High Vis Garments
Annually over 60 people are killed and 2000 seriously injured in accidents resulting from pedestrians being struck by moving plant e.g. forklifts or reversing lorries, mostly the drivers being unaware of the presence or movements of pedestrians close by.
To help reduce this risk and possible litigation the use of, high visibility clothing that complies to the EN471 Standard to improve the visibility of pedestrians is required
The HSE regulations state the employer is legally responsible for the health and safety of employees and visitors on site. Where the working situation requires a person to wear High Vis, the employer is legally bound to supply, free-of-charge, a garment that complies with the European Standard EN471. In the event of an accident, if the employer is found to have been negligent, they are at risk of prosecution, resulting in heavy fines, bad publicity and poor workplace morale.
Best practice for the health and safety of employees and visitors on site, requires assessment of delivery, collection and other vehicle movement risks and then reducing them as far as reasonably practicable.
In ideal circumstances pedestrians and vehicles should be kept separate at all times. However this is not always practicable particularly where workers are required in loading/unloading areas or on construction sites. In terms of safety procedures, employees and site visitors should always use personal protective equipment as a last resort or when it is the only means of protection.
Workplace transport is the second biggest cause of fatal accidents and the third biggest cause of major injuries in the British workplace. However employers and employees often do not recognise that vehicle activities need to be properly managed to ensure a safe workplace, that is until an accident has happened.
High Vis clothing is a simple, cost-effective way to improve the visibility of people at all hours and weather conditions. The fluorescent background material of a High Vis garment provides daytime visibility while the retroreflective bands around the chest, arms or legs of garments provides reflectivity during night-time and low light conditions.
Granite Workwear has a large range of High Vis garments compliant to EN471 and GO/RT 3279 standards (UK Railways), also Traffic Management Garments that comply with the Street Works Acts requirements.
Tuesday, 15 February 2011
Thursday, 10 February 2011
Choosing your Safety Footwear
Often people are unhappy with wearing Safety Footwear because they have a perception of inadequate comfort, little cushioning abilities or high and weight.
Granite Workwear have a large range of different types of Safety Footwear for every eventuality and we believe that you will be able to find comfortable and practical footwear that will serve you well and keep you safe.
There are three levels of protection in footwear depending on the risk.
1) Occupational footwear (EN ISO 20347) doesn’t need a toe cap; there are no requirements for any impact and compression tests.
2) Protective footwear (EN ISO 20346) is equipped with a toe cap and has to pass impact and compression tests of the toe region when tested with the lower loads. Impact protection of 100 Joules is mandatory.
3) Safety footwear (EN ISO 20345) is equipped with a toe cap and has to pass impact and compression tests of the toe region with higher loads. Impact protection of 200 Joules is mandatory.
There are special standards required for Chainsaw Protection EN ISO 17249.
In buying your safety footwear, you might deal with making a choice between a shoe and a boot. But no matter which type of safety footwear you plan to buy and irrespective of the amount of money you are willing to spend, the most important factor in choosing your safety footwear, is the manner in which your feet fits inside them. Unlike ordinary footwear they should last for a long time and you will be wearing them for lengthy periods. Therefore you have to choose what you think is the best and most comfortable pair for you.
The problem with safety shoes is that they are harder and they may seem inflexible unlike ordinary leather shoes. This is generally overcome with the use of a flexible midsole as opposed to a steel midsole. So some people tend to buy safety shoes that are a little oversized to give more room for the feet. Oversized shoes can cause injuries like sprains and even bone fractures. You may find the need to wear a pair of thick socks to ensure the best comfort.
It is generally good advice to pay a little more for a pair of good quality safety boots / shoes. Generally worn for at least eight hours a day a pair of uncomfortable or inflexible safety boots can cause excessive tiredness which in itself leads to accidents.
Also ensure that the footwear is maintained in a good condition a regular application of Chelsea leather food available from our website is recommended.
Granite Workwear have a large range of different types of Safety Footwear for every eventuality and we believe that you will be able to find comfortable and practical footwear that will serve you well and keep you safe.
There are three levels of protection in footwear depending on the risk.
1) Occupational footwear (EN ISO 20347) doesn’t need a toe cap; there are no requirements for any impact and compression tests.
2) Protective footwear (EN ISO 20346) is equipped with a toe cap and has to pass impact and compression tests of the toe region when tested with the lower loads. Impact protection of 100 Joules is mandatory.
3) Safety footwear (EN ISO 20345) is equipped with a toe cap and has to pass impact and compression tests of the toe region with higher loads. Impact protection of 200 Joules is mandatory.
There are special standards required for Chainsaw Protection EN ISO 17249.
In buying your safety footwear, you might deal with making a choice between a shoe and a boot. But no matter which type of safety footwear you plan to buy and irrespective of the amount of money you are willing to spend, the most important factor in choosing your safety footwear, is the manner in which your feet fits inside them. Unlike ordinary footwear they should last for a long time and you will be wearing them for lengthy periods. Therefore you have to choose what you think is the best and most comfortable pair for you.
The problem with safety shoes is that they are harder and they may seem inflexible unlike ordinary leather shoes. This is generally overcome with the use of a flexible midsole as opposed to a steel midsole. So some people tend to buy safety shoes that are a little oversized to give more room for the feet. Oversized shoes can cause injuries like sprains and even bone fractures. You may find the need to wear a pair of thick socks to ensure the best comfort.
It is generally good advice to pay a little more for a pair of good quality safety boots / shoes. Generally worn for at least eight hours a day a pair of uncomfortable or inflexible safety boots can cause excessive tiredness which in itself leads to accidents.
Also ensure that the footwear is maintained in a good condition a regular application of Chelsea leather food available from our website is recommended.
Tuesday, 8 February 2011
GO/RT 3279 Standard for Railway High Vis
Railway tracks are in need of regular maintenance and it would be too disruptive if lines had to be closed whilst carrying out routine maintenance tasks.
Trains cannot stop in short distances and certainly cannot take avoiding actiion, but if the drivers can see the people working at a good distance they can be warned by the use of the horn. Therefore it is important that the workers are visible from as far away as possible.
On the UK railway networks it is therefore a mandatory requirement for all people working on the track or lineside to wear High Vis workwear as part of their Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
This workwear is fluorescent Orange in colour and has the addition of retroreflective stripes incorporated in the manufacture.
The standard that applies to this is a special one; GO/RT 3279:2008 which takes it basis from the European standard EN 471:2003. It requires garments to meet at least class 2 (the mid-point of a 3-class scale) of EN 471 for the minimum area of high visibility materials used within a garment In the case of retroreflective material standards it again draws on EN 471:2003 and specifies materials for use that meet the highest level of photometric performance criteria specified within the standard.
GO/RT 3279 also defines the requirements for a high visibility mini-vest. These are required to conform to class 1 design requirements of EN 471:2003, but with a larger minimum area of the orange background material and higher photometric levels for the retroreflective tape used in the garment.
Granite Workwear carries a comprehensive range of items meeting this standard from the well known Pulsarail Brand.
Breathability and waterproof standards are an important factor in attaining GO/RT 3279 certification.
When selecting clothing to meet these standards it is important that certification is made available if required as some unscrupulous suppliers pass off goods as if to meet this standard.
An additional point to look for when seeking a supplier is that they are an Achilles audited supplier. This is not mandatory but does offer a further level of ‘comfort’ knowing that the supplier has gone the extra mile to ensure compliance.
To view our full range of Railway High Vis Clothing Click Here
Trains cannot stop in short distances and certainly cannot take avoiding actiion, but if the drivers can see the people working at a good distance they can be warned by the use of the horn. Therefore it is important that the workers are visible from as far away as possible.
On the UK railway networks it is therefore a mandatory requirement for all people working on the track or lineside to wear High Vis workwear as part of their Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
This workwear is fluorescent Orange in colour and has the addition of retroreflective stripes incorporated in the manufacture.
The standard that applies to this is a special one; GO/RT 3279:2008 which takes it basis from the European standard EN 471:2003. It requires garments to meet at least class 2 (the mid-point of a 3-class scale) of EN 471 for the minimum area of high visibility materials used within a garment In the case of retroreflective material standards it again draws on EN 471:2003 and specifies materials for use that meet the highest level of photometric performance criteria specified within the standard.
GO/RT 3279 also defines the requirements for a high visibility mini-vest. These are required to conform to class 1 design requirements of EN 471:2003, but with a larger minimum area of the orange background material and higher photometric levels for the retroreflective tape used in the garment.
Granite Workwear carries a comprehensive range of items meeting this standard from the well known Pulsarail Brand.
Breathability and waterproof standards are an important factor in attaining GO/RT 3279 certification.
When selecting clothing to meet these standards it is important that certification is made available if required as some unscrupulous suppliers pass off goods as if to meet this standard.
An additional point to look for when seeking a supplier is that they are an Achilles audited supplier. This is not mandatory but does offer a further level of ‘comfort’ knowing that the supplier has gone the extra mile to ensure compliance.
To view our full range of Railway High Vis Clothing Click Here
Tuesday, 1 February 2011
Choosing Workwear; Price or Quality?
Whether buying for yourself, or as a corporate buyer, there is always a decision to be made when buying workwear. Do you choose price as your determining factor or quality? These decisions are particularly appropriate in the financial situation that we all face at this time.
In fact you really need to research the market, you can find reasonably priced garments that are of appropriate quality, and you can also too often find expensive fashion orientated garments that whilst looking good in fact do not have a durable life in actual use.
Whether buying for yourself, or as a corporate buyer, there is always a decision to be made when buying workwear. Do you choose price as your determining factor or quality? These decisions are particularly appropriate in the financial situation that we all face at this time.
In fact you really need to research the market, you can find reasonably priced garments that are of appropriate quality, and you can also too often find expensive fashion orientated garments that whilst looking good in fact do not have a durable life in actual use.
Make sure that you know exactly what it is you are looking for and how you want it to perform.
If you need a garment to last a long time with many washes, then normally a slightly higher priced item will have a longer service life, mainly because the material quality, which in fact makes up over 70% of the cost of a garment, will be better able to withstand wear and tear and high temperature washing. Check the detail on the care instructions is always a good tip.
It is important that you know exactly what it is you need. In some cases the articles must comply with regulatory standards as is the case particularly in High Vis and other PPE items. Even then you have to be sure that the claims made by the supplier or manufacturer are fact; the items should be marked clearly as to their compliance to the Standards and the supplier should be willing to supply any data ./ certification required to show that is the case.
At Granite Workwear, we take great pride that we offer a good value workwear product at a sensible price, have passed extensive wearer trials and statutory tests with the proof of this available, are totally fit for purpose and most importantly offer good value for money.
In the 19th Century, John Ruskin made a statement that is as true today as it was 150 years ago. Think of this when you look at our workwear, safety and PPE products.
‘There is hardly anything in the world that someone cannot make a little worse and sell a little cheaper, and the people who consider price alone are that person’s lawful prey. It is unwise to pay too much, but it is also unwise to pay too little. When you pay too much, you lose a little money, that is all. When you pay too little, you sometimes lose everything because the thing you bought is incapable of doing the thing you bought it to do.The common law of business balance prohibits paying a little and getting a lot. It can’t, be done.If you deal with the lowest bidder it is well to add something for the risk you run.And if you can do that you would have enough to pay for something better.’
In fact you really need to research the market, you can find reasonably priced garments that are of appropriate quality, and you can also too often find expensive fashion orientated garments that whilst looking good in fact do not have a durable life in actual use.
Whether buying for yourself, or as a corporate buyer, there is always a decision to be made when buying workwear. Do you choose price as your determining factor or quality? These decisions are particularly appropriate in the financial situation that we all face at this time.
In fact you really need to research the market, you can find reasonably priced garments that are of appropriate quality, and you can also too often find expensive fashion orientated garments that whilst looking good in fact do not have a durable life in actual use.
Make sure that you know exactly what it is you are looking for and how you want it to perform.
If you need a garment to last a long time with many washes, then normally a slightly higher priced item will have a longer service life, mainly because the material quality, which in fact makes up over 70% of the cost of a garment, will be better able to withstand wear and tear and high temperature washing. Check the detail on the care instructions is always a good tip.
It is important that you know exactly what it is you need. In some cases the articles must comply with regulatory standards as is the case particularly in High Vis and other PPE items. Even then you have to be sure that the claims made by the supplier or manufacturer are fact; the items should be marked clearly as to their compliance to the Standards and the supplier should be willing to supply any data ./ certification required to show that is the case.
At Granite Workwear, we take great pride that we offer a good value workwear product at a sensible price, have passed extensive wearer trials and statutory tests with the proof of this available, are totally fit for purpose and most importantly offer good value for money.
In the 19th Century, John Ruskin made a statement that is as true today as it was 150 years ago. Think of this when you look at our workwear, safety and PPE products.
‘There is hardly anything in the world that someone cannot make a little worse and sell a little cheaper, and the people who consider price alone are that person’s lawful prey. It is unwise to pay too much, but it is also unwise to pay too little. When you pay too much, you lose a little money, that is all. When you pay too little, you sometimes lose everything because the thing you bought is incapable of doing the thing you bought it to do.The common law of business balance prohibits paying a little and getting a lot. It can’t, be done.If you deal with the lowest bidder it is well to add something for the risk you run.And if you can do that you would have enough to pay for something better.’
Monday, 10 January 2011
Employers responsibility for High Vis Clothing.
The following advice is provided by the Health and Safety Executive to Employers regarding their responsibilities in regard to the supply and use of High Vis clothing:-
Storage Facilities must be provided for the clothing when not in use.
Adequate information must be provided along with training and instruction to ensure that employees use High Vis clothing correctly – This should include the explanation of why it is needed, what the risks are and how and when it should be worn.
Employees should be supervised to ensure that the clothing is actually worn and used correctly – whenever it is needed.
The employer must ensure that the High Vis clothing is maintained in a clean state and be in working order. Dirty, oily or greasy high vis garments may give the wearer a false impression of how well they can be seen and in itself could lead to accidents.
If an employee may be exposed to significant risks to their safety whilst at work then it is the employers responsibility to provide clothing free of charge to that employee. Some businesses provide funding to the employee to purchase their own High Vis garments. You must ensure, however, that the correct garments are purchased that comply with the relevant EN or GO/RT3279 standard. If you are unsure that they comply then request to view the garment test report from the supplier. Testing is expensive and suppliers / manufacturers are usually only too pleased to prove that they have jumped through all of the hoops to provice a correctly certified garment. There are garments on the market that do not comply – be aware.
Storage Facilities must be provided for the clothing when not in use.
Adequate information must be provided along with training and instruction to ensure that employees use High Vis clothing correctly – This should include the explanation of why it is needed, what the risks are and how and when it should be worn.
Employees should be supervised to ensure that the clothing is actually worn and used correctly – whenever it is needed.
The employer must ensure that the High Vis clothing is maintained in a clean state and be in working order. Dirty, oily or greasy high vis garments may give the wearer a false impression of how well they can be seen and in itself could lead to accidents.
If an employee may be exposed to significant risks to their safety whilst at work then it is the employers responsibility to provide clothing free of charge to that employee. Some businesses provide funding to the employee to purchase their own High Vis garments. You must ensure, however, that the correct garments are purchased that comply with the relevant EN or GO/RT3279 standard. If you are unsure that they comply then request to view the garment test report from the supplier. Testing is expensive and suppliers / manufacturers are usually only too pleased to prove that they have jumped through all of the hoops to provice a correctly certified garment. There are garments on the market that do not comply – be aware.
Wednesday, 5 January 2011
Granite Workwear exhibiting at LAMMA 2011 for the 5th Year.
The 30th LAMMA agricultural machinery show takes place at the Newark and Nottinghamshire Showground, Winthorpe Newark NG24 2NY this year on Wednesday & Thursday 19th – 20th January. A major show in the farming calender for both UK and overseas farmers. At around 700 exhibitors it is one of Europes major agricultural events showcasing equipment for the smallholder up to the largest estates. 30 Years ago it was free to attend and cheap to exhibit and it soon became a place of pilgrimage for all those who love their farm machinery.
Granite Workwear Ltd has been exhibiting for the past 5 years and has a healthy relationship supplying the farming industry having grown out of the original business of free range outdoor reared pork and free range eggs. This year we have increased the stand space (Hall 2 / Stand 222) yet again to cope with demand and will be offering several ‘Show Specials’ despite the recent rise in VAT.
The show is one of few that can honestly profess to have the its visitor at heart. Free parking and Free entry have been maintained yet again. Making this an excellent day out and a show not to be missed. It’s not all about big arable kit. There’s a strong turnout of livestock equipment manufacturers as well as firms that repair and refurbish equipment.
Granite Workwear will be offering our comprehensive range of high quality PPE, High Vis, Safety Boots, Muck Boots, and Overalls and will have a complete range of Thermals to combat the recent weather conditions.
Granite Workwear Ltd has been exhibiting for the past 5 years and has a healthy relationship supplying the farming industry having grown out of the original business of free range outdoor reared pork and free range eggs. This year we have increased the stand space (Hall 2 / Stand 222) yet again to cope with demand and will be offering several ‘Show Specials’ despite the recent rise in VAT.
The show is one of few that can honestly profess to have the its visitor at heart. Free parking and Free entry have been maintained yet again. Making this an excellent day out and a show not to be missed. It’s not all about big arable kit. There’s a strong turnout of livestock equipment manufacturers as well as firms that repair and refurbish equipment.
Granite Workwear will be offering our comprehensive range of high quality PPE, High Vis, Safety Boots, Muck Boots, and Overalls and will have a complete range of Thermals to combat the recent weather conditions.
Tuesday, 4 January 2011
Maintenance of chainsaw clothing
The wearing of chainsaw protective clothing is a legal requirement in many instances.
A report published in the Journal of Forest Engineering in New Zealand concluded that "chainsaw garments which were exposed to even the smallest amount of oil, comprehensively failed cut tests".
Chainsaw clothing must be washed regularly to maintain their protective properties.
Check the label first to see if they can be machine washed and follow the HLCC (wash instructions) to the letter. Remove as much oil and dirt as possible from the surface your trousers or jacket with a light washing detergent. The hotter the wash the better the result you will get but check the label, some garments can only be washed at 40 degrees and some can be washed at 60. After washing, can you spin dry? Check the label, this may affect the blocking material.
Heat has a detrimental effect to the blocking fibres ability to stop a saw chain. If you have burned your trousers, throw them away, they will not give you adequate protection.
Exhaust gasses from chainsaws occasionally burn, scorch or melt the outer fabric and this can have a significant effect on the blocking fibres beneath. Do not take unnecessary risks they will not give you the protection you require.
Should you tear the outer fabric on your garment you are allowed to repair it but you must ensure that you do not interfere with the protective blocking material. Do not sew a patch onto the garment with the thread holding the blocking fibres. Patches should be hand stitched to the outer fabric only. If you stitch in the blocking material you can significantly affect its ability to stop the saw.
The CE standard states that:-
"No personal protective equipment can ensure 100% protection against cutting from a hand-held chain saw".
In the majority of accidents, well-maintained garments will stop the saw. If there is a cut through the garment there will be a significant reduction in the injury. Occasionally when a kick back occurs, the garment stops the rotation of the saw, but the impact forces the teeth through the blocking material giving puncture wounds. No garment can protect from this.
It would be wise to keep a couple of packets of Celox material – one in the trouser and one in the truck to ensure that any deep cuts can be treated effectively.
A report published in the Journal of Forest Engineering in New Zealand concluded that "chainsaw garments which were exposed to even the smallest amount of oil, comprehensively failed cut tests".
Chainsaw clothing must be washed regularly to maintain their protective properties.
Check the label first to see if they can be machine washed and follow the HLCC (wash instructions) to the letter. Remove as much oil and dirt as possible from the surface your trousers or jacket with a light washing detergent. The hotter the wash the better the result you will get but check the label, some garments can only be washed at 40 degrees and some can be washed at 60. After washing, can you spin dry? Check the label, this may affect the blocking material.
Heat has a detrimental effect to the blocking fibres ability to stop a saw chain. If you have burned your trousers, throw them away, they will not give you adequate protection.
Exhaust gasses from chainsaws occasionally burn, scorch or melt the outer fabric and this can have a significant effect on the blocking fibres beneath. Do not take unnecessary risks they will not give you the protection you require.
Should you tear the outer fabric on your garment you are allowed to repair it but you must ensure that you do not interfere with the protective blocking material. Do not sew a patch onto the garment with the thread holding the blocking fibres. Patches should be hand stitched to the outer fabric only. If you stitch in the blocking material you can significantly affect its ability to stop the saw.
The CE standard states that:-
"No personal protective equipment can ensure 100% protection against cutting from a hand-held chain saw".
In the majority of accidents, well-maintained garments will stop the saw. If there is a cut through the garment there will be a significant reduction in the injury. Occasionally when a kick back occurs, the garment stops the rotation of the saw, but the impact forces the teeth through the blocking material giving puncture wounds. No garment can protect from this.
It would be wise to keep a couple of packets of Celox material – one in the trouser and one in the truck to ensure that any deep cuts can be treated effectively.
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