What are suction cups for tiles, glass and other flat surfaces? What types are there and what should you consider when buying?
Laying tiles requires skill and experience. Manipulating tiles can be particularly difficult. In such cases it is worth using tile suction cups. Not only will they make and speed up the renovation easier, but they will also prevent excessive soiling of the edges with leftover adhesive. What are vibrating, vacuum or eccentric suction cups for tiles? How do they work? And which type should you choose for your needs? Below we answer these questions.
How does a tile suction cup work?
Handles for carrying tilesare equipped with rubber suction cups that closely adhere to the surface of the tile. When activated (by a lever or by turning on a vacuum pump), a vacuum is created between the rubber and the tile. This means that the air pressure outside is higher and presses the suction cup to the tile, providing a strong hold. The same effect can be observed when we remove air from a plastic bottle. The external pressure will cause the walls to cave in.Among the tools most commonly used by tilers you can find three types of tile suction cups:lEccentric tile suction cup. This is the simplest solution, but also very effective. Depending on the model their load capacity ranges between 25 and 50 kg, which allows most tiling work to be carried out.Double suction cupmay have a load capacity of up to 80 kg. lVacuum tile suction cupoperates on the principle of a vacuum that holds the tile in the desired position during installation. Such devices often have an additional manometer. The load capacity of a vacuum tile suction cup can be up to 190 kg. Besides manual models with a manometer you can also find electric battery-powered ones. They provide constant suction power, thereby increasing precision and work efficiency.lVibrating tile suction cup. They ensure even distribution of adhesive beneath the tile surface, which increases their durability and resistance to damage. In most cases they are powered by a small battery. However, their load capacity is slightly lower and ranges between 25–50 kg (similar to eccentric models).Different modes of operation bring optimal effects for different kinds of jobs, depending, among other things, on the weight of the tiles.
Types of tile suction cups
Among the most popular types of suction cups you can distinguish:
A single aluminum suction cup with a load capacity of 50 kg. It is suitable for transporting, moving and installing objects with a smooth surface. It is used for glass, ceramic tiles, metal sheets and laminates. The aluminum body provides very high strength while remaining fairly light. The suction cup can also be used in difficult conditions. A well-thought-out, ergonomic design makes it easy to use the suction cup even with just one hand.
A double aluminum suction cup with a load capacity of 130 kg. Transporting and installing metal sheets, laminates, ceramic tiles and glass weighing up to 130 kg is possible with the help of a durable aluminum double suction cup. Low weight and an ergonomic shape make work easier and allow the suction cup to be gripped with one hand.
An angled suction cup for fixing tiles weighing up to 130 kg. The handle split halfway along its length allows the suction cups to be set at an angle from 90° to 270°. Setting the correct angle is possible thanks to a clear scale. After adjustment the device is locked using a locking screw.
A suction cup for leveling tiles. It is a device for adjusting the mutual distance and level of elements made of glass, as well as ceramic tiles, metal sheets and laminates. The adjustable handle allows changing the distance between elements, and the clamping screws are responsible for fixing the plane.
Each type of tile suction cup has its advantages and disadvantages. So how to choose the best solution suited to your needs?
Tile suction cup and the surface
One of the key aspects is the size of the tiles. Suction cups for large-format tiles must have an appropriately high load capacity. Porcelain stoneware slabs 20 mm thick can weigh up to 45 kg/m2. In the case of tiles around 2 m2 in size a load capacity above 90 kg is therefore necessary. In such a case it is worth opting fora manual vacuum suction cup with a manometer. It will allow you to control the vacuum, providing an optimal load capacity.
How to choose a suction cup for carrying tiles?
How to select the appropriate suction cups for ceramic tiles? Tile size is crucial, but the tile texture is also very important: whether you will need suction cups for rough tiles or for smooth ones. So which tools for tilers will be best?
Large surface tiles have recently become very popular. In such cases it is worth usingvacuum suction cups for large-format tiles. They produce and maintain a much stronger vacuum than eccentric models, which translates into greater load capacity.
For small tiles it is better to choose eccentric suction cups of small size. After placing the rubber surface on the tile, simply squeeze the handle. The eccentric mechanism will pull the rubber in, creating a vacuum underneath it. It is very important that the entire surface of the suction cup fits on the tile. If it protrudes, the created vacuum will be immediately equalized (air will flow in from the outside), and as a result the tile will immediately detach from the device.
Tiles with a smooth surface work well with any type of tile suction cup. The rubber adheres well to them, ensuring tightness and reliability at the highest level.
Aesthetic tiles with a rough or textured surface can cause more problems. Although the suction cup should adapt to the shape of the surface, micro-leaks may occur that gradually reduce the level of vacuum. A good idea in such a case isa battery-powered model with a 200 mm diameter and a manometer. It automatically pumps the air out from under the handle, maintaining the vacuum at a constant level. The additional manometer allows you to monitor the state of the hold. If the pressure rises too quickly it enables placing the tile down safely and re-grasping it with a tile suction cup.
When choosing a suction cup it is also worth considering the amount of work. Besides classic vacuum and eccentric models, you can also find vibrating suction cups, which increase work efficiency when laying tiles.
Vibrating suction cup: how does it work and is it worth investing in?
Vibrating tile suction cups are becoming increasingly popular. They make work easier, especially in large bathrooms or kitchens. On the other hand their price is several dozen times higher than that of an eccentric single suction cup. Is it worth investing in such solutions?Even distribution of adhesive prevents the formation of air bubbles, which are the weakest elements prone to damage. Eliminating such voids is especially important in corners.A vibrating tile suction cupis the best choice for professionals who work with tiles every day. Better work efficiency while maintaining the highest quality: the tiling is durable and resistant to damage.
How to avoid tiles cracking during laying thanks to a vibrating suction cup?
There is another advantage that makes vibrating suction cups for laying tiles the best. With their help you can avoid tile cracking. Why does this happen? Small vibrations slowly press the tile into the adhesive without unnecessary force. In this way tiles can be firmly pressed without the risk of creating a twisting moment. Fewer damaged tiles mean savings on materials, which often quickly cover the cost of purchasingvibrating tile suction cups.
Car warning vest should be in every vehicle – in case of a breakdown it will allow the driver standing next to the vehicle to remain visible even after dark. However high-visibility vests are also an essential piece of equipment for construction workers, road workers and many other jobs. Check what to consider when buying a warning vest!
Is a warning vest mandatory?
A warning vest is an inexpensive item of clothing that everyone should have. It is useful not only in the car, but also when cycling after dark or even as protection for a pedestrian walking on the roadside.
Do you have to have a warning vest in the car? Polish regulations do not impose such a requirement on drivers. They indicate, among other things, the need to have a reflective triangle and a fire extinguisher. Although you won't get a fine for not having a warning vest, it is definitely worth having one. If you often travel with passengers, it's best to equip yourself with reflective vests in quantities sufficient to provide visibility to passengers if needed.
Reflective warning vest – a requirement in many professions
While a high-visibility vest for a motorcycle, bicycle or car is not required by regulations, in some professions it is. Professional high-visibility clothing is a necessary part of the wardrobe for airport workers, heavy equipment operators, construction workers, and people performing official duties on roads or in railway areas.
As for warning vests, regulations in 2023 require them to be one of three colors: yellow, orange or red. In addition to fluorescent colors, they must also have reflective elements.
High-visibility clothing is divided into class one, two and three. In the case of warning vests only classes one and two are possible, because class three requires reflectors on the sleeves or trouser legs. Such a standard is met, for example, by warning jackets.
A class one high-visibility vest must have 0.14 m2 of fluorescent background, while the total area of reflective elements must be 0.10 m2. For class two these values are 0.50 m2 and 0.13 m2 respectively. A professional class 2 vest is ORLA Warning Vest. Available in two colors – orange and yellow, it meets EU standards EN ISO 20471 and EN ISO 13688. Two reflective strips 5 cm wide provide visibility, and the anatomical fit guarantees comfort of use of the reflective warning vest both during work duties and while traveling by bike, motorcycle or on foot.
Summer and winter warning vest to suit your needs
When choosing a reflective warning vest for pedestrians, cyclists or motorcyclists, pay particular attention to its size and the quality of the material. Contrary to appearances, fit is very important – especially if you will be wearing the vest for a long time. This type of body-protecting clothing is available in standard sizes – from S to 3XL. Importantly, these products are not divided into men's and women's high-visibility vests – they are universal garments with a simple cut.
In cold months, an insulated work warning vest will provide protection against cold, wind and precipitation. The REMS insulated warning vest model has a warm inner layer. An additional convenience is a zipper closure instead of traditional Velcro. This solution allows better protection against low temperatures and weather conditions. The REMS warning vest also has two inner pockets that allow for storing accessories useful at work.
How much does a reflective warning vest cost?
Purchasing a reflective PPE vest will not usually ruin the household budget of someone who wants to be visible while cycling or to have such important protection in the car.
You can also find much cheaper products in stores and at online auctions. Do yellow and orange reflective vests for 4–5 PLN differ from those from a trusted manufacturer costing a dozen or so zlotys? Although they may look the same at first glance, you will notice the difference in how long the product lasts. The reflective warning material on high-quality vests is much more durable – it retains its shape after many wash cycles. Meanwhile, cheap reflective vests often lose their properties after just 2–3 washes.
So if you don't want to spend two years wearing a vest that has never been washed, choose a higher-class product. Quality matters especially when you buy reflective warning PPE vests for your employees.
Of course you'll pay more for an insulated warning vest with pockets. For the aforementioned REMS model you'll pay 166 PLN. In this case, however, you should particularly take quality into account. A vest of poor quality, made of non-breathable material, will cause significant discomfort during work. It is definitely better to opt for products from a trusted warning vest manufacturer.Author: Paweł Sokołowski
WHAT IS THE CE MARK?
The CE marking (Conformité Européenne) is the European conformity mark. Its use on a product's packaging indicates that the manufacturer has applied and fulfilled the relevant requirements contained in European directives/regulations, as well as in the European standards covering the product. A product that meets safety requirements will be marked with the CE mark, thereby informing the user that it is safe and has been properly placed on the market.WHY WAS IT INTRODUCED?
After the European Union removed trade barriers between Member States and established a common policy toward partner countries outside the EU, an area of free movement of goods was created within the Community. However, the main barrier to trade remained national requirements concerning, for example, the quality and safety of products. The national systems of regulations and standards used by countries often differed significantly from one another. This caused a range of problems for manufacturers who, in order to sell their product in different countries, had to meet separate requirements each time.
Because consumer safety could not be compromised by eliminating standards, the only solution was to harmonize national systems so that goods would be subject to the same requirements throughout the Community.
In 1993, European legal acts called NEW APPROACH DIRECTIVES were created at EU level. They defined essential safety requirements for different groups of products that must be met before they can be placed on the market or put into service on the Single European Market.
IS CE MARKING MANDATORY OR VOLUNTARY?
if a product falls under one of the New Approach Directives, CE marking is mandatory.
applying CE marking to products that are not subject to the New Approach Directives is prohibited.
WHO CAN AFFIX THE CE MARK?
CE marking may be affixed by the manufacturer or their authorized representative. Most products fall under Module A, i.e., the manufacturer's self-assessment module. If another module applies (B or D), an EU type-examination certificate must be obtained in cooperation with a notified body (a certifying institute).
WHAT IS A CE CERTIFICATE?
The term "CE certificate" does not exist in the nomenclature of the New Approach directives. If someone talks about a CE certificate, they most likely mean the EU declaration of conformity or the EU type-examination certificate confirming the product's conformity with the relevant EN standard.
Currently, the process of marking and certification is regulated by Regulation (EU) 2016/425 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 March 2016 on personal protective equipment and repealing Council Directive 89/686/EEC.
Source: https://www.oznakowanie-ce.plAuthor: Grzegorz Nowak
In 2022 as many as 66,606 occupational accidents were reported in Poland. 365 of the injured suffered very serious injuries, and the number of fatal accidents amounted to 180. In almost 80% the lower or upper limbs were injured. Among the most common causes was contact with a stationary or moving object. These data clearly indicate how important it is to provide employees with appropriate protective clothing.
Differences between protective clothing and workwear
To begin with, it is worth dispelling an important mistake. The term „occupational protective clothing (PPE)” and “workwear” are often used interchangeably. However, they do not mean the same thing. To fully answer this question, it is useful to know the exact definitions of both concepts.
Definition of workwear and protective clothing
Workwear is clothing used in the workplace when there is a high risk of soiling or damaging outer garments. In other words, workwear replaces the employee’s clothing in situations where it may become dirty or ruined while performing duties. The use of uniform work outfits may also be related to building brand recognition (e.g., bank or insurance company employees).
And what is protective clothing? The definition states that it is clothing used in the workplace that is intended to cover or replace personal clothing. In addition, it is designed to provide protection against hazards. Both conditions must be met, so workwear that does not protect against specific dangerous substances or events is not protective clothing.
Applications of workwear and protective clothing
When is protective clothing used? Examples of such situations can be found in every industry. It is most often used by employees on production floors and those working in the field, and its purpose is to protect against impacts and cuts (such as protective boots with a steel toe cap). There is also protective clothing for welding and heavy aprons for laboratory technicians who come into contact with hazardous substances.
Work clothes are used even more frequently. They can be found in organizations that care about brand recognition linked to employee attire. Work uniforms are also widely used in the catering industry.
Types of protective and work clothing
Any clothing can be divided according to the part of the wardrobe it represents: protective or work gloves, trousers, jackets, boots or vests. It is worth paying more attention to the classification of protective clothing depending on the hazard it is meant to protect against. In this context, one can list:
Protective clothing for welders, protecting against electric arc, burns and splatter.
Harnesses related to working at heights.
Insulating protective clothing, used by electricians.
High-visibility clothing, protecting road workers, as well as emergency services operating at the scene of a road accident.
Chemical protective clothing, resistant to short-term exposure to hazardous corrosive substances.
Protective earmuffs that protect against excessively loud equipment noise.
Flame-resistant protective clothing for firefighters and people working near open flames.
Additionally, categories of protective clothing may also concern seasons, such as winter and summer protective clothing.
Protective clothing markings
Types of protective clothing can also be characterized by the areas of the body they are meant to protect.
Protective clothing (symbol U).
Lower limb protection (symbol N).
Upper limb protection (symbol R).
Head protection (symbol G).
Face and eye protection (symbol T).
Hearing protection (symbol S).
Respiratory protection (symbol D).
Protection against falls from height (symbol W).
Full body insulating protection (symbol I).
So how to choose the appropriate protective and work clothing for your workplace? That is always the employer’s responsibility!
Employer's obligations regarding protective and work clothing
Under current labor regulations, the employer is obliged to provide the employee free of charge with workwear, protective clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE) if required by the working conditions. Importantly, the decisive factor is the conditions prevailing in a given work environment, not, for example, the job title. For this reason, employees in similar positions at different companies may receive a different set of clothing.
Protective clothing is the employer's obligation
The employer must determine what professional workwear and protective clothing are needed for each employee. This usually takes place during a dialogue with employees or their representative. These arrangements are then entered into the work regulations, which define the conditions for being in the workplace, as well as equipping employees with tools, materials, protective and work clothing and personal and hygiene protective equipment. Typically the details are presented as a protective clothing allocation table for each position.
Work clothing and footwear provided by the employer
Work and protective clothing are provided free of charge. At the same time, they remain the property of the employer. This means that upon termination of employment, all personal protective equipment and allocated clothing must be returned to the supervisor. Also, in the event of clothing being destroyed due to the employee’s fault, reimbursement of the purchase costs is required (after accounting for depreciation).
Employer's duties regarding employee safety
The employer’s duties related to protective clothing and workwear also include cleaning, maintenance, repair, dust removal and disinfection. However, employees often wash their work clothes themselves. In such cases they are entitled to reimbursement of the costs they incur.
Standards and certifications of workwear and protective clothing
Workwear does not require certification, because its primary task is to protect personal clothing from dirt or damage. However, specialist protective clothing for workers must meet specific standards and criteria in order to effectively protect against hazards in the workplace.
Clothing materials: what determines their protective properties?
Protective garments are made from natural materials (cotton), regenerated (cellulose-based) and synthetic materials (polyester or polyamide). From these, several dozen popular materials with specific properties have been developed. Among them you can find:
Ortalion made from polyester. It is characterized by very low weight and high resistance to damage.
Fleece, a soft and warm polyester knit.
Stretch, i.e. stretch fabrics with added Lycra or PBT.
Corduroy, a warm cotton fabric resistant to cuts and tears, but prone to abrasion.
Ballistic nylon, also used in the production of bulletproof vests. It is very resistant to damage and abrasion.
Kevlar, an elastic material that is also extremely durable.
The choice of the appropriate material depends on the work environment and the conducted occupational risk analysis.
Certification by EN ISO standards: what does it mean for protective clothing?
In Poland, EU Regulation No. 2016/425 of 16 March currently applies. It specifies a number of standards for particular types of protective and specialized clothing. It is there that the exact parameters that protective clothing for firefighters, welders and other positions must meet are defined.
All protective garments must also have certificates confirming compliance with the above standards. To obtain them, clothing undergoes rigorous laboratory tests, which must then be repeated at regular intervals.
Summary: protective and work clothing
There are still many workplace accidents in Poland. To provide employees with the best possible protection, protective clothing and personal protective equipment are used in accordance with the protective clothing allocation table. Each such garment must meet protective clothing standards, confirming protection against hazards in the working environment.
In many positions, an employee also receives workwear that protects personal clothing from damage or soiling. In this case, there is no need to obtain certifications.
Both workwear and protective clothing belong to the employer, who should care for them: clean, repair and maintain them.Author: Grzegorz Nowak
