Clothing/Personal Protective Equipment |
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This chapter provides resources for worker clothing ranging from anti-vibration gloves to shoe inserts. The specific products are described on the following pages. However, some initial comments are provided regarding one product category included in this chapter, and two specific products not included in this section.
Anti-Vibration Gloves
Prolonged exposure to hand-transmitted vibration has been associated with increased incidence of several diseases affecting bones, joints, muscles, and the nervous system. Anti-vibration gloves have been proposed as a control to reduce the magnitude of transmitted vibration, although studies have not strongly supported a relationship between these gloves and vibration attenuation. Gurram, et al. (1994) evaluated nine glove types, including anti-vibration gloves composed of Sorbothane, Poron, and other visco-elastic polyurethane, and concluded that the gloves were not effective in isolating vibrations across the entire frequency range of 10-500 Hz. The research is suggestive that measures other than just the use of anti-vibration gloves are necessary to reduce the risk of hand-arm vibration syndrome.
Back Belts
Back belts have become a widely used, and controversial, ergonomic control. Proponents of back belt use attribute reductions in worker injuries to the use of back belts, and there are numerous workers who feel they benefit from wearing the devices. However, NIOSH (1994) has reviewed at least some of the available literature regarding the use of back belts, and has concluded:
( The effectiveness of using back belts te reduce back injury risk remains
unproven.
( Back belts are not recommended to prevent injuries among uninjured
workers.
( Back belts are not considered personal protective equipment.
It is not the purpose of this report to take a stand on the back belt issue. However, given the controversy regarding the use of back belts, and therefore an inability to describe the "ergonomic features" of a particular product, a decision was made not to include back belts in the report. The omission of back belts from the report should not be viewed as a condemnation of the product; it is felt that more research is necessary to determine the utility of these devices.
Wrist Braces
Wrist braces are, in a sense, back belts for the wrist, and a similar controversy swirls around the use of wrist braces. It is the position of the editors that wrist braces clearly represent devices to be prescribed by a medical professional. As such, wrist braces have not been included in the report.
References:
Gurram, R., Rakheja, S., and Gouw, G.J. Vibration transmission characteristics of the human hand-arm and gloves. Int. J. of Indust. Ergon. 1994;13(3):217.
Workplace Use of Back Belts. US Dept. of Health and Human Services, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Washington, DC 20201, July, 1994.

Covell Enterprises, Ltd. manufactures a line of Ice Walker Cleats which attach to the instep of shoes for improved footholds. Each pair weighs 4 oz. and comes in three fastening designs, hook-on, quick clip, and buckle up.
G. W. Russell & Assoc.
1536 Walnut Street
Allentown, PA 18102
Contact: Ms. Virginia Collins
Phone: 610-433-0875
Fax: 610-433-6673
G.W. Russell & Assoc. manufactures Spiky and Spiky Plus, studded pullovers for shoes and boots to reduce slips/falls.
Jordan David Products
400 Babylon Road
Horsham, PA 19044
Contact: Mr. Jonathan Bell
Phone: 800-667-5477
Fax: 215-441-9595
E-mail: No Slips@Jordan David.com
Jordan David Products manufactures several lines of anti-slip shoes composed of an abrasive grit sole. Over the sock and over the shoe boots are available. Steel toes are available.
SA-SO Company
1341 W. Mockingbird Lane, Suite 1200E
Lock Box 911494
Dallas, TX 75391-1494
Contact: Ms. Denise Thomas
Phone: 800-527-2450
Fax: 800-752-4294
SA-SO supplies safety-related products. Steel-spiked rubber safety treads fit over shoes, boots, or overshoes. Provides improved footing on ice/snow.
Wayest Safety, Inc.
11552 Chariman Drive
Dallas, TX 75243
Contact: Mr. Gene Maris
Phone: 214-340-6623
Fax: 214-340-6624
Wayest Safety, Inc. distributes Never-Slip Safety Treads which are studded pullovers for shoes and boots.

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