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Respirators are a crucial line of defense for anyone working in environments with dust, fumes, or hazardous materials. But just like any safety equipment, their effectiveness relies heavily on proper maintenance. Regularly replacing respirator filters is essential for ensuring optimal performance and uninterrupted protection. Below, we walk you through replacing 3M respirator filters, highlighting key considerations, and addressing some of the most frequently asked questions.How to replace …

Once a popular insulation material in the mid-20th century, vermiculite has become a known health hazard due to its potential asbestos content. As workplace safety experts, we recognize the significance of handling vermiculite insulation cautiously. Below, we delve into the risks associated with vermiculite insulation and share tips on safe removal.Is vermiculite insulation dangerous, and what precautions should be taken? The lightweight, fire-resistant, odorless, and permeable material t …

Mold is a common household fungus that can grow in indoor and outdoor environments. While some types of mold are harmless, others can pose serious health risks, especially for individuals with allergies or respiratory sensitivities. Additionally, untreated mold growth can cause damage to properties, making it essential to address mold infestations promptly. In this article, we’ll discuss the different levels of mold remediation to help you safely and effectively address the issue.What are t …

Mold is much easier to control ahead of time than to remove. However, once mold takes up residence in a building, you’ll need mold remediation to remove it and repair the damage that it causes. Here are the things you need to know before getting started on your mold removal project.The Dangers of MoldThe mold cleanup process needs to be started as soon as you notice mold. There are different kinds of mold, and many of them are harmful and can spread very quickly. People can be exposed to mold sp …

The dangers of a wildfire don’t end once it’s extinguished. Cleaning up after a natural disaster is dangerous, and cleanup workers need to be prepared for any hazards they might encounter: you don’t want to make recovery longer or harder by getting seriously hurt. In addition to having the proper wildfire personal protective equipment, follow these safety tips to avoid the potential hazards of post-wildfire cleanup. Electrical Hazards Once a wildfire has died down, power lines might …

Facial hair is just a part of life, but it shouldn’t be a safety hazard. Employers need to make sure their workers have access to reliable OSHA-approved respirators for beards when working in hazardous environments. Facial hair often gets in the way of the seal that connects the respirator to the worker’s face, leaving room for airborne pollutants and hazardous gases.How Should a Respirator Fit with Facial Hair?There are lots of different kinds of facial hair. According to OSHA, employees with n …

Wildfires and pandemics are both bad on their own, but are especially bad when combined. How do you shelter from a wildfire while social distancing? Can wildfires be controlled if firefighters are exposed to COVID-19? How can you breathe safely with a coronavirus PPE shortage? If you live in a wildfire-prone area, plan ahead. Make kits full of safety supply essentials for both staying in place and evacuating, and look into places to shelter in advance: you don’t want to put a high …

For a lot of job sites, safety masks and respirators are an essential piece of PPE. The lungs are delicate, important organs that are hard to repair if they get damaged, and inhaling the wrong chemical can have devastating effects on other areas of the body as well. Protect yourself from invisible airborne particles by investing in a respirator or mask suited to your job. How Masks and Respirators Are Rated The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is a divisio …

Understanding OSHA’s Latest Silica Dust Regulations If you work in the construction or manufacturing industries, you should be well aware of the dangers of silica dust, commonly found in plaster, drywall, heavy equipment, and other construction zones. Inhaling the dust can lead to a range of respiratory problems, including shortness of breath, chest pains, difficulty breathing, silicosis, and even lung cancer.OSHA has set strict requirements for businesses that subject workers to these kin …

Between the lack of fresh air and the potential for hazardous gases and particulates, working in high-dust sites offer a unique set of safety challenges. Worker safety has always been a top priority at PK Safety, and we’re now offering more options for confined space workers that need to breathe clean air. We carry a range of CleanSpace Respirators products and accessories, but we have two new respirator kits to consider when it comes to replacing or upgrading your current air quality s …