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Regulations and standards for PPE clothing: What must every employer know?
Protective and work clothing are special categories of garments designed to ensure comfort while working and to protect against factors arising from the work - basic ones such as weather conditions or very specialized and health-threatening ones - e.g. chemicals. The basis for verifying whether PPE clothing genuinely meets these criteria are standards and certificates. Which work clothes are currently in force and why are they so important? We explain. The importance of standards and certificates in work and protective clothing Standards and certificates for protective clothing are intended to protect the worker and to standardize the requirements for the PPE garments they use. Protective clothing for employees is therefore subject to certain criteria that on one hand ensure an adequate level of health protection while performing duties - and on the other: provide a clear guideline for employers. What are standards and certificates for protective clothing? Certificates and clothing standards are a guarantee that the garment was produced according to specified rules and therefore meets the related requirements. Protective clothing and work footwear should each time be adapted to the specifics of the industry in which they will be used. The primary standard that protective clothing must meet is PN-EN ISO 13688:2013-12, which replaced the previously applicable PN-EN 340:2006. It clearly indicates that the garment meets rigorous requirements in terms of durability and providing safety to the worker. Why should protective clothing meet standards? Protective clothing must unconditionally meet OHS standards and certificates, because by law it is classified as personal protective equipment. This means that PPE garments affect the health safety of the worker, who while performing their tasks is exposed to hazardous factors. Protective clothing is to be used for the duration and until the risk associated with their occurrence ceases. How does certification of protective clothing affect workplace safety? Protective clothing standards confirm that a given garment protects the user by applying specified dimensions, materials, technologies or additions during production. It gives the employee confidence that the clothing provided protects against the harmful factors to which they are exposed and provides the employer with an indication that the protection supplied is appropriate. Types of protective and work clothing Protective clothing and workwear are not the same - the first is classified in OHS regulations as personal protective equipment that protects the worker from factors that threaten their health or life - e.g. gas-tight clothing, while the latter protects, for example, against weather conditions and other factors not dangerous to health and life. The basic classification divides workwear into that which protects against: harmless soiling, mechanical damage with non-serious effects, hot factors with a low level of hazard, atmospheric conditions. Protective clothing, on the other hand, are far more specialized garments that can be classified according to the type of protection provided - against: chemicals and biological substances hazardous to health, temperatures below -50 °C, flames and temperatures above 100 °C, ionizing radiation, gunshot wounds and stab wounds, drowning, a high-voltage current stream, cutting by a chainsaw, high electrical voltage. Classification of protective clothing: categories and specializations We can distinguish three types of protective clothing: the simplest garments providing protection against basic and harmless factors - e.g. soiling from cleaning agents, mechanical damage or weather conditions; garments that are intended to protect the worker against a specific harmful factor, usually related to the workplace. This can be, for example, welding protection, high-visibility clothing for road workers or roofing garments; protective clothing, i.e. very specialized PPE garments that protect against the most dangerous factors such as flames, extremely low temperatures, but also hazardous substances or radiation. Manufacturers of protective clothing also offer specific types of PPE garments intended for particular professions. In such cases they meet the standard criteria required in a given specialization - e.g. protective clothing for firefighters that comply with PN-EN 1486 or clothing for electricians meeting the standards: PN-EN 60895, PN-EN 1149, PN-EN 50286, PN-EN 61482-1-2, PN-EN 61340. PPE workwear: standards and requirements The primary standard that governs guidelines concerning all types of protective clothing is PN-EN ISO 13688:2013-12. It specifies general requirements regarding the functionality of garments, their wear process and the compatibility of individual clothing elements with each other. It also regulates the duties of manufacturers in terms of producing such clothing, as well as testing and labeling it. Legal standards concerning protective and work clothing Protective clothing and the workwear that is part of it are garments that must meet general criteria such as OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 or OiB Accreditation as well as specific ones - differing depending on the position and industry in which they will be used. Protective clothing: OHS regulations and minimum requirements The most important currently applicable general standards are: PN-P-84525:1998 for workwear and PN-EN ISO 13688:2013-12 for protective clothing. They must also meet the requirements of Polish Standards and provide the employee with comfort and ergonomics. Standards for PPE clothing: what are the requirements? According to the Labour Code, the employer must provide employees working in their company with professional workwear. Do the regulations specify when this obligation must be fulfilled? Yes - article 237 of the Labour Code states clearly: if occupational health and safety, sanitary or technological requirements in the workplace require appropriate clothing, the employer should provide it. The same applies when an employee’s private clothing may be damaged or soiled during the performance of professional duties. When must an employee use protective clothing? Always when they are exposed to contact with dangerous factors, such as water, fire, fumes, high levels of noise, electricity. Safety standards: how does protective clothing provide protection to the worker? OHS regulations regarding protective clothing do not explicitly specify the exact type of garment to be used - however, they must correspond to the company's regulations, which list the types of risks present at a given position and their degree. The primary function of protective clothing is to isolate the worker from harmful factors to which they are exposed while performing their tasks. Practical aspects of using protective and work clothing It is the employer's responsibility to provide work and protective clothing, which may include: work trousers, footwear for the employee, work jackets or coveralls. An important part of every type of protective clothing is also accessories such as helmets, hearing protectors or safety glasses. Each time, in addition to meeting the required standards, they must also satisfy functional criteria. How does appropriate protective clothing protect the worker? Clothing for employees, thanks to specific construction, materials and properties obtained during production, protects against factors harmful to health. It can isolate from them - e.g. gas-tight clothing - or counteract their effects - e.g. clothing resistant to hot factors. Use of protective clothing in the workplace Is the employer obliged to provide protective clothing? In the case of risks present at the workplace - yes. It is also the employer's responsibility to maintain, launder and repair PPE garments and to verify whether they still provide protective properties. The basis here is regular replacement to which workwear is subject. How often is a new one due? Regulations do not specify this precisely - the period of use for clothing and work footwear is determined by the company's regulations - however, when they become damaged the employee must receive new ones. Work clothing and footwear: practical aspects Standards for PPE garments are not everything. When selecting clothing for an employee, remember that it must meet basic ergonomic principles. It should be the right size while allowing freedom of movement during professional duties, without endangering the worker. Standards and certificates of work and protective clothing Remember that protective garments should also be marked with appropriate certificates - CE and EAC. They indicate not only compliance with technical criteria, but also the provision of high quality and conformity with required regulations. Certificates for workwear: what should they contain? The basic certificate for workwear is the CE mark, which indicates its compliance with the regulations in force in the European Union. Among other popular ones you can find e.g. OEKO-TEXR® . How does protective clothing meet certificate requirements? The basis for awarding a certificate to protective clothing is meeting the standards specified for work in a given establishment - e.g. the already mentioned CE, EAC certificate, which confirms compliance with technical requirements imposed by the Eurasian Customs Union or providing certain properties - e.g. OEKO-TEXR® Standard 100, which verifies textile products at every stage of production. Key Tips for Employers: How to Provide Appropriate Protective Clothing for Employees? Every employer should provide their employees with appropriate protective clothing in accordance with applicable standards and certificates. Protective clothing must meet specified requirements to effectively protect employees against hazards specific to their industry, e.g. chemicals or high temperatures. It is also important to regularly check and replace clothing to maintain its protective properties. Observing these rules increases safety in the workplace and complies with OHS regulations.Author: Paweł Sokołowski
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What types of grinders are there? How to choose the right type?
Grinders are a fairly large group of power tools intended for finishing operations. It is a precise method that allows achieving dimensional accuracy of class 5-6 with a high level of smoothness. Depending on the material and previously performed operations, different types of grinders are used. Below we have gathered the most commonly used ones along with a brief description of their construction and applications. Check which of them are worth having in your home workshop. Types of grinders and their applications A wood sander has a completely different construction than a model intended for metal. This is due, among other things, to the hardness of each of these materials. The mode of operation also depends on the shape of the surface being worked on. In hard-to-reach places, mini grinders with a very small disc or a finger tip are useful. This also makes it possible to work on holes of small diameters. So it is reasonable to ask, which grinder for drywall will be best, and which will perform well on metal surfaces? You will find answers to such questions below. Construction and application of the angle grinder By far the most popular is the angle grinder. What is it used for? It can successfully be used to clean and smooth metal surfaces. However, it is also often used for cutting steel or ceramics (for example kitchen and bathroom tiles). Because of its popularity it has acquired many regional and nationwide names. Among them are: Gumówka. Boszówka. Boszka. Fleksa. Kątówka. Platerówka. Diaks. Grajnerka. Bakielitka. These are not types of angle grinders, but colloquial names used in different regions of the country. A characteristic feature of this device is the arrangement of the disc parallel to the housing (and to the motor axis) – hence its name. A metal grinder has interchangeable cutting discs (flap discs) or a round disc with an adhesive pad for sandpaper. Abrasive discs of different grits can be easily changed during work. Random-orbit sander – what is it? And what is it used for? Different types of grinders are intended for different methods of processing flat surfaces. In the case of random-orbit models, the disc performs two movements simultaneously: rotational and oscillatory. At the same time it has a flexible sanding pad that adapts to irregular shapes (concave and convex). That is what determines the popularity of the random-orbit sander. What can it be used for? Practically for any type of material, particularly metal or plastics. It is also an excellent sander for cleaning wood, due to its good adaptation to the cleaned surface. For body shops, but also for home use, there is the pneumatic random-orbit sander. It is powered by compressed air, which allows achieving even higher cutting speeds and, as a result, a smoother surface. Oscillating sander. Applications Oscillating models are often confused with the random-orbit solution: the oscillating sander for metal. However, this one has a rectangular sanding plate with greater stiffness. For this reason it can only be used on flat surfaces. The smoothing of the processed material is achieved by the pendulum movement of the plate – similar to the previous case. Here, however, there is no rotation, which affects the surface structure processed by the oscillating sander. Applications for this type of models are various: Carpentry. Which oscillating sander for wood is best? It depends on the hardness of the wood and the desired smoothness. Renovations. Finishing works, including working on walls. Metallurgy, especially for removing rust and preparing parts to be joined by welding. Smoothing edges and corners of ceramic tiles. It is also an excellent sander for paneling and wooden floors before varnishing. In terms of materials it is a universal solution, but it works mainly on flat surfaces. Bench grinder A bench grinder has a distinctive construction: it is significantly larger and heavier than other models, which also affects its mobility. Therefore it is mounted in a fixed place and has two rotating wheels. Every garage should have a place for a bench grinder. What is it used for then? For smoothing small details, in particular removing burrs and dulling sharp edges. You can also easily sharpen kitchen knives (steel) on it. These are typical types of grinders for metal, wood and other metals. However, they are mainly used for metal details. Belt sander Another interesting solution is a sander with a belt of sandpaper. In this case there is no plate making oscillating movements nor a rotating disc. Instead there is a sanding belt that moves along the underside of the device in one direction. Such types of grinders require appropriate inserts: looped belts of the correct length to fit the specific model. If you are wondering which sander for wood to choose, it is worth first checking belt models. They work well for sanding wide countertops, floors, paneling, solid wood, and even veneered surfaces. They are intended both for smoothing newly laid raw surfaces that will be finished later, and for repairing such surfaces. Delta sander What distinguishes the triangular sander? The shape of the pad, resembling a delta, a triangle, and sometimes more of a pentagon, hence its other name: pentagonal sander. What is this construction used for? It certainly makes it easier to sand hard-to-reach places, in particular corners bounded by two walls. At the same time, the large working surface guarantees maintaining appropriate flatness: typical mini grinders are not suitable for finishing large, flat surfaces. What movement does the pad of this model perform? The most common is the triangular oscillating sander, but there are also random-orbit models. They are mainly used for processing wood, although changing the abrasive allows working on other materials as well. Grinder for metal Above we described the types of grinders and their applications. However, most of them can work with practically any material. So which grinders for metal should you choose? Much depends on the type of elements being processed. Sheet metal workers often use random-orbit models. Meanwhile the right tool for cutting metal is the angle grinder. For holes in metal parts an ideal choice is a grinder for hard-to-reach places, i.e. straight die grinder. Depending on the diameter of the hole, tips of various sizes are available. Sander for wood In our shop you will find various types of sanders for wood. Oscillating and belt models are very popular and work particularly well on large, flat surfaces. Meanwhile the random-orbit sander, thanks to its flexible pad, will make it easier to work on branches and rounded edges. Of course, it is also possible to sand wood with an angle grinder. Especially for a small amount of such parts it is not always worth looking for additional devices. A Boszówka will do the job just as well, although it will require more attention and time. Concrete sander An angle grinder will handle grinding and cutting concrete very well. In our offer there are various discs available, including diamond ones, intended for the hardest materials, which certainly include concrete—even reinforced concrete. A sander for grinding concrete floors can also have an oscillating or random-orbit design. This ensures high flatness of the entire floor. Sanders for plaster and skim coats Which sander for skim coats will be best? For a small renovation you can opt for universal angle models. However, when working frequently with such material, pay attention to the large amount of dust and debris produced. After just a few minutes it is necessary to take breaks and ventilate the room, which negatively affects the efficiency of sanding. For such users there are sander models with the possibility of connecting a vacuum cleaner. They are more enclosed and have an inlet for a hose through which the generated dust is sucked directly into a bag. What to consider when choosing the right sander? What should you pay attention to when buying your first sander? First of all, consider what it will be used for most often. For a large amount of work it is sometimes worth choosing several solutions to speed up the tasks. What parameters play the biggest role? Shape of the working surface A sander for corners must have a pointed pad in the shape of a triangle or delta. For cutting it is worth choosing an angle grinder with a rotating disc. Flat pads work well on large, flat surfaces because they prevent creating depressions. Number of rotations or oscillations This parameter can often be adjusted by the user within certain limits. The more rotations, the more material will be removed from the piece. For cleaning material from rust or cutting, high-speed models are worth choosing, while for maintaining high dimensional accuracy somewhat slower sanders are used. Material to be worked on Although every type of sander can be used with most materials, each has certain characteristics. It is worth checking whether a given model will perform well for a specific application. A universal solution for the home is often an angle grinder for metal. Additional equipment In the case of a sander for wooden furniture or skim coats, it is worth investing in a model with the possibility of connecting a vacuum cleaner. This will make the work easier and help keep the workspace tidier. Meanwhile pneumatic sanders use air pressure to work with greater precision and speed. Such additional options make the work easier and increase its efficiency. If you are not sure which solution to choose, describe your situation in an email to us. We will gladly suggest which sander will best meet your expectations. We will also advise which additional accessories are worth buying, especially abrasives and discs for working with a given model. Don’t wait and take advantage of our help now.Author: Paweł Sokołowski
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Does a safety helmet have an expiration date? How to check it?
A protective helmet is a tool that contributes to providing an appropriate level of safety for workers - however, its proper role depends on whether it has been correctly selected for the work performed, meets the appropriate standards, and also: has a current expiry date. The latter factor often comes as a surprise. Protective helmets, like other personal protective equipment, do have an expiration date. How to check the validity of a protective helmet? We explain. How long is a protective helmet valid? A protective helmet, also referred to in health and safety legislation as a safety helmet, is personal protective equipment designed to protect the user's head from impact. Its role in work exposed to falling objects from above or hazards from protruding elements is invaluable. For it to perform correctly the safety helmet must not only meet the required standards and be suited to the nature of the work performed, e.g. DIEMEL white height safety helmet, dedicated to height workers. Also crucial in this case is the validity of the PPE helmet. The expiry date of a protective helmet depends on the material from which the product was made. This results from daily use and exposure to external conditions - e.g. UV rays, which affect the wearing of the coatings from which the helmet was produced. This, in turn, increases their brittleness and susceptibility to cracking, reducing protective properties. On the market you can of course find helmets with increased resistance to sunlight - e.g. PLONER blue safety helmet, however they still need to be replaced after a specified period. So how long is a protective helmet valid? A helmet with a thermoplastic shell can be used for up to 4 years from the date of manufacture, e.g. PRIM red safety helmet, A helmet made of phenolic resin with textile fiber or of polyester with added glass fiber is valid for up to 10 years from its manufacture date. How to check the validity of a protective helmet? The validity of a protective helmet is very easy to verify. You should check the production date printed on the helmet shell and calculate the usability depending on the material from which it was made. The expiry date of a protective helmet is one of the pieces of information you will find there. Manufacturers are also obliged to include on the helmet the standard number PN-EN 39, the type of helmet, quarter and year of manufacture, the material from which it was made and the manufacturer's trademark. Such information is very valuable because it allows you to verify whether the helmet can be freely used. Inspection of protective helmets: how often and when is it worth replacing the helmet? The validity of a protective helmet is not the only factor that determines the need to replace it. For assessing the correct operation of the equipment, inspection of protective helmets will be important. The employees entrusted with the helmet are responsible for it, visually checking each day whether scratches or cracks have appeared on its surface. It is this type of visual assessment that forms the basis for inspecting protective helmets. Importantly, employees are not allowed to make any modifications to the equipment. They must, however, take care of the helmets entrusted to them, using them in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations - e.g. storing them according to the guidelines, not leaving them outside and not exposing the product unnecessarily. However, if they notice scratches, cracks or deformations on the helmet surface that may negatively affect its properties, they should report them and immediately replace the equipment. Remember that damage and the expiry date of a protective helmet are not the only factors that should prompt us to replace this personal protective equipment. Pay attention also to its suitability for the work performed and compliance with standards. In companies with a larger number of employees, it is worth keeping records of safety helmets and marking the need to purchase new ones. This will allow work to be carried out only with a functional and valid helmet that will ensure our safety. There should be no compromises in this regard. Author: Paweł Sokołowski
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Which cordless impact wrench to choose for the workshop?
Anyone who has changed the wheels on their car knows how troublesome loosening seized bolts can be. This happens because of stresses acting on the threaded connection combined with dust and dirt. How can you deal with such an unruly bolt? Instead of wrestling with a regular wrench, it's worth opting for a cordless impact wrench. How does it work, when is it used, and which model will work best in the workshop? Below you will find answers to these questions. What is an impact wrench used for? When loosening a bolt, a torque of a certain magnitude is applied to it. This must first overcome static friction and then dynamic friction to set the bolt in motion. According to the laws of physics, static friction is significantly higher, which requires using a longer lever arm. An alternative is cordless impact wrenches. They are equipped with an additional impact that produces repetitive vibrations of the handle with a certain force. In this way the wrench strikes the bolt with high frequency, helping to break up dried-on dirt and rust. A professional cordless impact wrench thus enables loosening heavily seized bolts. It also increases work efficiency in car workshops. Its operation is also appreciated by Formula 1 pit crews, where removing, replacing and fitting wheels on a race car takes only a few seconds. Changing car wheels is not the only task a cordless impact wrench can perform. It is also used when assembling and dismantling steel structures, mainly because of its reliability and speed. So which cordless impact wrench then should you choose? That depends on the scope of the work. Which impact wrench for wheels? When choosing a cordless impact wrench for changing car wheels, pay attention to the following parameters: Torque, that is the maximum force with which a bolt can be loosened. The higher it is, the more efficiently the wrench. Power supply method. Choose a somewhat weaker electric impact or a pneumatic impact requiring additional equipment? The decision is not so obvious; you can find more information at the end of this article. A powerful cordless impact wrench is also characterized by significant weight. The weight and handle profiling are important in professional car workshops because they affect work efficiency. Type of tasks performed. Wheel bolts are easily accessible, so standard bits won't be a problem. If the wrench will also be needed for assembling steel structures, consider more mobile solutions. Compatibility with additional accessories. A 3/4-inch cordless impact wrench will work well with screwdriver bits of the same size. If the workshop already has a set of 1/2-inch bits, an adapter will be required. The cordless impact wrenches available in our store perform excellently not only in car workshops but in many other applications. Impact wrench and steel structures Besides typical workshop uses, a cordless impact wrench is also used when erecting steel structures. It is equally useful for their dismantling. Even a small cordless impact wrench provides better operating parameters than classic wrenches. Meanwhile, when joining heavy steel elements, the tightening time matters. In the case of hard-to-reach places, a wrench that allows tightening bolts that are not in line with the tool axis is particularly useful. It is also necessary to choose the right accessories to work with a cordless impact wrench. The best solution seems to be impact screwdriver bits. They have an additional impact zone that protects the bit from damage during operation. They are more durable and less prone to failure, which is why they are chosen by many workshop owners. However, regular screwdriver bits also perform well when used with an impact wrench. How many Nm should an impact wrench have? Torque is a key characteristic when loosening bolts. The most powerful cordless impact wrench 3000 Nm will handle any bolted connection. However, as power increases, so do the device's weight and price. So is it necessary for a workshop to have such a powerful tool? In most cases a standard cordless impact wrench 700 Nm. will do the job well. It allows quick wheel changes, but a problem may arise when an off-road vehicle arrives at the workshop. A large amount of dried mud can mean that loosening those wheels will require a cordless impact wrench 1500 Nm. This is the power recommended for most car workshops. Impact wrenches should not, however, often operate at the upper limits of torque. Therefore, for workshops specialized in servicing off-road and sports cars, a better solution will be a cordless impact wrench 2000 Nm. Also remember to choose sets of bits for impact wrenches with appropriate strength. For more powerful wrenches you should opt for impact-rated bits. They are also useful when using breakaway torque. In many models this is a temporarily available higher torque that allows, for example, loosening wheel bolts on cars. Electric or pneumatic impact wrench? How should a good cordless impact wrench be powered? A pneumatic impact is much more effective, which is why it is used in heavily loaded car workshops. It requires purchasing a compressor with a capacity of around 500 l/min, as well as connecting a hose with compressed air. However, the tool itself is much lighter as a result. Meanwhile, a cordless impact wrench with electric impact is more mobile. You can take it with you on a tow truck to perform repairs in the field. A cordless impact wrench, however, has a limited amount of energy. The battery can run out at the least convenient moment, preventing completion of the job. A good solution is an additional battery for the impact wrench, which can be purchased in our store. Author: Paweł Sokołowski
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What is polycotton?
In the world of textiles, polycotton is like a versatile actor that fits into every role. It is a material that combines the best qualities of polyester and cotton, creating a fabric with exceptional properties. Polycotton is a fabric made from a blend of polyester and cotton fibres. The ratio of these two materials can vary, but the most common blends are 50/50 or 65/35 (polyester/cotton). Thanks to this combination, polycotton combines the durability and resistance of polyester with the softness and breathability of cotton. Advantages of Polycotton: Durability: Polycotton, due to the appropriate proportion of polyester, exhibits higher durability than pure cotton. This is particularly important for workwear, where the fabric's resistance to frequent and intensive use is crucial. Ease of care: This fabric is less prone to creasing and easier to iron than pure cotton. It is also resistant to shrinking and stretching. Quick-drying: Thanks to the presence of polyester, polycotton dries faster than pure cotton. Greater breathability: The cotton blend provides better air circulation, making polycotton more airy and comfortable to wear, especially on warmer days. In the protective clothing industry, polycotton is valued mainly for providing unrivalled comfort and functionality. Although it does not offer specialized protection like some dedicated materials, its durability and ease of care make it an excellent everyday choice for physical workplaces.Author: Paweł Sokołowski
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Who are we?
Högert Technik is a brand of tools and PPE accessories. We are a young, modern brand operating in international markets. Since 2015 our products have been available for sale in Europe, Asia and South America. Honesty, openness to new challenges, professionalism and support for our customers are an integral part of the principles and culture of our brand.
The Högert Technik brand was born out of a passion for quality, simplicity and usability. It was designed with intensive use and demanding users in mind, who work with hand tools every day. The integration of a product’s idea with its application at work is the ambition of Högert Technik engineers, who precisely design every detail of the tools. Hot-forged steel, careful stress-relieving and hardening of the products, their detailed quality control process and logistics optimization create an assortment whose quality-to-price ratio is unattainable for other companies.