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Many factors come into play when choosing a welding helmet. The phrase “one size fits all” rarely applies in these situations, so it’s best to learn about the different types of helmets and welding goggles used in the industry. From occasional hobbyists to experienced professionals, use this guide to find the right welding safety equipment for the task at hand. Single Fixed vs. Variable Shade Lens There are generally two types of welding helmets: those with single, fixed lens …

You can never be too careful when it comes to fire safety. Protecting your workers in the field starts with understanding the differences between flame resistant (FR) and arc flash, or arc rated (AR), safety workwear, and clothing. These terms were often used interchangeably when describing personal protective equipment (PPE), but in 2012, the NFPA 70E created clear distinctions between the two. Flame resistant clothing doesn’t offer the same level of protection as arc rated equipment. L …

When taking a gas pipeline offline or installing a new one, utility crews must first treat the confined space with inert gas, such as nitrogen, to limit the chances of combustion. After the pipeline has been treated, workers should test the space for the presence of hazardous gases. This is what’s known as purge testing. However, this is not the same as conventional gas detection. The pipeline will contain little oxygen and high concentrations of natural gas, which could damage the gas detect …

There are few things less predictable than an outdoor jobsite. In some places, the weather can change quickly, and it’s good to have gear for all kinds of situations. As the sky gets dark and the rain starts coming down, you’re probably going to want to wear something highly visible that repels water and keeps you warm. When it comes to waterproof, water resistant, and high visibility clothing, there are a lot of options available. How do you know which ones are right for your work? W …

Confined spaces are a tight fit, but it is possible to work safely in confined spaces in the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. You’ll need to be more cautious about PPE use, cleaning, and social distancing guidelines, but plenty of caution is crucial for any worksite even when there isn’t a pandemic. What’s important is making sure that contact with contaminated surfaces and people is minimal. When it comes to coronavirus safety, there are three areas that you can look at. Best Practices I …

Once COVID-19 was first discovered within the United States, hand sanitizer became difficult to find online and in stores. Even before the pandemic, hand sanitizer was commonly recommended to keep your hands clean both in public and at home. The national shortage has led to new and existing companies moving into the hand sanitizer businesses, which has unfortunately led to toxic products that contain methanol. As a safety supplier, PK Safety wants you to be aware of this dangerous ingredie …

As an employer, it's your responsibility to provide proper fall protection equipment for worker safety. The specific type of equipment that you need, and the height requirements you need it for, varies by industry But if you’re working at height, fall protection is essential. Not only should the equipment you provide be suited for your industry’s safety standards and sized to fit your workers properly, but it should also be in good working order. If your equipment is more than a few years old …

On the job, as in life, protecting your valuable hands is very important. That’s why many workers wear safety gloves when handling equipment or working in specific industries. However, most gloves do not come with impact protection. This extra layer of material protects your team from falling objects and equipment, as well as the condition known as Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS). If your workers regularly use power tools, such as hammer drills and jackhammers, or touch vibrating equipm …

Hard hats and helmets are essential when working near or around potential hazards in the workplace. They are commonly used to protect employees from falling objects, falls, excessive heat, and moving objects and machinery. The head is considered the most fragile part of the body, so every effort should be made to protect workers from occupational head injuries. However, there are many different styles and types of hard hats and helmets for you to choose from. Use this guide to sel …

COVID-19 has impacted the world in numerous ways. Returning your workforce to on-site operations poses new challenges for your organization that you may not be prepared for. Knowing what is expected of you where OSHA is concerned can help you achieve greater peace of mind and guard the health and well-being of everyone at your company. The following COVID-19 reopening guidelines from OSHA can help you protect yourself and your workforce from a possible outbreak. Isolate Symptomatic Worke …