Federal HazMat and Emergency Management Expert joins safety non-profit
The Alliance for Innovation and Infrastructure (Aii) has named Timothy P. Butters to its Board of Directors. Butters, a senior executive in the Administration of Barrack Obama, served as the Acting Administrator and Deputy Administrator of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), where he was instrumental in safely and securely overseeing all hazardous materials shipped via air, land, rail, sea, and pipeline. “I am honored to be joining the Aii Board of Directors, and I look forward to leveraging my expertise as we address pressing issues,” said new Aii Board Member Timothy P. Butters. Following PHMSA, Butters also served at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), where he served as a senior advisor in FAA’s Office of Airports and provided public safety expertise in several key program areas including Unmanned Aircraft, Aviation Event Emergency Planning, and Commercial Space Transportation. Before his federal service, Butters was a professional firefighter and EMT in Fairfax City, Virginia, retiring as an Assistant Fire Chief. As a first responder, Butters was a member of the National Capital Region Type III Incident Management Team (IMT). He has been deployed to major disaster sites to support local incident management operations, including Hurricanes Katrina (MS) and Ike (TX), wildfires, presidential inauguration support, and other large events. Butters has also held senior leadership positions with the International Association of Fire Chiefs, the Chemical Transportation Emergency Center (CHEMTREC), and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. “We are fortunate to have Tim join the Board,” said Aii Chairman and Founder Brigham McCown. “Tim’s expertise as a first responder and regulator is a huge asset to our mission.” Celebrating a decade of non-partisan public policy service, the Alliance for Innovation and Infrastructure seeks to foster innovative solutions to significant infrastructure and public policy challenges.
KEEN Utility Arvada Shift perfect for long hours on your feet
New for Spring ‘24, KEEN Utility’s Arvada Shift is designed for jobs requiring constant movement and long hours on your feet. With an elastic-equipped slip-on fit for easy transitions into work mode, this work sneaker is a perfect blend of athletic-level cushioning and style. Standout highlights include a lightweight, compression-resisting KEEN.ReGEN midsole that returns 50% more energy than standard EVA foam and a sneaker-like ultra-breathable mesh upper to keep feet cool. At the same time, the Arvada Shift does not sacrifice when it comes to safety offering asymmetrical carbon-fiber safety toes that are unobtrusive and 15% lighter than steel and an EH-rated oil-and-slip-resistant rubber outsole provides dependable footing. Combining energy-returning job site performance and convenience for the modern worker, the Arvada Shift will be available for both men and women in several colorways as well as an ESD option.
New fireboat stations dedicated at Port of Long Beach
Facilities provide port-wide protection as part of a $109 million safety program Officials today dedicated two new Port of Long Beach fireboat stations that are greatly enhancing the Long Beach Fire Department’s waterside and landside emergency response capabilities, better safeguarding visiting ships, cargo, and waterfront workers. The facilities – Fireboat Station 15 and Fireboat Station 20 – are the products of a $109 million Port of Long Beach program to preserve business continuity, security, and economic interests. “These fireboat stations will provide an important and invaluable safety service to our Port,” said Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson. “Our firefighters are now equipped with the most sophisticated facilities and emergency response capabilities to protect our Port, its valuable assets, and our waterfront workforce.” “This is a great day for the Port of Long Beach, as we celebrate the completion of a long-needed major revamping of fire safety facilities and equipment in the harbor,” said Port of Long Beach CEO Mario Cordero. “Fireboat Stations 15 and 20 and our fireboats vastly improve our preparedness and resilience in the face of emergencies.” “These new stations will have a lasting and positive impact on our ability to quickly respond to emergencies,” said Long Beach Harbor Commission President Bobby Olvera Jr. “We look forward to our continuing partnership with the Long Beach Fire Department to make the Port a safe place to work and do business.” “Our new fire stations are state-of-the-art public safety structures that will serve as bases of operations for any incident within the Port and throughout the region,” said Long Beach Fire Chief Dennis Buchanan. “Additionally, these stations have been designed with today’s workforce in mind, which means the assurance of workforce accommodations, such as separate sleeping quarters and restrooms.” Fireboat Station 15 is a single-level, 7,750-square-foot building in the Port’s outer harbor with living quarters, a garage for two firefighting apparatus trucks and a full wharf with a 16,311-square-foot boat bay enclosure that houses fireboat Vigilance. Construction started in April 2019 and the project was completed in September 2021. Fireboat Station 20, located in the Port’s inner harbor, is a two-level, 9,783-square-foot structure equipped with living quarters, a garage for two firefighting apparatus trucks and a 16,280-square-foot boat bay enclosure that houses fireboat Protector. Construction started in March 2021 and the project was completed in December 2023. Fireboat Protector entered service in 2016, followed a year later by its companion, Vigilance, heralding major advancements in harbor firefighting and emergency response capabilities at the Port of Long Beach. The fireboats are each equipped with 10 water cannons capable of sending up to 41,000 gallons per minute to a distance of up to 600 feet, or the length of two football fields. With an anticipated lifespan of 50 years, both stations were approved for construction in 2017 by the Long Beach Board of Harbor Commissioners and funded by Port revenues.
Link improves popular LB20 ramp family
Link’s family of LB20 ramps are now 25 pounds lighter, feature pull-style, gas-spring-assist lifting mechanisms, stow at an 8-inch vertical depth, ship fully assembled and are even easier to install than previous models. Link Mfg., Ltd., a U.S. manufacturer of lightweight folding aluminum ramps, announced the introduction of its newly redesigned LB20 family of ramps today. One of nine models of the LB20 will be on display to the industry for the first time during NTEA Work Truck Week 2024, March 5–8, 2024, in Link’s booth 4619. Link’s family of LB20 ramps has been reengineered to significantly improve installation time, operational functionality, and the end-user experience. Seven of the nine ramps now each feature two pull-style, gas-spring-assist lifting mechanisms. The gas-spring devices are lighter weight, leading primarily to the ramps’ 25-pound weight savings and providing greater lift assistance, meaning less exertion and lifting force required by users. “With their new gas-spring-assist feature, Link’s LB20 ramps are now even easier to deploy and stow, making them ideal for vehicles that use their ramps with greater frequency,” said Lynn Blake, senior account manager for Link Mfg. “And with older individuals and females making up an ever-increasing percentage of the workforce, the reduced lifting effort and increased ease of use will be greatly appreciated.” Fitted with their slimmer gas springs, the re-engineered LB20s provide significantly greater clearance and less interference with steps and with both standard and extended bumpers. The ramps now feature a lower-profile transition threshold at their top, making it easier and smoother for dollies and other wheeled equipment to enter and exit the vehicle. When stowed, the ramps have a narrow, less than 8-inch silhouette, providing 34 percent more valuable room in the cargo area. “When in their upright, vertical folded position, the redesigned ramps now take up less than 8 inches of horizontal space just inside the door,” Blake said. “Now our ramps can be mounted even closer to the doors and can be quickly accessed, opened and then closed again and out of the way in seconds. And unlike hydraulic liftgates and small electric cranes, Link ramps require no training to operate, enabling workers to start using them immediately after installation.” The LB20’s new base plate has also been reduced to 11 inches in depth and now features a larger mounting pattern to accommodate more mounting holes and fastener sizes, making installation even easier for upfitters. Link LB20 ramps will now have consolidated part numbers and will ship fully assembled with attached base plate, wheels, and gas springs on the applicable seven models. Customers will continue to experience the industry’s lead times with fully assembled LB20 ramp units. Link is also happy to drop ship ramps on a just-in-time basis through a Link-certified dealer. Link ramps are designed to meet a wide variety of uses, with dimensions ranging from 24 to 47 inches in width, comfortably accommodating standard hand trucks and other cargo conveyance and wheeled equipment. Link’s bifold ramp lengths vary from 72 to 135 inches, and extended LT30 ramp models reach 119 inches and feature adjustable support mechanisms for added stability. A 42-inch by 108-inch version of the LB20 ramp is also available, catering to an array of applications. The 42-inch-wide ramp is perfect for fleets and vehicles serving the last-mile delivery segment that don’t have to deploy ramps at every stop, because it leaves enough room for door entrance and egress without being unfolded. Seven of the nine LB20 models will be available with the spring-assist feature, and the two smaller and lighter of the nine ramps will come without it. All models will now also come with Link’s wheel kit as a standard feature, which will allow the ramps to deploy and retract on a wide variety of surface angles and materials more smoothly. LB20 ramps are and have always been designed for reliability and durability, using extruded high-strength aluminum. The extensive line of nine LB20 sizes provides an option for virtually any application. “Link ramps are designed to be so robust, our upfitter customers tell us that they often outlast more than one vehicle,” said Blake. “Whereas liftgates and cranes can drain vehicle batteries, they also require significantly more maintenance and cost between two and four times more to purchase and install than a ramp, making ramps far more practical.” Link LB20 ramps will be commercially available in the second quarter of 2024. The new ramps will ship in the form of a fully assembled unit. The LB20 ramp can be ordered through Link’s nationwide network of ramp dealers.
Reliance label solutions launches free hazardous chemical labeling operations assessment
Confidential and complimentary, new GHS L.A.B.E.L. Profile helps companies labeling hazardous chemicals follow compliance best practices. Reliance Label Solutions, which specializes in manufacturing hazardous container labels for the petroleum, chemical, and environmental industries, has introduced a new program designed to help companies hone and streamline their chemical labeling operations. Called the GHS L.A.B.E.L. Profile – short for Leading Assessment for Best Practices and Efficacy of Labels, the confidential and complimentary technical inspection service provides an expert-driven assessment to help ensure companies handling and labeling hazardous chemicals follow compliance best practices. Valued at $3,500, Reliance Label’s GHS L.A.B.E.L. Profile creates an accessible labeling safety and standardization platform between chemical companies and labeling compliance experts. Steeped in best practices accrued over decades, Reliance Label’s team can seamlessly engage with chemical companies to determine their most pressing labeling compliance challenges. With an eye to these priorities, a Reliance Label compliance expert then conducts an onsite assessment visitation, followed by a comprehensive report that offers practical improvements where appropriate. Reliance Label’s portfolio of hazardous container labeling solutions is designed to withstand and thrive in harsh environments. While best known for chemical drum labeling solutions that meet stringent GHS, HazCom and IMDG labeling requirements, the company also offers labeling-adjacent GHS-compliant solutions such as printing software, color printers and printer consumables. Consultative, collaborative, and customized, the GHS L.A.B.E.L. Profile appraisals also include a weighted average that highlights any areas particularly at risk of non-compliance. Several manufacturing, warehousing, and logistical scenarios can be assessed, including labeling application infrastructure maintenance, storage temperature and humidity, and other issues that can adversely affect mission-critical label performance. “Our new GHS L.A.B.E.L. Profile comprises a confidential all-things-label health checkup for companies handling hazardous chemicals,” said Troy Lucas, Product Engineer for Reliance Label Solutions. “Our chemical customers intimately understand that labeling environmentally sensitive materials is far more complex than a quick print-and-apply. In this industry, labels and their application techniques must stand up to exceptionally tough conditions, and this is our way of standing with our customers to best ensure compliance and overall labeling success.”
National Ladder Safety Month is coming
National Ladder Safety Month is observed next month, as it is every March. Begun by the American Ladder Safety Institute (ALI), the event raises awareness about ladder safety and encourages employers and their workers to engage in annual ladder safety training. In industrial settings, ladders and climbing are often integral to certain job functions, so safe practices are critical to success. If your job responsibility includes employee safety, now is the time for you to sign up at ALI’s Ladder Safety Training site, and prepare for training. The site makes safety training easy all year long, with an organized curriculum, video, and resource libraries – all completely free. Training courses are designed to seamlessly complement and integrate with an organization’s existing training program. Managers can choose as much or as little as they require; use the entire program wholesale or select a la carte to bolster gaps in their training. After signing up, trainers and training managers can develop a custom dashboard, called a Trainer’s Toolbox, in which they select training and testing, assign them to trainees, and monitor trainee performance and progress on the assignments. These dashboards can track everything from a handful of trainees for smaller organizations all the way up to hundreds for larger enterprises. Topics covered include single and extension, articulated, mobile, and stepladders, with courses available in English or Spanish. Taking training on laddersafetytraining.org does not require an invitation from a trainer. Anyone who wishes to enhance their awareness of ladder safety can sign up. And, obviously, training is available 24/7/365 – not only during Ladder Safety Month. These four weeks each year allow ALI to take deep dives into different aspects of ladder safety, narrowing in tightly on one topic each week, to promote safety tips and training. This year’s topics include Week One: Training and Awareness; Week Two: Inspection and Maintenance; Week Three: Stabilization, Setup, and Accessories; and Week Four: Safe Climbing and Positioning.
Vector Security Networks announces partnership with International Supply Chain Protection Organization (ISCPO)
Vector Security Networks to exhibit at Manifest 2024, an expo that brings together leaders and innovators in supply chain and logistics. Vector Security® Networks, a division of Vector Security®, Inc., and the single-source provider of physical security solutions and managed network services to multi-site businesses across North America, has been named a partner of the International Supply Chain Protection Organization (ISCPO). The partnership helps connect ISCPO members to solutions offered by Vector Security Networks that safeguard their supply chain operations while protecting people and products. As part of its Preferred Partner Program, ISCPO is dedicated to expanding its array of vendor solutions, harnessing proven products, and staying at the forefront of industry best practices. Additionally, Vector Security Networks will participate in Manifest 2024 in Las Vegas, February 5-7, at Caesars Forum. The company’s security experts will be on hand to discuss challenges, opportunities, and solutions for supply chain and logistics providers. The team will also be demonstrating EAIGLE automated vehicle access control and forklift camera solutions that not only can increase safety and security but can also provide insights to improve business operations. Look for Vector Security Networks at booth #1411.
Keen Utility Kenton for Spring 2024
From KEEN Utility for Spring ‘24, the Kenton is a retro-inspired work sneaker reinvented with lightweight protection for all-day workflow. With a wide toe and snug heel, the Kenton boasts a responsive KEEN.ReGEN cushioning provides up to 50% energy return, to help keep your feet and legs feeling fresh, even during long workdays. In addition to all-day energy-returning comfort, the Kenton features low-profile protection including carbon-fiber safety toes 15% lighter than steel and a slip-resistant rubber outsole to help you stand strong through all the movement of your workday. Made to move, the Kenton is available in several colorways and collar heights for men.
Dialight unveils award-winning battery backup model LED High Bay
Dialight, a hazardous and industrial LED lighting innovation, has announced an all-new battery back-up model for its iconic LED High Bay. These state-of-the-art fixtures now offer even greater peace of mind for enhanced safety in harsh industrial environments, such as Oil and Gas Refineries, Metal and Steel, Petrochemical Plants, Pulp and Paper Mills, Water/Wastewater Treatment Plants, General Manufacturing facilities, and more. Proper lighting is one of the most important ways to ensure safety for workers in harsh and hazardous industrial work sites. These applications are often hampered by extreme conditions, including dust, debris, high temperatures, vibration, and power outages. In particular, power outages pose a significant safety risk by instantly plunging areas into darkness. Workers must remain safe and have adequate egress lighting to safely exit a potentially dangerous area. Dialight’s solution ensures that the fixture will stay illuminated throughout the emergency loss of power. “Since 2009 the Dialight High Bay has been the flagship of our Solid State Lighting division,” said Dialight CEO Fariyal Khanbabi. “Over the years, this fixture has received numerous awards for advancements in energy efficiency, longevity, and specialized protections for harsh industrial environments. Integrating our all-new battery backup system into the High Bay gives our customers operating in challenging conditions even greater peace of mind and demonstrates our continued dedication to innovation in the field of Industrial Lighting and safety.” Dialight’s new auxiliary battery backup solution comes factory-installed with premium NiMH battery technology making installation quick and easy. It boasts the widest operating temperature range for any industrial battery backup LED lighting fixture from -20°C to +55°C (-4°F to +131°F) and can provide illumination for a field-selectable duration from 60 minutes to 180 minutes to meet Life Safety Codes by National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 101® guidance on emergency lighting. Available with either permanent maintained or switch-maintained operation and 10W and 20W battery options, the Dialight Battery Backup LED High Bay covers a wide range of lighting needs in industrial and hazardous locations and has been certified to UL1598/A, UL924, UL844, CID2, CIID1, and CIIID1&2. The fixture’s self-testing and diagnostics functionality removes the need for push-button tests or costly installation of a separate wire run from the High Bays to a switch or button on the ground for testing. Red and Green indicator lights on the fixture make visual inspection easy, and automatic weekly and yearly testing offers peace of mind, ensuring the battery is charging and operating properly on an ongoing basis. The new Dialight Battery Backup LED High Bays are compatible with advanced sensors and controls, including microwave occupancy sensors and Dialight IntelliLED™ wireless controls. Best of all, Dialight’s LED High Bay products are backed by an industry-leading 10-year warranty (excluding batteries) and are recognized by the National Lighting Bureau’s Trusted Warranty Program. The all-new Battery Backup LED High Bay is currently available for sale in North America.
KHS systems combine efficiency with safety
Sensitive beverages and flexible systems and solutions are the topics in focus at the KHS trade show booth for this year’s Anuga FoodTec. With its new InnoPET BloFill ACF-R aseptic block the Dortmund systems supplier wants to set new standards in safety and hygiene when it comes to bottle sterilization. Visitors can also find out all about the latest generation of InnoPET Plasmax barrier technology and the first module in the digital KHS ConnectApp service. “Economic success calls for maximum efficiency and availability in all filling and packaging processes. We provide innovative and resource-saving systems and solutions that fully satisfy all aspects of this demand,” says Tobias Wetzel, CSO of KHS. The most recent example of this is the new rotary InnoPET BloFill ACF-R aseptic block that combines the energy-efficient InnoPET Blomax Series V stretch blow molder with the rotary Innofill PET ACF-R filler for the very first time. Linear filters can process up to 14,000 bottles per hour. In contrast, the rotary aseptic block has a capacity of up to 36,000 1.0-liter bottles per hour and in the future is even to be available with a top output of 48,000 500-milliliter bottles an hour. The new plant engineering achieves a sterility of log 6 inside the bottles – which is equivalent to a reduction in germs of 99.9999%. “Our linear aseptic fillers, also blocked, have long proved themselves in practice in the filling of sensitive beverages into PET bottles, where maximum safety is of the essence. The newly developed rotary aseptic filler in the higher capacity range is thus the next logical step. With this, we also want to set standards regarding the machine’s hygienic properties,” Wetzel promises. Effective protection for sensitive beverages KHS consciously focuses on bottle sterilization that – unlike preform sterilization – can also be combined with the KHS FreshSafe PET coating system and thus offers additional barrier protection for sensitive beverages. In this variant, all potential germs are removed from the containers directly before filling. This process gives bottlers more flexibility and greater availability during format changeovers than preform sterilization, as here changing the stretch blow molds disturbs the sterile state of the block. KHS visitors to the exhibition can also look forward to discovering the latest generation of Plasmax coating technology. With this pioneering technique, a wafer-thin layer of chemically pure glass is applied to the insides of PET bottles, with bottle recyclability nevertheless fully retained. This protects sensitive products such as fruit juice, wine, beer, soft drinks, ketchup, sauces, and other liquid foods from oxidation and loss of CO2, meaning that they keep for considerably longer. KHS has continuously improved this procedure over the years and now brought it up to the next level. The result is better performance, quality and flexibility, and a higher degree of efficiency. Consistent expansion of the digital service portfolio In addition, the turnkey supplier’s range of digital services is now to be supplemented by KHS ConnectApp which provides two major extra benefits: Data-based transparency regarding the key line performance indicators helps with decision-making processes. Support with system operation. The first KHS ConnectApp function is the Guide module that with its interactive work instructions and powerful notification management system helps to ensure trouble-free workflows during inspection and maintenance or when training new employees, for instance. Moreover, all work steps can be documented with the app. “By expanding our digital service portfolio, and especially thanks to the introduction of KHS ConnectApp, we’re laying the foundations for further optimization and efficient organization of the entire system operation and management,” explains Wetzel. The KHS Group will be presenting its plant engineering at Booth B070 C089 in Hall 5.1 at Anuga FoodTec in Cologne, Germany, from March 19 to 22, 2024.
Tranzonic names Joe Vitale Chief Corporate Development Officer
Newly created position to pilot strategic growth via M&A The Tranzonic Companies, a manufacturer of personal care and protection, contamination control, and cleaning products, has named Joe Vitale to the newly created role of chief corporate development officer. Vitale will provide strategic direction and leadership as the business expands through acquisitions, investments, and partnerships, and will collaborate with executive leadership on company strategy. M&A is central to the growth strategy of Tranzonic, which has increased sales five-fold in the past decade via acquisitions of diverse companies including Monarch Brands, Acute Care, Adenna, Chemcor, NILodor, Innocore, High-Tech Conversions, and others. Each investment has strengthened Tranzonic’s position as a leader in helping businesses protect, clean, and care for shared spaces where we work, stay, and gather — businesses across manufacturing, food service, healthcare, retail, transportation, hospitality, and other target industries. Vitale’s mission is to optimize Tranzonic’s origination, acquisition, and integration processes to more efficiently identify and partner with new companies to achieve greater growth. He is well-suited to lead the company’s growth efforts, with more than 25 years of professional experience in corporate banking, large and mid-cap industrial, and sponsor-backed portfolio companies. Vitale most recently led M&A and Treasury for Brook + Whittle, before which he spent over a decade with Ferro Corporation, where he helped transform the company through M&A to outperform peer group public companies. He has successfully completed acquisition, partnership, and carve-out transactions in the U.S. and across the world, and his collaborative approach allows for efficient transactions that minimize disruption to the business and preserve value for all stakeholders. “Joe’s values and the engaged culture he creates are well-aligned with Tranzonic and what we plan to achieve as we grow,” said Tom Friedl, CEO of The Tranzonic Companies. “We already have exciting new investments planned for 2024, and Joe’s energy and focus will further our goals as we look to the next decade and beyond.” Vitale earned his MBA in finance from UCLA Anderson and his bachelor’s degree from Vanderbilt University.
HyLite LED NexGen lotus lamps
No Need to Replace Traditional Fixtures, Simply Plug N’ Play! The new NexGen Lotus Lamp is available in 40, 60 & 100 watt options to replace 300, 500 & 1,000 watt incandescent and halogen lamps. The 100w lotus lamp is the world’s only triac dimmable LED lamp. The proprietary & patented diecast heat-sink design provides excellent thermal management and heat dissipation. The IP-65 design provides complete ingress protection against contact, dust infiltration, and water splashes. All the lotus lamps are DLC-listed and are eligible for utility rebates, providing greater savings from your energy provider. The lotus lamp easily fits into existing PAR cans which makes retrofitting easy. No need to replace traditional fixtures, simply plug n’ play. The lotus lamp is ideal for stages & theaters, houses of worship, auditoriums, convention centers, exhibits & banquet halls, studios, arenas, and low & high bay lighting. The lotus lamp offers 3 customizable options to best suit your application. 3 Power Connection Options GX16D – for the 2-Prong PAR Lamp Connection E39 Socket – as a Mogul Base Screw-in Option WC2 – for a Hardwire, In Line Power Connection 3 Beam Angle Options 25° for Narrow Flood Beam 40° for Flood Beam 120° for Wide Flood Beam 2 Color Temperature Options 3,000K for Warm Light 5,000K for Daylight See how the Lotus Lamp can be your Lighting Solutions
Registration opens for ASSP’s Safety 2024 in Denver
The American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) has opened registration for its signature safety education event, held two months later than usual this year. The Safety 2024 Professional Development Conference and Exposition is set for Wednesday, Aug. 7, to Friday, Aug. 9, at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver. Safety 2024 offers workplace safety and health professionals a vast networking experience while highlighting best practices, industry trends and the latest product innovations. More than 200 continuing education sessions will provide practical information that safety professionals can immediately put to use at their organizations. “Our conference and expo is a dynamic learning and networking experience that supports our mission to help protect workers in every industry worldwide,” said ASSP President Jim Thornton, CSP, CIH, FASSP, FAIHA. “It’s a place to find real solutions to occupational safety and health challenges, especially now when environments can quickly change. We’re excited about the experience we have in store for attendees.” Thousands of safety and health professionals look to ASSP’s annual conference – now in its 63rd year – to advance their careers and interact with experts who will share proven techniques for elevating safety at their companies. Attendees will also be inspired, entertained and informed by popular general sessions. As a focal point of the event, the exposition will feature more than 500 exhibitors showcasing innovative safety solutions that can help organizations eliminate hazards and risks that cause injuries, illnesses and fatalities. The expo floor will include an expanded Career Advancement Center that will serve all attendees, not just those looking for a new position. “Our expo is so illuminating and engaging that safety and health professionals find it just as educational as the sessions,” Thornton said. “Many vendors also bring their product developers and present meaningful learning opportunities.” Safety professionals can earn 1.5 continuing education units (CEUs) for career advancement. Register online to get the discounted early rate through March 21. “If your job involves the safety and health of your organization, Safety 2024 is the place to gain critical insights and knowledge to advance your work environment,” said Stephanie Gurnari, CSP, chair of ASSP’s Professional Development Conference Planning Committee. “It’s a comprehensive experience that provides significant value for occupational safety and health professionals at every level of experience.” Denver is one of the most popular locations for ASSP’s events. The pedestrian-friendly Mile High City is known for its natural beauty with more than 200 city parks and views of the Rocky Mountains. There are trendy restaurants and cafes, a thriving arts scene and countless outdoor activities, such as kayaking on the river that runs through downtown. At the State Capitol, the 13th step is exactly 5,280 feet above sea level.
Mezzanine Safeti-Gates, Inc. expands custom engineering for pallet drop safety gates
Mezzanine Safeti-Gates, Inc. is expanding its custom engineering design services to meet the growing demand for development. The company has added a new building on its current property in Essex, MA. All of the pallet drop safety gates manufactured by Mezzanine Safeti-Gates come in standard single-wide and double-wide sizes. Additionally, the gates can be manufactured in stainless steel or powder-coated steel and finished in any color. Custom engineering can be obtained for standard designs with uncommon pallet drop area sizes or for completely new safety system designs. “With advances in automation, we are seeing a greater need for custom-engineered safety gate designs,” said Chris Conway, vice president, of engineering at Mezzanine Safeti-Gates, Inc. “We are getting more requests to design pallet drop gates that not only protect employees but also the equipment being used within the facility. In addition, companies are getting very creative in using their current facility space as the applications shift, so many times gates need to be designed for unique spaces.” Some of the unique custom-engineered pallet drop safety gates created recently by the company include: TCA safety gate design with product containment netting on both the ledge and rear gates, as well as the two sides; the customer needed to keep material completely inside the pallet drop area while ensuring employees have no access to the ledge at any time. Roly safety gate design that opens and closes with the lift within a vertical reciprocating conveyor (VRC) that protects robots from falling into the shaft as materials move through levels. Roly safety gate design for an automated parking garage All custom-designed safety gates are thoroughly tested to ensure they fully comply with OSHA’s Walking-Working Surface Fall Protection regulations as well as ANSI fall protection standards. Used in thousands of locations throughout the world, pallet drop safety gate systems offered by Mezzanine Safeti-Gates can be equipped with power, remote operation, radio frequency sensors, and photo eyes.
The perfect medium-duty glove is better than ever
Brass Knuckle® SmartCut™ BKCR303 triples up with better fit, dexterity, and A2 cut protection The perfect medium-duty glove is now even better. Brass Knuckle® SmartCut™ (BKCR303) offers triple-threat benefits with A2 cut protection, amazing dexterity, and superior grip. Now improved with better tactile sensitivity, better fit, and the same great protection. OSHA estimates that over 70 percent of hand and arm injuries could be prevented with the proper protective equipment. That means considering form and fit as well as function. A glove that fits well promotes compliance. It’s one that workers will want to wear. BKCR303 starts with ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene fiber for ANSI cut resistance level A2 protection and thinner, 13-gauge material for dexterity. A non-sticky polyurethane (PU) coating on the palm and fingers creates a solid-gripping glove. Polyurethane also delivers enhanced puncture protection and abrasion resistance, all without adding bulk or reducing sensitivity. The glove is designed specifically to provide enhanced flexibility and deliver the right balance of protection, performance, and comfort for medium-duty jobs. SmartCut BKCR303 is the natural choice for material-handling applications requiring cut resistance and dexterity. The polyurethane palm and finger coat delivers excellent grip even against oils, fats, and greases. An uncoated back and wrist improves ventilation, while a seamless and stretchable full knit wrist provides a snug fit and prevents dirt, debris, and cold from getting inside the glove. Color-coded cuffs easily indicate glove size.
Brass Knuckle® Vader Goggle keeps vision clear
Sometimes, a seemingly otherworldly development comes along that rewrites performance standards and shatters expectations. The Brass Knuckle® Vader Goggle (BKGOG-2010N) doesn’t come from the far reaches of space (the U.S., actually), but it might as well be an alien concept when compared to more traditional eye protection. The Vader Goggle looks like it should be tearing up the slopes … yet it’s made to keep out splash and maintain vision in the toughest work environments. Made with exclusive BK-Anti-FOG coating, a durable anti-scratch treatment, and D3-rated for droplet and splash protection, Vader is as efficient and hardworking as the people who wear it. Brass Knuckle’s BK-Anti-FOG exceeds the EN 166/168 standard for a long-lasting, fog-free view in even the most demanding conditions. Washable and durable, BK-Anti-FOG protection lasts much longer than competitors’ anti-fog treatments, dispersing water molecules across the surface of the lens to restrict moisture buildup. With its wide 180-degree peripheral vision and face coverage, the Vadar is also roomy enough to wear over most prescription eyeglasses. The only material that touches the face is an ultra-soft conditioned rubber that forms the splash shield. Further maintaining clear vision is the Vader’s reverse-engineered venting system, promoting directional airflow across the inside surface of the lens and further reducing the potential for moisture buildup. The durable polycarbonate lens provides 99.9% UVA/UVB/UVC protection to help prevent eye damage. Vader meets demanding industry test requirements (ANSI Z87.1+, EN166K, EN166N, EN166UV) and meets or exceeds AS/NZS 1337.1:2010 for eye and face protection.
Vector Security®, Inc. hires Ahsan Sheikh as President of the Vector Security® Networks Division
Sheikh to oversee sales, growth, retention and hands-on operational aspects of Vector Security Networks Vector Security®, Inc. has hired Ahsan Sheikh as President of its Vector Security® Networks division, the single-source provider of physical security solutions and managed network services to multi-site businesses across North America. As President of Vector Security Networks, Sheikh leads all aspects of the division, including sales, growth, customer retention and operations. Additionally, he will oversee the establishment of new sales channels and the development of sales strategies that drive Vector Security Networks to achieve its business goals and objectives. Sheikh joins Vector Security Networks from a global security solutions company where he spent more than 26 years, most recently as Global Vice President providing strategic direction and leadership for global clients within various vertical markets spanning 58 countries. “Ahsan brings strong operations and business acumen to Vector Security Networks,” said Pamela J. Petrow, President and CEO, Vector Security. “We welcome him to the team and look forward to the leadership he will provide as we expand our business and position the division for continued growth and success.” “I’m very excited to lead Vector Security Networks as we expand our physical security and managed network offerings while bringing our solutions into a broader range of verticals and new markets, building upon the successes that have made us a top integrator for some of the largest multi-site businesses in North America,” Sheikh said. Sheikh will be part of Vector Security’s Executive Management Team reporting to Petrow.
ASSP’s safety podcast tops 300,000 downloads over five years
The American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) has shared practical workplace safety and health guidance and updates with thousands of safety professionals worldwide through its podcast series, which has surpassed 300,000 downloads over five years. New episodes of “The Case for Safety Podcast” are available every other week and focus on a range of topics to keep industry professionals informed. In its latest installment published today, the podcast discusses the impacts of winter weather on worker safety and health, and how keeping an eye on the outdoor temperature can help safety professionals and their employers have the right tools and procedures in place. The featured expert is Victor Rodriguez, operations meteorologist at Amazon, which is sponsoring the episode. ASSP’s safety podcast series debuted in September 2018 and has shared 123 episodes. “More than ever, ASSP supports the occupational safety and health community in finding ways to keep workers safe amidst new challenges,” said ASSP President Jim Thornton, CSP, CIH, FASSP, FAIHA. “Environments can change rapidly and our podcast continues to be a valuable resource in providing helpful insights.” An upcoming episode will focus on the revised ANSI/ASSP A10.48 voluntary national consensus standard, which covers the latest safety practices and training recommendations for the construction, demolition, modification and maintenance of communication structures. Recent podcasts have covered topics such as personal protective equipment for women, how to get safety improvement buy-in from your organization, tips for improving ergonomics, and how advancing workplace safety can increase productivity and benefit a company’s bottom line. The podcast series is free to access on the ASSP website. Listeners can also subscribe to “The Case for Safety Podcast” on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
Containment netting for rack supported Mezzanine Safety Gates
Mezzanine Safeti-Gates, Inc., an innovator in the design and manufacturing of pallet drop safety gates that provide fall protection in distribution centers, warehouses, and manufacturing and material handling facilities, announced that the Rack Supported safety gate designs can now include product containment netting. The Product Containment add-on offers high strength, and high visibility netting on the ledge gate to prevent products from falling from elevated rack systems. Fall protection topped the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) list of most frequently cited standards in 2023, and in 2020 the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported almost 17% of worker injuries were caused by contact with objects or equipment, which includes being struck by falling objects. The Product Containment option for the Rack Supported safety gate design eliminates both the risk of employees and products falling from ledges of pallet drop areas in pick modules or large rack storage systems. “Today’s material handling environment emphasizes speed when moving products through facilities, which can sometimes lead to pallet jacks and other equipment accidentally knocking product out of place,” said Aaron Conway, president of Mezzanine Safeti-Gates, Inc. “This brings not only a risk of product falling and striking an employee but also the human tendency to reach into the loading zone to grab that object.” Product containment netting systems for mezzanine safety gates prevent items two (2) inches or larger from falling from the elevated pallet drop area. When the area is being loaded with material, the ledge gate is open with the netting compacted out of the way, into the system. After loading is complete, the ledge gate is closed and the netting extends from the deck to the top frame of the gate, providing full-length coverage on the ledge side. In addition, the netting prevents employees from inserting their hands into the loading zone. Used in thousands of locations throughout the world, pallet drop safety gate systems offered by Mezzanine Safeti-Gates fully comply with OSHA’s Walking-Working Surface Fall Protection regulations as well as ANSI fall protection standards. Safety gate designs can be purchased in a variety of sizes including standard stock single and double wide pallet widths, and custom-engineering to accommodate specific requirements. Power, remote operation, radio frequency sensors, photo eyes, and integration with WMS systems can be added to all models.
AASHTO’s new President to emphasize workforce, safety and implementing the IIJA
The board of directors of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials have elected Craig Thompson, secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, as its 2023-2024 president. The board also selected Garrett Eucalitto, commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT), as its 2023-2024 vice president. “As transportation needs continue to evolve, I am honored to serve as AASHTO’s president as we navigate the future together,” Thompson said upon stepping into the role. “This is a very exciting and challenging time for transportation, but I see great opportunity for those of us in the industry to make a real impact for our communities. During my tenure, I will focus on taking advantage of the opportunities offered through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), working with any and all partners to move the needle on roadway safety, and recruiting and retaining top talent for the transportation workforce.” In January 2019, Governor Tony Evers appointed Thompson as secretary of the Wisconsin DOT, one of the largest state agencies in Wisconsin. The department supports all modes of transportation, including state highways, local roads, railroads, public transit systems, airports, and harbors. Thompson carries more than 28 years of experience working with Wisconsin businesses, communities, legislators and units of government, He previously led the Transportation Development Association of Wisconsin and served as the legislative director for the Wisconsin Counties Association. As AASHTO president, Thompson will prioritize three major areas of emphasis as he assumes his new role: Realizing the Promise of the IIJA: As we reach the mid-point of the five-year authorization of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), it is imperative that state DOTs work with federal partners to ensure that the promise of IIJA is fully realized. AASHTO and state DOTs need to demonstrate to all communities that government at all levels can work efficiently to apply these historic investments in a way that will positively impact their lives. Bolstering Safety: Despite enhanced efforts by state DOTs across the country, too many lives are still being lost on our nation’s roadways. Thompson will build upon the safety initiatives of Immediate Past President Roger Millar to ensure that state DOTs continue to make progress. It is imperative that AASHTO and all partners address this crisis using all means and methods at our disposal. Providing all users with safe multi-modal transportation options is the foremost priority. Reinvigorating the Workforce: As demographic trends continue to place significant strains on the labor pool across all sectors of the U.S. economy, state DOTs are seeking new ways to attract and maintain robust talent. Thompson will collaborate with state DOTs to establish effective practices for building a transportation workforce that meets the needs of today and tomorrow. AASHTO 2023-2024 Vice President Eucalitto was nominated by Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont and confirmed by the legislature as commissioner of the CTDOT in January 2023. From January 2020 until January 2023, Eucalitto served as the Deputy Commissioner of CTDOT. Prior to his time at CTDOT, Eucalitto served as the transportation program director for the National Governors Association, Undersecretary for the Connecticut Office of Policy and Management, and as a legislative assistant in the United States Senate. He earned a bachelor’s degree from the College of the Holy Cross and a master’s degree from Boston University. “We are ecstatic to welcome incoming AASHTO President Thompson and Vice President Eucalitto as they step into important leadership roles within our organization,” said AASHTO Executive Director Jim Tymon. “These accomplished leaders bring a wealth of knowledge that will benefit state DOTs across the nation and help AASHTO deliver safety, mobility, and access for everyone.” The full safety resolution is available here.