frequentely asked questions
Will clear lens Safety Glasses protect me from UV?
Most Safety Glasses sold according to AS/NZ 1337.1:2010 will provide 99.9% protection from UV, including clear.
Can I receive high impact protection from my Safety Glasses?
No. Although most Safety Glasses are manufactured from the same material and thickness as a Visor, AS/NZS standards stipulates that high impact can only be achieved when protecting/covering the greater portion of the face.
How should I clean my eye protectors?
Best practice is to run clean water over the lens to wash away dust and debris. Use a soft clean cloth to wipe clean. However, in most cases water isn’t available, so the use of pre-moistened wipes is recommended.
If my eye protector has been in contact with a chemical, what should I do?
Be thankful you were wearing protection! Best practice is to immediately clean the eye protector under clean running water, (taking care not to touch the contaminate when doffing and cleaning) wipe clean and inspect for lens distortion or crazing. If unsure, dispose of product and replace with a new WorkArma Protector.
Can I wear my prescription glasses in a safety environment?
Prescription glasses can be worn as Safety Glasses providing, they have been manufactured and certified to AS/NZS standards. Most standard prescription glasses do not offer sufficient protection from impact.
Will my cut 5 glove provide the same level of protection as a cut F glove?
Unfortunately there isn’t a direct correlation between the EN388 coupe test and the TDM test. The test procedures are vastly different and therefore protection can not be compared.
Can I launder my gloves?
Generally reusable gloves can be laundered, however careful consideration must be taken if the glove has been used in toxic or contaminated environments. Following the manufacturers recommendations via an industrial laundry is best practice.
I’m using a number of chemicals, will a PVC glove be sufficient?
If a Chemical glove has been tested against a selected group of chemicals, as per standards, the glove markings will need to display the corresponding chemical protection received. Not all gloves provide chemical protection!
My gloves have shrunk after being laundered?
Generally gloves will shrink if the glove has been laundered in high temperatures (e.g. Hot water or High temp drying). Avoid High temperature laundry procedures and follow the manufactures instructions.
My glove doesn’t have any markings?
All gloves that are certified to AS/NZS standards will clearly indicate the level of protection received. Gloves without certification markings should be avoided.
How do I know when to replace my harness?
Maximum, 2 Years from the active date/ date of issue. Prior to wearing your hard hat, you should write your name and date of issue on the internal sticker provided. This sticker acts as a date reminder to replace your harness. Should this date not be recorded, the harness has a manufactured date stamp, which is your next best indicator. Replace your harness prior to the 2-year life span should you see signs of deterioration or defects during your daily inspection.
What should I do when I first receive my Hard Hat?
- Write your name and date of issue on the internal sticker.
- Inspect the Hard Hat for any imperfections, deep scratches or colour fading.
- Ensure the harness is fitted correctly, the lugs are secured into the Hard Hat shell, the harness is fitted securely to the head.
Can I store items in my Hard Hat?
No items can be stored in the Hard Hat. The distance between the harness and Hard Hat shell is 50mm. This gap is designed to allow the harness to flex when an impact event has occurred. Placing items in this space will cause damage to the wearers head.
Can I wear a beanie, or cap under my Hard Hat?
Wearing head wear under your Hard Hat had can make the hard hat unstable and reduce the protection required. This head wear can also cause damage to the wearer in the event of an impact.
If I am wearing an Earmuff (29dB) and an Earplug (25dB) do I receive 54 dB protection?
No. Unfortunately you do not receive the addition of both products protection. Studies have found it difficult to formulate your level of protection received but generally speaking you will receive 3-5 dB additional protection above the Earmuff rating.
How do I care for my Earmuffs?
Inspect the ear cushions for cracks and material hardness prior to each use. Clean Earmuff on a regular basis and ensure entire earmuff is in sound condition. Ear cushions and acoustic foam will deteriorate over time which will decrease comfort and protection received. These components (hygiene kit) should be replaced at intervals no longer then 6 months.
What does SLC 80 mean?
Sound Level Conversion (SLC) forms part of AS/NZS 1270:2002 testing methods, which record the attenuation (protection) received based upon 80% of the testing results. Other international standards use alternate methods and record the attenuation differently. Other test methods include NNR and SNR.
Will my safety spectacles, affect the protection I receive?
Yes, the width of the safety spectacles arm may cause the Earmuff to push away from the sides of the head, thus decreasing the protection received. All safety spectacles should have an arm less than 3mm in thickness.
Shouldn’t I just buy the highest rated Earmuff or plug so I can be certain I am protected?
No. Best practice is to conduct sound monitoring on site. This will provide you with a recommendation on the correct hearing protection. Overprotecting your hearing can result in filtering out warning sounds (such as a forklift horn) which can lead to an incident.
When do I change my filters?
Duties being undertaken, fitness levels, concentration of contamination, ventilation all play a part in a filters life span.- All filters will display a “used by” date which is only suitable for unopened filters
- Once the filter has become “active” or taken from its original packaging, the maximum life span of a gas or vapour filter is 6 months from the active date
- Taste, smell or difficulty to breathe through filters are your only guide
When do I need to be fit tested?
A new fit must be completed if ANY of the below occur- Fit testing must be completed at least once annually
- If the person has lost/gained weight, undertaken serious dental or plastic surgery.
- If a decision to change the chosen brand or style of respirator
Can I over protect myself?
No. Overprotection is the best protection when protecting your respiratory health.
How do I clean my respirator?
Inspect your respirator and filters prior to each use. Ensure the respirator is in good condition. Inspect for rips, tears, missing or faulty parts. Inspect the filter for expiry dates. Remove filters and store accordingly. Remove inhalation and exhalation valves. Clean respirator and valves with warm soapy water. Allow to dry and store in a clean enclosed container
Can I use a different branded respirator and filter?
No. To ensure you receive the stated level of protection, filters and respirators must be of the same brand and deemed compatible.
If I purchase the best filter available at the time, am I protected?
Not necessarily, the filter will only protect you from the nominated contaminate. Although the filter maybe the “best” available from the store, this level of protection may not provide sufficient protection. Seek professional advice and conduct air sampling prior to entering contaminated areas.
My safety specs fog up while I’m wearing my respirator?
Fogging safety specs is the first sign that your respirator isn’t fitting correctly and therefore exposing you to contaminates. If air is escaping the respirator as you exhale (causing the fogging) air is entering via the same location as you inhale. Readjust the respirator and complete your daily fit check prior to entering the area.
I have P3 filters on my half face respirator, does that means I have P3 protection?
No. P3 protection can only be achieved when using a Full Face Respirator. Unfortunately, all Half Face Respirators can only achieve a maximum of P2 (due to leakage).
Will my red vest pass High Vis requirements?
Unfortunately, not all colours pass the High Visibility requirements for Day Use. Yellow, orange, some red and some pink are the only colours to pass the requirement. Check with manufacturer/packaging/tags if unsure.
Will my High Vis clothing always be classified as High Vis?
No. Laundry, UV and soiling will diminish the fabrics and tapes ability to maintain the required levels of High Vis. To assist with prolonging the garments High Vis properties, follow the manufacturers washing instructions and limit exposure to UV and harmful soiling (e.g. oil, high heat).
Can I reuse my Disposable Coveralls?
No. A Disposable Coverall is a limited use protective clothing which is designed to limit egress of contamination onto the wearer. Reuse can cause seams to fail and fabric to rip, potentially allowing contamination to enter the suit and or be transported to other destinations ( home, car, office)
Can I easily distinguish a Type 5/6 coverall from a Type 4 coverall?
Type 4 coveralls must be seam sealed (a layer of tape placed over all seams) Generally manufacturers will use a contrasting tape colour to the coverall colour, which assists with distinguishing Type 4 protection. However, all tested coveralls will clearly label the Type of protection received. If you are unsure check with the manufacturer/packaging/tags.
Is there a difference between blue, white and orange coveralls?
The material and protection is generally consistent with all colours, however some manufacturers will use colours to denote protection. All tested coveralls will clearly label the type of protection received. If you are unsure check with the manufacturer/packaging/tags.
