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In this Issue: ANSI Changes for Hard Hats Heat Exhaustion Symptoms
Unsung Heroes or: Why You Didn't Brush Your Teeth with Soup in the Dark Today
The responsibility for maintaining our nation's infrastructure falls on the shoulders of many of our fellow Outdoor Pros. If you're among the tens of thousands of men and women responsible for bringing us clean water, reliable energy, smooth pavement and the host of other conveniences that make all of our lives better; we salute you.
National Public Works Week is May 17-23. Each year this event serves to remind ourselves about the impact public service professionals have on just about everything we do—from flicking on a lamp to an uneventful trip home in the evening. We're grateful for their uncelebrated dedication. It quietly but pervasively improves the quality of our lives.
Bringing these professionals the products they need to stay safe and effective is something in which the Ben Meadow's team takes pride. You can find a collection of some of these products on our Web site here. We've also included a few words in this month's issue about changes in hard hat standards plus a quick primer on how to recognize heat exhaustion. After all, we want our public service pro's to stay safe so we can avoid standing in a dark bathroom while we brush our teeth with leftover soup (or whatever liquid we have on hand after the taps run dry).
As for those of us on the Ben Team, the next time we encounter a public works professional taking care of business, we might just go ahead and throw our arms around him or her. That is, unless they're carrying heavy tools like a pick or sledge hammer. In this case a grateful smile, a wave or even a slight nod might be more prudent.
Jack Ben Meadows Team Leader j.schaffer@benmeadows.com
Revision to the ANSI Hard Hat Standard
In January, 2009 the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) published the sixth revision of the ANSI Z89.1-2009 standard that provides performance and testing requirements for hard hats. The primary difference between the new edition and the previous 2003 edition is the addition of three non mandatory tests. These three optional test criteria are: Reverse Donning, Lower Temperature and High Visibility. Reverse Donning: Helmets marked with a "Reverse Donning Arrow" can be worn frontward or backward in accordance with the manufacturer's wearing instructions. They pass all testing requirements, whether worn frontward or backward.
Lower Temperature: Helmets marked with an "LT" indicates that the hard hat meets all testing requirements of the standard when preconditioned at a temperature of -30°C (-22°F).
High Visibility: Helmets marked with a "HV" indicates that the hard hat meets all testing requirements of the standard for high visibility colors. This includes tests for chromaticity and luminescence.
These new additions to the standard will help you choose the head gear right for you. Click here to see some of the hard hats available from Ben Meadows.
Symptoms and Prevention of Heat Exhaustion
Heat and humidity combined with physical exertion can lead to a variety of heat-related illnesses. Heat exhaustion can develop after exposure to excessive heat and dehydration. Those most prone to heat exhaustion are the elderly, people with high blood pressure and people working or exercising in high heat environments.
Warning signs of heat exhaustion (similar to symptoms of shock) include:
If you suspect heat exhaustion, get the person out of the sun and into a shady or air-conditioned location. Lay the person down and elevate the legs and feet slightly and loosen or remove the person's clothing. Have the person drink cool water. Cool the person by spraying or sponging him or her with cool water and fanning. During the cooling process, the victim must be continuously monitored to prevent shivering.
Monitor the person carefully. If heat exhaustion is left untreated, it may progress to heat stroke. In the initial and most important stage of diagnosing heat stroke, a victim will exhibit an altered mental status such as disorientation or confusion. All heat stroke victims will exhibit an altered mental state; this is not true for those suffering from heat exhaustion or extreme sunburn. Even though it is important to replace fluids as soon as possible, liquids should NOT be administered to a victim in an altered mental state of heat stroke – there is a risk of these liquids being aspirated into the lungs. Medical professionals will give I. V. fluids to an individual suffering from heat stroke when they arrive at the scene.
Victims of heat stroke often have hot, dry, flushed skin; a rapid heartbeat and abnormally high body temperature (i.e., a rectal temperature of 105.8 degrees F). If a person's body temperature is too high, death can occur. Seek medical attention immediately if symptoms are severe, or if the victim has a history of heart problems or high blood pressure.
Basic methods to prevent heat-related illnesses on the job include the following:
An awareness of the symptoms of heat-related illnesses and the control measures to prevent them will help keep your employees safe and your workplace running more smoothly during the summer months.
To see a selection of hydration products from Ben Meadows, click here.
The Natural Resource Editor's Challenge!
Last month we asked this question:
What advantage does a BurzOff™ bur removal tool provide when used near a body of water?
Michael from Wisconsin knew that if you drop your BurzOff bur removal tool in the water, it floats!
We're sending Michael 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:
Because summer is just around the corner we were wondering - from what material(s) are the traction blades on our Denali Classic Snowshoes made?
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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