Canadian Occupational Safety

July/August 2020

Canadian Occupational Safety (COS) magazine is the premier workplace health and safety publication in Canada. We cover a wide range of topics ranging from office to heavy industry, and from general safety management to specific workplace hazards.

Issue link: https://digital.thesafetymag.com/i/1262450

Contents of this Issue

Navigation

Page 9 of 31

10 www.thesafetymag.com/ca U P F R O N T P R O D U C T S A N D S E R V I C E S TSI respirator shows real-time fit changes THE new TSI PortaCount Respirator Fit Tester 8048 is a quantitative respirator fit tester. The product features intelligent touchscreen solutions that support respiratory protection programs from training through compliance. Additionally, the PortaCount Fit Tester Model 8048 provides a consistent and objective testing experience across all respirator types, including all N95 filtering facepieces. FitCheck Mode shows in real time how respirator fit changes throughout donning and adjustment, helping users select the right mask and identify the best fit more quickly. Video animations guide staff through proper fit test exercise movements during a fit test, providing a consistent testing experience and freeing fit test administrators to multitask. Group fit testing allows administrators to test up to four personnel with four PortaCounts simultaneously. TSI has redesigned every aspect of the PortaCount Fit Tester's FitPro Ultra software. A new user interface and unique features combine to create a powerful fit test instrument. From touchscreen tablets to PC laptops, the software is easy to use and similar to applications on your own personal devices. With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, TSI's fit tester offers an important service to businesses and organizations looking to properly use essential PPE. iOFFICE launches Space-Right planning tool iOFFICE has launched Space-Right to help companies implement safe distancing in their workplace. The tool will help space planners visualize the impacts of implementing physical distancing measures. It allows workplace leaders to adjust separation between workspaces thanks to the use of a slider tool that lets the user visualize corresponding changes on the workplace floor plan. They can also see the planned capacity reduction percentage. A smart algorithm allows them to automatically run multiple scenarios including bringing the workforce back in phases or shifts based on job function, converting small collaborative spaces to offices or increasing remote work allowances to identify the optimal outcome before finalizing floor plans and moving people. Detectamet releases metal and x-ray detectable 'cryo pen' Detectamet has released its new metal and x-ray detectable "cryo pen" — part of its Elephant range. The pen allows continuous, smooth writing in oily, greasy, wet and powdery environments. In addition, the pen also works in temperatures as low as -20 degrees Celsius, making it suitable for freezers and cold stores. The cryo pen can also write upside down and in zero gravity. The pen is retractable, which means there is less chance of a pen lid being mislaid, and the entire pen is metal and X-Ray detectable. Finally, the cryo pen can also take refills, which reduces waste as there is no need to throw the whole pen away when it runs out of ink. Wearable device cloud-based software real-time alerts KENZEN SMART SENSOR HELPS TO REDUCE HEAT INJURIES PPE-FOCUSED innovator Kenzen has launched a real-time worker heat monitoring system. The Cloud-based Software as a Service (SaaS) system includes a wearable device worn by workers on their arm that alerts both the worker and their supervisor when core body temperature is too high. Real-time alerts allow for immediate intervention and worker safety from heat injuries. The wearable, via its advanced sensor compliment, monitors multiple physiological and environmental metrics, including heart rate, activity, skin and ambient temperatures. Together, this sensor data allows for the real-time prediction of core body temperature, providing alerts to workers and supervisors when temperatures approach unsafe levels. Kenzen's multi-level alerts are sent to workers via device vibration, iOS or Android app notification and to supervisors via web dashboard alert signalling that the worker should take a break and allow their temperature to return to safe levels. Alerts are accompanied by actionable recommendations such as advising the worker to take a break, find shade, drink water or remove any excess clothing and equipment to decrease body heat. A second "back-to-work" alert then indicates when the worker's core body temperature has returned to a safe level. Data captured by the system can be used to help companies identify heat risk and proactively manage outcomes by adapting work sites accordingly to improve worker safety while maximizing productivity. Modifications may include changes to work-rest schedules, where and when to add water and shade stations, the addition of air-conditioned rest areas and even recommendations for pre-staging ice-bath locations in case of extreme weather and working conditions. The data can also inform decisions around workplace expenditures such as certain equipment and clothing. The Kenzen system has been piloted on work sites of large industrial conglomerates around the globe in domains such as construction, field services, power, oil and gas and renewable energy. Kenzen is sold as a subscription on a per-worker, per-month basis.

Articles in this issue

Links on this page

Archives of this issue

view archives of Canadian Occupational Safety - July/August 2020