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Draeger has recently released their next generation bump test and calibration station - the X-dock. This new system provides function and bump testing, calibration, documentation, and reporting on a modular, easy to use platform. The new Draeger X-dock system doesn't require a PC, so it can be a stand-alone unit. The user interfaces with the X-dock via touch screen, and the docks can be connected and the manager can handle up to 10 instruments and all of their critical data. X-doc …

We just wrote about what a great continuous topside monitor the RKI GX-2012 is. Apparently the word is already on the street. This photo was taken in downtown San Francisco recently. And while all we can guess from this photo is that there may be some vacuuming going on down in that confined space, we are heartened to see they are using not only the reliable RKI Instruments GX-2012, but they are also protecting the area with one of our Allegro Manhole Guard Rails. Safe confined space entry …

Waste collection has always been a more injury-prone occupation than most. In both fatal and non-fatal accident categories, refuse collectors are at high risk. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics shows many of the fatal accidents being caused by transportation - either passing cars, other work vehicles, or their own refuse trucks. Slips, falls, and trips also occur with regularity, along with cuts and lacerations. Safety equipment is critical for these workers, and is most often supplied …

The deadly explosion of the West Fertilizer Plant in West, Texas is still in the search and rescue stages, but serious air quality risks may now be affecting local residents and rescue workers. What can emergency workers and volunteers do to minimize the health hazards that are likely present on the site of, and in the immediate vicinity of, this most recent US explosion? At a news conference, local Waco Police Department Sgt. William Swanton said this morning, "Air quality, at this …

Colorimetric tubes are used to analyze a wide range of gases. This isn't new technology. Draeger made their first tubes in 1937. And while there certainly have been improvements and the range of testable gases has greatly expanded, the fundamental manner of determining chemical concentrations in the air has stayed basically the same. Draeger tubes contain a chemical color reagent that transforms colorless chemical compounds into colored, and produce consistent results of absorption dependi …

At height workers, whether they are working solo or as part of a team, must be supplied not only with proper fall protection, but also a plan for rescue. If you or a co-worker fall and aren't able to conveniently self-rescue, what is your plan? Typically workers wearing self-retracting lifelines (SRLs) are generally stopped quicker and closer to the spot they fell from than workers wearing traditional shock-absorbing lanyards. The second group, when they fall, often are stopped relat …

Spring has sprung in about two-thirds of the contiguous United States at this point. And while North Dakota and Montana are both shoveling snow and dreaming about a 45-degree day, in the southern states it's time to stock up and start using sunblock. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the best way to prevent skin cancer is to prevent sunburn. The best way to prevent sunburn is to stay indoors or possibly underground. Unfortunately, that's not an option …

If you are a contractor, carpenter, plumber, HVAC technician, or utility worker, chances are you are already quite familiar with SoftKnees No-Strap Knee Pads from Working Concepts. Folks who kneel or work on rough surfaces daily know how comfortable and lightweight SoftKnees can be. They weigh practically nothing and slip easily into your Carhartt or Dickies work pants with knee pad pockets. SoftKnees are sold by the pair and are sometimes referred to as Carhartt pads or Dickies Pads. Wo …

With recent changes to the ANSI fall safety standards regarding inspection of SRLs (self-retracting lifelines) utilities, oil & gas companies, petrochemical, and other site management teams are trying to determine when their devices need to go in for servicing. The answer is - it depends. The frequency of inspection depends on how often the SRL is used. The equation is further complicated by the fact that the ANSI requirement also says that their stated inspection times are superseded by t …

Whether you are an arborist, cell tower hand, tower dog, wind energy tech, or you just love Petzl products for recreational climbing, take a look at our Petzl 20% Off Sale going on now through April 14th, 2013. We're happy to be offering 20% off our entire line of Petzl products including harnesses, helmets, and hardware. Our customers sum up our feelings about the Petzl products perfectly. Patrick from St. Louis Missouri says the Petzl GRIGRI 2 belay device is "a must-have. I tru …