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In this Issue: Choosing Chainsaw Chaps Cruising Vests
You Look Marvelous
Outdoor Pros are fashion experts. Some may scoff at that statement but when it comes to looking good you really are better off letting a limnologist dress you instead of Ralph Lauren.
This has always been the case. Take a look at this image from a 1959 edition of our catalog:
This Mackinaw Cruiser Coat is proof positive that Outdoor Pros have always been ahead of the game where apparel is concerned. What's more, everything we wear multi-tasks. For example: cruiser vests don't just place us on the cutting edge of couture, they tote our gear and the hi-viz orange color keeps us from being run over by heavy equipment.
The funny thing is, none of us on the Ben Team spend a lot of time in Milan or New York during fashion week. We (just like you) already know what works and don't need anyone from Vogue telling us that hi-viz orange is the new black.
That's why this edition of The Natural Resource takes a closer look at apparel—protective apparel to be more precise. Scroll down to read up on how to choose the right chainsaw chaps and learn a little more about the ubiquitous cruising vest. After that you may want to head to our Web site. That's where you'll discover we've cut prices on some of our most popular protective apparel.
So the next time you're out in the field don't be surprised if you hear the click of a camera and maybe catch the flash of a strobe or two. It's probably just spies from Armani trying to get ahead of the competition.
Jack Ben Meadows Team Leader j.schaffer@benmeadows.com
Play it safe this summer with protective gear from Ben Meadows. Whether you’re easy to see in a bright orange field vest, safe from snakes lurking under brush or protected from a mistake with a chain saw – we have what you need. From now until May 11, 2009 click here to save 15% on what you need to be seen and be safe!
Choosing Chainsaw Chaps
Occupations such as logging, landscaping, farming and grounds maintenance where power tools such as chainsaws are used have some of the highest incidence of occupational injuries. Not only is there a higher incidence of injury but because of the dangerous nature of the tools involved these injuries are often more severe. Outside of the workplace, emergency rooms are also noticing a jump in chainsaw injuries with the increase in popularity of heating homes with wood burning stoves and fire places.
Personal protective equipment (PPE) is a must when it comes to minimizing injuries when using chainsaws. PPE for chain saws typically consist of hard hats, safety glasses, face shields, hearing protection, safety footwear and leg protection. Leg protection for chainsaw users usually comes in the form of chainsaw chaps.
The provision for chainsaw chaps used in logging operations are covered in 29CFR 1910.266 of the OSHA Standards and in those regulations it states in 1910.266(d)(1)(iv)
The employer shall provide, at no cost to the employee, and assure that each employee who operates a chain saw wears leg protection constructed with cut-resistant material, such as ballistic nylon. The leg protection shall cover the full length of the thigh to the top of the boot on each leg to protect against contact with a moving chain saw.
Choosing Appropriate Chaps
There are commercial standards for both the performance and testing of chainsaw chaps. The performance standard is ASTM F-1897-2008; it establishes minimum performance requirements in regards to chain saw stopping capability, washability, areas of protection, care and maintenance, inspection and testing as well as identification and user warnings. The chainsaw stopping requirement is that the garment must be capable of stopping a chain that is running at 2750 feet per minute without penetration of the inner layer.
The Testing Standard is ASTM F 1414-92A (1997). This standard establishes the exact test apparatus and methods to be used in conformance testing, as well as calibration requirements. Exact conformance to this test standard is very important, since it has been observed that minor changes in equipment can have drastic effects on the test results
The important thing to remember about the ASTM Standards is that these are voluntary and manufacturers are not required to follow them. If you are looking for chaps that meet both the performance standard and the testing standard listed above you will want to look for chaps that have the Underwriters Laboratory (UL) label. The UL Label or Certification means that the chaps are guaranteed to meet both the performance and testing standard.
Finally there is the US Forest Service Specification 6170-47 for chainsaw chaps. This Specification is a design and materials specification. This specification shows exact dimensional drawings and specifies exact materials that have to be used in manufacturing of chaps for the US Forest Service. As opposed to current commercial standards, the US Forest Service Specification does not establish performance requirements. It requires a specific design and specific materials. Chainsaw chaps made to the US Forest Service Specification do not meet the commercial standards of performance and testing listed earlier unless they have the UL label on the garment.
Click here for a closer look at some of the chain saw chaps available from Ben Meadows and here for chain saw accessories.
A Closer Look at Ben Meadows Field Vests
It’s that time of year again. Spring has sprung upon us so make sure you are well prepared for the outdoors with one of our popular Ben Meadows field vests.
Ben Meadows designed the 10-Pocket Field Vest nearly 30 years ago and today it remains a leading choice among outdoor professionals. This is one, tough, rugged vest!
The vest has ten pockets which will hold anything from pens and pencils to compasses to full-sized notebooks. Compartments include two front utility pockets, a right chest pocket with Velcro closure, three pen pockets, two front deep expandable pockets, a large zippered back panel for holding maps and charts and a reinforced backpack for expanded storage area.
The 10-Pocket Field Vest is available in two fabric styles and four colors. The army cotton duck material available in orange, green and tan is mildew-resistant, while the orange nylon version resists oil, mildew, rot and moths.
The High Visibility Mesh Vest is made from a soft, breathable nylon mesh that allows air to circulate to keep you cool. This orange vest also has ten pockets which include a front utility pocket, compass pocket, pencil pocket, two hip pockets with Velcro closure flaps, four inside pockets with Velcro closures – two on top and two on the hips.
The tenth pocket, which is nylon mesh, stretches across the full length of the back of the vest and can be zipped from the left and right side seams for easy access. The lightweight mesh material resists water, oil, mildew, rot and moths.
Whether it's your first or a replacement you'll discover that vests from Ben Meadows are an indispensable part of any Outdoor Pro's field gear. Plus, these vest are on sale until May 11, 2009. Click on one of the images above and get yours today!
The Natural Resource Editor's Challenge!
Last month we asked this question:
Many of the insect repellents featured in the Ben Meadows catalog utilize diethyl-m-toluamide as an active ingredient. What's the more common term for this ingredient?
Tami from Pennsylvania knew that DEET is the more common term for diethyl-m-toluamide. Tami reminded us that DEET rhymes with TWEET!
We're sending Tami a PMI Kershaw 5-in-1 Carabiner Tool!
Take a look at our latest catalog or use our Web site (www.benmeadows.com) for help with this month's challenge. Don't have a catalog? You can get a free copy by clicking here. Now here's the question:
What advantage does a BurzOff™ bur removal tool provide when used near a body of water?
If you know, send us the correct answer along with your name and how to contact you. Send us the right answer and you'll be entered into a drawing. The winner will receive a PMI Kershaw 5-in-1 Carabiner Tool (a $60 value)!
Send your answers to: editor@benmeadows.com
If you deal with water and water quality issues then you need a FREE subscription to THE WATERMAIN! Sign up here and every other month you will get helpful information, hot product overviews and the chance to win great prizes by correctly answering our quiz! Get your FREE subscription TODAY!
CONTACT INFORMATION
If you have any specific questions about product specifications, applications or compliance issues, call one of our Technical Support Specialists at 1-800-241-6401 or e-mail them at: productpros@benmeadows.com.
If you have any questions about the list or its contents, send e-mail to the Editor at: editor@benmeadows.com.
The Natural Resource is copyrighted by Lab Safety Supply, Inc., Ben Meadows Company is a division of Lab Safety Supply, Inc. Those wishing to re-publish a written piece in any other form or medium must first receive permission from Lab Safety Supply, Inc. To request permission, e-mail: g.lee@labsafety.com.
The goal of The Natural Resource is to provide accurate information on the subject matters covered. However, it is impossible to guarantee absolute accuracy of the materials. Therefore, the publisher cannot assume any responsibility for omissions, errors or misprinting contained within this publication. Lab Safety Supply, Inc. P.O. Box 1368, Janesville, WI 53547-1368, USA Tel: 800-356-0783 Fax: 800-543-9910 http://www.labsafety.com
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