Gas and vapour warnings “first of its kind”

A new product has been launched which, according to manufacturers 3M, is the first of its kind and will help prevent workers from being exposed to harmful gases and vapours.

The Organic Gas and Vapour End of Service Life Indicator Filters was launched at the recent International Occupational Hygiene Association (IOHA) conference in London.

3M say the product gives respirator wearers a clear warning of when they need to change their filters and prevent hazardous exposure. Currently, some users change their filters only when they can detect contaminant odour, taste, or irritation inside the respirator, by which time the harmful substance has already broken through, they say.

The technology company add that the product – for use across a vast variety of industries – has utilised the company’s End of Service Life Indicator (ESLI) technology, which is located inside the filter next to the activated carbon. As organic vapours travel through the filter, they are also adsorbed into the ESLI. 3M go on to explain that, as this happens, the indicator changes colour, visually marking the course of the organic vapours through the filter. Dependant on the viewing angle, the user will either see a red bar on a green background, or vice-versa, they say, concluding that once the bar reaches the end-of-service line, the filter will need replacing.

3M claim that the ESLI can be used as either a primary or secondary method of determining a filter change out schedule, depending upon the specific hazard and exposure level, noting that it also enables health and safety managers to audit filter status in real-time for each individual user – which has not been possible until now.

Approaches to managing the risks associated Musculoskeletal disorders

In this episode of the Safety & Health Podcast, we hear from Matt Birtles, Principal Ergonomics Consultant at HSE’s Science and Research Centre, about the different approaches to managing the risks associated with Musculoskeletal disorders.

Matt, an ergonomics and human factors expert, shares his thoughts on why MSDs are important, the various prevalent rates across the UK, what you can do within your own organisation and the Risk Management process surrounding MSD’s.

Listen now!