E-Newsletter

Safety and Savings Tips For November 2013, from All Safety Products, Inc.

Choosing The Right Filter Protection

At All Safety Products, Inc., we offer most of the filters, cartridges and supplied air systems you need to meet applicable standards and regulations for recommended respiratory protection. Here is a link for our main product category for our selection of cartridges and filters

You do need to verify what your MSDS/SDS states for recommended protection and check with a certified safety consultant when in doubt.

The correct cartridge must be selected for the hazard present. Unfortunately, chemical cartridges do not provide protection from particulate hazards, such as lead dust. Painters often need dual protection. When harmful particulates are present, the proper filter must be used alone or in combination with a chemical cartridge.

Ensuring the safety of workers against particulates is dependent on the proper filter selection. Prior to the release of the new respiratory protection standard, the National Institute for Safety and Health (NIOSH) released new regulations for the certification and use of filters for respiratory protection. It is called NIOSH 42 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 84, Particulate Filters.

Respirators, cartridges, and filters are certified by NIOSH.

The OSHA Respiratory Standard requires that you use NIOSH-approved respiratory protection that is based on the contaminant. NIOSH 42 CFR 84, sometimes referred to as Part 84.

The three levels of filter efficiency are:

• 95 percent (95)
• 99 percent
• (99) 99.97 percent (100 ) (See Footnote 1)

The three categories of resistance to filter degradations are:

• N - not resistant to oil
• R - resistant to oil
• P - oil-proof

The selection of filter efficiency (95, 99, or 99.97 percent) depends on how much filter leakage can be accepted. Higher efficiency means lower filter leakage. The selection of N, R, or P depends on the presence or absence of oil particles: If no oil particles are present, you can use N, R, or P. If oil particles are present, use R or P. If oil particles are present and the filter is used more than one work shift, use P.

Footnote 1:  Where OSHA requires the use of a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter, an N100, R100, or P100 may be used, depending on the presence of oil.

While this is a brief explanation, you can visit https://www.osha.gov web site for more definitive information or consult with a certified safety professional.


Preparing for Cold Weather

To prepare for a winter storm you should do the following:

Before winter approaches, add the following supplies to your emergency kit :

• Rock salt or more environmentally safe products to melt ice on walkways.
• Sand to improve traction.
• Snow shovels and other snow removal equipment.
• Sufficient heating fuel. You may become isolated in your home and regular fuel sources may be cut off. Store a good supply of dry, seasoned wood for your fireplace or wood-burning stove.
• Adequate clothing and blankets to keep you warm.
• Make a Family Communications Plan . Your family may not be together when disaster strikes, so it is important to know how you will contact one another, how you will get back together and what you will do in case of an emergency.
• Listen to a NOAA Weather Radio or other local news channels for critical information from the National Weather Service (NWS). Be alert to changing weather conditions.
• Minimize travel. If travel is necessary, keep a disaster supplies kit in your vehicle.
• Bring pets/companion animals inside during winter weather. Move other animals or livestock to sheltered areas with non-frozen drinking water.

Winterize Your Vehicle

Check or have a mechanic check the following items on your car:

• Antifreeze levels - ensure they are sufficient to avoid freezing.
• Battery and ignition system - should be in top condition and battery terminals should be clean.
• Brakes - check for wear and fluid levels
• Exhaust system - check for leaks and crimped pipes and repair or replace as necessary. Carbon monoxide is deadly and usually gives no warning.
• Fuel and air filters - replace and keep water out of the system by using additives and maintaining a full tank of gas. A full tank will keep the fuel line from freezing.
• Heater and defroster - ensure they work properly.
• Lights and flashing hazard lights - check for serviceability.
• Oil - check for level and weight. Heavier oils congeal more at low temperatures and do not lubricate as well.
• Thermostat - ensure it works properly.
• Windshield wiper equipment - repair any problems and maintain proper washer fluid level.
• Install good winter tires - Make sure the tires have adequate tread. All-weather radials are usually adequate for most winter conditions. However, some jurisdictions require that to drive on their roads, vehicles must be equipped with chains or snow tires with studs.

Update the emergency kits in your vehicles with:

• a shovel
• windshield scraper and small broom
• flashlight
• battery powered radio
• extra batteries
• water
• snack food
• matches
• extra hats, socks and mittens
• first aid kit with pocket knife
• necessary medications
• blanket(s)
• tow chain or rope
• road salt and sand
• booster cables
• emergency flares
• fluorescent distress flag

Winterize Your Home

The following are some items to consider for your home before Winter hits in your area.

• Winterize your home to extend the life of your fuel supply by insulating walls and attics, caulking and weather-stripping doors and windows, and installing storm windows or covering windows with plastic.
• Winterize your house, barn, shed or any other structure that may provide shelter for your family, neighbors, livestock or equipment. Clear rain gutters; repair roof leaks and cut away tree branches that could fall on a house or other structure during a storm.
• Maintain heating equipment and chimneys by having them cleaned and inspected every year.
• Insulate pipes with insulation or newspapers and plastic and allow faucets to drip a little during cold weather to avoid freezing. Running water, even at a trickle, helps prevent pipes from freezing.
• All fuel-burning equipment should be vented to the outside and kept clear.
• Keep fire extinguishers on hand, and make sure everyone in your house knows how to use them. House fires pose an additional risk, as more people turn to alternate heating sources without taking the necessary safety precautions.
• Learn how to shut off water valves (in case a pipe bursts).
• Insulate your home by installing storm windows or covering windows with plastic from the inside to keep cold air out.
• Hire a contractor to check the structural ability of the roof to sustain unusually heavy weight from the accumulation of snow - or water, if drains on flat roofs do not work.

About All Safety Products

We are all about trying to save you money when we are able to. It is our shipping policy to only charge you the actual shipping/handling costs.  Sometimes there is a shipping error on our website. We do review all orders for accuracy and pleasantly surprise our customers when we notify them of an adjustment in their favor. We make money on products, not shipping!