Tag: safety

Construction-related fields like remodeling, renovation, demolition, and restoration need to be concerned with construction dust containment. Since 2017, OSHA has required construction employers to limit their employees’ exposure to respiratory silica dust.

Respiratory silica dust is emitted into the air when construction workers drill into crystalline silica-containing materials (concrete, stone, and mortar). Workers breathe in the minute particle dust that has the potential to cause lung damage over time.

Along with dust containment solutions like ventilation and wet methods for cutting and sawing (as explained on the OSHA website), ZipWall and Poly America products help with dust protection. Let’s take a closer look at the dust protection products from these companies.

ZipWall’s Dust Containment Solutions

ZipWall manufactures several items that you can use to contain dust in a smaller area. The solution consists of plastic sheeting (or reusable panels) held in place with poles and rails.

The poles and rails brace sheeting tightly in place against the ceiling, floor, and walls, which limits dust exposure to other workers. Here’s a summary of the key pieces of ZipWall’s construction dust containment solutions:

ZipPoles

ZipPoles are braced every ten feet between the ceiling and floor to hold the sheeting in place. They are spring-loaded and extendible to achieve a very tight fit. Different pole lengths (10, 12, or 20 feet) accommodate different ceiling heights.

FoamRail Spans

Install spans between ZipPoles horizontally (at the ceiling and floor) and vertically (along walls). This helps to form a tapeless seal all around the dust containment barrier.

Spans are available in the following widths:

• 2’3” to 4’ (expandable)
• 3’ (wall mount kit)
• 4’ (as a 2-pack)
• 4’ 3” to 8’ (expandable)

Note: Use the FoamRail Spans with the ZipWall SideClamps or SideBridges along the sides to make a secure seal.

Heavy-Duty Zippers

To create a door in a dust barrier wall, attach the length of the two heavy-duty zippers, beginning at the floor. Keep the zippers parallel to each other and about 3 feet apart. Affix the zippers to the barrier material with the self-adhesive and use a special ZipWall cutting device to cut slits behind each zipper.

Magnetic Door Kit

Use the magnetic door kit to cover up an entryway that doesn’t have a door (or create an entry in a plastic barrier). It has a single opening for people to pass through, but it remains closed with sewn-in self-closing magnets.

Protect Equipment and Tools from Silica Dust

Dust containment solutions can help extend the life of your equipment and tools. Flying dust can settle on greased areas and cause damage over time.

Poly-America Sheeting for Construction Dust Containment

The Poly-America company manufacturers several different types of plastic sheeting that work well for dust containment:

• 4ml 9 feet 4 inches x 100 feet (fire retardant)
• 4ml 10 feet x 100 feet (fire retardant)
• 4ml 20 feet x 100 feet
• 6ml 20 by 100 feet

Any thickness of plastic sheeting will contain dust, and it may be tempting to buy something thinner at a lower cost. However, the thicker 4ml and 6ml will stand up better to the activity around a job site.

Get Quick Quotes on Dust Protection Products

Visit our website to learn more about dust containment products like dust collection systems. While you’re there, look at other types of sheeting and tarp that can make your jobs easier.

By containing dust in a smaller area, dust protection products can help keep workers safe and prevent damage to your equipment and tools. Another benefit is that you’ll have less cleanup and happier clients. Pro Tool would be glad to provide you with a quote for ZipWall or Poly-America sheeting!

The construction industry has benefited enormously from the fabrication of many different types of construction tarps, snow tarps, and sheeting. Used to improve safety and protect from the elements, these products are a must-have for your construction equipment list.

This article describes the features of these different kinds of sheeting and tarps and how they are used on the job site.

Protect Workers and Passers-by with Debris Netting

High-density polyethylene material (HDPE) is a thermoplastic material known to be lightweight but also strong. For this reasons, it’s an excellent material to knit into a type of construction tarp—debris netting.

The Eagle Industries debris netting that Pro Tool stocks is tested to withstand rigorous conditions on a construction jobsite. Its UV protection prevents the material from degrading due to sunlight exposure.

The grommet edges and reinforced webbing make it easy for workers to install around multi-story buildings as well as floor and elevator openings. Your worksite is much safer when can prevent tools being dropped or equipment slipping over edges.

The debris netting mesh is available with either 1/16” holes (standard) or 1/32” (premium). You can also purchase it as flame-retardant per NFPA 701.

Scaffold Sheeting Shields Workers from Sun and Wind

When compared to working on the ground or inside a building, workers on a scaffold are more exposed to the elements. Therefore, it’s important to shelter them with a type of construction tarp called scaffold sheeting.

When adding to your construction equipment list, look for scaffold sheeting that has grommets along the edges, which makes it easier to attach the sheeting to the scaffold. Depending on the type of work you’re doing, you may also need to use non-flammable sheeting.

Other uses for scaffold sheeting:

• Surround and protect storage areas
• Wrap site and work perimeters
• Protect workers and public from debris

Pro Tool carries scaffold sheeting from several manufacturers. Two of them are Monarflex and Eagle Industries:

• Monarflex Super T-Plus Flamesafe is made from Supertough LDPE:
  • 8-mil
  • Available in 7’4” X 137’ or 13’ X 157’
  • Flame-retardant polypropylene
  • Grommet system
• Eagle Industries Scaf-Lite™ is a premium-grade, string-reinforced, polyethylene sheeting:
  • 6-mil or 12-mil
  • Available in 7’4” X 136’ (6 mil) or 13’ X 100’ (12 mil)
  • Eyelet bands on edges with reinforced holes spaced every 4”
  • Water and mildew resistant

Snow Tarps Simplify Snow Removal

When you live and work in cold-weather states, removing snow and ice from work areas and pathways wastes time and energy. To keep your work on schedule no matter the weather, use snow tarps.

Made from 18 oz. PVC-coated vinyl fabric, Eagle Industries snow tarps are reinforced with two-inch wide yellow webbing. Loops of the same webbing are spaced evenly around the perimeter (either four or eight loops).

Here’s how it works:

1. At the end of the day, lay the tarps down over the areas you want to protect.
2. In the morning, attach the loops of the tarps to a front loader or crane hook.
3. Use the heavy equipment to lift the snow-laden tarps away.

Pro Tool carries this brand of snow tarp in 20’ x 20’ and 25’ × 25’ dimensions.

Complete Your Construction Equipment List with Sheeting and Tarps

Protect your workers, equipment, and storage items with debris netting, construction tarps, and snow tarps. Invest in long-lasting material for a safer and more comfortable worksite.

Let’s talk about your construction equipment needs:

• Call Pro Tool at 1-844-671-2956
• Contact us with questions
• Request a quote

We look forward to hearing from you!

Safety on the job site is more important than ever. To keep workers safe, you cannot overlook any precaution. All construction safety products play an equal part in keeping workers and civilians safe.

Hygiene

Keeping hands clean is the number one way to stop the spread of illness. These two construction safety products are great for cleaning hands on a construction job site:

• Portable Sinks: No plumbing or running water? No problem! Portable sinks are available with or without a hot water heater and can hold up to 5 gallons of water. All that you need is a standard outlet to plug it into.
• Hand Sanitizer Station: If portable sinks aren’t feasible, hand sanitizer stations are the next best thing. Look for a stable and easily movable design. The best places for hand sanitizer stations are by communal areas like entrances, exits, latrines, and break rooms.

Personal Protective Equipment

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) safeguards workers from contagious illnesses as well as worker injury.

• COVID-19 PPE: Personal protection against COVID-19 includes face masks, gloves, and KN95 respirators.
• Injury Prevention PPE: Listed below—from head to toe—are the areas of the body your workers need to protect:

• Head (hard hats, safety helmets)
• Eyes (safety glasses, eye wear lanyards)
• Ears (ear plugs, headphones)
• Face (face shields, respirators, dust masks, welding and metal pouring masks)
• Body (safety harnesses, hi-visibility vests and jackets)
• Hands (gloves for welding, cut protection, and general protection)
• Feet (boots)

Fire Protection

Fire extinguishers and detectors are well-known construction safety products. However, you may not know about material that is fire-resistant, such as:

• Scaffold tarp
• Reinforced woven poly
• 4 mil poly

If your job site includes areas where sparks from welding and other equipment is common, these materials are worth looking into.

Gas Detection and Storage

Cabinets for storing gasoline are a must on the job site, both for security reasons and fire prevention. Besides being fire resistant, some cabinets are available with locks. Once they’re protected in a cabinet, you can store them in convenient areas, like next to where they are needed!

Another construction safety product, the fire extinguisher stand, prominently displays and lifts the flame retardant container, making it more visible and accessible. If you don’t use a stand, you can mount extinguishers vertically or horizontally on the wall to keep them in reach.

Also, if your work trailer or office is located close to heavy equipment, fire detectors that include a carbon monoxide alarm are recommended.

Ladders

At first, ladders might not seem like a construction safety product. However, they help workers reach the heights they need without stretching or getting off-balance. Make sure you get the right ladder for the task:

• Step ladders: These A-shaped ladders are typically made of fiberglass. They’re non-conductive and safe for doing electrical work. Some ladders have slots at the top to hold your tools, which removes the need to wear a clunky toolbelt.
• Twin-step ladders: A close cousin of the step ladder, the twin-step allows two people to climb at once from either side of the ladder. They are usually made of fiberglass.
• Extension ladders: Taller extension ladders can reach up to 40 feet. Although this is quite long, the aluminum material keeps them durable and easy to carry. You can also find extension ladders made of fiberglass.
• Podium ladders: The podium ladder has a large platform at the top, which makes it easier for standing for longer periods of time. Some are available with a safety rail to prevent falls or have slots to hold tools.

Safety Tip: Use construction storage to keep construction safety products secure and easily available. They’re available in many sizes to serve as simple tool storage areas or as an entire mobile office.

Lighting

The right kind of light can help prevent tripping and other accidents. Your lighting needs can vary from simple LED light strings to towable light towers. The great thing about these types of safety construction products is that they’re all portable!

When stocking up on lighting, remember replacement bulbs, power cords, and adapters. You’ll also want to consider if you’ll need to supplement the energy source with power blocks or wiring devices.

Fencing

Construction fencing is the literal barrier between the job site and civilians. With so many people walking and driving in a distracted manner nowadays, a strong safety fence could save someone’s life.

Additionally, depending on your location and the season, a snow fence can be an important construction safety product. It keeps snow from drifting into work areas, where it can cause workers to slide and slip.

Caution Signage

Along with fencing, safety signage keeps civilians safe by directing them away from construction areas. However, it also keeps workers alert to danger by pointing out hazardous areas (with caution tape) and the edge of upper-level structures (with perimeter flagging).

Safety Tip:

You never have too much experience to learn more! To keep safety high on the list, check out safety training classes.

Simple But Necessary Safety Items

Some construction safety products are so common that you may not realize you’ve run out of them or they’ve worn out. This includes items like first aid kits, flashlights, and two-way radios.

Eyewash stations may be required on your job site depending on the chemicals that you use. If snowy, inclement weather is common in your area, make sure you stock up on ice melt. And finally, to protect workers from shocks caused by worn wiring, make sure you have electrical tape on hand.

Safety Experts Standing By

To successfully complete a job, you need to be fully prepared to perform any task within OSHA regulations. By doing so, you’ll keep employees as safe as possible.

The Pro Group stocks hundreds of ANSI-approved construction safety products. We’d love to show you more about construction safety best practices and provide advice on how to efficiently maintain a safe environment. If you have questions or a specific need, contact us online or call your sales rep.

Construction sites are known for being loud, but excessive noise is not something workers and neighbors just have to deal with. As with any health and safety issue, construction site noise control is everyone’s responsibility. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reminds construction professionals that construction noise is a preventable cause of permanent hearing loss. Exposure to loud construction noises poses other concerns, such as making it difficult to communicate safety messages with co-workers or hear approaching vehicles. Fortunately, there are several construction site noise control measures and devices you can implement to protect workers and the public from harm.

Protection for Workers

Worker protection from the perils of construction site noise comes in two forms: mitigation and personal protective equipment (PPE). Taking steps to tone down the noise before it reaches workers’ ears is the best option. Prior planning of work assignments and worksite layout is the first step. Scheduling the loudest activities during times when fewer workers are on the site is one effective strategy.

Operators of circular saws, belt sanders, and nail guns, and other loud equipment, of course, cannot put distance between themselves and their hand tools. But they may be able to isolate themselves from others. Extension cords give workers a wider range of workspaces. Similarly, generators (use the smallest, quietest available that will still get the job done), pumps, and other stationary equipment can be shielded with noise reduction barriers.

Personal protection consists of shielding ears so loud noises cannot penetrate. Earplugs and earmuffs come in several varieties designed for different duties and durations.

Earplugs fit inside the ear. They conform to each person’s unique ear canal shape, forming a snug seal against construction site racket. Comfort is key, as ill-fitting earplugs may tempt wearers to remove them, defeating their purpose. Workers should find a type and size that they can insert and wear for long stretches:

• Roll-downs – Worn once and then discarded, these foam plugs are rolled between the thumb and forefinger, slightly compressing them before they are inserted. Once in the ears, they expand, filling the opening.
• Plastic – Reusable for 10 to 20 days, plastic earplugs reduce waste and cost. Different sizes and shapes allow workers to find a style that offers the best fit, protection, and comfort. Pliable and smooth, they need not be rolled or manipulated before inserting them.
• Push-In Foam – Designed to combine the softness of foam and the fit and hygienic and environmental benefits of reusable varieties, push-in-foam styles are used for a week on the jobsite before being discarded for a new pair. Their dense foam construction offers better construction site noise control.

Earmuffs fit over the fleshy parts of the ears, using sound-attenuating materials and a snug seal to keep loud noises at bay. Construction workers often prefer earmuffs in difficult environments, as inserting plugs into the ear can transfer dirt and grime to sensitive ear canals. They may not be as effective as earplugs in high-noise areas, however, as the seal around the ears can slip. They can be bulky and heavy, though they can work with hardhats, respirators, and other PPE. Passive earmuffs use foam or other noise-absorbing material to protect the ears. Electronic earmuffs use circuitry to counter the effects of noise. Some can detect decibel levels and block noises above a certain level while allowing “normal” sounds – conversations, warning signals, traffic noise, etc. – to pass through.

Protection for the Public

Blocking noise before it reaches people’s ears protects both workers and passers-by. Construction companies, like all businesses, are required to control noise. Non-compliance can result in hefty fines and potentially costly construction delays. Prefabricated panels like Justrite Quiet Site Noise Reduction Barriers absorb and deflect sound at the source, before it can cause damage. The 4-foot by 6-foot and 4×8 modular panels can be connected and configured in a variety of shapes to surround machinery or create a barrier wall between noisemakers and workers and the public. Foldable, stackable, and easily assembled, Justrite’s fire- and water-resistant barriers can be mounted on link fence, scaffolding, or steel frames.

Prolonged exposure to loud construction noises can cause permanent, irreparable hearing loss. Even noises that require workers a few feet apart to raise their voices to be heard are loud enough to cause damage. Contractors need to protect their workers, site visitors, and neighbors from the effects of noise pollution. Erect barriers to contain noise-generating equipment and provide workers with a variety of earplugs and earmuffs to ensure they can find a size and type that is comfortable and effective.

The Pro Group’s technical and sales team members are experts in local noise compliance regulations. Contact us for advice on the products and applications you need to implement a noise-reduction protocol to stay in compliance and protect the people at and around your construction site.

Silica is one of the most common minerals found globally. Unfortunately, when it shows up in construction sites as an ingredient in sand, rock, concrete, mortar, and stone, it can also quickly become one of the most dangerous health concerns.

When workers cut, grind, saw, or crush these materials, it generates very fine crystalline silica powder which wreaks havoc on the lungs if inhaled. Silica exposure can then lead to chronic and serious illnesses, like:

• Lung cancer,
• Silicosis (an often fatal, incurable lung disease),
• COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), and
• Kidney disease.

OSHA Standards for Silica Dust Protection

Back in 2017, OSHA set a new, stricter standard for crystalline silica dust that cuts in half the previous limit. According to the standard,

“the employer shall fully and properly implement the engineering controls, work practices, and respiratory protection specified”

The penalty for not engaging proper protection also got a lot steeper: as of January 2020, a single violation costs over $13,493, with rapidly escalating fines for repeat offenses up to $134,937 per violation.

In other words, silica vacuums and other respiratory protection tools are not only important for worker health, but also to stay compliant and avoid a critical financial hit.

Pro Tool and Supply carries a number of top brands of OSHA-compliant silica vacuums

Per OSHA standards, if you’re using a dry system to capture dust from floor grinders, the vacuum requires a shroud firmly affixed to the bottom of the grinder to corral the dust, a vacuum powerful enough to suck up the dust, and a filter with 99 percent or greater efficiency and a cleaning cycle.

Pro Tool and Supply carries a range of top OSHA-compliant vacuums and silica dust removal systems to help you comply with the latest regulations.

We are also happy to speak with you directly to help identify the best solution for your needs.

Some of the top brands we carry include:

Dewalt

We carry two Dewalt model dust extractors, including the dwv012 model 10 Gallon extractor and the dwv010 model 8 Gallon HEPA Dust Extractor with Automatic Filter Cleaning.

Both models offer variable suction to control the vacuum’s power consumption and work in wet and dry applications.

This dust extractor is equipped with automatic filter cleaning functionality that pulses every 30 seconds for continuous operation without you having to stop to clean out the filter.

They also come with two HEPA filters and kink-resistant hose. The larger model offers 140 CFM of airflow for maximum suction, while the smaller model is lighter weight and offers 130 CFM.

Both have heavy-duty construction and a 360-degree swivel.

Bosch

Bosch air extractors offer convenient cartridge design to make filter installation extremely easy. We carry two model sizes, the vac013 and vac019. Both include a universal dust collection attachment and on-board filter cleaning, with a maximum of 150 CFM suction and 97 inches of static water lift. The on-board filter activates every 15 sections.

The included fleece filter bag helps to protect the filter and provides the optimal containment of dry dust and debris. The system is universal and is designed to connect to a vacuum so that it can be used with any size hammer and can accommodate the full range of drill bit diameters and drilling depth.

Wap Attix

The Attix 50 wet/dry vacuum cleaner (model 50 (900131h) is the latest compact generation of the Attix line (formerly called WAP).

These silica vacuums are favored by contractors for general clean-up, “at-the-source” dust control during sanding/drilling operations, offering 135 CFM and 92 inches of water lift, a quieter motor with a lower noise rating than other models, and a 12-gallon tank capacity. The Attix also includes a more ergonomic design and convenience features such as a built-in tool storage area on the cover.

Dustless

Pro Tool carries the Dustless Technologies (1606) Wet Dry HEPA 16gallon vacuum, which includes a Micro Pre-filter that extends the life of the filter and makes this vacuum more cost-efficient to use over time. The pre-filter captures particles down to 0.5 micron, before they hit the HEPA 0.3-micron filter, which therefore lasts up to 30 times longer.

The Dustless model also enables switching between wet and dry operation without stopping to change filters or make other adjustments. This vacuum emits only 81 dB of noise, and offers 126 CFM and 76.9 inches of water lift. A 16 Gal. Canister and Micro Pre-filter bag support optimum air flow while holding up to 40 lbs. of dirt and debris.

Husqvarna

Pro Tool also carries multiple models of dustless system vacuums from Husqvarna, including:

• DC1400

A small and lightweight wet/dry silica vacuum, the DC1400 is perfect for dust control. It’s designed for use with the PG280 Grinder, but can also be used with hand grinders.

• DC3300

The DC3300 is a single-phase dust extraction unit designed to accompany the Husqvarna PG 530 Grinder.

• DC5500

The DC5500 is a more heavy-duty choice that’s ideal for use with any planetary grinder that needs a vacuum with high suction and flow to eliminate airborne dust.  The high CFM and large capacity enable it to handle all grinding and polishing applications.

Pro Tool’s Quality Silica Dust Vacuums Get the Job Done Safely

Finding the right OSHA compliant vacuum is essential both for the safety and health of your workers and for the sake of meeting stringent OSHA compliance standards.

Pro Tool offers the highest quality vacuums to get the job done safely and efficiently.

Still not sure which silica dust vacuum is right for you? Call The Pro Group at 1-888-776-0007 to speak with a representative who can help you find the right model for your needs, or request a quote here.