COMPANY INSIGHT
Sponsored by Blackwoods
Blackwoods: Protecting workers when it matters most
When it comes to safety workwear and clothing for the mining and resource industry there are subtle differences that make one brand’s range unique to the Australian market.
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orking in the mining industry is inherently dangerous, with a high risk of accidental injuries or long-term health and safety complications. This is especially crucial given that mining accounts for the third highest rate of fatalities of all Australian industries.
Blackwoods is Australia’s largest supplier of fit-for-function quality personal protective equipment and safety products, and the exclusive distributor of a new range of disposable respirators and cut resistant gloves designed to protect workers from common hazards in the mining industry.
Respiratory illnesses and hand injuries are common risks site managers and employers need to protect their workers from. Selecting the right personal protective equipment (PPE) is therefore a critical to element to the hierarchy of control for managing risks in the workplace.
Respirators designed with maximum user safety and comfort in mind
The new PROSAFE trifold respirators, which are available both with and without valves, are designed to comply with P2 respiratory filter rating – meaning they can effectively protect users against dust, mist and fumes.
These respirators are designed to comply with AS/NZS 1716:2012. This is the manufacturing standard that helps ensure the masks can effectively prevent users against entry of small particles from the atmosphere.
Additionally, PROSAFE respirators have also been put through a fit testing process, with very positive results. This test actually measures the percentage of particles that can get through the mask after it’s been fitted on the face.
The valved PROSAFE trifold respirators are fitted with one-way filters that allow hot air to escape, so they can be used in hot environments with maximum comfort. The trifold design itself is perceived by workers to be a more comfortable option compared to conical and flat-fold masks. This also helps minimise the likelihood of people not wearing their masks.
The new PROSAFE P2 trifold respirators are equipped with a class of filter recommended for common threats on mine sites including rock, coal and silica dust.
A new level of comfort and dexterity
Hands are crucial to the performance of everyday tasks. An injury causing loss of function, grip, motion or even amputation, can be extremely debilitating to workers.
PROSAFE Kyorene cut protection gloves with graphene fibre are the ideal protective gloves where hand injuries are a potential hazard.
The Kyorene range of gloves use graphene in the fibre to aid with its comfort and cut resistant properties for the end user. This gives workers in the mining industry a product that’s comfortable to wear for extended periods of time so they don’t need to remove the gloves to do their job.
PROSAFE Kyorene gloves are rated for their cut resistant capabilities based on EN388:2016 standard. Available in various styles and cut ratings to suit a wide range of applications, Kyorene protects the wearer while allowing freedom and performance.
The new range of PROSAFE trifold respirators and Kyorene cut protection gloves are exclusive to Blackwoods. For more information on the new PROSAFE range visit.
Contact information
Blackwoods
1 Bellevue Circuit
Greystanes
NSW 2145
Tel: +61 13 73 23
Email: sydney@blackwoods.com.au
