PKSafety.com Blog

Several of our users have asked us about the compatibility of fall protection components between different manufacturers. OSHA, in their wisdom, writes thousands of words on the subject, but in a way that only an attorney would be able to understand. We’ll try to distill the issue so that everyone gets it.

No. Don’t use a lanyard from one company and an anchorage or other device from another company. You’re just safer that way. Companies like DBI-SALA and Miller develop and test their equipment to work specifically with their own products.

OSHA says you can use products from different vendors. But they don’t inspire confidence in the way they word it. 29 CFR 1926.502(d)(6)(v) states “snaphooks shall not be engaged to any object which is incompatibly shaped or dimensioned in relation to the snaphook such that unintentional disengagement could occur by the connected object being able to depress the snaphook keeper and release itself.”

Like a breath of fresh air, those words from OSHA. I could read them all day long. What they mean is, sure, you can attach PPE (personal protective equipment) from different companies just as long as you are completely sure there is nothing in their design that would make them incompatible. In other words, if you are an engineer, and have tested these products together, then go right ahead and wear them.

When we talked to the resident expert over at DBI-SALA, we received much the same type of answer. He sent us a form that read, “Connectors are considered to be compatible with connecting elements when they have been designed to work together in such a way that their sizes and shapes do not cause their gate mechanisms to inadvertently open (rollout) regardless of how they become oriented. Do not use equipment that is not compatible.”

In our experience a standard self-closing, self-locking snap hook from one company hooked to a standard back D-ring of a harness from another is going to work just fine. But when alternate attachment devices, such as the popular rebar hooks, enter the equation all bets are off. We agree with OSHA findings that fall protection pieces which are made to work together are always preferred.

At the end of the day, it’s the employer’s responsibility to make sure the equipment used on the site is safe before it is used to protect employees. All manufacturer instructions and warnings must be reviewed and closely inspected especially when the products are not sold as a complete system.

Justin Fall Protection DBI-SALA, Fall Protection, fall protection compatibility, Harness, Lanyard, miller, OSHA, SRL

To save money and to stick with my New Year’s resolution of making healthier life choices, I now commute to work by bicycle. Before this year, I hadn’t ridden a bike since I was about ten. But as the saying goes, I had no problem jumping right back on despite my fear of getting on the road with the relentless Californian drivers.

I was certainly afraid of riding on the road with all the cars at first, but I’ve eventually gotten over that hump. Now I find myself facing a different concern as I sway in, around, and behind traffic — the toxic emissions from all the car exhaust puffing into my face.

When I mentioned this to my safety expert friends here at PK Safety they told me I needed a respirator mask. Now, to prevent inhaling pollutants when I’m biking in traffic, I wear the Moldex 2300 N95 Particulate Respirator. It features a built-in exhalation valve that allows quick exchanges of fresh air with each breath. If you wear glasses, the valve also helps keep them from getting fogged.

The Moldex 2300 respirator mask has a Dura-Mesh exterior which is durable and keeps the mask clean so I can wear it multiple times before throwing it away. It is 100% PVC-free and blocks at least 95% of any oil-free particles and aerosols, even if it does make me look like an extra in some crazy apocalypse movie.

Some of the worst things for bike riders in traffic are mono-nitrogen oxides. They react with ammonia, moisture, and other compounds to form nitric acid and particles that can deeply penetrate and damage sensitive lung tissue. This can cause weakness, shortness of breath, bluish colored lips, or even premature death in extreme cases. Not the kind of benefits I was looking for from riding to work every day!

The vehicle exhaust I was breathing contains ozone, carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), carbon dioxide, particulate matter, and benzene, a compound known to cause bone marrow failure. Great.

So if you ride in traffic on a regular basis, be smart and strap on a mask rated at least N95. Otherwise, the biking you are doing to improve your health just might have the opposite effect.

Edward Respiratory bike air mask, bike dust mask, bike respirator, biking in traffic, biking to work, breathing smog, Dust Mask, Respirator

Folks often ask us which respirator to use for spray painting and automotive body work. There are a some good options out there and the type of filter and respirator mask will depend largely on the type of work you do, and how often you are doing it.

For instance, if you are sanding Bondo, grinding or doing other body work that is likely to create particles in the air, a standard 3M 2097 filter will grab everything down to 3 microns (that’s 99.9% of all airborne contaminants) and keep it out of your lungs. The 2097 also has a thin layer of charcoal to absorb low-level odors.

You’ve got lots of different options as to what type of respirator you can attach those 3M filters to. There are inexpensive options such as the 3M 6000 Half Facepiece Respirator for under $11. Of course, if you are doing this type of work every day, especially the painting, you are going to need something more advanced.

The most basic set-up for (non-urethane) spray painting is going to be the 3M 6001 cartridge with the 5P71 pre-filters and 501 retainers. Assuming you have to keep the mask on for quite a while with some jobs, this is a great mask. Made of soft silicone, the 7500 series of mask is non-allergenic and super comfortable to wear for a long day in the shop.

Of course your lungs aren’t the only things that need protection. Protective eye-wear should always be worn, or a full-face mask such as the Moldex 9000 Full Face Respirator. The full-face respirators are great (and predictably more expensive) because they keep the paint and fumes away from your eyes and face. You’ll still need a cartridge for organic vapors and a p100 pre-filter to keep out the particulate matter.

There is an even better option with a positive pressure masks such as the 3M GVP-PSK Paint Spray System. These are highly mobile and push air up to the mask instead of the wearer having to pull the air through the respirator cartridges. It makes it easier to breathe, and there is no fear of having the fumes or particles sucked into the mask as you work. Like the 6001 Organic Vapors cartridges, this system will handle most solvent based paints, but it isn’t going to work with paints containing isocyanates.

Even the positive air pressure respirator (PAPR) systems are probably an advanced hobbyist solution because the filters are so expensive if you are using it every day. The guys who are painting for a living often use a supplied air system. Instead of filtering the ambient air, systems like the Allegro Full Face Mask Airline Respirator System pump air from a clean atmosphere through a hose to a full face mask. It’s a little more work moving the hose around, but less weight on your hips compared to the PAPR systems.

So there you have it, the long answer to the question of which respirator is best for automotive work and spray painting.

Thanks for reading.

Justin Respiratory auto painting, auto repair, cartridges, Filters, lung protection, Paint Fumes, Respirators, spray painting

The ATG G-Tek MaxiFlex Ultimate Nitrile-Coated Gloves are possibly the greatest gloves ever, if you believe the people who have taken the time to write reviews to our site. Even the titles of their reviews are very positive – “The Bomb Gloves” (not sure what that means, but the rest of the five-star review is exceedingly positive), “Awesome” writes Will from Hell, Michigan, “Best Light Work Gloves I’ve Used” says Grubby from Chicago, and “Some of the Best Fitting Gloves I Have Ever Used” says Brian D. from Texas.

These are a fairly new glove for us here at PK Safety. That’s what makes these reviews somewhat extraordinary. Of all the gloves we carry, the G-Tek gloves have inspired more people to review and write in than any other gloves we carry. And nobody, in all the reviews that we have received, has given them less than 5 stars.

Sure, some part of the glowing glove reviews is probably due to our outstanding customers service. Brian from Texas even made a note that “On the shipping end, the company had them to me faster than quoted, well packed, and sent me confirmation at each step.” So that helps.

However, each user also noted the types of work they performed with the gloves, and all agree: the G-Tek MaxiFlex Ultimate Nitrile-Coated Glove is tough and works great. Will in Hell (I’ve written that town name a bunch of times now, and it’s still funny. To me, anyway.) is a maintenance tech at an auto manufacturing plant who says he is tough on everything.

“I work in oil, grime, sharp metal and well, you name it, and my hands are in it. These gloves are the best thing I have ever put on my hands. I have the protection and the dexterity that I need. I can pick up a penny off the floor with these babys on. They rock.”

Grubby in Chicago concurs, “My work buys these for our warehouse. We pick up a lot of boxes and roll them around on metal carts. By far (the G-Tek MaxiFlex gloves) are the best I have seen. I have also found them great for automotive work, weight lifting, and any use where you need a good grip on an object. They also breath good and last longer than any I have used.”

Brian in Texas also notes that he uses a set of the G-Tek gloves for shooting. We assume that’s not when he’s at work.

There are some cautionary notes in the reviews as well, in case any of you are thinking they are good for everything. Brian notes they are great for cuts and scrapes, but do not protect well against direct punctures. Will mentions that they are not heat-resistant, and he doesn’t suggest using them for welding or handling of hot parts.

However, if you are looking for a “sensitive glove” that “keeps your hands cool” while also keeping them protected, the ATG G-Tek MaxiFlex Ultimate Nitrile-Coated Glove just may be the greatest glove ever.

Justin Hand Protection automotive gloves, Gloves, hand protection, mechanics gloves, Safety Gloves, shooting gloves, weight-lifting gloves, work gloves

Last week a customer sent us a question asking how long the 3M 2097 Particulate Mold Filters last. The answer is – it depends. Since it’s a fairly common question, and “it depends” is such an unsatisfactory answer, we thought we’d explain it here in a bit more detail.

The useful life of filters and cartridges is not fixed. In the case of the 3M 2097 P100 (HEPA) filters, we have two elements to consider: the filter and the charcoal layer.

The P100 HEPA (which stands for High-Efficiency Particulate Arresting) filters trap dust and particles like a strainer. Once the filters have successfully blocked a large amount of particulate matter, they still won’t let that material into your lungs. They do however start allowing less air to past through, and breathing will become more and more difficult.

You may not notice it at first, but as the filters clog up, it will become harder to suck in a breath. Trust us, you’ll notice eventually. That’s when you know it’s time to replace the filters.

As we mentioned, the 3M 2097s also have a thin layer of charcoal pressed inside the pancake filter. The charcoal is there to absorb smells and odors. It works like a sponge. And like a sponge, there is a limit to how much it can hold. Once the filters have soaked up all the organic vapors they can, you will start to taste or smell the offending item through your mask. Once you start to smell the things you are trying to block out, it is time to change your filter.

Only you can tell if it is becoming difficult to draw a breath, or if smelly vapors are making their way through your mask. Now that you are aware of the capabilities and limitations of these filters, you’ll recognize the signs that it is time for replacement.

A little more about the 3M 2097 filters: They are different than the standard 2091 filters in that they have a layer of charcoal bonded in the middle. So while the 2091s also filter out the really nasty dust such as lead and asbestos, the 2097s also serves to eliminate lower levels of organic vapors that you may smell from solvents or household bleach.

The 2097 filters come standard in our mold remediation kit designed specifically for removing mold from houses and other structures.

Thanks for reading.

Justin Respiratory 2091 filter, 2097 filter, 3M, 3m 2091, 3m 2097, Confined Space, Dust Mask, lung protection, mold remediation, Mold Removal, Respirator

There seems to be a trend these days among dedicated fishermen to make their own lead sinkers. Lead melts at a relatively low temperature, and many sporting suppliers sell molds for casting the fishing weights. But beware – lead dust and fumes can be extremely toxic.

Folks making their own sinkers for fishing should take some precautions and wear protective gear. First of all, ventilation is key. Lead smelting should really only be done outside where you have the best chance of dissipating the bad smell and carbon monoxide. There is no respirator cartridge that will protect a person from carbon monoxide.

Lead can be found in lots of different places. Many of the sources, such as old tire weights, can be very dirty. If the smell isn’t bad, a simple 3M 2091 filter will keep the lead dust out of your lungs. At PK Safety, we offer a perfect, inexpensive respirator package, the Lead Dust and Asbestos Mask Combo. If the smell from the smelting process isn’t good, try the more expensive, but very effective 3M 60926 Multi-Gas Cartridge.

Another thing to keep in mind while making lead fishing sinkers is that you will likely want to wear a Tyvek suit to keep the lead dust off your skin and clothing. You wouldn’t want to throw your lead-dusted clothing in a washing machine with the babies/kids clothing, for instance.

The process may seem innocuous enough, but if kids of any age are involved, the long term effects are not worth any satisfaction derived from your hobby. Adults can certainly be affected by the lead dust that may settle on clothing, etc., just not as easily or severely.

Finally always wear safety glasses. There is no reason to have your eyes possibly subjected to molten lead splash or smoke with lead particles. Use something like the Ztec safety glasses from Pyramex at the very least.

Hope this helps.

Send us a picture of the fish you caught with using your homemade lead weights.

Justin Respiratory Fishing, fishing sinkers, fishing weights, lead dust, Lead Fumes, lead melting, lead poisoning, lead smelting, lung protection, Respirator, smelting

While lots of people will wear sunscreen to protect themselves from the sun, not many folks wear respirators around the house to protect themselves from the formaldehyde found in so many household products.

Sure, we are a safety company and we’d love to see a respirator on every face and in every home. But in this case, you might be better protected with information. For instance, did you know that nail polish, glues,  adhesives, and pressed-wood products like plywood and particle board that make up lots of modern furniture are made with formaldehyde adhesives? That goes for the plywood that went into making the structure as well.

Not to sound alarmist, but experts call formaldehyde a “probable” carcinogen. And even though levels are very low in the typical house, there are some simple ways to reduce or eliminate the worst offenders, so why wouldn’t you do it?

First be careful about the type of furniture you buy. Some companies like Ikea keep a close eye on the levels of formaldehyde that goes into their products, but others do not. If possible, skip the whole problem by buying solid wood furnishings.

Next check your health and beauty products. Even products you may have been using for years such as lotion, shampoo, and body wash may contain formaldehyde. If they do, get rid of them. There are good alternatives on the market these days.

Finally if you are experiencing headaches, nausea or dizziness consider buying a test kit or having a company that tests come and take readings at your house.

If you don’t like those options, there is always the 3M 60926 Multi-Gas/P100 Cartridge that comes in a very stylish pink. Accessorize with the grey and white 3M 6000 Series Half Face Mask which provides excellent safety with a smart around-the-house-casual safety look.

Justin Respiratory Formaldehyde, household contaminant, lung protection, Respirator

The vast majority of people who enjoy shooting guns at indoor ranges are very conscious of safety. They wear hearing protection for their ears, and eye protection for their eyes. But very few wear respirators to protect their lungs from the lead dust that is nearly always present.

Most shooters who frequent indoor ranges are aware of the potential for lead poisoning, but don’t worry much about it. This can be a serious mistake. Lead, even at low levels, can significantly affect a person’s health.

At an indoor range, lead exposure can happen in a number of ways – absorption through the skin or ingestion – but the most common and hazardous method is breathing in the dust and particulate matter created when a gun is discharged.

Even ranges that pass OSHA standards for lead contamination (many do not) still don’t replace the air fast enough to dissipate the clouds of lead dust created when a weapon is fired.

The best way to protect your lungs when shooting indoors is to wear a respirator that will filter lead dust such as the 3M Half Facepiece with HEPA Filter. For greater comfort, try the 3M 7500 Series mask with soft silicon facepiece and the same 2091 P100 Particulate Filter.

For more information about the dangers of lead poisoning at indoor shooting facilities, take a look at this article from the University of Texas written by a firearms instructor and shooting enthusiast.

Justin Respiratory firearm safety, gun safety, handgun, lead dust, lead poisoning, lung protection, Respirator, shooter, shooting range

A customer recently wrote to ask us the following question:

If my 6 ft. self-retracting lifeline (SRL) is pulled all the way to the end, is there any excess line/cable left on the reel if I take a fall?

The answer is yes, there will be an extra turn or two left to insure that the force of a fall won’t tear the webbing or cable off the reel.  The length of an SRL is generally measured from bearing to bearing. In other words from the anchor point to the snap hook at the end of the extended lifeline. You may find that you get a little extra, but that length would be the design minimum.

With more cable or web in reserve, the stopping action still works on the reel, not the actual lifeline or the attachment to the reel. Depending on the style of SRL, the braking may work with centrifugally-activated braking pawls, but only in the case of an external shock-absorber style, or an internal braking system on the larger and more expensive models such as the Sealed Blok SRL from DBI-SALA.

We’ll take a small leap here and say yes, the SRL will still stop you from falling even if the lifeline is fully extended. Always read your instruction manual for proper deployment of your SRL. However, the SRL lines we carry, such as DBI-SALA and Protecta, go through extensive testing to insure your fall safety.

Justin Fall Protection Capital Safety, DBI-SALA, fall limiter, Fall Protection, Fall Safety, OSHA standards, Self Retracting Lifeline, self-retracting device, self-retracting lanyard, shock-absorbing lanyard

Bug X 30 with DEET keeps mosquitoes, ticks, chiggers, fleas and other pests away without making you feel like you’ve just rubbed Kerosene on your skin. Bug X follows the new suggestions from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) to reduce the amount of DEET concentration, while creating a non-greasy towelette application that remains effective for more than seven hours.

Effective insect repellent is more important than ever as mosquitoes and other flying insects are carrying West Nile Virus, Lyme Disease, Human Granulocyctis, Encephalitis, Malaria, Dengue Fever and Spotted Fever. Trust us, you don’t want any of those.

Remember to cover all exposed areas, use a spray application such as BugX30 DEET Insect Repellent Spray on your clothing, and always re-apply after washing and heavy activity.

Justin General Safety bug juice, bug protection, Bug Spray, DEET, insect repellent