Tag: safety

Before 2010, almost one construction worker per day fell to their death.

While the amount of fatal falls has decreased since then, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Census, falls are still one of the leading killers of workers.

Unguarded roof edges, stairwells, floor holes, and skylights are still significant workplace hazards, but these are all situations which can be made much safer by installing custom or pre-built temporary guardrail systems.

Guardrail fall protection is especially important for temporary hazards, such as when quickly pouring stairs. Even a simple railing system allows workers to go up and down more safely.

There are a few types of guardrails to choose from – the right guardrail set up varies based on the job site. Here are some things to consider when making your choice:

5 Factors to Consider When Choosing Guardrail Fall Protection

1. OSHA Compliance and Regulations

A few different regulations apply to worksite fall-protection. OSHA requires employers to provide guardrail systems which will protect workers from falling to lower levels.

All platforms that measure four feet or more above the adjacent floor or ground must be protected by a standard guardrail on all open sides. So, if you have a mezzanine, loading dock, roof, or other open space, you’ll need a way to reliably prevent falls of people and materials to lower levels.

When selecting a guardrail, it’s important to keep these guidelines in mind, or risk being non-compliant with safety regulations, which can carry a hefty fine.

In addition to size and location, you’ll also need to make sure the railings are secure and up to strength standards. For example, the StringerShield Stair Rail Clamping System is certified by third-party tests to exceed United States Federal OSHA temporary stair rail strength regulations.

2. Removable vs. Permanent Guardrails

Another factor to consider when choosing guardrail systems is how permanently you’ll need to use them.

Temporary guardrails don’t drill directly into structural elements – many, like StringerShield’s, clamp on.

Permanent guardrails can be more stable, secure, and durable. However, they’re also more expensive and take longer to install, and you’ll lose the ability to reuse the equipment without serious alterations.

So, if you’ll need the railing for less than a few months, a temporary solution is likely best. Even if the project is longer, if the finished product won’t require a guardrail set up, you are still likely better off with a temporary option.

3. Ease of Installation

Rail systems like StringerShield’s don’t require drilling into flooring or rooftop materials to install. This provides a considerable savings in time and installation costs. Instead, the clamp swivels into place to lock onto the edge of the structure.

Even if you want a more permanent solution, it can be helpful to have the flexibility of fall protection when and where you want it. Many guardrail systems are portable and can be dismantled and re-assembled as the need arises, providing greater mobility.

4. Flexibility & Versatility

A temporary guardrail system is also more versatile, and easier to configure to your jobsite’s specific dimensions and needs.

This also makes it easier to meet OSHA regulations – for example, in elevated situations where there is a danger of something rolling or being kicked and hitting someone below, OSHA requires a 2 × 4 sized toe board between the bases. StringerShield guardrails can be retrofitted with custom-sized boards to match this requirement.

5. Durability

Even the most short-term construction safety equipment needs to stand up to the wear-and-tear of heavy daily use and resist weather-related degradation.

It is also often worthwhile to look for slip-resistant/weatherproofing options that can fit base plates with non-slip pads which prevent slipping and help cushion the base if you need to install it on a relatively sensitive material like rubber roofing.

The StringerShield Stair Rail Clamping System uses pins with positive locks instead of setscrews which makes it easier to visually see the whole locking system and be confident that it is secure and ready to use.

StringerShield’s Stair Rail Clamping System helps quickly install guardrails on stringer stairs for construction sites.

Pro Tool and Supply carries an extensive line of fall protection equipment, including top-of-the-line guardrail systems like StringerShield’s Stair Rail Clamping System.

If you’re looking to find out whether you’ll need railing systems for your site, or want to know more about the options and solutions available, Pro Tool is happy to help: contact us here for more information or request a quote.

Heavy-duty debris netting is used to keep small and chunky debris from falling on workers, pedestrians, equipment, vehicles, or properties during construction.

Whether you’re constructing a high rise, demolishing a house, or working on a marine rig, falling objects of any size can cause serious damage to people on or near your site.

Even if there are no people in harm’s way, not having the right protection in place can still cause damage to tools and the nearby area which can lead to serious delays, damages, and expenses. Damage to buildings and tools can be easily avoided with netting, which is typically one of the most cost-effective and feasible methods to keep people and tools safe during construction.

There are plenty of fall protection options out there. Projects vary, so it can be helpful to consult with a safety netting expert before beginning a project. However, high-density debris netting like the Eagle Industries heavy duty debris netting is a particularly effective choice.

Here are a few specific factors to consider when choosing debris netting for construction:

Material type

Many heavy-duty netting systems can be reused if they are well maintained, installed properly, and inspected before each use, so choosing stronger materials can reduce costs in the long-term, even if they are initially more expensive.

UV-resistant, flame retardant, and abrasion-resistant materials can all extend the life of netting, as well as make it more effective for even the heaviest falling debris.

Eagle Industries heavy duty netting, for example, is constructed from heavy-duty, UV-resistant polypropylene, which has a very high strength per foot rating and is also flame and abrasion-resistant.

Containment and protection

The durability of the material is also affected by the netting’s construction type: netting can come in square or diagonal construction.

The best nets can contain small debris as well as protect workers from falls. Two-layer mesh is more effective for this, as net liners provide an additional layer of security and protection.

Installation hardware and edge protection is also an important factor to consider, since even getting the most durable mesh on the market won’t help you if you can’t attach it securely.

All debris containment debris nets should be attached to an approved cable system or used with an effective debris net outrigger system.

Testing Standards and Compliance

Safety is regulated by industry standards and jobsite protection regulations such as OSHA. Construction debris netting must meet or exceed these standards to offer an acceptable level of protection for workers and equipment.

The Best Heavy-Duty Debris Netting

The Pro Group offers a wide range of safety equipment and supplies, including a variety of jobsite safety netting.

For debris netting for construction, we carry a full line of Eagle Industries heavy-duty debris nets. Eagle Heavy Debris Containment Nets are made from high tenacity 2.5” knotless polypropylene and go through rigorous testing to ensure they meet construction industry standards.

Eagle Industries debris nets also include debris net liners for greater containment, available in 3/8″ polyester netting or 1/16” debris netting.

Eagle Industries nets offer a range of benefits, including:

• Easy and secure installation
• Fire/flame retardant
• Long life expectancy due to abrasion resistant, heavy-duty 2-layer mesh
• Tested and approved in compliance with relevant safety standards such as OSHA and ANSI A10.37
• Leading edge protection and reinforced webbing and grommet edges for easier, safer, and more secure installation

Netting allows workers to safely and efficiently do their jobs

Many different types of fall protection can be used to give your workers the best protection possible.

The Eagle Industries Heavy Duty Debris Net can be the ideal choice to keep pedestrians and nearby properties safe for many construction sites. However, all sites are unique, and The Pro Group carries a wide range of products that can help you provide the greatest level of security for your site.

We have extensive experience with construction debris safety netting solutions and are happy to evaluate your project to let you know what type of protection will offer the best safety plan.

For more information about Eagle Industries or one of the other construction safety brands we carry, get in touch with one of our experts here.

Head protection gear has come a long way since the classic hard hat.

Traditional hard hats can do a great job of protecting workers from things falling on their heads, but if a worker falls, then the hard hats easily fly off which leaves the head vulnerable.

In fact, construction workers are more likely to experience traumatic head injuries than any other employees in the U.S., according to NIOSH. A quarter of all construction fatalities are from head injuries, and more than half of these injuries are caused by falls.

Better safety helmets – that stay on during a fall – might have prevented many of these deaths.

Within the past decade, helmets inspired by those used in high-risk, high-impact sports have revolutionized the construction-site head-protection game. Today’s construction safety helmets are versatile, comfortable, and most importantly safer than the older alternatives.

Here are five reasons why safety helmets for construction are rapidly replacing hard hats across the country:

1. Versatility

Safety helmets are made to fit a variety of common job applications. They protect workers on almost any type of project, from construction to manufacturing, forestry, and oil/gas/wind utilities.

For example, Pro Tool & Supply carries the new 3M™ SecureFit™ Safety Helmet X5000, which covers all trades and can easily be customized with accessories to meet specific job requirements.

2. Cost

Safety helmet cost savings might sound counter-intuitive as construction safety helmets do typically cost more up-front than the traditional hard hat design.

However, safety helmets also often last longer than hard-hats. Their shelf-life can be up to twice as long.

Improving safety also has financial benefits that are hard to estimate. Injuries are expensive, both for workers and for the project. If an incident occurs, the insurance, worker’s comp, and timeline delays are much more expensive than the cost of upgrading safety gear.

3. Safety

Safety gear has a real impact on site safety.

While construction helmets are a relatively new invention, in similar cases, safety gear improvements have been shown to directly reduce injuries. For instance, enforcing glove safety can reduce hand injuries by up to 90%.

Even if falls are rare on your site, preventing even one serious or life-altering injury makes the upgrade to safer helmets worth it. On top of staying put if a worker falls, helmets can also provide better protection from side impacts.

Of course, all protective headgear used on-site has to meet ANSI compliance standards, including ANSI Z89.1, but not all safety helmets meet these guidelines.

However, models such as 3M Safety Helmets are held to rigorous safety standards and extensively impact- and penetration-tested.

4. Comfort

Modern construction safety helmets are inspired by models created for use in sports from skateboarding to rock climbing. They’re designed to stay put, stand up to wear-and-tear, and be comfortable enough not to get in the way of athletic activity.

Today’s helmets offer numerous customizable features for better ventilation, suspension, and pressure diffusion. Workers should be able to find an option that fits their heads and is comfortable to wear all day long.

5. Attachable Accessories

Because helmets are specifically designed for construction, they can be outfitted with additional features such as hearing protection, face shields, visors, reflective kits, and elastic band clips.

The 3M™ SecureFit™ Safety Helmet X5000 also includes additional features such as UV wear indicators and integrated clips for goggles and headlamps, and is compatible with many of the other personal protection equipment carried by Pro Tool & Supply.

Safety Helmets Save Lives

Hard hats just don’t cut it anymore when it comes to protecting construction workers.

The latest safety helmets for construction, like the 3M™ SecureFit™ Safety Helmet X5000, provide unmatched comfort, ventilation, and impact-protection to keep workers safe.

Pro Tool carries a full line of personal protection equipment to meet the needs of most sites.

If you’d like more information about what safety gear would work best for your project, our team will be happy to walk you through the latest and greatest options for on-site head and body protection. Contact our expert technicians for product information or request a quote here.

Walk-behind floor grinders are critical for concrete construction and maintenance. They can repair existing slabs, clean and prepare floors for carpet or linoleum, and polish and beautify uncovered surfaces. But like any power equipment, conscientious preparation, proper operation, and the right equipment will make concrete floor grinders as safe and efficient as possible.

Operation

Proper floor grinder operation includes taking care to control the machine and prevent its harming the user. Operators should always wear respirators to deter any stray dust from reaching their mouths and noses, slip-resistant, closed-toe shoes, and eye and ear protection. Avoid loose clothing that can potentially get caught in the grinder’s disks.

For a smooth, clean, level floor, begin by cleaning up any oil, grease, solvent or other liquid debris, then sweep the floor.

Operators should assume a balanced stance and firmly grip – not clutch – the handles. Glide the grinder side to side in short sweeps. Do not allow the machine to get too far away from your center of gravity or at an angle that requires you to strain to pull it back. A smooth motion with the grinder will not only produce better results, by preventing a “swirled” appearance, but also prevent stress injuries to the user. Grinding blocks come in various grits. Applications often require several passes over the floor using finer and finer grits to remove adhesives, level the floor, smooth it, and polish it.

Stay alert during operation:

• Ensure the vacuum is operating efficiently and the hose is not kinked.
• Watch that the filter’s self-cleaning cycle is functioning or turn the machine off frequently to clear the filter.
• Change the vacuum bags often.

Power Trip

The Pro Group offers electric EDCO and Husqvarna floor grinders that can be used anywhere, without worrying about harmful fumes emitted by gasoline and propane. The power cord is the only real drawback to electric machines, but with some common-sense precautions, operators can avoid potential problems:

• Always inspect electrical equipment and power tools before use. Disqualify any with frayed cords.
• Always use grounded outlets.
• Keep the cord away from the grinding plates.
• If outlets are unavailable and a generator must be used, ensure there is sufficient ventilation and insist operators wear carbon monoxide monitors.

Silica

The top priority when cutting or grinding concrete must be preventing and containing silica dust. If allowed to become airborne, the silica particles in concrete dust easily make their way into the respiratory system. Once in the lungs, these tiny particles tear microscopic lesions in the lung tissue. Exposure can cause cancer, silicosis, and other respiratory diseases.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration approves of two methods for keeping silica dust out of workers’ lungs:

• Wet Method – Water delivered to the grinding surface captures dust particles before they can be inhaled. Water flow must be continuous, and the delivery system must be integrated into the grinding equipment. Before operating a floor grinder, ensure all water hoses are in good shape and securely fastened, nozzles are properly fitted and directed to the grinding wheel, and the water supply is sufficient. Use a wet vacuum fitted with a HEPA filter to clean up the hazardous slurry of water and dust.
• Dry Method – Floor grinders can be fitted with attachments that confine and vacuum concrete dust as it is created, before it can escape into the air. Vacuum dust collection systems include a shroud that fits securely to the bottom of the grinder to corral the dust, a vacuum powerful enough to suck up the dust, and a filter that meets OSHA standards (99 percent or greater efficiency and a cleaning cycle).

Pro Tool & Supply stocks a full line of walk-behind floor grinders in a variety of sizes for sale or rent, as well as vacuums, scarifiers, angle grinders, and all the accessories you need to make your project a success. Contact our experts today to learn more.

Fire on a construction site is a real and frightening possibility. Spark-producing tools and machinery are in frequent use. Flammable material abounds. Accelerants on jobs can aid fire’s rapid spread. And in many cases, sprinklers, firewalls, and other systems in the built environment that can delay fire’s impact, have not yet been installed.

Construction site fire is a major threat to life, property, and construction schedules and the consequences can be devastating.  The likelihood of fire, however, can be reduced. Comprehensive planning, diligent work performance, and fastidious housekeeping can keep construction sites productive and safe.

Planning and Training

The first step to keeping workers and property safe is to establish a system of policies, processes, responsibilities, and training so that all personnel on the site understand management’s commitment to a fire-free project:

• Appointing a competent person to wield ultimate authority and responsibility for fire prevention, extinguishing, and escape protocols.
• Implementation of a fire-safety inspection schedule for the duration of the project. The plan must be adjusted as construction progresses, new trades arrive on site, and new tasks are performed.
• Procurement, distribution, and worker instruction on use of fire extinguishers. Ensure the number of extinguishers is sufficient and that they are located in highly visible, easy-to-access locations.
• Consideration of site-specific challenges that make fire more likely or its escalation easier – location, terrain, weather, and type (road, high rise, underground, etc.)

Construction Activities

By its nature, construction involves activities and materials that can start or contribute to a fire. It is each tradesperson’s responsibility to ensure they perform their tasks with care:

Hot Work

• Check hot work areas for fire at least every 30 minutes from the time welding, cutting, or grinding operations begin to an hour after they have concluded.
• Whenever possible, perform this work in a shop, segregated from other trades.
• If hot work must be done directly on the building site, cover floor and wall openings with fire-resistant blankets to guard against sparks.

Electricity

• Keep newly installed wiring and electric appliances from shorting and igniting a fire by protecting them from wet weather and shielding them from contamination by windblown debris, sawdust, and other ready fuel sources.
• Continue to inspect wiring even after it has been installed. Dry weather and vibration from nearby construction activity can crack and damage insulation, leading to the potential for short circuiting and fire.
• Temporary lights and the generators that power them also can cause electrical fires. Check broken bulbs, bent or displaced panels, and cracked cords caused by accidental impacts from tools or machinery.
• Tools with frayed power cords must be removed from service.

Flammable Materials

• Keep only daily supplies of gasoline, diesel fuel, acetylene, sealants, solvents, and other liquids that can act as flame accelerants on the construction site. Store larger supplies offsite, covered with noncombustible sheets, and well away from sources of heat.
• Install dust-collecting equipment on power tools and in shops where cutting, sanding, and other woodworking activities will be conducted.
• Operate and stage mobile equipment on paved slabs or hard-packed dirt free of vegetation or debris that could be ignited by hot engines or exhaust fumes.

Disposal and Housekeeping

Keep flammable construction material away from heat, flame, electricity, and other ignition and fuel sources.

• Insist workers discard oily rags only in self-closing metallic containers.
• Promptly remove scrap wood and other debris from the construction site.
• Strictly limit the areas in which employees may smoke.
• Sweep work area floors at the end of each day to remove sawdust, paper scraps, and other combustibles.

Fire needs three ingredients in order to start and spread: spark, fuel, and oxygen. Preventing and containing construction site fires involves the elimination and segregation of these ingredients from each other. Contact the Pro Group to learn about our extensive inventory of fire-retardant products, fire extinguishers, and more to protect workers, property, and productivity.

In July 2017, The Pro Group began offering Clean Emissions Products Inc. to better meet customers’ environmental and regulation limitations. Rick Poirier, Operations Manager, is the liaison between The Pro Group and Clean Emissions. Read the following interview to learn more about Clean Emissions products and how you can utilize them in your equipment.

Q: How are catalysts installed?
A: Catalysts units are available in an “in-line” or muffler type configuration. An in line unit can be mounted at any location available within the engine exhaust system either before or after the existing muffler.

Another option is the muffler configuration. Clean emissions can take an existing muffler, cut it open and install the proper components. They then weld it back together. The catalytic muffler can now be installed back into the equipment. We also offer Honda catalytic mufflers which are a direct replacement to Honda OEM mufflers.

Q: How did you get involved with Clean Emissions & scrubbers?
A: We partnered with Clean Emissions after years of building a solid relationship monitoring OSHA & EPA tier 3 & 4 emissions requirements. We also react to the requests presented to us by our customers who find the need to operate equipment indoors safely.

Q: What type of equipment would benefit from a converter?
A: All types of gas, diesel and liquid propane engines would benefit from a catalytic muffler. Clean emissions catalytic line up has the capabilities of covering our entire product line from compactors to backhoes & everything in between.

Q: Why did you choose Clean Emissions as your Catalytic supplier?
A: Clean Emissions is a Canadian based company that fully understood and presented to us the solution to a problem heading our way before anyone else. We were prepared when our customers called requesting equipment to meet Tier 3 or Tier 4 emission standards. We also had a solution to offer our customers a catalytic converter on our rental equipment when they needed to run gas engines inside a building. This helped put us ahead of our completion offering a solution to a problem which enabled our customers to be more productive.

Also, the quality of their in-line stainless steel units & the small profile makes installation very easy. The in-line units only need to be clamped into place with exhaust clamps. The workmanship on the catalytic mufflers is also impressive. We have never had a manufacturer premature unit failure. The replacement Honda catalytic mufflers are just a bolt off and bolt on set up.

Clean emissions also understood the benefit of working with the Pro Group giving us such a large new England territory. They understood that our 4 locations, outside sales team, inside sales team and our parts & service department understand the product line & need making us a true resource to our customers because after all our success depends on our customers success.

Learn More About Clean Emissions

Visit our Clean Emissions brand page, or contact The Pro Group with your questions, 1-844-851-1755. Rick and his team will be happy to help.