In this episode of Let’s Talk Safety, host Dylan Sutherland speaks with TK from Uvex to unpack the EN 166 standard for eye protection. They break down what the standard is, its South African equivalent, the key testing requirements, common limitations, and additional features to consider when selecting compliant safety eyewear.

Summary:

• EN 166 explained : An international test standard for eye protection, adopted in South Africa as SANS 50166 (latest version 2018).
• Testing requirements: Includes impact resistance testing for both lens and frame, optical correctness, and mandatory manufacturer markings on both parts.
• Impact resistance:Tested by firing a 6mm steel ball bearing at the lens at varying speeds without scratching, denting, or breaking.
• Markings: Must include manufacturer code, lens tint/type, and UV protection details on both the lens and frame.
• Additional features: Anti-scratch and anti-fog coatings can be added; both can be applied on different lens surfaces.
• Limitations: Fit for different face shapes, adjustability, and coatings suited to the work environment.

Discover how EN 166 / SANS 50166 protects workers, and how to choose certified safety glasses, goggles, or face shields for the job.

In this episode we answer your important questions:

• How do I choose the right safety glasses for construction work?
• What’s the difference between safety goggles, glasses, and face shields?
• Is EN 166 the same as SANS 50166 for eye protection?
• What type of eye protection is needed when grinding or welding on-site?
• Can regular sunglasses protect your eyes on a construction site?
• What are the legal eye PPE requirements for South African construction sites?
• Where can I buy certified safety goggles for construction workers in South Africa?

Let’s Talk Safety: Episode 1-part 2: Understanding EN 361 Harness Safety in Real-World Conditions

In this episode, we continue the conversation with Stephan van Heerden to explore the practical application of the EN 361 harness standard. We dive into how harnesses are tested, the importance of proper fit, and key features that enhance safety and comfort for workers at height.

Episode Summary:

• EN 361 harnesses are tested to:
  • Remain upright during a fall (dynamic test)
  • Withstand 15kN for 3 minutes after a fall (static test)
  • Resist corrosion (technical standard)
• Proper fit is critical: the D-ring must be between the shoulder blades
• Wearing a loose or ill-fitting harness increases fall distance and force impact
• Additional features to improve safety
• Real-world risk: improper wear or sizing can lead to increased injury or death in a fall

Pro tip included to ensure optimal safety

Season 2 Episode 1|Part1 In this episode of Let’s Talk Safety, host Dylan Sutherland from Protekta Safety Gear sits down with in-house specialist Stephan van Heerden to unpack the EN 361 standard; a benchmark for full body harnesses used in fall arrest systems. We explore the standard’s technical requirements, its local equivalent (SANS 50361), and the real-world implications for work-at-height safety. From drop tests to weight limitations and harness certifications, this episode offers a practical and insightful guide for safety and procurement managers alike.

What we cover in this episode:

• What EN 361 is and its local equivalent: SANS 50361.
• EN 361 is a Category III PPE product and it must carry proper certification.
• Test requirements for EN 361-certified harnesses:
  • Dynamic drop test: Force must stay below 6 kN (approx. 600 kg); the fall must be upright.
  • Static load test: Must withstand 15 kN for 3 minutes.
• Harness components must remain uncompromised after testing (stitching, buckles, webbing).
• Drop distance requirement: 4 meters for testing..
• Weight limitations
• Application limitation
• Importance of rescue planning to avoid suspension trauma after fall arrest.
• Visual indicators for users

Don’t miss this valuable and practical conversation that goes beyond the tick-box approach to ensure safe work at heights.

In part 2 of our final episode for Season 1, Jarryd Swanepoel, National Sales Manager at uvex, discusses the importance of hearing protection in South Africa. He provides practical guidance on what safety managers and employees can do to effectively prevent noise-induced hearing loss.

Did you know that noise exposure for an 8-hour shift should not exceed 85 dB? When noise levels surpass this threshold, employers must either implement noise control measures or supply effective hearing protection such as earmuffs or earplugs. This episode explores this and other key hearing protection topics:

• Importance of baseline audiometric tests at employment start to track hearing loss.
• Audiometric tests should be conducted annually and upon employee exit.
• Larger companies generally comply; smaller companies often overlook this due to cost, knowledge, and compliance gaps.
• A shift in perspective needed: from compliance-focused to personal quality-of-life importance.
• Explanation of decibel levels (whispering ~30-40dB, normal conversation ~50-60dB, yelling ~70-80dB, power drill ~90dB, jet engine ~130dB).
• Clarification of hearing protection misconceptions, including incorrect calculation of combined protection (earplug + earmuff).
• Overview of hearing protection types: reusable earplugs, disposable earplugs, earmuffs, custom-moulded plugs.
• Emphasis on correct usage for genuine protection rather than merely compliance.

Are your teams aware that combining hearing protection doesn't add the ratings together? For example, using a 30 dB earplug and a 35 dB earmuff doesn't equal 65 dB protection? Read more on this by downloading our Toolbox Talk

Episode 18|Part1 Join us for the season finale of Let’s Talk Safety as we sit down with Jarryd Swanepoel, National Sales Manager at Uvex Safety, to discuss one of the most pressing yet misunderstood issues in occupational health: hearing protection. Despite overall declines in workplace injuries, noise-induced hearing loss is on the rise and it's now one of the leading health concerns in the South African industry.

What we cover in this episode:

• Why hearing loss is increasing, despite clear regulations
• The difference between compliance and effectiveness
• Why earplugs are not a one-size-fits-all solution
• South African hearing protection standards (SANS 50352 / EN352)
• A practical step-by-step checklist for safety managers
• Misconceptions that put workers at risk
• The real-world implications of failing to protect your hearing

Don’t miss this valuable and practical conversation that goes beyond the tick-box approach and repositions hearing protection as a critical part of workplace health and long-term quality of life.

Episode 17| Respiratory protection is essential in hazardous environments, yet common misconceptions put workers at risk. In this episode, we explore the important factors that impact the effectiveness of respirators, including fit, material quality, and proper maintenance. Our 3M expert discusses common misconceptions about breathability, the importance of a proper seal, and how different materials, such as thermoplastic elastomers and silicone affect safety and durability.

Topics covered in this episode:

• Why a tighter seal might feel less comfortable but offers better protection.
• The risks associated with low-quality materials and improper maintenance.
• How compliance standards guide the manufacturing of safe respirators.
• The importance of regular inspections and proper cleaning.
• Differences between half-face and full-face respirators in terms of safety.

Shop safety respiratory protection as well as PPE on our website:https://protekta.co.za/

Episode 16| In this episode of Let's Talk Safety, Rani Naidoo, Senior Application Engineer and Regulatory Manager for 3M South Africa, delves into the importance of respiratory protection standards. The discussion emphasizes how standards such as EN 149 and EN 140 ensure fit-for-purpose safety in the workplace. Rani highlights the challenges of selecting appropriate respiratory protection, the role of homologation in adapting international standards to local requirements, and lessons learned from real-world incidents that underscore the criticality of adhering to standards.

Key Points:

• Importance of Standards in Respiratory Protection
  • EN 149 focuses on disposable respirators, including the 2009 amendment (EN 149+A1), which added Dolomite dust testing.
  • EN 140 covers reusable respirators, including fit, maintenance, and disposal criteria.
• Understanding Homologation
  • Homologation ensures international products meet local standards for safety and effectiveness.
  • Examples include the adaptation of EN standards for South Africa's regulations.
• Challenges in Selecting Respiratory Protection
  • Many users rely on default recommendations without understanding the standards behind FFP1, FFP2, and FFP3 masks.
  • Workers often lack knowledge about change-out schedules for disposable and reusable respirators.
• Lessons from the Philips Lawsuit
  • The case highlights the devastating impact of non-compliance with safety standards. Over 500 deaths and 85,000 claims resulted from harmful particles released by faulty equipment.
• Specific Workplace Hazards
  • Welding tasks require respirators with FFP2 filters and carbon layers to protect against carcinogenic fumes and ozone exposure.
  • Reusable respirators must be assessed for compatibility with chemicals and particles.
• Simplifying Compliance
  • Partner with reputable suppliers and verify products through certifications such as BSI or homologation certificates.
  • Use government or regulatory databases to confirm product approvals.
• Testing Criteria for Standards
  • Respirators are tested for filtration efficiency, durability, strap strength, and material compatibility.
  • Specific tests include resistance to collapse, breathability, and leakage prevention.

This interview provides valuable insights for safety and procurement managers, emphasizing the importance of informed decisions in respiratory protection.

Shop safety respiratory protection as well as PPE on our website:https://protekta.co.za/

Episode 15| Join us as we interview Abigail Louw, Marketing Manager at Sweet-Orr. We discuss the brand’s commitment to high-quality protective workwear, particularly the importance of conti suits in worker safety. Abigail outlines Sweet-Orr’s history, customization options, and rigorous attention to detail in their manufacturing process. The conversation also highlights Sweet-Orr’s core values of durability, safety, and precision, alongside their family-oriented business culture. We offer insights into selecting appropriate garments for specific work environments and key considerations to look out for when doing this.

Key Points

• Introduction to Sweet-Orr and their offering
  • Oldest protective workwear company in South Africa with a rich history dating back to 1871.
  • Customized protective workwear solutions tailored to industry and user needs.
• Guidance for Safety Professionals
  • Importance of selecting the correct PPE for specific jobs and environments.
  • Sweetor’s role in advising and ensuring appropriate safety solutions.
• Fabric Considerations
  • Overview of essential and specialized workwear ranges:
    • 100% Cotton: Comfortable, breathable options for low-risk environments.
    • D59 Flame Retardant: For hazardous environments with exposure to fire or acids.
    • Inherent Flame Resistance: Advanced protection woven into the fabric’s structure.

This podcast is an informative guide for safety managers and procurement teams to better understand and select protective workwear tailored to their needs.

Shop safety workwear as well as PPE on our website:https://protekta.co.za/product-category/workwear/conti-suits/

Episode 14| Join us as we interview Farah Montenegro, local product expert for the Middle East and Africa at Brady Corporation. Farah, shares insights from her 17 years with the company as we discuss the importance of LockOut TagOut (LOTO) procedures and practical implementations on how to isolate hazardous energy sources to keep workers safe during maintenance to significantly reduce workplace accidents.

Key Points

• Importance of LOTO for Site Safety
  • Failure to follow LOTO can lead to severe injuries (e.g., amputations, burns) and low morale due to unsafe conditions.
  • Implementing LOTO shows a commitment to employee safety, boosting productivity and reducing equipment downtime.
• Energy Sources to Lock Out
  • Key energy types include electrical, mechanical, thermal, and chemical.
  • Detailed LOTO steps ensure each energy source is isolated, verified, and properly managed for safe maintenance.
• Practical Implementation of LOTO
  • Effective LOTO requires a written program, proper training, and specific devices.
  • Employee engagement and regular audits are essential to maintaining compliance and improving LOTO protocols.
• Responsibility for LOTO Procedures
  • A team effort, led by safety managers and supported by HR, operations, and external consultants.
  • Employees and contractors play distinct roles, with training tailored to their familiarity with the worksite.
• Competency & Training in LOTO
  • Competency in LOTO includes understanding energy sources, procedural knowledge, and compliance with safety standards (e.g., OSHA).
• Selecting the Right Lock for LOTO
  • Lock selection considers material, size, and colour coding to match specific energy sources and team roles (e.g., electrical, maintenance).
  • Colour-coded locks help teams quickly identify the right lock, enhancing safety and efficiency.
• Common Myths about LOTO
  • "Turning off a machine is enough": This is incorrect, as residual energy can still be present.
  • "Only maintenance needs to know LOTO": All site personnel should understand LOTO, as it impacts overall safety.

This episode provides essential insights into implementing effective LOTO procedures, ensuring maintenance managers have practical tools and strategies to safeguard their teams.

Learn more on this topic by visiting our website: https://bit.ly/4e1b8pf

Episode 13| Join us for part 2 as we interview our very own Stephan van Heerden, Work at Heights Specialist. In this episode, we dive deeper into key considerations for roof safety systems. We also highlight the importance of proper planning, structural integrity, and maintenance when installing lifelines and fall prevention systems on roofs. This discussion will provide valuable insights for anyone tasked with ensuring safety at heights.

Key Points

• Solar Projects and Roof Safety: With many solar projects underway, the risks of working on roofs, particularly from falls, have increased. Proper lifeline installation is critical.
• Structural Integrity: Before installing roof lifelines, ensure the structure supporting the roof sheeting is sound. A structural engineer should certify the roof's ability to handle additional forces in the event of a fall.
• Roof Sheeting Considerations: The age and condition of roof sheeting are important factors, as they can degrade due to sun, rain, and other environmental elements. It's crucial to check the integrity of roof sheeting to prevent falls through the roof.
• Avoiding Leaks During Installation: Drilling through the roof to install lifeline systems can create waterproofing challenges. Alternative methods should be considered to prevent leaks.
• Certainty of Lifeline Systems: Lifeline systems, especially those manufactured by reputable companies like 3M, come with a 10-year warranty, providing confidence in their reliability during falls.
• Regular Maintenance: Roof safety systems should be certified annually and more frequently in harsh environments to ensure they remain functional after falls.
• Cost Considerations: While some try to reduce project costs by using anchor points instead of continuous lifelines, this approach is less practical and can compromise safety, especially over large distances.
• Falling through Roof Sheeting: Falling through weakened or polycarbonate sheeting is a real risk. It’s vital to be continuously connected to a safety system, as these materials may not be visible or strong enough to support weight.

Learn more on this topic by visiting our website: https://bit.ly/4eUZ6Pb