Author: Kay Stroud

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Are You Ready? Prepare for Natural Disasters Today

Natural disasters can strike without warning, making preparation essential for protecting yourself and your loved ones. Whether it’s a hurricane, earthquake, wildfire, or flood, having the right supplies from Southern Safety Supply store can make all the difference. Here’s how you can prepare with the right products:

1. Develop a Response Plan

  • Identify Risks: Understand the specific threats in your region, such as tornadoes in the Midwest or earthquakes on the West Coast.
  • Create an Evacuation Route: Invest in emergency maps and signage to mark exit routes.
  • Designate a Safe Meeting Place: Use a GPS device or emergency locator beacon to help family members reunite if separated.
  • Practice Regular Drills: Conduct practice evacuations with emergency whistles and walkie-talkies.

2. Stock Up on Essential Emergency Supplies

Your emergency kit should include key products from a safety supply store to sustain your household for at least 72 hours. Consider purchasing: See link Build a Kit

  • Food and Water: Long-lasting emergency food kits and water purification tablets.
  • First Aid Supplies: Pre-stocked first aid kits, antiseptics, pain relievers, dust mask and necessary medications.
  • Emergency Tools: Heavy-duty flashlights, extra batteries, a whistle or air horn, Hi-visible clothing, safety glasses, gloves, flares  and a multi-tool.
  • Communication Devices: A battery-powered or hand-crank radio to stay informed.
  • Personal Items: Waterproof document storage, cash reserves, and hygiene supplies.

3. Establish a Communication Strategy

  • Emergency Contacts: Keep a waterproof emergency contact list with numbers of family members, local authorities, and emergency services.
  • Designate an Out-of-Town Contact: A two-way radio or satellite phone can ensure communication when local networks fail.
  • Utilize Alerts and Apps: Purchase a weather alert radio or download apps that provide real-time updates.
  • Social media and Messaging: Use text messages or social media to check in with family and friends when phone lines are overwhelmed.

By shopping at Southern Safety Supply for the right emergency gear, you can ensure that you and your loved ones are ready for unexpected emergencies. Stock up today and stay prepared!

Southern Safety Supply LLC Knoxville TN
Southern Safety Supply LLC Knoxville TN

Visit or Store 207 Center Park Dr. Knoxville, TN 37922

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When should I re-test rubber insulating gloves for electrical work?

Southern Safety Supply LLC Knoxville TN
Southern Safety Supply LLC Knoxville TN

When should I re-test rubber insulating gloves for electrical work?

When should I re-test rubber insulating gloves for electrical work? According to OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) standards, rubber insulating gloves used for electrical work must be tested at regular intervals to ensure their safety and effectiveness. The key requirements are outlined in OSHA 29 CFR 1910.137 and ASTM F496 standards.

How often to inspect and retest rubber insulating gloves?

  • Before first issue (unless they have been tested within the previous 12 months).
  • Every 6 months after being issued for use.
  • After any incident that may cause damage (e.g., punctures, exposure to chemicals, or extreme wear).
  • If in storage for over 12 months, they must be retested before use.

Additional Best Practices

  • Daily visual inspection: Workers should inspect gloves for cuts, tears, swelling, or ozone damage before each use.
  • Air testing: Slightly inflating the gloves and listening for leaks is a good daily practice.
  • Storage: Keep gloves away from direct sunlight, heat, chemicals, and sharp objects to extend their life.

Saf-T-Gard has a great in-depth article here.

Additionally, When buying insulated gloves for electrical work, it’s crucial to choose the right type based on OSHA standards, voltage requirements, and durability. Here’s what to look for:

1. Voltage Rating & Class

Rubber insulating gloves are categorized into six classes based on the maximum voltage they can handle. Always choose gloves that meet or exceed your working voltage.

ClassMax AC VoltageMax DC Voltage
Class 00500V AC750V DC
Class 01,000V AC1,500V DC
Class 17,500V AC11,250V DC
Class 217,000V AC25,500V DC
Class 326,500V AC39,750V DC
Class 436,000V AC54,000V DC

2. Compliance & Certification

Ensure gloves meet:
✅ OSHA 29 CFR 1910.137 (Electrical Protective Equipment)
✅ ASTM D120 (Standard for Rubber Insulating Gloves)
✅ ASTM F496 (Testing & Maintenance Guidelines)

3. Material & Durability

  • Natural rubber for flexibility and dielectric strength
  • Thickness appropriate to the class rating
  • No cuts, tears, swelling, or ozone damage

4. Glove Kit – Leather Protectors & Liners

  • Leather protector gloves: Worn over rubber gloves to prevent punctures and abrasions
  • Cotton liners: Improve comfort and reduce sweat during extended use

5. Size & Fit

  • Gloves should fit snugly without restricting movement
  • Measure hand circumference and check manufacturer sizing charts

6. Testing & Expiration

  • Check the date stamp: Gloves must be tested before first use and retested every 6 months
  • Perform daily visual and air tests before each use

Visit:https://southernsafety.com/ Southern Safety Supply

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Essential Elements of Fall Protection Systems

Essential Elements of Fall Protection

Fall protection is essential when working at heights or in confined spaces. It serves as a regulatory requirement. It is also a crucial safeguard for life and safety. Comprehensive fall protection systems for construction and industrial settings include anchorages. They also feature body support harnesses, connectors, and descent and rescue equipment. Let’s explore each of these elements in detail and see how they work together to protect workers in hazardous environments.

What Are Anchorages and Why Are They Important?

Anchorages are the secure attachment points that form the foundation of any fall protection system. Designed to bear significant loads, anchorages must meet OSHA and ANSI standards to ensure safety. Common types of anchorages include:

  • Fixed Anchor Points: Installed directly onto structures like beams or walls.
  • Portable Anchor Systems: Easily moved and adjusted for temporary job sites.
  • Beam Anchors and Roof Anchors: Designed for specific surfaces to ensure stability.

The right anchorage choice depends on the job site conditions. It also depends on the type of work being performed and the maximum intended load. Regular inspection and maintenance of anchor points are crucial to maintaining their integrity.

Fall protection Full Body HarnessWhat Makes a Good Body Support Harness?

The body harness is the wearable component of a fall protection system, designed to distribute the forces of a fall across the body’s stronger areas. Unlike traditional safety belts, modern full-body harnesses offer enhanced comfort, adjustability, and multiple attachment points. Features to look for include:

  • Padded Straps: For increased comfort during prolonged use.
  • D-Rings: Positioned at the back, chest, and sides for versatile connections.
  • Quick-Connect Buckles: Allow for easy donning and removal.

A properly fitted harness is critical to preventing injury in the event of a fall. Training workers on how to correctly wear and adjust their harnesses is equally important.

How Do Connectors Guarantee Safety?

Connectors serve as the link between the harness and the anchorage point, ensuring a secure and reliable connection. These include:

  • Lanyards: Shock-absorbing or self-retracting options that minimize fall distances.
  • Lifelines: Horizontal or vertical systems that allow mobility while maintaining safety.
  • Carabiners and Snap Hooks: High-strength metal connectors with locking mechanisms.

Each connector should be inspected before use to ensure it is free of damage, corrosion, or wear that could compromise its effectiveness.

What Is the Role of Descent and Rescue in Fall Protection?

No fall protection system is complete without a plan for descent and rescue. Confined spaces, in particular, require specialized equipment and strategies for emergency situations. Key components include:

  • Descent Devices: Controlled lowering systems for safe evacuation.
  • Rescue Tripods and Winches: Essential for confined space entry and emergency retrieval.
  • Rescue Plans: A clear, well-communicated strategy that includes trained personnel and rapid response protocols.

Employers must ensure that rescue equipment is readily available and that workers are trained in its proper use.

How Do You Integrate Fall Protection Systems?

An effective fall protection system isn’t just about having the right equipment—it’s about integrating these components into a cohesive strategy. Conducting site-specific risk assessments, providing comprehensive training, and performing regular equipment inspections are vital steps in protecting workers from fall-related hazards.

Conclusion

You need fall protection systems in every workplace. This is true whether you’re working on a construction site, in industrial settings, or entering confined spaces. They are a non-negotiable aspect of workplace safety. Understand and implement the key elements of anchorages, body support harnesses, connectors, and descent and rescue solutions. You’re complying with ANSI/ASP Z359.11-2021. You are also safeguarding lives. Stay proactive, stay prepared, and prioritize fall protection to ensure every worker returns home safely.