It’s easy to slip into complacency with PPE choices, writes Jon Birch, founder of MF Safety & Workwear.
Many processes continue unchanged simply because “this is how it’s always been done” and no incident has yet occurred. However, taking the time to step back and review established practices can often highlight safer, more effective or more efficient ways of working – particularly when considering worst case scenarios and accident prevention.
With the new year already well underway, now is an ideal time to reassess the protection provided to your workforce and consider whether recent innovations in PPE could offer meaningful improvements to safety and performance.
What is aluminised clothing?
Aluminised clothing is designed for a very specific purpose. As an outer protective layer, it reflects up to 95 per cent of radiant heat and provides protection against molten metal splash. It should be worn over the top of normal molten metal or flame-resistant garments to provide two layers of defence. Depending on the situation and the risk, they’re not usually worn all the time but often at the point of highest risk like pouring, or during processes with intense radiant heat. This makes it critical PPE for workers in foundries, steelworks, glass plants and similar environments where exposure to extreme heat and molten materials presents a constant risk.
What is the Alusoft Comfort Range?
During a recent visit to a small foundry, a customer required replacement aluminised jackets. When trialling a standard garment, the wearer found the fit restrictive, particularly when carrying out full reach and extended movement tasks essential to the process. In this case, the solution was to specify a design from our new comfort range, offering improved mobility without compromising protection.
Made of the same lightweight and pliable Alusoft aluminised material with an inner lining, it’s a selection of aluminised clothing designed to balance high heat protection with greater wearer comfort.
- Alusoft aluminised fabric.
- Generous cut for a comfort fit.
- Reduced physical limitations and stress.
- Ergonomic features and adjustments.
These features create a focus on higher comfort solutions in extreme heat conditions, with a long jacket, short jacket and trousers available.
This is where MF Safety can help
The correct protection is needed for every task. While it is the responsibility of the employer to make sure the PPE is fit for purpose, it is vital to choose a supplier who can give advice, a good service level and communicate clearly at every stage of the process.
MF Safety & Workwear is a PPE and clothing supplier based centrally in the UK in the Midlands. Family owned and run, the company has been established in PPE and safety since 1991.
They provide the following:
- Radiant heat protection.
- Contact heat protection.
- Molten metal splash protection.
- Respiratory protection.
- Cut, puncture and impact protection.
MF Safety & Workwear supplies across the UK foundry, castings and forging sectors, providing information and guidance as well as stocking the products to help companies protect staff with a service that can be trusted.
Contact Jon Birch at MF Safety & Workwear for a no-obligation supply review of your PPE and safety clothing. Tel: +44 (0)115 925 2261, Email: [email protected] web: www.mfsafety.co.uk | www.mfsafetyshop.com