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We recently had a customer who worked with a wide variety of materials and needed a mask and filters to cover everything. Let’s take a look: I am working around many materials that I would like protection from. I am cutting hardened epoxy, fiberglass, wood, and plastic. I also do welding from time to time. I am also exposed to epoxies in the liquid state. Which mask and replaceable filters should I be using to protect me from these exposures? How long do the filters last? What size mask …

Here is a recent question I got on the application of rope grabs, lifelines and SRL’s. I hope you find it interesting: My company works in the residential sector of construction and renovations. Most of our work requiring harnesses is scaffold work for exterior finishing. At present we use a vertical line with a rope grab and 4 foot lanyards. I want to eliminate the possibility of workers falling the entire length of the lanyard. Can an SRL be used in conjunction with a vertical line an …

Our customers encounter all sorts of things while out working, exploring, and home improving. Here is a recent question I recently got demonstrating just that: I am excited to start a program called Urban Exploration. This group explores all sorts of places, like abandoned buildings or underground spaces. In doing this I will be exposed to a number to harmful substances like dust, asbestos and dried animal dung. Any suggestions on how I can protect my health, yet still join in the fun? …

We recently got a question about hearing protection, and the answer could be useful for all of our customers. I need hearing protection for a variety of high-pitched noises. My lab has machinery that makes a constant high-pitched noise. It is not very loud, but listening to it all day can wear on me. I also live next door to a Kindergarten and the high-pitched screams of the kids can get annoying. What hearing protection do you recommend for blocking out high-pitched noises? Can I reuse …

One question I am constantly getting is which filter and mask to use in a particular application. The answer to this depends highly on what the context is, but this specific question has a lot of common things you might want to protect yourself against with a mask and filters: I’m working in a building doing demo work. I am knocking down block walls, working with fiberglass and there is asbestos present as well. I have noticed my eyes getting itchy from the fiberglass. What respirator a …

I often get questions about which fall protection harness is the best. Although the answer may depend on the application, there is one line that seems to stand above the rest. Let’s look at this recent question: I am looking for the lightest and safest possible harness for my workers to use at our wind site. We are currently using Exofit harnesses by DBI/SALA, but they are a few years old and we are looking to update. What do you recommend? DBI-SALA has been at the leading edge of …

Finding the right filters for your job can be challenging, especially for those who are more sensitive. Take, for example, this question I recently received: I do house cleaning and car detailing for a living. I work with mostly alkaline degreasers, cleaner waxes and petroleum distillates. I currently use the 6000 half face piece mask and the 6001 organic filter cartridge. Although I change the filters regularly, I know some vapors must be getting past because I am hypersensitive to the …

I wanted to follow up on my recent post on isocyanates, in which I recommended an airline respirator, and discuss airline respirators in a little more detail. What is an airline respirator? Type C Supplied Air Respirators, more commonly referred to as air-line respirators, are designed to provide long-duration respiratory protection that is independent of the ambient air in the work area. This contrasts with air purifying respirators that use filters or cartridges, which may not o …

I recently got some questions regarding RAE Systems Gas Detection Tubes and I wanted to clarify their use. First, what are they? Gas detection tubes offer a quick way to determine the presence or concentration of specific chemicals in air. This is well established technology, and has been offered by a few manufacturers for many years. The theory is that specific reagents change color as they absorb certain chemicals. This color change, or stain, is predictable and measurable. This is …

Here is another question I recently received. I thought it might interest my readers: What does DBI stand for? DBI stands for Duncan & Buck Industries. Their story, however, does not end there. After their name was shortened to DBI, their company was bought by BH SALA from Sweden. They then became DBI-SALA. This company was then bought by the corporation Capital Safety, who is the current parent company. Most people still use DBI when referring to their products. Although th …