Ansell has launched a new glove series called PowerFlex® 80-813 for improved protection against arc flash, combining flame resistance, cut resistance and ergonomics.    These gloves are arc-rated for HRC2, with a rating of 12.0 cal/cm2. Click here to read the Press Release by Ansell dated 4/24/12.

The Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) just launched its free “How Do You Know” electrical safety awareness program to assist in answering if your workplace is properly protected from electrical hazards.  Included is a self-assessment tool and video series. Click here to read the ESFI article dated 4/16/12.  

Littelfuse’s new EL731 AC/DC Sensitive Earth-Leakage Relay can detect ground currents from 1500 – 0 Hz.   The new relay is ideal for protecting VFDs that may operate at low speeds, during which AC current approaches DC, and can be installed in place of an existing ground fault relay without replacing the current transformer. Click here [...]

To prevent workers from being in the direct blast zone, a new racking device was developed by PG&E to remotely roll in/rack-out the high voltage circuit breakers from outside of the building.  PG&E developed the safety improvement in order to prevent injury and eliminate the safety hazard. Click here to read the article and watch [...]

New releases from SKM Systems Analysis, Inc.: “Power*Tools for Windows 7.0″ software, designed to unleash productivity with enhanced tools for system design, model documentation, and reporting features. “Modeling Arc Flash Mitigation Technique” white paper for use with “Power*Tools” “Arc Flash Line Side vs Load Side” white paper for evaluating which is best for your siutation [...]

Just published in the April 2012 version of ISHN Magazine is my latest article entitled, “What About My Hands?”.  This article addresses the glove issue since the hands are the closest body part to an arc. Click here to read the ISHN article.

A free PDF copy by Cooper Crouse-Hinds of ”Principles of Explosion-Protection” is available for downloading from their website.  This free guide is aimed at plant owners, engineers, and senior managers responsible for health and safety. Click here to access the Cooper Crouse-Hinds website.

Safety audits just became easier with the release of an iPad app from SafetyCulture called iAuditor.   This app can be downloaded free of charge from SafetyCulture. Click here to read the announcement dated 2/21/12 in OHS News. Click here to visit SafetyCulture website.  

The Pentagon wants to equip soldiers with bomb-proof underwear to diminish damage from IED’s buried in the ground, the cause of most genital injuries.  They are intended to keep bomb fragments, dirt, and debris from tearing into flesh and causing infections, while being tough and breathable. Click here to read the article from Bloomberg Businessweek 1/12/12.

Gloves in Arc Flash.  This is an article on arc rating of gloves for use in arc flash exposures.  ASTM F18.65 has a pending ballot on a standard to rate gloves and several manufacturers are testing and providing information to end users. Click here to read more about gloves and arc flash