Brand Focus – Flexothane Workwear at Granite Workwear

One of our biggest ranges we stock here at Granite Workwear is Flexothane, on site you can pick and choose between the three brands within the range: Essential, Flame and Kleen.

What is Flexothane?

There are several reasons why this fabric is special, for example it's taken many years of research and development to get to the standard used in today's workwear. Without trying to get too scientific Flexothane is a polyurethane coating on top of a knitted base fabric. This fabric provides excellent protection as the polyurethane coating is stretchable (approximately 150%) and the knitted base helps make it waterproof and windproof, noiseless and highly tear resistant. Up to 50% lighter than conventional waterproofs and extremely, this fabric is also resistant to oil and fungal growth.

Garments produced from Flexothane are durable and easy to care for, this stretches across all the three brands we sell, however there are a few slight differences:

Flexothane Essential

The Essential is ideal for lighter workwear duties along with domestic requirements. No garments in this range are hi-vis but just like the flame and Kleen range every item is fully wind and waterproof as well as being lightweight and breathable. Perfect for leisure!

Flexothane Classic

The Classic collection is made from a one-sided PU coating on a polyamide knitting and  has been designed for those who work in the following industries: horticulture, agriculture, grounds maintenance. 

Flexothane Flame

Flexothane Flame, the name gives it away but this is made from flame retardant Flexothane. This category features many garments that meet several workwear standards for various professions, just click the product you're interested in and we have outlined what standards it complies to. With high frequency welded seams, this clothing is 100% waterproof and windproof.

Flexothane Kleen

Flexothane Kleen has been designed specifically for the food preparation industry, all garments are washable at 95 °C. The royal blue colour used for the majority of this collection is ideal should any part of the garment become caught in the food items it is very easy to see. 

Flexothane Anti-static 

Made from flame retardant and anti-static Flexothane, the conductive yarn  avoids the building-up of static charges -that could ignite an explosive atmosphere.

Flexothane Flame 9728 FR High Vis Jacket

Before the introduction of Flexothane, waterproof garments were often heavy, cumbersome, uncomfortable, as well as hard to maintain. This is a technical fabric that promises you excellent protection and will be around for many more years to come. 

Receive A FREE FXD Beanie With Selected FXD Orders

Whilst stocks last we are offering a FREE FXD beanie when you buy any FXD work pants or jean on Granite Workwear, this offer is completely exclusive so make sure you don't miss out.

We're among the first FXD Workwear sellers in the UK. Originally from Australia, Function By Design (F.X.D) offer carefully designed workwear that performs better and looks killer whilst doing it.And because they're made with Duratech material, they'll stay looking good for longer.

Below are some of our favourites sellers from the FXD range that are included in this great detail:

This offer is only valid for a limited time only!

Exclusive Granite Offer - Receive A Free Bootbag With Selected Boot Orders

We have a very special offer for all of customers, recieve a FREE boot-bag worth £20.34 with Muck Boot and Grubs Thermal boot orders.

This bag is fantastic to throw in the back of the car and keep everything clean. Made from waterproof fabric and vented, you can avoid that soggy feeling and damp odour that you can get when you use your much loved Muck Boots.

Whilst stocks last we are offering a FREE boot-bag with selected boot orders on Granite Workwear, this offer is completely exclusive so make sure you don't miss out.

The selected boot orders include:

Hearing protection – what should I choose?

Risk assessments should involve understanding the level of noise within the working environment. Sound measuring can be used to select the type of hearing protection that is required but as a guide we have listed the main features that should be considered when selecting the solution:-

Remember when reviewing the requirements that noise energy doubles every 3dB – it is not a linear scale….

So what should I choose?

The European Physical Agents (Noise) Directive 2003/10/EC came into force in 2006. In simple terms, the Directive requires that hearing protection should be available at 80dB, and must be worn at 85dB. As a rough guide, when it is necessary to shout in order to be heard 1 meter away the noise levels may be 85dB or more.

Firstly, ensure that the product conforms to EN352. There are three basic standards to take into account. When selecting the ear defenders you must ensure that the products are certified to one of the following standards:-

Ear Muffs EN 352-1:

Ear-Muffs: Two ear cups that are filled with sound absorbing foam. Each cup has a soft pad that is either foam or foam and liquid filled. The ear cups are held in place with a tensioned neckband or headband.

Ear Plugs EN 352-2:

Ear-Plugs that are inserted into the ear canal to seal the entrance.

Helmet Mounted Ear Defenders EN 352-3:

Ear defenders that are designed to be attached to industrial safety helmets. They are adjustable, so they can be positioned over the ear when required.

There are additional standards for more specific products as follows:-

EN352-4: Level dependent ear muffs.

EN352-5: Active noise reduction ear muffs.

EN352-6: Ear muffs with electrical audio input.

EN352-7: Level dependent ear plugs.

EN352-8: Entertainment audio ear muffs.

SNR (Single number rating).

This is the number of potential decibels the hearing protection will reduce the noise by when correctly fitted.

The objective is to select a suitable product that reduces the wearer’s noise level down to between 70dB & 80dB. To reduce the noise level to below 70dB may impair the wearer from hearing any alarm or warning sounds.

HML (relates to frequency)

H=High.  M=Medium.    L=Low.  This relates to how the product performs within these general frequency bands. The values of each of these (attenuation levels) will be located on the product packaging. Note that a SNR of 27 will not necessarily be attributable to all frequency levels – this should be considered when selecting a product for a specific frequency.

Summary:

The ear is very delicate. The damage that can be caused is often non-recoverable. Figures from HSE show that during 2006/7 280 instances of work related hearing loss were diagnosed. However, as hearing loss is cumulative over a period of years, many individuals will not realise that their hearing is being affected.

Arc Protection with Granite Workwear

The risk posed by electricity on the rail network is made clear by Network Rail’s Life Saving Rules.

Three rules deal specifically with electricity: never assume equipment is isolated - always test before touch, with an approved method, this is not Scalextrix, you do not test with any part of your anatomy!

Always test before applying earths or straps and always be sure the required plans and permits are in place before you start a job or go on, or near, the line.

The consequences of not following these steps when working around 25 KV overhead lines is all too real. But even when all the rules are followed, accidents can occur. Equipment failure is another real risk.

The majority of orange fire resistance (FR) work-wear being used on the rail network today does not comply with the GO’RT 3279 high visibility standard, even though they include silver reflective tape in the EN configuration.

Two new products

Pulsarails Combat Coverall and Combat Trouser are flame retardant, anti- static and electric arc protective and comply with GO/RT 3279.

Using a patented Protex multi-fibre blend - Protal 5, the range has a 16 Cal/ cm2 ATPV rating, virtually double the performance of the next market-leading fabric. Combined with the Xcelcius Electric Arc Base Layers, the level of protection increases to 42.6 Cal/cm2.

Some of the benefits of Protal 5 include excellent breathability and wicking properties, as well as an enhanced electric arc performance because of its ability to shed the metal electrodes from an arc blast. When welding, it sheds sparks and molten metal, extending the life expectancy of the coverall.
Unlike all of its current competitors it also has excellent abrasion resistance.

On top of its safety credentials, the Combat Coverall has been designed with the wearer in mind. The coverall includes breast, combat and rear pockets, an elasticated waist and adjustable cuffs. The triple stitched inside leg, front and rear rise seams, and five extra crotch bar tacks reduces the risk of splitting.

Other features include non- conductive plastic studded wrap around cuffs, a front storm flap - which conceals a two-way plastic zip, internal knee pad pockets and double stitched FR reflective tape in the chevron design.

The Combat Trouser has all the attributes of the Combat Coverall but with a slightly elasticated waistband and triple press stud fastening and zip fly.

To be worn in conjunction with the Pulsar FR Combat Trouser, the Pulsar FR high-visibility orange Class 3, GO/ RT 3279, flame retardant polo shirt incorporates 3M Scotchlite thermally- applied reflective tape, FR collar and cuffs, and concealed three button placket.

If it gets a little chilly, then why not layer up with the Pulsar FR high visibility orange Class 3, GO/RT 3279, flame retardant sweatshirt. Again, both garments are manufactured using a Protal blend of FR fibres to guarantee the highest level of performance without compromising on comfort or fit.

The Xcelcius Electric Arc Base Layers are manufactured from a knitted Protal- blend and comply with EN11612 (FR), EN1149 (AST) and IEC61482 (Arc) standards. Both top and bottoms have a 9.2 Cal/cm2 ATPV rating. When worn in conjunction with the double- layer balaclava, it ensures maximum next-to-skin protection. All styles incorporate red contrast FR thread.

Granite Workwear is probably the largest stock-holder in the country of Pulsar and Pulsarail products. If we don’t have it in stock then it’s probably not in the country!

We  are also a RISQS accredited supplier to the Rail Industry.

New GO/RT Clothing coming in September this year

These details are correct as of 9th July 2014.

The high-visibility clothing standard is presented in the Railway Group Standards document, titled 'High Visibility Clothing'.

The importance of these standards is to ensure the safety of all workers and maintenance teams whilst working on railway lines. Regardless of whether the line is live or not, it is a mandatory requirement that high visibility clothing is to be worn with track or lineside working. 
  

Rail workers wearing the GO/RT standard clothing

Typically, such GO/RT clothing products feature high-visibility vests, overalls, jackets and polo shirts. These two new products, coming in stock from early September, revolutionise the current rail industry standard clothing. 

First on the list, we have the new GO/RT Hooded Sweatshirt. This product conforms to the Level 2 GO/RT 3279:2008 standard, giving you the comfort that these products meet the national Railway Group Standards. 

This product is ideal for the more modern user, with the attached hood and cords to allow for adjustment to meet the user's requirements. The inclusion of the front pocket allows for storage space if required by the user. So, why wait? This new stock is an opportunity not to be missed!

Both the European Standards and Railway Group Standard require that all high-visibility clothing products incorporate both fluorescent and retro-reflective materials. GO/RT 3279 specifies orange for the fluorescent colour to be used for the clothing. All of our products that we feature on our website conform to these standards.

Click here to be taken to this product on our website. 

For our final product, we have the new GO/RT Sweatshirt, which also conforms to the Level 2 GO/RT 3279:2008 standard.

With the upcoming Autumn conditions, these two new products are ideal. The high quality hem, cuffs and 280gsm fabric give you the protection you need to suit your requirements. 

Click here to be taken to this product on our website. 

Both of these products range in size from Small to XXXXL. Make sure you order early to get your products whilst stocks last. 

Granite Workwear - we only sell the good stuff.


The implementation of these standards has resulted in work to be carried out and completed in a safe manner. This September, there is a launch of two new GO/RT standard products to the rail industry range, which offer the user a different style of clothing than previously seen before.

GO/RT 3279 Railway Group Standard

These details are correct as of 27th May 2014. If in doubt search for GORT3279 Issue 8 dated 1.3.2014 which currently specifies the latest amendments to the standard.

You may be carrying out maintenance work on track, where no trains are running – called 'green zone working'. However, work is undertaken on active railways, during day and night, and under different weather conditions. In this 'red zone working', the dangers are very real and it is important that the highest levels of visibility are maintained.

The European standard of high visibility garments BS EN ISO 20471:2013 (a recently updated version of EN 471:2003 + A1:2007) permits a small number of fluorescent background materials, the railway standard specifies one colour only -  Orange.

But this is not just any orange. No orange high visibility garment without the GO/RT 3279 specification is certified for use on UK railways on the line-side or on or near the line.

The garments need to exceed the requirements in EN ISO 20471 (EN 471) for both the minimum area of the orange background material and retro-reflective tape used in the garment. Also, the orange colour must meet the highest level of photometric performance criteria that is specified within the standard. Hence the products must be tested and certified to this standard. These garments must also meet with the requirements for Class 2 garments as set out in BS EN ISO 20471.  If in doubt, request a copy of the certification from your PPE supplier. These should be available on demand. There is an exception for mini-vests ‘Where duties require the use of high visibility clothing, but the nature of the work does not involve possible obscuring of the high visibility clothing, a high visibility mini-vest having a reduced area of visible material, conforming to section A.4 of this Appendix, is permitted’.

On or near the line is defined as ‘within 3 meters of the nearest rail of any line and on the line itself’. ‘On a platform this applies to only the part of the platform within 1.25 meters of the platform edge and only when an engineering or technical activity is taking place’.

Line-side is defined as ‘the area between the boundary fence and the point that is called ‘on or near the line’, and where someone would be within view of the driver of an approaching train or movement’.

Additional PPE that is mandatory to be worn ‘on or near the line or on the lineside is:                   Safety helmet (these should be supplied with a chinstrap where there is a danger of them falling off) – that complies with BS EN 397. Bump caps complying with BS EN 812: 1998 do not meet the requirements for safety helmets, but may be worn as an alternative to a safety helmet by those engaged in working on rail vehicles below sole-bar level.

Safety footwear that complies with BS EN ISO 20345 that provides support to the ankles and includes mid-sole protection and had a covered toe cap. Rigger boots do not meet these requirements for ankle protection.

There are exemptions for certain operations and these are listed in Network Rail reference NR/SP/OHS/021 dated February 2007. If in doubt then refer to this publication.

Other exemptions may be granted by an application to Network Rail Head of Occupational Health and Safety for approval and shall be accompanied by a supporting risk assessment.

Myth Buster:

Some myths, probably by suppliers of GO/RT 3279 clothing, have suggested that there are various additional requirements which need to be met in order to sell more of their own products over their competitors. Most of it is made-up so we just want to clarify a few points.

Printing / Logos:

The GO/RT standard states that the visible materials of the garment must not be compromised by the addition of company names or logos. This does not mean that no logos or prints are allowed. It means be sensible - that the area covered by the prints must not affect the purpose of the garment which is to be noticed. Black, reflective and coloured printing is allowed.

The current wording in the standard (NR/L2/OHS/021, Issue 3) on this is:

‘The outer layer of the upper body clothing shall be clearly marked between the vertical retro-reflective bands’ (silver stripes) ‘on the back with the name or logo of the individual’s Sentinal sponsor or other name or logo agreed with Network Rail (e.g. project, sponsor’s parent company or trade association). This may be in colour or black and either screen printed or incorporated within a panel, which may be retro-reflective.’

Retro reflective stripes above the knee on trousers:

Some of our customers have stated that they have information from a reliable source that Network Rail is planning to change their standard/policy on work trousers to state one band must be above the knee. Not true, the minimum standard required by Network Rail for work trousers to be worn  is BS EN471: 2003 Class 1 and GO/RT3279.

As from 1st January 2009, all maintenance staff going on or near the line must wear all orange PPE. This was referred to as the ‘All Orange PPE initiative’. The move to all orange meant the addition of orange high visibility trousers (or over-trousers) to the  PPE requirement. The instruction applied to all staff and contractors who work for maintenance or who come to work in maintenance worksites. This included anyone from outside of maintenance but working under the protection of a maintenance COSS. This also includes Supervisors and Managers.

As an additional note – shorts are not permissible.

Hoods on garments – should they be tear-off?

Is there a guide for wearing / not wearing hoods on waterproof or any other GO/RT3279 garments? There is nothing mandatory with reference to having or not having a hood permanently or temporarily attached to a garment. Obvious safety concerns would mean that if you were working on or near the line then a tear-off hood would be advisable to take into account any snagging issues. Advice / comments from Network Rail when querying this issue in 2009 stated ‘No hoods to be worn. We would much prefer garments not to have them at all, detachable or not.’ However, this is NOT written in the GO/RT3279 standard at the time of writing.

Thermal balaclavas:

Unlike hoods, Balaclava’s with Mesh Ear apertures  are permitted , advice from Network Rail in 2010 stated that the reason for mesh ears (in balaclavas) is to make sure the product cannot prevent the wearer from hearing a warning given by a lookout or a train driver for example. It is also worth noting that as Balaclava’s are not an item of PPE so they do not have to meet any colour specification.

Waterproof / breathability of foul weather clothing:

In addition to GO/RT 3279, foul weather high visibility jackets and over-trousers must achieve the standard of BS EN 343 class 3 for water vapour resistance and water penetration.

General recommendations by Network Rail:

Any employee or contractor of Network Rail who goes on or near the line or on the lineside shall be required to wear full-length trousers to mitigate against the risks from lineside vegetation and the consequences of slips, trips and falls.

Ideally trousers should be high-visibility and meet the requirements of BS EN471: 2003 and GO/RT3279, however this is not mandatory.

Upper body clothing with full-length sleeves is also preferable, to protect against risks from vegetation and of sunburn, but is not mandatory. However, sleeveless garments, such as singlets or vests, are prohibited.

Sunglasses may be worn, but tinted lenses should be avoided where there is a requirement to distinguish colours accurately. Photochromic (e.g. Reactolite) lenses should be worn with caution; whilst they darken rapidly in bright conditions, they take much longer to clear in dark conditions.
Any PPE identified as necessary through work activity risk assessments shall be provided and used as required by the safe system of work and working instructions. This includes, for example, hearing protection, eye protection, gloves, etc.

Responsibilities:

Employers: shall be responsible for providing their employees with any PPE (including foul weather clothing) which is required by the nature of their job. This shall be provided free of charge and shall be renewed free of charge as and when necessary to ensure that it remains effective in use.

Site managers: shall be responsible for providing any PPE over and above the generic requirements for going on or near the line which may be required on that site. For example, on a particularly noisy worksite, the site manager shall be responsible for providing adequate hearing protection. In addition, site managers shall be responsible for ensuring that any PPE or workwear required for particular locations or tasks is used by employees as required.

Employees: are responsible for using PPE and workwear as required, for keeping it clean and maintaining it in a reasonable condition and for requesting its replacement when it becomes ineffective.

The NR PPE and work wear specification, NR/SP/OHS/021 can be found on the Network Rail Safety Central website.

Enough is Enough!

Before the onset of Trench foot we feel duty bound to advise you of the options for some sound waterproof footwear.

The Rocky

Crafted with a supple full grain cowhide leather and a waterproof breathable membrane, the Rocky is another quality safety boot from the V12 stable and has all of the benefits of a top quality walking boot.

Incorporating a waterproof covered zip on the inside of the ankle for easy access and quick release. Perfect for a search and rescue boot.

A lightweight, wide fitting, non-sparking and thermal insulating toe cap and midsole, scuff cap and tough ankle support.

A full bellows tongue helps to prevent the ingress of dirt and water and an ergonomic padded collar provides added comfort when flexing. Inside there is a full and removable shock absorbing footbed made from a non-compressing compo.

The Muckmaster

If you need warm, comfortable safety wellies then these are perfect. They are so comfortable that you feel as if you were wearing trainers and wonder why by mid-afternoon on a long shift, your feet don’t ache and why you don’t feel tired. We have a large range of the Original Muckboots in stock.

And for those of you that live near a river, or a stream that is now a river.

In either a safety  spec with toe-cap and mid-sole protection or without. In a tough Texoflex tear resistant fabric.

Granite Workwear – we only do the good stuff.

Thermal Safety Footwear

Not something that immediately springs to mind until the weather turns really cold. Then the toes start to freeze up no matter how much you wiggle them about.

There are a few good products on the market that keep the worst of the cold away.

Firstly – keep your feet dry. An obvious comment but one often overlooked.

Secondly – choice of socks. If you need more than one pair then you are doing it all wrong! If you have non-waterproof boots then go for the Sealskinz waterproof socks. If your boots are waterproof then go for the V12 Endurasok. We don’t want to confuse you with too many variants of the same thing.

The Original Muck Boot Company have replaced the best selling thermal Humber Safety Wellingtons with the new Chore Safety. If you need warm, comfortable safety wellies then these are perfect. They are so comfortable that you feel as if you were wearing trainers and wonder why by mid-afternoon on a long shift, your feet don’t ache and why you don’t feel tired. These are the only boots where we are confident that you only need a regular shoe sock.

A lace-up safety boot that will protect you down to -40 degrees is the Rockall Alaska boot. Lightweight and designed primarily for freezer/cold store work. We are getting very positive feedback as a general work boot.

If a slip-on safety boot is more your thing then the V12 Tomahawk Rigger boot with its Thinsulate lining should keep your feet very toasty. Very good value for an excellent boot.

And if you want to wear what every self-respecting inshore fisherman is wearing then go for the aptly named Ice Pack Safety Wellingtons. Perfect when worn with the VSOK4 work socks.

Remember that if you are buying these boots for yourself that you do not pay VAT.

John Ruskin said that ‘Quality is never an accident; it is always the result of intelligent effort.’

That is what we do at Granite Workwear – We only do the good stuff.

Have You Ordered Your Waterproof Onesies For Christmas?

We have had some additions to the family since last year and all of them are proving to be very popular.

The traditional Flexothane overalls are selling as well now as they were 5 years ago. Built to last and as waterproof as you are likely to get.

The 5616 Thermal high vis version is still a favourite for wind farm operatives, outdoor stockyard and fork lift drivers. Offering superb all-round protection during the winter months.

Sales of the PR505 Rail approved overalls have already hit last winters’ total sales as word gets around regarding their value and versatility. The zip-in Thinsulate liner has made these a year-round favourite.

The three new additions are all being trialled with major users and feedback has been very positive:

440 Cabin thermal High vis waterproof overalls. These offer an alternative to the uber-waterproof 5616 Flexothane. The main benefit being improved breathability. These have been tested at a major airport where the 5616 have been used for pressure-washing and the 440 Cabin have been used for more aerobic activities. These are available in Yellow and Orange high vis.

So you don’t need the thermal properties of the 440 Cabin then the 6453 Tanner are ideal. If you don’t like your overalls thermally lined but lightweight and are happy to wear a thermal base layer then these waterproof overalls are perfect and will serve you all year round.

And if high vis is not necessary then the 441Mills Thermal waterproof overalls are just the job. Would suit any occupation where fluorescent high vis would not be wanted such as farming, veterinary practices etc. Anywhere where animal husbandry is involved. The muted grey colours are broken with retro-reflective tape that it will get you noticed but not alert the livestock.

And finally, our best-selling non high vis overalls from Baleno. Their Arctic overalls. Incredibly good value at £ 49.95. We supplied the RAF last winter with these for their groundstaff and transport sections.

So, no need to get cold and wet this winter. Invest in some decent Workwear – you are in it 8 hours a day so make it work for you.

Granite Workwear. We only do the good stuff.

So Just How Many Balaclavas Can You Have?

With the forecast set to turn a bit nippy over the next few weeks, just how well are you kitted out to keep the worst of the cold and wind away?

If you thought that there was just one balaclava then you haven’t been doing your homework.

Our best seller was designed for rail use, having been certified for GO/RT3275 rail standard. The XUT30 is made from a fine-knit dual layer poly-viloft – the most traditional of thermal knitted fabrics, with mesh ear pieces to aid communication. Suitable for temperatures down to -20° Celsius. A seriously good investment at £9.45.

If it’s just to keep off the worst of the weather then go for the XUT14. Ideal for temperatures down to -5° Celsius and a steal at £7.95.

For those pyromaniacs amongst you then the FR rated XFRC14 Protex/cotton is excellent value at £9.95. Very popular for offshore oil.

If you are particularly concerned about getting struck by lightning then the XFRASC14 Electric Arc rated FR Balaclava (which is also anti-static) is likely to float your boat at £ 12.95. Maximum protection at minimum cost.

Strictly speaking the following two helmet liners are not balaclavas but do tick almost all of the boxes if you had to describe them. Balaclavas were originally designed and made for the British troops in the Crimea war. I love the Wikipedia description: During the Crimean War, knitted balaclavas were sent over to the British troops to help protect them from the bitter cold weather. British troops required this aid, as their own supplies (warm clothing, weatherproof quarters, and food) never arrived in time. So no change there then!

I am sure if thermal insulation, hook & loop fastening and a structure to allow them to be fitted into helmets were available then the balaclava may never have been invented. However, not sure if the troops would have appreciated the high vis orange colouring and reflective tape. Ideal for all high vis applications and meeting the requirements of GO/RT3279 rail standard the JSP thermal helmet liners will keep you as snug as a bug at £ 13.95.

If these are a little too over-engineered for your liking than our standard Thinsulate helmet liners are exceptionally well priced at £ 7.95.

You will probably realise that most of the heat generated by the body by area  is lost through the head. So why do we not cover it up effectively and very inexpensively in cold weather?

For those of you that don’t like to be noticed you may want to select something from our ‘Country Clothing’ section.

Noiseless, breathable and waterproof you will resemble Nearly Headless Nick when walking through the woods or bird spotting.

Granite Workwear – we only sell the good stuff.

It’s that time of year again..

Fruit ladders, orchard ladders or tripod ladders – call them what you will. Working at height without the aid of a safety line or safety net requires something a little more than ‘reliable’. Especially when they can go up to nearly 16 feet / 4.8 meters.

They are an ideal set of ladders for fruit picking, hedge cutting / topiary, window or caravan cleaning.

Granite Workwear supply two types that should cover pretty much all of the terrain that you are likely to need one for. They are made from a high grade aluminium alloy with an all welded structure and a telescopic back leg making these ladders light, durable and weatherproof. On the standard model the back leg is telescopic. On the fully adjustable model, all of the legs are height adjustable for those really awkward locations. The feet are clawed to reduce a slip risk.

They have a high strength to weight ratio and a wide base for added stability. Just to make sure that you are as safe as possible we can also supply protective rubber boots to give you added stability on hard surfaces. They have double runged steps and can handle a safe working load of up to 100Kg. If you need something stronger, we do supply Tripod ladders that cope with 150Kg – just call to arrange.

The height options start at:

4 feet / 1.2meters with 4 steps at 4.4Kg.

 6 feet / 1.8 meters with 6 steps at 6.2Kg.

8 feet / 2.4 meters with 8 steps at 8.2Kg.

10 feet / 3.0 meters with 10 steps at 10.2Kg.

12 feet / 3.6 meters with 12 steps at 12 Kg.

14 feet / 4.2 meters with 14 steps at 16Kg.

16 feet / 4.8 meters with 16 steps at 21Kg.

We can also supply spare back legs, pins, springs and rings if you abuse them too much.

Be safe, buy once, buy well.

Buy from Granite Workwear – we only sell the good stuff.

So what’s happened To Muckboots?

The Original Muck Boot company or Muck boots to the uninitiated, are a brand owned by Honeywell that markets an exceptionally good range of neoprene boots and wellington boots.

The Original Muck Boot Company  began in 1999. The need for a more comfortable wellington boot that did not freeze your feet on a cold winter morning and kept you warm all day has been there since wellies were first used. To wear a wellington boot that felt as comfortable as a pair of your favorite trainers yet offered you all of the waterproof protection of a wellington and the warmth of several pairs of thick woolen sea socks has seen sales sky rocket over the last few years. The traditional premium hunting, shooting, fishing, equestrian brands have suffered significantly as Muck Boot wearers have evangelized about their new discovery.

Chore 2K Muck Boots

However, there has been some confusion in the market as Honeywell has sought to rationalize its styles under a set of global common names. There have been several styles sold in the UK that have been named after British rivers such as Spey, Tay, Esk, Tyne, Derwent etc. Honeywell have deemed it necessary to have one style sold in the US or wherever in the world under one style name. Great when you want to buy a Snickers bar in Tokyo, St. Louis or Middlesborough and not have to cope with the old British Marathon bar and get blank looks at a tobacconist in Barcelona. To apply the same logic to a pair of premium willies is frankly bonkers. I only buy my wellies in the UK as I tend not to shop for practical footwear on my worldwide travels, I am too busy taking in the new experiences and environments.

That said, we felt a duty to explain what was and what now is…….

‘Spey’ is now ‘Woody Max’. Quite why a pair of hunting wellies should be named after a character in Toy Story is beyond the wit of most, although they have alluded to Woody having visited MacDonalds a tad too many times.

‘Tay’ is now ‘Muckmaster’. Why? No idea. Perhaps our cousins thought that Muckmaster was a more romantic name than Tay.

‘Tay Sport’ is now ‘Arctic Sport’. The most logical change of the lot as these are rated to cope with some stupidly low temperatures.

‘Esk is now ‘Chore 2K’. Sorry but I cannot think of anything to say about this name change.

‘Derwent is now ‘Chore Hi’. As above.

‘Humber’ safety wellies are now ‘Chore Safety’ or at least will be in Mid-October when the new stock arrives. (We have lots of Humber left as we were sneaky and bought up oodles of stock when we saw the changes coming but be quick – they are going fast).

‘Tyne’ riding boots are now ‘Colt Ryder’. And I thought that my spelling was poor.

There are more but these are frilly pink and purple versions that are worn in the garden and don’t fit well into a working environment.

It may be a bit irritating – all these name changes and American at that. But it does not take away the fact that they are exceptionally good at what they do. I binned my traditional willies several years ago when I first bought a pair of Tay (sorry, Muckmasters). I can wear them for ten hours a day and not feel the slightest bit tired due to aching feet. What other wellington boots can you say that about?

Granite Workwear – We only sell the good stuff.

Workwear Clothing

J.D. Power and Associates ran some research for the textile industry in North America a few years ago and found that customers are more inclined to do business with employees who wear uniforms because they stood out as professionals and were seen as being more competent and knowledgeable. Those survey results are just as true today and can translate into real bottom line benefits for those companies choosing good quality work wear for their employees. Saving a few pounds and having a workforce that does not look its best is false economy. If you are going to do it then do it properly.

The top ten reasons that businesses should opt for a well put together uniform programme are:

Create an attractive business image. For better or worse, society tends to judge people by how they dress. Selecting an appropriate employee uniform can immediately establish a professional business image that attracts and helps retain customers.

Free advertising. Well designed work uniforms worn in public become walking posters, promoting a company's products and services free of charge.

Improve customer relationships. Work uniforms immediately identify company representatives who can be approached for purchasing information, thereby improving overall customer service.

Protect the workforce. Uniforms deliver functional benefits, like wearer safety. For example, high vis uniforms can help protect workers from being struck. Flame resistant (FR) workwear can help prevent injuries caused by accidental flash fires.

Promote a Brand. When employees wear uniforms displaying corporate logos and colours, they help brand and differentiate their business. But remember – whatever you do, do not save a few pennies on an ‘OK’ embroidery or print. Make sure that it looks perfect. This is your company that you are promoting, not some average, run-of-the-mill competitor.

Prevent product cross-contamination. Uniform programs designed specifically for the food or healthcare industries can help reduce cross-contamination threats; those constructed to dissipate static electricity can help prevent damage to sensitive electronic components.

Improve security. Company uniforms featuring specific styles or colours quickly identify who does or does not belong in specific work areas or on job sites.

Create team spirit. Probably the most under-rated benefit of good quality uniform. Make your employee feel important – he or she is your best sales person. Work uniforms promote a sense of team spirit and a sense of belonging. This, in turn, can improve worker productivity.

Employee benefit. Employer provided uniforms save employees money.

Promote company pride. Work uniforms help in-still a sense of pride and responsibility and can convert employees into "brand ambassadors" outside the actual workplace.

All this is not rocket science. Your accountants will probably have a view that uniform and Workwear is an unnecessary cost centre. Nothing could be further from the truth.

New Range Of Unilite Torches At Granite

At Granite we have extended our collection of professional Unilite touches in order to provide you with the highest quality of next generation LED flashlights, lanterns and headlights suitable for using in demanding work conditions.

Unilite uses only the highest specification components in all of their torches, such as ultra-powerful LEDs from leading chip manufacturers. Each individual component used is picked and tailored specifically to suit industry specific applications.

Here is a snippet of just some of the Unilite products we stock:

Unilite Prosafe PS-T1 Waterproof LED Torch

This waterproof torch is ideal and can even be used for recreational diving with its rubberised head for increased durability and its contoured non-slip rubber grip body. With a beam range of 150 meters and a battery life of 7 hours, this torch can be used as a very handy security light especially because it comes complete with a SOS flash setting for emergency signalling.

Unilite Prosafe PS-FL6R Rechargeable Torch

This little yet powerful touch has a beam range of 250 meters which can last for just over eight hours. Once it’s flat, you don’t have to worry about finding some new batteries as you can simply recharge the battery using the indoor charging base adapter. This hand held touch is the ultimate small torch for emergency services, police support (PSU) and security applications.

Unilite PS-L3RK Rechargeable LED High Vis Torch

Hate torches which require disposable batteries? The robust Unilite PS-L3RK is the perfect solution to avoid the small fortune of replacing batteries as this torch comes with a side charging point so you can easily recharge your batteries. Key features include a 135 degree rotational swivel head, water resistant casing and a 160 Lumen LED Spotlight which lasts for 10 hours.

Unilite PS-LR5 LED Spotlight

This top quality torch comes complete with a 160 Lumen Rotational LED Spotlight and a RED LED light for signalling which can last up to 6 hours. If the battery runs out just pop it in the supplied rapid charger adapter and your good to go again. Don’t be afraid of dropping this spotlight as it has a rubberised base for a greater shock resistance and it is also chemical resistant making it ideal for demanding work conditions.

To view our full product collection of Unilite torches visit Granite Work wear online or get in touch by calling us on 0115 964 0111.

Safety Footwear Standards

You use them for probably 8 hours a day so what you wear on your feet really matters. Getting the right footwear will make life safer and easier. Wearing the wrong footwear can distract you with the pain or make you prematurely tired which has direct implications on safety and efficiency. Saving a few pounds by buying safety boots and shoes is frankly bonkers.  Employers are legally responsible for providing the correct footwear so get it right. Not only will your employees thank you for it and feel more valued, the boss should also be impressed with lower accident figures due to fatigue and better productivity.

EN345 / EN ISO 20345:2007

The safety footwear standard is referred as EN345, EN ISO 20345:2004, and EN ISO 20345:2007. All footwear designed before 2004 and still manufactured up to today carries EN ISO 20345:2004. However, there have been a lot of material and design improvements in the last 8 years so make sure that footwear carrying this standard is up to the mark. EN ISO 20345:2007 is the latest standard for footwear designed or retested after 2007 and this standard sets out minimum requirements that safety footwear must be successfully tested against.

The standard specifies all safety footwear must have toe protection. All Safety Footwear in this standard is at least SB which means it has toe protection against a 200 Joule impact.

Please note that there is another standard, EN346 which requires protective footwear to withstand a minimum impact of 100 Joules but we will not be dealing with this here as the majority of safety footwear being sold is EN345 compliant.

In addition to this there are different protective features for footwear that are represented by a combination of letters.

Rating Features:

SB 
SB-P P
S1 A + FO + E
S1-P A + FO + E + P
S2 A + FO + E + WRU
S3 A + FO + E + WRU + P
S4 A + FO + E + Waterproof
S5 A + FO + E + P + Waterproof
 


Toe protection (SB):

Toe protection must withstand a 200 joule impact. A joule is the unit of energy and this standard is very specific. A heavy weight falling from a low height could have a lot less energy than a lighter weight falling from a much higher height. As well as impacts the toe area must withstand a resting mass of well over one metric Tonne.

It is important to note that the protection does not have to be steel. In fact, alternative non-metallic protection, sometimes referred to as composite or even aluminium can be equally as strong but lighter. Lighter boots can be significantly more forgiving on your lower back over long periods of time.

The rating SB indicates that the safety footwear has a minimum 200 joule toe protection, it can have additional features but it is the most basic and essential for safety footwear.

SB-P:

SB-P has the same features as the SB rating with the addition of the midsole penetration protection.

S1:

S1 in addition to the 200 joule toe cap, is classed as antistatic footwear and the sole is also resistant to fuel oil and has energy absorption in the heel area.

S1-P:

S1-P has the same features as the S1 rating with the addition of the midsole penetration protection.

S2:

S2 in addition to the 200 joule toe cap, is classed as antistatic footwear and the sole is also resistant to fuel oil and has energy absorption in the heel area. It also has a water resistant upper.

S3:

S3 has the same features as the S2 rating with the addition of the midsole penetration protection.

S4:

S4 in addition to the 200 joule toe cap, is classed as antistatic footwear and the sole is also resistant to fuel oil and has energy absorption in the heel area.

S5:

S5 has the same features as the S4 rating with the addition of the midsole penetration protection.

All safety footwear can have more features than are listed above but these are the minimum requirements to meet each of the safety ratings. So you could have a S1 CI or S1 HI. We have listed the main ratings above. There are more but these are the most common.

Key Description:

Antistatic protection (A):

Clothing, seating materials, and climate factors can cause a build up a static charge of electricity in the body. Some materials in footwear can over insulate the body causing the charge to be held. When you then touch something the charge can rush from your body quickly causing a spark and a small uncomfortable shock. Antistatic footwear will significantly reduce this effect but does not offer full protection for exposure to electronics and explosives work. You will need Electro-Static protection, often referred to as ESD, for this.

Electro-Static Discharge (ESD):

ESD footwear is designed for the electronics, gas and explosives industry and has to meet ESD CEI EN61340-5-1 standard. This footwear has a significantly lower resistance and allows the current to pass to earth more easily. Please note however that there are other factors that need to be taken into account when kitting out your personnel working in such industries. What other clothing are they wearing in order for the charge to earth through the footwear and, as odd as this may sound, we have anecdotal evidence that suggests that ‘larger’ personnel wearing ESD footwear can sometimes fail an overall earthing test.

Midsole penetration protection (P) - SB-P, S1-P, S3, S5:

Sharp objects where we walk and stand are significant risk not only in the workplace but also outdoors and at home. Midsole protection will guard against nails and other objects. To meet this standard the footwear must be able to resist a penetration force of 1100 Newtons.
Midsole protection is provided by using one of several methods:

Stainless steel or Aluminium insert in the sole.

Kevlar / Lenzi  or other flexible fabric insole.

The Aluminium and fabric solutions are the most flexible and lightest and cover the greatest area of the foot and the fabric insoles also offer much higher thermal insulation.

Insulation against heat (HI):

Insulation against heat: tested for 30 minutes at 150°C.

Insulation against cold (CI):

Insulation against cold: tested for 30 minutes at 1 -20°C.

Energy Absorption (E):

Energy Absorption in the heel region.

Heat Resistant (HRO):

Heat resistant Outsole: To resist 300°C for 60 seconds.

Resistance to fuel oil of outsole (FO):

Water Resistant Upper (WRU):

Water resistant upper, not used on all rubber or polymeric footwear.

Metatarsal (M):

Safety boots or shoes with metatarsal protection.

Cut Resistance (CR):

Safety shoes or boots with cut resistance.

Non-metallic footwear:

Safety footwear containing no metal parts are ideal for workplaces with metal detectors like airports eliminating the hassle of removing them and remember, lighter boots can be significantly more forgiving on your lower back.

There are several other classifications which need to be considered such as:-

BS4676:2005 for use in molten metal environments.

EN13832-2 (&) 3: 2006 Footwear protection against chemicals.

EN15090: 2006 Footwear protection for fire-fighters.

EN ISO 17249:2004 Safety footwear for use with chainsaws.

EN5321:2000 Electrically insulating footwear for working on low voltage installations.

BS7971-5:2004 Footwear protection for use in violent or training situations.

Notes:
CEN/ISO TR 18690:2006 Guidance for the selection use and maintenance of safety, protective and occupational footwear.

For information on how the various performance levels and classifications are assessed and their relevance to practical situations, contact:

HSL-Personal Safety Unit in Buxton on: 01298 218329.

Get Ready For A Warm Winter With Granite Workwear

This month stay warm whilst working with Granite’s collection of thermal wear from Xcelcius. Our next to skin thermal garments will take the chill away when working on outside projects or in cold environments.Within our collection we stock a wide range of thermal underwear, balaclavas, hats and gloves from as little as £1.75.

Xcelsius Supertherm Knitted Hat XST16

Keep your head warm in the freezing temperatures this winter with our Xcelsius Supertherm Knitted hat, specifically designed to keep you warm even if the temperature drops down to minus 5° Celsius. Made from blended viloft fibres with polyester, viloft is made from wood pulp which increases thermal performance. The natural wicking properties in the viloft will keep your skin dry and warm, which is ideal for aerobic activities and outdoor sports.

Xcelcius Thermal Underwear Long Sleeve Top XPV01

The Xcelcius Thermal Underwear Long Sleeve Top will feel like a second skin as it’s made out of blended soft viscose and polyester. This fabric is also very light and comfortable, so it’s suitable for wearing at work all day. You can wear this thermal top under any garment as its ideal for providing a performance layered base for everyday use. Not only can this garment be washed without losing its shape but it is also suitable for temperatures down to -5° Celsius.

Xcelcius Thermal Underwear Long Pants XPV03

The Xcelcius Thermal Underwear Long Pants transports moisture away from the skin through the fabric by the capillary action of the fibre, which allows you to stay warm throughout the day. This style of pant has a modern cut and fit so you can easily slip your trousers on over the top. Made from blended soft viscose and polyester, this garment is suitable for temperatures down to -5° Celsius.

Our complete collection of affordable thermal clothing will keep you protected and safe throughout winter. For the use in the most demanding conditions view our full product collection at Granite Workwear online or get in touch by calling us on 0115 964 0111.

Professional Unilite Torches at Granite

This month why not view our collection of the best high visibility technology touches by Unilite, a pro-safe approach to staying well lit and safe in working conditions.

With vast research into LED development and the drive to produce innovative designs Unilite has created products with breakthrough focus control, electronic dimming configuration and induction technology, alongside existing product developments in lenses, reflectors, micro-switches and industrial use of materials such as high strength co-polymer.

Unilite as a brand works hand in hand with Granites message of producing durable and well-designed products by using the highest possible specification components in all of their products.

At Granite we stock the Unilite PS-H range as well as the Unilite HV-H head torches which are impact resistant, waterproof and chemical resistant head torches.

Unilite PS-H1 Head torch

This Unilite head torch supports some truly outstanding features such an a scientific optical fraction lens, a beam range of 45 meters and a battery life of 8 hours and an emergency red flash function all for just £21.54.

Unilite PS-H5 Head torch

With two different power settings you can have this torch on for up to 36 hours! That’s not all, this product features infrared no touch on-off facility which is very useful when wearing working gloves, a beam range of 120 metres, and a 180 Lumen white CREE LED, costing only £47.94.

Unilite HV-H4 Head torch

The Unilite HV-H4 sports a collimator lens as well as a beam range of 85 meters, a battery life of 16 hours when on full power and a 165 Lumen white Luxeon LED. Priced at £42.00, this is a great head torch for working on railways and highways.

All of the head torches come with a free set of helmet clips which work well with any safety helmet such as the  Peltor G3000 or the Venitex Diamond V.

For the use in the most demanding conditions view our full product collection visit Granite Work wear online or get in touch by calling us on 0115 964 0111.

New for October- A new and well developed range of Rock Fall Safety Footwear

At Granite this month we are extending our safety footwear collection to include the addition of a new range of Rock Fall Safety boots.

This range of lightweight safety footwear, all with composite toe caps and midsoles, is perfect for working on rail projects, civils and quarrying. Keep your feet safe and put less stress on your lower back – you will be a lot fresher at the end of a hard day.

The Rock Fall ‘Flint'

Now in stock is the Rock Fall ‘Flint’, with a lightweight composite toecap and anti-penetration protective midsole. For just £42.95, the ‘Flint’ provides excellent value for money – this water resistant safety boot is ideal for walking on ballast with its shock absorbing footbed making it the perfect footwear for the rail industry and ground works.

The Rock Fall ‘Titanium’

Later throughout this month you will be able to order the ‘Titanium’ and ‘Alaska’ Rock Fall safety footwear. The ‘Titanium’ safety boot is waterproof and features R-Ten abrasion resistant stitching thread and a lightweight composite toe cap and midsole. Perfect for the rail industry, utilities, civils, quarries and highways, this product is priced at just £59.95.

The Rock Fall 'Alaska'

The lightweight ‘Alaska’ Rock Fall safety boot has a temperature operating range of between –40°c to +300°c, as well as featuring Thinsulate© B600 thermal lining and a slip resistant rubber sole. Only £59.95 these boots are perfect for when the temperatures really drop.

For the use in the most demanding conditions, Rock Fall safety footwear will endure the toughest of situations, to view our full product collection visit Granite Workwear online or get in touch by calling us on 0115 964 0111.

Mullion Will Float Your Boat

At Granite we believe that quality comes before expense.  We don’t risk your safety in order to provide you with cheap deals; instead we use the best materials available and offer the best value for money.

Planning on going sea fishing or just plain cruising?

The sea can be a cruel mistress, it is best to be prepared for anything especially when you are so far away from land. So a Mullion Floatation suit would be considered an essential item to take along with you.

These floatation suits have a range of benefits which includes, Protection against cold water shock and hyperthermia upon immersion. It also features inherent buoyancy in excess of 50 Newton meaning it conforms to the EN393 standard, the outer fabric is fully waterproof and all the seams are taped. Another feature is the retro-reflective tape on hood and chest combined with the High-visibility adjustable insulated peaked hood insuring that you are more likely to be visible to others meaning that you will be able to be seen from quite a distance.

Mullion aims for and achieves the maximum technical properties and standards within its product range and consistently holds the highest standard of approval possible in each market sector for the relevant products.

Furthermore, Mullion works very closely with the various appropriate standards committees and accredited approvals testing houses in order to ensure the highest standards are set and maintained for the safety at sea industry. All this means that with Mullion you are virtually guaranteed great quality and a product that you know will be just what you are looking for when going sea fishing or cruising.

At Granite Workwear we have an extensive range of floatation suits/jackets and trousers that you will find are of great quality and good value. We also have immersion suits and life jackets for both leisure and professional use.