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Every storm leaves work to be done. Sometimes that work needs to take place at night. It's typically important, dangerous, and soggy. At PK Safety we've got everything you need if you're out in the storm this season. You may have noticed we're big on Protective Industrial Products or PIP as they are called. Their rain equipment is both well-priced and functional. We especially like the 2-piece Hi-Visibility Rain Suit for this type of work. It not only moves well while you're hauli …

Gas measurement is without a doubt the most important part of confined space safety. Do it right, and you and your crew go home at the end of the day—do it wrong, and you might never go home again! So if you're a newbie (or even a little rusty), you've got to do your homework. Here's the first lesson: get the right tools! If you already have a gas monitor, take it out and look at it. Without this device you are nothing! It always has to be with you in any confined space — no excuses! But m …

Confined spaces can be very spooky places. With inhabitants like molds, creepy crawlies and deadly gases, it's easy to see why: they're among the harshest places on the planet. A rural Maine community experienced this firsthand when Winfield Studley and Richard Kemp, two workers with Stevens Electric and Pump Services, suddenly went missing on the job. The two had spent the morning draining and servicing a flooded sewage tank connected to a local inn. At some point over the cou …

What are confined space signs? Confined space signs simply warn people that an area is considered a confined space. A Confined spaces is large enough for a person to enter, but have restricted means of exit. This might be a tank, a tunnel, a sewer or some other industrial space. There is usually only one restrictive (smaller than a doorway) way in or out, and it is not designed for continuous occupancy. Lack of adequate ventilation also plays a factor. Why are they necessary? Confine …

With winter bearing down on us and days growing shorter, it's more likely than ever that if you have a problem on the road, it's going to be at night, early morning, or dusk. Whether you work for the utilities, have work trucks that sometimes need to stick out onto the pavement, or you just spend a fair amount of time in your car, there's one smart piece of equipment no vehicle should be without - the LED road flare. LED road flares such as the Aervoe Rechargeable Super LED 1165 are …

Whatever your take on Global Warming, we're pretty sure the rain is still going to fall. Snow even. Let's face it, the end of the world might take a while. If you've been hoping global events would make buying new rain and cold weather gear for your workers unnecessary, you might want to reconsider. Fast. If you're already experiencing wet weather, you probably don't live in California. You also probably already know if the gear from last year is still holding up. If you picked up …

What is a confined space permit? A confined space permit is a piece of paper that documents and acknowledges work and safety procedures when entering permit-required confined spaces. Our definition of Confined spaces are large enough for a person to enter, but have restricted means of exit. This might be a tank, a tunnel, a sewer or some other industrial space. There is usually only one restrictive (smaller than a doorway) way in or out, and it is not designed for continuous occupancy. Lack o …

Before Telesteps Telescopic Ladders came along if you wanted to put a 14 ft. ladder in the trunk of your car, you'd have to own a bus or a clown car.  Telesteps have revolutionized the ladder industry and one quick look at their video will make you want to throw your old clunky Werner ladder to the curb. Telesteps telescopic ladders are made of heat-treated T6000 aluminum alloy and weigh only 23 lbs. yet these sturdy climbing aids can handle up to a 250 lb. worker. Another great …

Can I Attach a Self-Retracting Lifeline to a Lanyard? No! This question lands on our virtual doorstep more frequently than we’d like. It's easy to understand why people ask: you have a Self-Retracting Lifeline (SRL) and it almost reaches the user or you just need a little more room to stretch to the side, so you want to use a connector – and what do you have plenty of? Lanyards! It’s an easy solution to talk yourself into. But when you consider the components that make both devices w …

I’m fascinated about the basics of atmospheric monitoring, how to change the air in a confined space by supplying ventilation, and effective uses of ducting. Aren’t you? Relying solely on your nose (no matter how magnificent it may be) is not the right method to detect airborne hazards. Many gases dull the senses over time, and only a proper gas detection unit with a test probe can properly asses the atmosphere of a confined space. The shape and location of many confined spaces make them …