The industrial environments can be extreme and challenging making the process control measures insufficient to minimise the risk. Therefore, using Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is a must for anyone who is working in such areas. In the previous part of this blog series, we have examined the real world challenges that the safety professionals have to overcome to improve the compliance and reduce the risks without compromising the productivity. These goals often appear to be contradictory and can be very challenging to implement for the decision makers.

Luckily, the key to get around this issue is easily available in the safety standards for eye protection. Before we jump to the solution to the problem at hand let’s look at the evolution of safety eyewear.

The earliest references of using an eye protection for industrial applications dates back to 1880 when an African-American inventor, Powell Johnson, secured a patent for ‘Eye Protector’¹ that he designed to minimise glare by placing two circular screens in front of each other. These screens were made of, believe it or not a semi-opaque fabric! While it was an interesting invention to reduce the glare while working in front of furnaces it obviously lacked the impact strength needed to prevent eye injuries from flying particles.

The importance of protecting eyes from non-glare hazards, like mechanical projectiles, was recognised in early 1900s. The ‘Julius King Optical Company’ in the United States developed the first safety goggle called SHANIGLAS in collaboration with ‘American Optical’ in 1909. Following that in 1910 Garrett Morgan gained a patent to include safety glass in his gas mask and the protective eyewear as we know today came into being. His invention became popular during the First World War and later evolved to be used as car windshields.

These first generation safety eyewear designs were bulky and uncomfortable for most part of twentieth century as they were made from metals, leather and toughed mineral glass and hard resins. These materials were brittle and presented a secondary hazard to the eyes and face when used for eye protection. In early 1970s Gentex Corporation (manufacturer of tactical helmets) revolutionised the safety eyewear by manufacturing an optical lens made out of polycarbonate for the first time. Polycarbonate being a strong material offered far superior impact protection than toughened glass and it remains the material of choice for safety eyewear even to this date.

While the design of safety eyewear was getting upgraded, the ANSI standard for eye protection remained undefined till 1968 and in the initial days covered only the construction industry. Real attention was given after OSHA was established in 1971 and referred to the 1968 version of ANSI standard for eye protector as a rule. The ANSI Standard Z87.1 has undergone a few updates since then and the latest version is from 2020.

The Indian version of first safety eyewear standard IS 5983² was published in 1971 by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) under the name ‘Specifications for protective filters for welding, cutting and similar applications’. The scope of IS 5983 was expanded in 1980 to cover hazards like small particles flying at high velocity, molten metal, chemical splashes, dust, gases, optical radiations (ultra-violet, infra-red and glare from intense visible light) pose hazards which are likely to impair vision or damage the eye and the standard was renamed as ‘Specification for Eye Protectors’.

The standard at that point had recognised both toughened glass and plastic as lens material but for several years the safety eyewear was made using toughened glass as lens material. Even today some safety goggle tenders from public sector companies specify toughened glass as lens material. What is interesting to know that even in 1980s the standard was quite evolved. It had touched upon aspects of wearer comfort, fitment, ventilation etc and there was a corollary standard for the testing methods (IS 7524:1980³). This version of the standard recognised two separate product categories – eyewear with optical protection only and eyewear offering protection from mechanical impact. The standard also identified special purpose products offering protection from - high velocity particles or molten metal and hot solids or chemical splashes or dusts or vapours and gases, and it included a product marking guideline to map a product for application. The IS 5983 was recently withdrawn and a new standard IS 8521 (Part 1) was introduced in 2021. This standard is mirrored and harmonised with ISO 16321. The standard for test methods have been also updated as IS 7524 (part 1 - part 4) and they mirror ISO 18526 (part 1 – part 4).

One might think that the safety standards would primarily focus on product design and testing and they are of little help to users or decision makers. Thankfully that’s not true. Most safety standards include a mandatory product marking guideline that provides the crucial information, to the decision makers and users, to select an appropriate product offering the desired protection from the identified hazard. In the next part of this blog series we will explore the product marking in greater detail and finally understand how this knowledge helps to over product selection dilemma and improved compliance.

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References

¹ https://patentimages.storage.googleapis.com/a7/bd/b8/b78300a62f59a8/US234039.pdf

² https://law.resource.org/pub/in/bis/S02/is.5983.1980.pdf

³ https://law.resource.org/pub/in/bis/S02/is.7524.1.1980.pdf

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From helmets to safety shoes, our protective gear (PPE) shields us from hazards at work place. Most organisations have well defined safety policies and they spend considerable amount of time and money proving quality PPEs to employees however the biggest challenge for safety professionals is to get the users wear their PPEs!!

Safety and comfort often do not go hand in hand. On Indian roads, we frequently see individuals driving cars without seat belts or riding motorbikes without helmets, mainly due to the discomfort of the safety measures. This apathy leads to a lack of compliance which is a major safety concern. The concepts of comfort and wearability are even more important at workplaces as they directly impact productivity which is a clear measure of individual’s performance at work. Therefore the employees often avoid anything that hinders their activities. A general tendency of an individual is to adopt a ‘bare minimum’ protection needed to perform the task without affecting productivity and ignore everything else. Line managers, responsible for ensuring compliance with safety norms, often face the dilemma of balancing safety and productivity. They may prioritise meeting production targets while allowing this compromised safety compliance. This results in the ‘bare minimum’ becoming the accepted performance criterion for most PPEs. While this approach may seem cost-effective and efficient in the short term, it poses significant risks in the long term.

However there are several tasks where the bare minimum is not sufficient. Unfortunately, many organisations do not distinguish between general protection and special requirements unless there is a significant impact on productivity. This lack of differentiation increases risk exposure. Procurement policies often focus on controlling costs by meeting ‘the bare minimum’ requirements, satisfying KPIs without considering whether the PPE will be used effectively or its durability. This short-sighted approach overlooks the long-term consequences and defeats the purpose.  

A common example of this phenomenon is experienced in case of safety eyewear. Many production sites recognise Safety Eyewear as one of the mandatory PPEs. Any one entering these sites need to wear a safety eyewear along with other PPEs to protect themselves from flying particles and/or liquid splashes and/or harmful lights. It is not difficult to imagine that if we are to work wearing anything on our eyes then it should be something that allows us to see clearly in order to perform our tasks efficiently. That’s very basic isn’t it?!, but quite often this basic need is not fulfilled by the eye protection being used. It’s not uncommon to find individuals entering the work site with their eyewear but they prefer keeping it in their pockets or push it up on their head primarily because they can’t see clearly wearing the safety eyewear. This is a big concern and such individuals are putting themselves at a very high risk of an eye injury and loss of eyesight not because they don’t want to wear the eye protection but their eyewear is simply not offering clear vision.

Decision makers need to carefully examine the causes leading to a situation where a brand new eyewear, which has typically met the bare minimum criterion during procurement scrutiny, quickly moves away from being in front of our eyes to our pockets. This issue is not only about increased risk for the wearer but also about hidden costs for the organisation. Frequent procurement of PPE due to inadequate initial quality results in higher overall expenditure and increased recycling costs. These hidden costs far outweigh the savings from procuring PPE that just meets the ‘bare minimum’ compliance.

In conclusion, while providing quality PPE is essential, ensuring its consistent use is even more critical. Organizations must go beyond the bare minimum and consider comfort and usability to enhance compliance. In the next part of this blog we will understand the how improved awareness of the safety standards can significantly improve the compliance and negate the wearability challenge to a large extent.  

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A+A is the world's leading trade fair and congress for safety and health at work. It will take place from October 24-27, 2023, in Düsseldorf, Germany. Over 2,000 exhibitors from over 60 countries will present their latest products and services for personal protection, occupational safety, and health at work.

The A+A congress is also a major event, with over 1,000 speakers and attendees from all over the world. The congress program covers a wide range of topics related to safety and health at work, including:

• Occupational safety and health management
• Risk assessment and prevention
• Personal protective equipment
• Occupational hygiene
• Ergonomics and work design
• Occupational medicine
• Safety culture

If you are involved in safety and health at work, then A+A is the must-attend event. You will have the opportunity to see the latest products and services from leading suppliers, learn from experts in the field, and network with other professionals.

Unicare Safety, a leading manufacturer of eye/face wash, safety showers, and other safety equipment, will be participating in the A+A International Trade Fair and Congress for Safety and Health at Work, which will take place from October 24-27, 2023, in Düsseldorf, Germany.

At the A+A trade fair, Unicare Safety will showcase its latest products and solutions for eye/face wash, safety showers, and other safety equipment. This includes:

• A wide range of eye/face wash stations, including wall-mounted, pedestal-mounted, and portable units
• Safety showers, including drench showers, deluge showers, and combination units
• Emergency decontamination units
• Eye/face wash and safety shower accessories, such as dust covers, drain pans, and signage

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Unicare Safety is committed to providing its customers with the best possible eye/face wash, safety showers, and other safety equipment. By participating in the A+A trade fair, Unicare Safety is able to showcase its latest products and solutions to a global audience and share its knowledge of eye/face wash and Safety Shower with others.

Here are some of the benefits of visiting the Unicare Safety booth at the A+A trade fair:

• See the latest eye/face wash, safety shower, and other safety equipment: Unicare Safety will be showcasing its latest products and solutions for eye/face wash, safety showers, and other safety equipment. This includes a wide range of eye/face wash stations, safety showers, emergency decontamination units, and accessories.
• Learn from safety experts: Unicare Safety will be offering a variety of educational resources at the A+A trade fair, including seminars and workshops on eye/face wash and safety shower safety, as well as one-on-one consultations with safety experts.
• Get advice on your specific eye/face wash and safety shower needs: The Unicare Safety team will be happy to help you choose the right eye/face wash, safety showers, and other safety equipment for your specific needs. They can also provide you with advice on how to install and maintain your eye/face wash and safety shower equipment.

If you are involved in safety and health at work, then you should definitely visit the Unicare Safety booth at the A+A trade fair. It is a great opportunity to see the latest eye/face wash, safety shower, and other safety equipment, learn from safety experts, and get advice on your specific eye/face wash and safety shower needs.

Here are some of the things you can expect to see at A+A 2023:

• New and innovative safety equipment: A+A is a great place to see the latest safety equipment, including new technologies and designs. You can find everything from personal protective equipment to workplace safety systems.
• Educational seminars and workshops: The A+A congress offers a wide range of educational seminars and workshops on safety and health at work topics. You can learn from experts in the field and get practical advice on how to improve safety in your workplace.
• Networking opportunities: A+A is a great place to network with other safety and health professionals. You can meet potential suppliers, customers, and partners.

If you are interested in attending A+A 2023, you can register online at the A+A website.

Here are some tips for getting the most out of your A+A experience:

• Plan your visit: A+A is a large event, so it is important to plan your visit in advance. Decide which exhibitors you want to see and which seminars and workshops you want to attend.
• Wear comfortable shoes: You will be doing a lot of walking at A+A, so wear comfortable shoes.
• Bring a business card: A+A is a great place to network with other professionals, so be sure to bring plenty of business cards.
• Take breaks: A+A can be overwhelming, so it is important to take breaks throughout the day. Find a quiet place to sit down and relax for a few minutes.

Have fun: A+A is a great opportunity to learn and network, but it is also a lot of fun. Enjoy the event and take advantage of all that it has to offer.

Sustainability is becoming increasingly important in all aspects of our lives, including the safety equipment industry. Manufacturers of safety equipment are looking for ways to reduce their environmental impact and make their products more sustainable.

One way that manufacturers are making safety equipment more sustainable is by using recycled materials. For example, some companies are using recycled plastic to make hard hats and safety glasses. Others are using recycled rubber to make gloves and boots.

Another way that manufacturers are making safety equipment more sustainable is by using renewable energy to power their factories. Some companies are also investing in energy-efficient manufacturing processes.

In addition to reducing their environmental impact, manufacturers of safety equipment are also looking for ways to make their products more durable and longer-lasting. This will help to reduce the amount of waste that is generated by the safety equipment industry.

Here are some specific examples of how safety equipment manufacturers are working to meet global green goals:

Honeywell: Honeywell is a leading manufacturer of safety equipment, including respirators, hard hats, safety glasses, and gloves. Honeywell is committed to sustainability and has set a goal of reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030. Honeywell is also working to increase the use of recycled materials in its products.

3M: 3M is another leading manufacturer of safety equipment. 3M is committed to sustainability and has set a goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050. 3M is also working to reduce the amount of waste that it generates and to increase the use of recycled materials in its products.

MSA Safety: MSA Safety is a manufacturer of safety equipment, including respirators, hard hats, safety glasses, and gloves. MSA Safety is committed to sustainability and has set a goal of reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 20% by 2025. MSA Safety is also working to increase the use of recycled materials in its products.

Unicare Safety: Unicare Safety is committed to manufacturing sustainable safety equipment. The company uses recycled materials in its products whenever possible, and it invests in renewable energy to power its factories. Unicare Safety also works to make its products durable and long-lasting.

These are just a few examples of how safety equipment manufacturers are working to meet global green goals. By reducing their environmental impact and making their products more sustainable, safety equipment manufacturers are helping to protect the planet for future generations.

What does the future hold for safety equipment?

The future of safety equipment is bright. As technology continues to advance, we can expect to see even more innovative and sustainable safety products. For example, we may see the development of safety equipment that is powered by renewable energy or that is made from recycled materials. We may also see the development of safety equipment that is more intelligent and customizable.

The safety equipment industry is committed to sustainability and to protecting the environment. By working together, manufacturers, suppliers, and customers can help to create a more sustainable future for the safety equipment industry.

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Safety equipment is essential for preventing injuries and saving lives in the workplace and in many other areas of our lives. However, it is important to use and maintain safety equipment properly in order to get the most out of it.

Here are some tips on how to use and maintain safety equipment properly, with examples of Eye Wash & Safety Showers, Eye Protection, Marine Safety, Height Safety & Fall Protection, and Search & Rescue:

Eye Wash & Safety Showers

• Use: Eye wash stations and safety showers should be located in close proximity to hazardous materials and operations. If you are exposed to a hazardous substance, immediately flush your eyes and body with water for at least 15 minutes.
• Maintenance: Eye wash stations and safety showers should be inspected regularly to ensure that they are in good working order. Make sure that the water supply is turned on and that the drains are clear.

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"Safety is not a gift, it's a choice. Choose to be safe."

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Eye Protection

• Use: Choose safety glasses or goggles that fit snugly and comfortably. Make sure that your safety glasses or goggles have the appropriate safety rating for the hazards you face. Inspect your safety glasses or goggles regularly for damage. Replace your safety glasses or goggles if they are damaged or worn out.
• Maintenance: Keep your safety glasses or goggles clean and free of debris. You can clean them with mild soap and water.

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"Safety is not just a word, it's a way of life."

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Marine Safety

• Use: Wear a life jacket whenever you are on or near the water. Be aware of the weather conditions and take precautions accordingly. Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to be back. Be prepared for emergencies by having a first-aid kit and a survival kit on board.
• Maintenance: Inspect your life jacket regularly to ensure that it is in good working order. Make sure that the straps are secure and that the flotation material is in good condition.

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"Safety is no accident." 

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Height Safety & Fall Protection

• Use: Always wear a fall arrest harness when working at heights. Inspect your fall arrest harness regularly for damage. Replace your fall arrest harness if it is damaged or worn out. Be trained on the proper use and operation of your fall arrest system. Be aware of the hazards you face and take precautions accordingly.
• Maintenance: Store your fall arrest harness in a dry place when not in use. Inspect your fall arrest harness regularly for damage and wear and tear. Replace your fall arrest harness if it is damaged or worn out.

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"Safety is not a luxury, it's a necessity."

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Search & Rescue

• Use: Be trained on the proper search and rescue techniques. Wear all appropriate safety gear when conducting search and rescue operations. Be aware of the hazards you face and take precautions accordingly. Have a plan in case of an emergency.
• Maintenance: Inspect your search and rescue gear regularly to ensure that it is in good working order. Make sure that your gear is clean and free of debris. Replace your gear if it is damaged or worn out.

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"Safety is a full-time job, not a part-time gig."

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Maintenance and periodic service are essential for keeping equipment and assets in good condition and extending their lifespan. Regular maintenance and service can help to identify and address potential problems early on, preventing costly repairs and downtime.

There are two main types of maintenance: preventive and corrective. Preventive maintenance is performed on a regular schedule to prevent problems from occurring. Corrective maintenance is performed to repair or replace equipment that has already broken down.

Periodic service is a type of preventive maintenance that is performed at regular intervals, such as monthly, quarterly, or annually. The specific tasks involved in periodic service will vary depending on the type of equipment or asset being serviced.

Here are some of the benefits of regular maintenance and periodic service:

• Extended lifespan: Regular maintenance and service can help to extend the lifespan of equipment and assets. This can save money in the long run by reducing the need for replacement.
• Improved performance: Regular maintenance and service can help to improve the performance of equipment and assets. This can lead to increased productivity and efficiency.
• Reduced downtime: Regular maintenance and service can help to reduce downtime by identifying and addressing potential problems early on. This can save money and improve productivity.
• Improved safety: Regular maintenance and service can help to improve safety by ensuring that equipment and assets are in good working order. This can help to prevent accidents and injuries.

In addition to the above benefits, regular maintenance and periodic service can also help to:

• Reduce compliance costs: Many industries have regulations that require regular maintenance and service of certain equipment and assets. By complying with these regulations, businesses can avoid costly fines and penalties.
• Improve customer satisfaction: Regular maintenance and service can help to improve customer satisfaction by ensuring that equipment and assets are reliable and available when needed. This can lead to repeat business and increased referrals.

Overall, regular maintenance and periodic service are essential for keeping equipment and assets in good condition and extending their lifespan. Regular maintenance and service can also lead to a number of other benefits, such as improved performance, reduced downtime, improved safety, reduced compliance costs, and improved customer satisfaction.

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Remember, safety is always first.

Unicare Safety, a leading provider of safety equipment and solutions, will be showcasing its latest products and services at the Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (ADIPEC) 2023, taking place from October 2 - 5 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.

ADIPEC is the world's largest and most influential oil and gas event, attracting over 150,000 visitors and over 2,200 exhibitors from over 150 countries. It is the perfect platform for Unicare Safety to showcase its latest innovations and connect with potential customers from all over the world.

Unicare Safety will be exhibiting a wide range of safety equipment and solutions at ADIPEC 2023, including:

• Personal protective equipment (PPE), such as hard hats, safety glasses, respirators, and fall protection gear
• Industrial safety equipment, such as fire extinguishers, safety signs, and lockout/tagout devices
• Environmental safety equipment, such as spill containment kits and hazardous waste disposal containers
• Training and consulting services on safety topics such as OSHA compliance, risk assessment, and accident prevention

Unicare Safety is committed to providing its customers with the highest quality safety equipment and solutions. The company's products and services are used by a wide range of industries, including oil and gas, construction, manufacturing, and healthcare.

About Unicare Safety

Unicare Safety is a leading provider of safety equipment and solutions in the Middle East. The company was founded in 1999 and has since grown to become one of the largest and most trusted safety suppliers in the region. Unicare Safety is committed to providing its customers with the highest quality products and services, and the company's products are used by a wide range of industries, including oil and gas, construction, manufacturing, and healthcare.

Unicare Safety is a certified ISO 9001:2015 company and is also a member of the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE). The company's headquarters is located in Abu Dhabi, UAE, and it has offices in Dubai, UAE, and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Why Attend ADIPEC 2023?

ADIPEC is the world's largest and most influential oil and gas event, attracting over 150,000 visitors and over 2,200 exhibitors from over 150 countries. It is the perfect platform for businesses in the oil and gas industry to network, learn about the latest trends and technologies, and make new deals.

Some of the benefits of attending ADIPEC 2023 include:

• Access to the latest oil and gas technologies and products
• The opportunity to network with potential customers and business partners from all over the world
• Learn about the latest trends and developments in the oil and gas industry
• Attend seminars and workshops on a variety of oil and gas topics

If you are involved in the oil and gas industry, ADIPEC 2023 is an event you cannot miss.

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