, but in the workplace, there is a familiar pattern that many a finger has pointed at. That is, work-related injuries of the hand and wrist, is a common problem that sidelines thousands of Australians per year, around 8,500 hospital admissions.

In addition to repetitive strain, some of the main causes of these injuries include crushing, pinching or jamming of the hand in machinery or doors; contact with sharp edged equipment such as tools, knives and lawnmower blades; the dropping of heavy objects; and puncturing. The damage ranges from bruising to breaks, nerve impairment, and sometimes, amputation. Rehabilitation can be long and arduous, and costly to businesses.

As always, risk prevention is essential. This includes the use of purpose-designed Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

The hand is a remarkable piece of natural engineering and alone contains 35 muscles, so choosing the suitable hand protection, usually gloves, requires careful consideration.

Some key factors are tactility, flexibility, mobility, and comfort. However, these factors mean nothing if there is little or no level of impact protection.

“People are our greatest asset and hands are one of our most used tools, so it is important to select the right glove for the application. By ensuring businesses assess their worksites and provide workers with the right protective gloves, this can decrease injuries whilst increasing overall productivity and efficiency,” says Theo Oostveen Marketing Manager/Business Development, Ansell Ltd. When considering this, some important things to keep in mind are: Material Ask your local Blackwoods representative if your prospective glove has the market leading Thermoplastic Rubber (TPR) Coverage The expansiveness of TPR across the top of the hand, knuckles, thumb, and fingers (including tips).

High Visibility Easily seen products increase awareness of hand location.

Dexterity and Grip KEEP YOUR HANDS SAFE BY PUTTING THEM IN GOOD HANDS!

PROTECTION IN THE WORKPLACE

IMPACT PROTECTION

SAFETY + REGULATIONS

NEGATE THE IMPACT OF HAND INJURIES // HEARING LOSS IS

100% PREVENTABLE

The statistic is concerning: Federal Government research says one-in-six Australians has some level of hearing loss.

While ageing plays its unavoidable role, there is another contributing factor whose impact can be reduced. That is, long term exposure to loud noise, a situation that can be particularly prevalent in some workplaces, including manufacturing, mining, and construction.

Workers may wear a variety of hearing protectors, but how well are they really protected?

To answer this correctly, we need to understand that the effectiveness of hearing protectors depends on how well fitted they are to each individual wearer. Research shows there can be tremendous variations in the amount of noise reduction (attenuation) that identical protectors provide.

Two of the main reasons for this variation are: differences in training, and the proficiency of the wearer to properly insert the protector. This means it’s essential to Fit-Test each worker to ensure they have the best fitting work-specific protection for their environment.

3M™ E-A-Rfit DUAL VALIDATION SYSTEM

3M™ applies a leading technological Fit-Test that uses a quantitative method of assessment: E-A-Rfit Dual Validation System. This enables the simultaneous testing of noise levels inside and outside both ears. An accurate measurement is recorded in just five seconds and is known as a Personal Attenuation Rating (PAR). Hearing protector ratings such as the sound level conversion (SLC80) are derived from measurements gathered in a carefully-controlled laboratory environment. These ratings are an accurate measurement of a hearing protector’s capabilities under the specific test conditions, but, they may not represent what an individual worker will achieve when the device is worn.

PAR verifies the performance of HPDs without relying on laboratory-derived labels (SLC80 rating), which are intended for groups of employees rather than individual workers.

Hearing loss can dramatically affect your lifestyle and ability to work. Protect yourself. Noise induced hearing loss does happen, but it is also 100% preventable.

CLICK FOR

MORE INFO. Or contact your Technical Safety Specialist

R297 Ringers Gloves

DANGEROUS GOODS

CLICK FOR

MORE INFO. Or contact your Technical Safety Specialist

22

Safety Spotlight

Edition 2 / May 2021

ASSESS | INFORM | EQUIP

23

RESPIRATORY HAZARD PREVENTION OUR SPECIALIST

SAFETY + REGULATIONS IMPACT PROTECTION

UNDERSTANDING THE

MAKING THE REGULATIONS

ISEA 138 IMPACT

Rig Lizard® 2021X

PROTECTION STANDARD It happens all too quickly. You drop something, or your hand is in the wrong place at the wrong time and suddenly you’re smarting. The back of the hand, with its intricate make up of bones and soft tissues, is very prone to injuries in the workplace. In 2018-2019 in Australia, nearly 7,000 compensation claims were made due to impact-related hand injuries (including fingers and thumbs). Some of the industries most affected include mining, construction, manufacturing and transport.

As with all other pieces of PPE, it’s imperative that gloves suitably fit the wearer and are appropriate for the work task. This process has been made easier by the voluntary standard introduced in 2019 by the International Safety Equipment Association.

ISEA 138, which is the American national standard for performance

EN 388 Impact Standard Knuckles Only

and classification of impact resistant hand protection, has increased the critical data obtained from the testing of industrial gloves, and as a result, has helped employers and workers make more-informed decisions about the gloves they use.

Traditionally, testing of gloves only covered abrasion, cut, tear, and puncture performance ratings.

However, in 2016, the European Standard EN 388 introduced impact testing. ISEA 138 followed suit, but there are notable differences between the Standards and their testing regimes. Significantly, EN 388 monitors impact only on the knuckles.

This measurement is recorded in Kilonewtons (Kn), and depending on the transmitted force, either a Pass (with considerable ranges in performance) or Fail is registered. In contrast, ISEA 138 tests impact on the

ISEA 138 Impact Standards Knuckles & Fingers

CLICK FOR

MORE INFO.

knuckles and fingers, and performance levels of 1, 2, or 3 are recorded and displayed on the glove to provide a simple yet effective protection performance mark. The addition of finger impact is highly consequential because industrial workers know just how vulnerable their digits are to injury.

In short, ISEA 138 provides a more thorough analysis of impact resistance, one that benefits workers across a wide range of industries, including oil and gas, mining, construction, warehouse, and transport.

ISEA 138 Impact Standards Knuckles & Fingers 0

PROTECTION IN THE WORKPLACE

X X X X X

X

X X

X X X X

X

2

• Class D: For use outdoors only under daylight viewing conditions and including high visibility material that is either fluorescent or non-fluorescent.

1349

6 6.5

• Class N: For use only at night when viewed under retro-reflective light and including retro-reflective strips that are at least 50mm wide.

DANGEROUS GOODS

10

ISEA

24

Safety Spotlight

< 9kN

< 6.5kN

X BACK

NSW RAIL SHOULDER TAPE

ADDITIONAL HOOP ON BACK

• Class D/N: For both day and night use, and including fluorescent, non-fluorescent, and retro-reflective strips that are at least 50 mm wide.

The message is clear: BE SEEN TO BE SAFE.

VIC RAIL

SPECIAL PURPOSE ORANGE

SHOULDER TAPE

BIO-MOTION TAPE

VIC ROADS SHOULDER TAPE

12

CLICK FOR

Pass/Fail <7kN 4244XX

While states and territories high visibility garment regulations vary to some degree, it is necessary for every employer and worker to understand and comply with the legal requirements in their jurisdiction. As a starting point, the AS/NZS 4602.12011 (The use of garments for high-risk applications) provides a solid foundation of understanding. This standard includes three classes of high visibility outer clothing:

X BACK

BIO-MOTION TAPE

“Double hoop bio-motion tape on the arm and legs, is becoming a key requirement across the country. It offers additional visibility during active movement, day and night.”

4 4.5

2023

EN Reference Digit

“Across Australia, most road and rail infrastructure operations use an X Back configuration on all high visibility workwear. However, it differs with Victoria Rail; the H Back is most commonly used, except for ‘shunting’ operations where the X Back is mandatory. Victoria Rail also requires all garments to be supplied in compliant orange; a ‘special purpose orange’, lighter in colour compared to other states,” says Drew Dauncey, Blackwoods Technical Safety Specialist.

900 1012

9

NIGHT ROAD WORKS

Large infrastructure projects, such as road and rail building, tunnel construction and the creation of rail corridors, can lead to death and serious injuries on worksites. In 2019, 183 people were killed at work in Australia, and 72 percent of these fatalities were related to vehicles. In every workplace where there are vehicles and other moving machinery, it is essential that workers are visible at all times of operation.

A key part of this is the use of high visibility workwear.

3

18 Tests EN

While Australia, like the rest of the world, continues to evolve with its handling of the Covid-19 crisis, focus on economic recovery remains central to government planning. In the last National Budget, delivered by Treasurer Josh Frydenberg in October 2020, it was announced the country is injecting $14 billion into new and accelerated infrastructure projects.

New jobs will also be created, a further 40,000.

680

8

4 Tests

‘VISIBLE’ ON SITE

< 5kN

8000

35

Edition 2 / May 2021

MORE INFO.

PRISMATIC YELLOW TAPE

ASSESS | INFORM | EQUIP

25

RESPIRATORY HAZARD PREVENTION OUR SPECIALIST

SAFETY + REGULATIONS IMPACT PROTECTION

UNDERSTANDING THE

MAKING THE REGULATIONS

ISEA 138 IMPACT

Rig Lizard® 2021X

PROTECTION STANDARD It happens all too quickly. You drop something, or your hand is in the wrong place at the wrong time and suddenly you’re smarting. The back of the hand, with its intricate make up of bones and soft tissues, is very prone to injuries in the workplace. In 2018-2019 in Australia, nearly 7,000 compensation claims were made due to impact-related hand injuries (including fingers and thumbs). Some of the industries most affected include mining, construction, manufacturing and transport.

As with all other pieces of PPE, it’s imperative that gloves suitably fit the wearer and are appropriate for the work task. This process has been made easier by the voluntary standard introduced in 2019 by the International Safety Equipment Association.

ISEA 138, which is the American national standard for performance

EN 388 Impact Standard Knuckles Only

and classification of impact resistant hand protection, has increased the critical data obtained from the testing of industrial gloves, and as a result, has helped employers and workers make more-informed decisions about the gloves they use.

Traditionally, testing of gloves only covered abrasion, cut, tear, and puncture performance ratings.

However, in 2016, the European Standard EN 388 introduced impact testing. ISEA 138 followed suit, but there are notable differences between the Standards and their testing regimes. Significantly, EN 388 monitors impact only on the knuckles.

This measurement is recorded in Kilonewtons (Kn), and depending on the transmitted force, either a Pass (with considerable ranges in performance) or Fail is registered. In contrast, ISEA 138 tests impact on the

ISEA 138 Impact Standards Knuckles & Fingers

CLICK FOR

MORE INFO.

knuckles and fingers, and performance levels of 1, 2, or 3 are recorded and displayed on the glove to provide a simple yet effective protection performance mark. The addition of finger impact is highly consequential because industrial workers know just how vulnerable their digits are to injury.

In short, ISEA 138 provides a more thorough analysis of impact resistance, one that benefits workers across a wide range of industries, including oil and gas, mining, construction, warehouse, and transport.

ISEA 138 Impact Standards Knuckles & Fingers 0

PROTECTION IN THE WORKPLACE

X X X X X

X

X X

X X X X

X

2

• Class D: For use outdoors only under daylight viewing conditions and including high visibility material that is either fluorescent or non-fluorescent.

1349

6 6.5

• Class N: For use only at night when viewed under retro-reflective light and including retro-reflective strips that are at least 50mm wide.

DANGEROUS GOODS

10

ISEA

24

Safety Spotlight

< 9kN

< 6.5kN

X BACK

NSW RAIL SHOULDER TAPE

ADDITIONAL HOOP ON BACK

• Class D/N: For both day and night use, and including fluorescent, non-fluorescent, and retro-reflective strips that are at least 50 mm wide.

The message is clear: BE SEEN TO BE SAFE.

VIC RAIL

SPECIAL PURPOSE ORANGE

SHOULDER TAPE

BIO-MOTION TAPE

VIC ROADS SHOULDER TAPE

12

CLICK FOR

Pass/Fail <7kN 4244XX

While states and territories high visibility garment regulations vary to some degree, it is necessary for every employer and worker to understand and comply with the legal requirements in their jurisdiction. As a starting point, the AS/NZS 4602.12011 (The use of garments for high-risk applications) provides a solid foundation of understanding. This standard includes three classes of high visibility outer clothing:

X BACK

BIO-MOTION TAPE

“Double hoop bio-motion tape on the arm and legs, is becoming a key requirement across the country. It offers additional visibility during active movement, day and night.”

4 4.5

2023

EN Reference Digit

“Across Australia, most road and rail infrastructure operations use an X Back configuration on all high visibility workwear. However, it differs with Victoria Rail; the H Back is most commonly used, except for ‘shunting’ operations where the X Back is mandatory. Victoria Rail also requires all garments to be supplied in compliant orange; a ‘special purpose orange’, lighter in colour compared to other states,” says Drew Dauncey, Blackwoods Technical Safety Specialist.

900 1012

9

NIGHT ROAD WORKS

Large infrastructure projects, such as road and rail building, tunnel construction and the creation of rail corridors, can lead to death and serious injuries on worksites. In 2019, 183 people were killed at work in Australia, and 72 percent of these fatalities were related to vehicles. In every workplace where there are vehicles and other moving machinery, it is essential that workers are visible at all times of operation.

A key part of this is the use of high visibility workwear.

3

18 Tests EN

While Australia, like the rest of the world, continues to evolve with its handling of the Covid-19 crisis, focus on economic recovery remains central to government planning. In the last National Budget, delivered by Treasurer Josh Frydenberg in October 2020, it was announced the country is injecting $14 billion into new and accelerated infrastructure projects.

New jobs will also be created, a further 40,000.

680

8

4 Tests

‘VISIBLE’ ON SITE

< 5kN

8000

35

Edition 2 / May 2021

MORE INFO.

PRISMATIC YELLOW TAPE

ASSESS | INFORM | EQUIP

25

RESPIRATORY HAZARD PREVENTION OUR SPECIALIST

SAFETY + REGULATIONS IMPACT PROTECTION

DANGEROUS

A dangerous good (DG) is a substance with hazardous qualities that can harm people and/or property. These qualities may be corrosive, flammable, combustible, explosive, oxidising, water reactive, toxic or have other similar traits. Examples include petrol, kerosene, hydrochloric acid, LP gas, asbestos, and carbon dioxide.

Tragically, the scenario is all too common: you are with someone when suddenly he or she collapses, has no pulse, loses consciousness, gasps for air or may not be breathing at all. A cardiac arrest happens when the heart stops beating. The Heart Foundation says that each year in Australia about 25,000 people suffer a cardiac arrest out of hospital. As few as 5% survive.

In Australia there are many standards, acts and regulations concerning dangerous goods. These cover manufacture, supply, transport, handling and storage.

For manufacturers and suppliers, duties include:

Although it is not compulsory in Australian workplaces, an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) should be considered. It is an easy-to-use device that has step-by-step voice prompts and visual guides which enable an untrained person to operate it. An AED analyses the heart rhythm of a victim and determines if it needs to apply a controlled electric shock in a bid to restart the heart.

• Determination of whether a good is dangerous.

For a manufacturer this must occur before the good is made, and for a supplier, before it is supplied.

• Classifying a dangerous good according to relevant regulations.

• Packing, marking, and labelling according to relevant regulations.

• Preparing relevant safety data documentation.

PROTECTION IN THE WORKPLACE

A cardiac arrest is different to a heart attack. When suffering a heart attack a person is awake and enduring such symptoms as chest pain, breathing difficulties, giddiness and nausea. The first few minutes after a person suffers a cardiac arrest are vital. Usually, if there is not an immediate medical response, the chances of survival are deemed to be low. Indeed, NSW Health notes that, ‘For every minute that passes after a person has a cardiac arrest, the chance of survival decreases.’

CLICK FOR

MORE INFO. Or contact your Technical Safety Specialist

For storage and handling, some of the main requirements of risk control are:

• Informing all visitors about on-site requirements (this includes safety signs).

“Safe storage can be as simple as using a dedicated DG storage cabinet or cage to meet the requirements set out by Australian Standards,” says Mike Carrigg of Spill Crew Australia. “For an extra layer of certainty, Australian Made DG cabinets and cages are purpose built for Australian environments and regulations.”

• The use of equipment and facilities that meet relevant regulations.

For the latest information, contact the relevant organisations in your state or territory.

• The provision of induction, information, training, and supervision for workers.

DANGEROUS GOODS

AEDs SAVE LIVES

GOODS STORAGE

• Possession of the relevant safety data documentation.

It should be stressed again that anyone can use an AED. Furthermore, a defibrillator will only shock someone who has had a cardiac arrest, and you cannot hurt anyone by using the device. An AED is without doubt, an extraordinary invention. ‘Studies have shown defibrillation within 3 to 5 minutes can produce survival rates as high as 50% to 70%.’

An AED in your workplace not only ensures a life saving device is available for your workers, but also for your customers, visitors, and contractors on your sites.

Are you prepared?

CLICK FOR

MORE INFO. Or contact your Technical Safety Specialist

AS 1940-2017 THE STORAGE & HANDLING OF FLAMMABLE & COMBUSTIBLE LIQUIDS • Flammable liquids are categorised as a Class 3 Flammable Liquid according to the Australian Dangerous Goods (ADG) Code • Flammable liquid safety cabinets should be marked with a Class 3 Flammable Liquids dangerous goods diamond and a Danger sign advising of no smoking and no ignition sources within 3 metres of the cabinet

26

Safety Spotlight

• Flammable liquid safety cabinets should include a liquidtight inner base compound to capture any drips, leaks or spills • Cabinets feature self-closing doors with a three-point bullet self-latching system • Users should cross-reference AS 1940-2017 to ensure storage quantities and cabinet locations meet the recommended practices

Edition 2 / May 2021

ASSESS | INFORM | EQUIP

27

RESPIRATORY HAZARD PREVENTION OUR SPECIALIST

SAFETY + REGULATIONS IMPACT PROTECTION

DANGEROUS

A dangerous good (DG) is a substance with hazardous qualities that can harm people and/or property. These qualities may be corrosive, flammable, combustible, explosive, oxidising, water reactive, toxic or have other similar traits. Examples include petrol, kerosene, hydrochloric acid, LP gas, asbestos, and carbon dioxide.

Tragically, the scenario is all too common: you are with someone when suddenly he or she collapses, has no pulse, loses consciousness, gasps for air or may not be breathing at all. A cardiac arrest happens when the heart stops beating. The Heart Foundation says that each year in Australia about 25,000 people suffer a cardiac arrest out of hospital. As few as 5% survive.

In Australia there are many standards, acts and regulations concerning dangerous goods. These cover manufacture, supply, transport, handling and storage.

For manufacturers and suppliers, duties include:

Although it is not compulsory in Australian workplaces, an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) should be considered. It is an easy-to-use device that has step-by-step voice prompts and visual guides which enable an untrained person to operate it. An AED analyses the heart rhythm of a victim and determines if it needs to apply a controlled electric shock in a bid to restart the heart.

• Determination of whether a good is dangerous.

For a manufacturer this must occur before the good is made, and for a supplier, before it is supplied.

• Classifying a dangerous good according to relevant regulations.

• Packing, marking, and labelling according to relevant regulations.

• Preparing relevant safety data documentation.

PROTECTION IN THE WORKPLACE

A cardiac arrest is different to a heart attack. When suffering a heart attack a person is awake and enduring such symptoms as chest pain, breathing difficulties, giddiness and nausea. The first few minutes after a person suffers a cardiac arrest are vital. Usually, if there is not an immediate medical response, the chances of survival are deemed to be low. Indeed, NSW Health notes that, ‘For every minute that passes after a person has a cardiac arrest, the chance of survival decreases.’

CLICK FOR

MORE INFO. Or contact your Technical Safety Specialist

For storage and handling, some of the main requirements of risk control are:

• Informing all visitors about on-site requirements (this includes safety signs).

“Safe storage can be as simple as using a dedicated DG storage cabinet or cage to meet the requirements set out by Australian Standards,” says Mike Carrigg of Spill Crew Australia. “For an extra layer of certainty, Australian Made DG cabinets and cages are purpose built for Australian environments and regulations.”

• The use of equipment and facilities that meet relevant regulations.

For the latest information, contact the relevant organisations in your state or territory.

• The provision of induction, information, training, and supervision for workers.

DANGEROUS GOODS

AEDs SAVE LIVES

GOODS STORAGE

• Possession of the relevant safety data documentation.

It should be stressed again that anyone can use an AED. Furthermore, a defibrillator will only shock someone who has had a cardiac arrest, and you cannot hurt anyone by using the device. An AED is without doubt, an extraordinary invention. ‘Studies have shown defibrillation within 3 to 5 minutes can produce survival rates as high as 50% to 70%.’

An AED in your workplace not only ensures a life saving device is available for your workers, but also for your customers, visitors, and contractors on your sites.

Are you prepared?

CLICK FOR

MORE INFO. Or contact your Technical Safety Specialist

AS 1940-2017 THE STORAGE & HANDLING OF FLAMMABLE & COMBUSTIBLE LIQUIDS • Flammable liquids are categorised as a Class 3 Flammable Liquid according to the Australian Dangerous Goods (ADG) Code • Flammable liquid safety cabinets should be marked with a Class 3 Flammable Liquids dangerous goods diamond and a Danger sign advising of no smoking and no ignition sources within 3 metres of the cabinet

26

Safety Spotlight

• Flammable liquid safety cabinets should include a liquidtight inner base compound to capture any drips, leaks or spills • Cabinets feature self-closing doors with a three-point bullet self-latching system • Users should cross-reference AS 1940-2017 to ensure storage quantities and cabinet locations meet the recommended practices

Edition 2 / May 2021

ASSESS | INFORM | EQUIP

27

AT BLACKWOODS NOW, THINK ABOUT YOUR WORKPLACE. Most Supply Chain businesses have a common problem: How do they safely store and access large amounts of goods, which are often heavy, safely at height? Movement of palletised goods using a mobile plant introduces a potential hazard of goods falling from the pallet at height, creating a risk to pedestrians and mobile plant operators that may be in the area. One option is to design pedestrian-free warehouses, however this does not eliminate the risk completely.

At Blackwoods, our StoreSAFE Program is a key initiative within our GetSAFE Management System. The StoreSAFE operating system sits alongside the physical storage framework and it underpins the safety processes around product storage across the entire Blackwoods business. The key requirement of the StoreSAFE program is that all goods stored on pallets more

your surfboard, but where do you put it? You see a space at the top of some shelves in the corner. It might be a bit of a squeeze, but it’s worth having a go. A few seconds later, you’re on your back pinned

3m

to the concrete floor by shelves, tools, engines, a

1. Separate People and Mobile Plant: I will only operate mobile plant where a barrier or an exclusion zone is in place of at least three metres where people are present.

I will only approach mobile plant when the operator has acknowledged me, stopped, and parked the vehicle.

vice, a ladder, some fishing rods, an old boombox and your twin-fin. It can happen. It does happen.

than 2 metres above floor level must be secured, or contained, so that the goods cannot fall to the ground below.

Its core elements include: • Design of storage equipment • Supporting measures: traffic management planning, storage procedures, information training, inspection and monitoring, auditing, and processes for hazard/incident reporting and follow-up action.

3. Secure People Working at Height: I will always use suitable fall prevention or inspected fall arrest devices when working at height.

To support these elements, large signage on pallet racking has been introduced which shows a simple four method matrix for the storage of bulk goods at height. It clearly demonstrates when and how the following should be used: • Stretch Wrap • Cages • Pallet Collars • Load-Rated Straps

4. Keep People Clear of Loading Zone: I will only load or unload a vehicle when the driver is in the Driver Safety Zone and the load area is free from all other pedestrians.

StoreSAFE GUIDE – BULK STORAGE OF GOODS AT HEIGHT STRETCH WRAP

2. Secure Objects and Exclusion Zone: In bulk pallet racks, I will always suitably secure items stored above two metres and will only operate mobile plant where pedestrians are not within two bays of me or in the adjacent aisle.

2m

• Integrity of pallets and product restraints

PALLET COLLAR

CAGE

DRIVER SAFETY SAFE ZONE

5. Restrain Loads Prior to Transport: I will always safely restrain the load prior to transport.

STRAPPED

The Store SAFE framework was meticulously developed from a series of pilot solutions and accompanying testings.

UNIT LOADS Stretch wrap must secure

Pallet collar must be at least

Cage must be suitable

all goods, and the pallet should

⅔ height of the goods, or stacked

for use in racking

be firmly bound into the load

items, ⅔ of the top layer of goods

Straps must prevent movement

Our Queensland HSE manager, Shawn Hampson, has been instrumental in implementing the StoreSAFE initiative across the business. He says:

of goods in all directions and secured to the pallet

ROLLS Do not use

Pallet collar must be at least

Cage must be suitable

A minimum of 2 approved

Stretch wrap not suitable

⅔ height of the goods, or stacked

for use in racking

straps must be used

items, ⅔ of the top layer of goods

L IFE

REELS & DRUMS Stretch wrap must secure

Pallet collar must be at least

Cage must be at least

Straps must prevent movement

all goods, and the pallet should

⅔ height of the goods, or stacked

⅔ height of the goods

of goods in all directions

be firmly bound into the load

items, ⅔ of the top layer of goods

and secured to the pallet

DANGEROUS GOODS

NON-STACKABLE/UGLY Do not use

Pallet collar must be at least

Cage must be at least

Stretch wrap not suitable

⅔ height of the goods, or stacked

⅔ height of the goods

items, ⅔ of the top layer of goods

Straps must prevent movement of goods in all directions and secured to the pallet

OVERSIZED Do not use

Do not use

Do not use

A minimum of 2 approved

Stretch wrap not suitable

Pallet collars are not suitable

Cage not suitable

straps must be used. No overhand

SAV

PROTECTION IN THE WORKPLACE

Blackwoods has also implemented ‘Life Saving Rules’, a five-point pledge-like action plan:

crowded home garage and you want to pack away

IN

LES

RESPIRATORY HAZARD PREVENTION OUR SPECIALIST

HOW WE DO THINGS

IMPACT PROTECTION

SAFETY + REGULATIONS

StoreSAFE

Put yourself in this position. You’re in your

G RU

“The key is to implement these measures into BAU, so our team members will perform them automatically, without even thinking. Some of the ways we’ve found to get people to engage is to create fun activities that make o get people aware of potential dangers. Activities like estimating what is 3 metres around a forklift, ‘hazard hunts’ in warehouses, and videos demonstrating our Lifesaving Rules have all shown to be very effective in teaching essential lessons.

And they help team bonding as well!”

The StoreSAFE initiative, with its easily understood requirements, is now well embedded at Blackwoods. It is truly a lived value. As Shawn says: “It’s just how we do things here.”

to front or back of pallet

28

Safety Spotlight

Edition 2 / May 2021

ASSESS | INFORM | EQUIP

29

AT BLACKWOODS NOW, THINK ABOUT YOUR WORKPLACE. Most Supply Chain businesses have a common problem: How do they safely store and access large amounts of goods, which are often heavy, safely at height? Movement of palletised goods using a mobile plant introduces a potential hazard of goods falling from the pallet at height, creating a risk to pedestrians and mobile plant operators that may be in the area. One option is to design pedestrian-free warehouses, however this does not eliminate the risk completely.

At Blackwoods, our StoreSAFE Program is a key initiative within our GetSAFE Management System. The StoreSAFE operating system sits alongside the physical storage framework and it underpins the safety processes around product storage across the entire Blackwoods business. The key requirement of the StoreSAFE program is that all goods stored on pallets more

your surfboard, but where do you put it? You see a space at the top of some shelves in the corner. It might be a bit of a squeeze, but it’s worth having a go. A few seconds later, you’re on your back pinned

3m

to the concrete floor by shelves, tools, engines, a

1. Separate People and Mobile Plant: I will only operate mobile plant where a barrier or an exclusion zone is in place of at least three metres where people are present.

I will only approach mobile plant when the operator has acknowledged me, stopped, and parked the vehicle.

vice, a ladder, some fishing rods, an old boombox and your twin-fin. It can happen. It does happen.

than 2 metres above floor level must be secured, or contained, so that the goods cannot fall to the ground below.

Its core elements include: • Design of storage equipment • Supporting measures: traffic management planning, storage procedures, information training, inspection and monitoring, auditing, and processes for hazard/incident reporting and follow-up action.

3. Secure People Working at Height: I will always use suitable fall prevention or inspected fall arrest devices when working at height.

To support these elements, large signage on pallet racking has been introduced which shows a simple four method matrix for the storage of bulk goods at height. It clearly demonstrates when and how the following should be used: • Stretch Wrap • Cages • Pallet Collars • Load-Rated Straps

4. Keep People Clear of Loading Zone: I will only load or unload a vehicle when the driver is in the Driver Safety Zone and the load area is free from all other pedestrians.

StoreSAFE GUIDE – BULK STORAGE OF GOODS AT HEIGHT STRETCH WRAP

2. Secure Objects and Exclusion Zone: In bulk pallet racks, I will always suitably secure items stored above two metres and will only operate mobile plant where pedestrians are not within two bays of me or in the adjacent aisle.

2m

• Integrity of pallets and product restraints

PALLET COLLAR

CAGE

DRIVER SAFETY SAFE ZONE

5. Restrain Loads Prior to Transport: I will always safely restrain the load prior to transport.

STRAPPED

The Store SAFE framework was meticulously developed from a series of pilot solutions and accompanying testings.

UNIT LOADS Stretch wrap must secure

Pallet collar must be at least

Cage must be suitable

all goods, and the pallet should

⅔ height of the goods, or stacked

for use in racking

be firmly bound into the load

items, ⅔ of the top layer of goods

Straps must prevent movement

Our Queensland HSE manager, Shawn Hampson, has been instrumental in implementing the StoreSAFE initiative across the business. He says:

of goods in all directions and secured to the pallet

ROLLS Do not use

Pallet collar must be at least

Cage must be suitable

A minimum of 2 approved

Stretch wrap not suitable

⅔ height of the goods, or stacked

for use in racking

straps must be used

items, ⅔ of the top layer of goods

L IFE

REELS & DRUMS Stretch wrap must secure

Pallet collar must be at least

Cage must be at least

Straps must prevent movement

all goods, and the pallet should

⅔ height of the goods, or stacked

⅔ height of the goods

of goods in all directions

be firmly bound into the load

items, ⅔ of the top layer of goods

and secured to the pallet

DANGEROUS GOODS

NON-STACKABLE/UGLY Do not use

Pallet collar must be at least

Cage must be at least

Stretch wrap not suitable

⅔ height of the goods, or stacked

⅔ height of the goods

items, ⅔ of the top layer of goods

Straps must prevent movement of goods in all directions and secured to the pallet

OVERSIZED Do not use

Do not use

Do not use

A minimum of 2 approved

Stretch wrap not suitable

Pallet collars are not suitable

Cage not suitable

straps must be used. No overhand

SAV

PROTECTION IN THE WORKPLACE

Blackwoods has also implemented ‘Life Saving Rules’, a five-point pledge-like action plan:

crowded home garage and you want to pack away

IN

LES

RESPIRATORY HAZARD PREVENTION OUR SPECIALIST

HOW WE DO THINGS

IMPACT PROTECTION

SAFETY + REGULATIONS

StoreSAFE

Put yourself in this position. You’re in your

G RU

“The key is to implement these measures into BAU, so our team members will perform them automatically, without even thinking. Some of the ways we’ve found to get people to engage is to create fun activities that make o get people aware of potential dangers. Activities like estimating what is 3 metres around a forklift, ‘hazard hunts’ in warehouses, and videos demonstrating our Lifesaving Rules have all shown to be very effective in teaching essential lessons.

And they help team bonding as well!”

The StoreSAFE initiative, with its easily understood requirements, is now well embedded at Blackwoods. It is truly a lived value. As Shawn says: “It’s just how we do things here.”

to front or back of pallet

28

Safety Spotlight

Edition 2 / May 2021

ASSESS | INFORM | EQUIP

29

RESPIRATORY HAZARD PREVENTION OUR SPECIALIST

MARIA FOX

TECHNICAL SAFETY SPECIALIST - QLD

Our team of Technical Safety Specialists are experienced in a wide range of industries and invest time with customers to understand the specific hazards they face.

Those who live there reckon it’s ‘God’s Country.’ Way up north in Queensland, a long drive (and then some!) from Brisbane. We’re talking about Mackay, a coastal city sweetened by sugar cane, and bolstered by coal from the nearby Bowen Basin. It’s also the home of Technical Safety Specialist, Maria Fox.

They share knowledge so that customers are equipped to ensure that every employee, contractor and visitor returns home healthy and injury free.

The Blackwoods technical safety team help customers get the right product, technical knowledge and training, at the right time.

The professional journey has taken her throughout Queensland, New South Wales and the Northern Territory. Now, she oversees a number of customers’ safety needs, on the coast and remote areas of northern Queensland. Among her many skills, she has strong knowledge of respiratory solutions and legislative standards requirements, particularly in the mining industry.

TECHNICAL SAFETY SPECIALIST - WA Jon.Martin@blackwoods.com.au

+61 438 439 155

MICHAEL SIMPER

TECHNICAL SAFETY SPECIALIST - WA Michael.Simper@blackwoods.com.au

+61 429 347 245

CRAIG POSTILL

TECHNICAL SAFETY SPECIALIST - SA/NT Craig.Postill@blackwoods.com.au

DEAN ANDERSON

TECHNICAL SAFETY SPECIALIST - QLD Dean.Anderson@blackwoods.com.au

+61 407 728 860

SIMON FOSTER

TECHNICAL SAFETY SPECIALIST - QLD +61 418 259 239

Simon.Foster@blackwoods.com.au

MARIA FOX

TECHNICAL SAFETY SPECIALIST - QLD +61 418 689 923

Maria is known for her effervescence, easy-going nature, but she is also extremely determined and passionate about finding the right solution for customers.

Together we help to build a better AUSTRALIA.

YOU CAN CONTACT MARIA ON +61 418 689 923

JON MARTIN

+61 417 998 488

Maria began working for Blackwoods, as a customer service officer, at Mount Isa in 1997.

Four years later she moved into an account management role, and over the following years she worked in a variety of management positions, spanning sales, marketing, operations and learning and development.

IMPACT PROTECTION

SAFETY + REGULATIONS

MEET OUR TECHNICAL SAFETY SPECIALISTS

Maria.Fox@blackwoods.com.au

BRENDAN RYAN

TECHNICAL SAFETY SPECIALIST - NTH NSW Brendan.Ryan@blackwoods.com.au

+61 417 231 550

LESTER DAVIES

Maria.Fox@blackwoods.com.au

TECHNICAL SAFETY SPECIALIST - NSW

140+ AUST

+61 418 265 269

YEAR

RALI

AN

S

Lester.Davies@blackwoods.com.au

KAREN MCNAMARA

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER APPAREL & FOOTWEAR - NSW +61 407 934 112

Karen.McNamara@blackwoods.com.au

JANELLE COCCIA PROTECTION IN THE WORKPLACE

TECHNICAL SAFETY SPECIALIST - SOUTH NSW +61 459 805 179

Janelle.Coccia@blackwoods.com.au

DREW DAUNCEY

TECHNICAL SAFETY SPECIALIST - VIC/TAS +61 408 624 653

Drew.Dauncey@blackwoods.com.au

CHRIS BEATON

TECHNICAL SAFETY SPECIALIST - VIC +61 437 998 112

Chris.Beaton@blackwoods.com.au

DANGEROUS GOODS

PETER AGNOS HEAD OF SPECIALIST SALES TEAM +61 417 819 584

30

Safety Spotlight

Edition 2 / May 2021

Peter.Agnos@blackwoods.com.au

ASSESS | INFORM | EQUIP

31

RESPIRATORY HAZARD PREVENTION OUR SPECIALIST

MARIA FOX

TECHNICAL SAFETY SPECIALIST - QLD

Our team of Technical Safety Specialists are experienced in a wide range of industries and invest time with customers to understand the specific hazards they face.

Those who live there reckon it’s ‘God’s Country.’ Way up north in Queensland, a long drive (and then some!) from Brisbane. We’re talking about Mackay, a coastal city sweetened by sugar cane, and bolstered by coal from the nearby Bowen Basin. It’s also the home of Technical Safety Specialist, Maria Fox.

They share knowledge so that customers are equipped to ensure that every employee, contractor and visitor returns home healthy and injury free.

The Blackwoods technical safety team help customers get the right product, technical knowledge and training, at the right time.

The professional journey has taken her throughout Queensland, New South Wales and the Northern Territory. Now, she oversees a number of customers’ safety needs, on the coast and remote areas of northern Queensland. Among her many skills, she has strong knowledge of respiratory solutions and legislative standards requirements, particularly in the mining industry.

TECHNICAL SAFETY SPECIALIST - WA Jon.Martin@blackwoods.com.au

+61 438 439 155

MICHAEL SIMPER

TECHNICAL SAFETY SPECIALIST - WA Michael.Simper@blackwoods.com.au

+61 429 347 245

CRAIG POSTILL

TECHNICAL SAFETY SPECIALIST - SA/NT Craig.Postill@blackwoods.com.au

DEAN ANDERSON

TECHNICAL SAFETY SPECIALIST - QLD Dean.Anderson@blackwoods.com.au

+61 407 728 860

SIMON FOSTER

TECHNICAL SAFETY SPECIALIST - QLD +61 418 259 239

Simon.Foster@blackwoods.com.au

MARIA FOX

TECHNICAL SAFETY SPECIALIST - QLD +61 418 689 923

Maria is known for her effervescence, easy-going nature, but she is also extremely determined and passionate about finding the right solution for customers.

Together we help to build a better AUSTRALIA.

YOU CAN CONTACT MARIA ON +61 418 689 923

JON MARTIN

+61 417 998 488

Maria began working for Blackwoods, as a customer service officer, at Mount Isa in 1997.

Four years later she moved into an account management role, and over the following years she worked in a variety of management positions, spanning sales, marketing, operations and learning and development.

IMPACT PROTECTION

SAFETY + REGULATIONS

MEET OUR TECHNICAL SAFETY SPECIALISTS

Maria.Fox@blackwoods.com.au

BRENDAN RYAN

TECHNICAL SAFETY SPECIALIST - NTH NSW Brendan.Ryan@blackwoods.com.au

+61 417 231 550

LESTER DAVIES

Maria.Fox@blackwoods.com.au

TECHNICAL SAFETY SPECIALIST - NSW

140+ AUST

+61 418 265 269

YEAR

RALI

AN

S

Lester.Davies@blackwoods.com.au

KAREN MCNAMARA

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER APPAREL & FOOTWEAR - NSW +61 407 934 112

Karen.McNamara@blackwoods.com.au

JANELLE COCCIA PROTECTION IN THE WORKPLACE

TECHNICAL SAFETY SPECIALIST - SOUTH NSW +61 459 805 179

Janelle.Coccia@blackwoods.com.au

DREW DAUNCEY

TECHNICAL SAFETY SPECIALIST - VIC/TAS +61 408 624 653

Drew.Dauncey@blackwoods.com.au

CHRIS BEATON

TECHNICAL SAFETY SPECIALIST - VIC +61 437 998 112

Chris.Beaton@blackwoods.com.au

DANGEROUS GOODS

PETER AGNOS HEAD OF SPECIALIST SALES TEAM +61 417 819 584

30

Safety Spotlight

Edition 2 / May 2021

Peter.Agnos@blackwoods.com.au

ASSESS | INFORM | EQUIP

31

ASSESS We work with customers to understand the specific hazards they face. Drawing on the knowledge of our technical team, we share the expertise needed to review, test and manage safe work practices.

Where stock is critical and time is limited, we can provide streamlined solutions using smart technology to help you better manage inventory, reduce cost, free-up capital and improve productivity.

INFORM When managing safety on worksites, knowledge is the key to prevention. Our goal is to stay abreast of the latest safety standards, recommendations and technology so we can keep our customers informed.

Our Technical Safety Specialists are experience in a wide range of industries, from mining to construction. They offer a wealth of hands-on practical knowledge and a passion for helping customers stay informed and protected.

EQUIP Our global sourcing expertise and capability coupled with long-standing relationships with market leading manufacturers throughout the world ensures our customers are provided with any best-practice developments and innovations in the safety space.

With fit-for-purpose product selection guidance, sourcing, delivery and post purchase support in line with applicable standards, we have everything you need to get the job done safely, and if we don’t have it, we can get it.

Our holistic approach to safety is what sets us apart from other suppliers and it’s something we’re incredibly proud of. Because when our customers can do their job safely and confidently, then we know we’ve done ours. Together we’re helping build a better Australia.

13 73 23

blackwoods.com.au