NSC 2008's Expo was One to Remember
The 96th Annual National Safety Council Congress and Expo was one of the National Safety Council's largest exhibits in recent history.
Along with the increase in size, there was the increase in foreign manufacturer exhibitors from countries such as China and Korea, a sure sign of the safety industry's recognition of the inevitable global safety movement.
With the larger expo floor came an increase in new product offerings. NSC unveiled many of its own at the show, among these were the following:
The Virtual Forklift Operator (VFO) - a unique, new simulation-based forklift training tool that brings together leading-edge video game technology and interactive training techniques. Meeting OSHA-compliant forklift safety standards, VFO provides hands-on experience through a series of lessons delivered in a 3-D environment. VFO is designed for both new and experienced forklift operators.
First Aid and Child & Infant CPR Skills Cards - Full-color, laminated cards designed to provide a quick, convenient review of emergency care skills. The First Aid Skills Card covers first aid treatments for adults; Child & Infant CPR Skills Card covers pediatric skills.
Professional Truck Driver Self-Study - Great for drivers who spend long shifts on the road, the study allows drivers to train in their off hours on skills that will make their runs safer. It includes tests so drivers can evaluate their own progress, then review areas where they need more knowledge. No computer or classroom is needed, just a desire to drive safer.
In addition to NSC's offerings, manufacturers showcased their latest products at this year's expo. Here is just a small sample:
Beyond Products Inc. showed off its Mule™, a 350-pound-capacity lift and transporter that reduces workers' sprains, strains, and injuries by keeping their distance of load from body and height of hands within safer ranges. The device eliminates the need to lift and twist simultaneously.
Defender LLC's Xscape Safe Universal Size Suit is a patent-pending, one-piece, fire- and heat-resistant escape suit designed to assist people ranging in size from small (5'0"/100 pounds) to 4X (6'8"/280 pounds). The suit is used in emergency evacuations from smoke, heat, or fire, and is packaged in a small, lightweight (4.5 pounds) kit bag that also contains a smoke hood.
HexArmor's Black Widow™:9004 is part of an new line of ISEA Level 5 cut-resistant gloves that also offer puncture resistance against metal, glass, and wood. The gloves feature enhanced protection, while allowing unparalleled comfort and dexterity for a number of applications and uses.
Johnson Technologies Corp.'s Ergobuddy® safety footwear features ergosert™ technology that is laboratory certified to have the same ergonomic properties as premium industrial anti-fatigue matting. The material is also ergonomically pre-tuned to offer personalized comfort. Multiple styles are available with optional ESD, steel toe, and met guard.
Kimberly-Clark Professional's KLEENGUARD* A30 Breathable Splash & Particle Protection Stretch Coveralls are a performance coverall that combines outstanding particulate protection with next-generation comfort features to create comfortable protection. It features patent-pending iFLEX* technology, which builds in freedom of movement.
Milliken & Company's Amplitude™ is a new line of comfortable Milliken FR fabrics that are NFPA 70E and NFPA 2112 compliant. The fabrics also feature increased air permeability and stretch characteristics for increased user comfort.
Red Shield Fire & Safety's Black Knight Safety Boot is the result of extensive research and development into workers' needs in hostile and potentially dangerous environments. The boot's style has key safety features that exceed applicable standards, including composite toe, static dissipative, electric hazard rating, slip resistance, and more.
StealthWear's next generation of officer safety equipment, the patent-pending Wireless Walkie Headset, is an upgrade to all held radios and communications devises used by law enforcement, fire prevention, executive protection details, security personnel, military CID, NCIS, CGIS personnel, and surveillance details.
Sperian Protection's Survivair® Opti-Fit™ APR respirator is designed to provide superior optics, comfort, and security. The respirator is now available with a mesh headnet that allows users to customize fit and comfort. The respirator also features a distortion-free lens, a lightweight design, and three sizes to fit most facial sizes and shapes.
Bel-Art Products' Plum Covered pH Neutralizing & Sterile Saline Eye Wash Station is dust-proof and contains 200ml Sterile pH Neutralizing and 500ml Sterile Saline Eye Washes. Eyes exposed to acids or alkalis can suffer permanent vision loss in as little as 45 seconds. The Plum pH neutralizing formula doesn't just dilute the acid or alkali--it neutralizes them in less than 20 seconds.
Jackson Safety's Headturner Hard Hat meets ANSI Z89.1 Class E requirements and is designed to allow wearers to reflect their personal image and style while being protected. Its lightweight, smooth dome design creates a low profile and its accessory slots allow attachment of additional protection.
Smith & Wesson's Guage™ eyewear is lightweight for all day comfort and features a sleek, dual-lens design with dual-color axis frame and bayonet temples. For added comfort, the eyewear also has non-slip temples and a soft rubber nose piece. It meets ANSI Z87+ and CSA Z94.3.
Horizon Manufacturing Enterprises Inc.'s Hair Net/Beard Cover/Shoe Cover Dispenser can be placed on a table or wall-mounted for easy access. The clear dispenser comes with three labels and measures 14 inches by 12 inches by 8 inches.
raygear®'s new XShield™ safety and UV sun shields meet ANSI Z87.1-2003 and come in four styles: vented, non-vented, smoke, and clear. The shields are applied just like a pair of glasses, which protects your eyes and entire face from flying debris and other hazardous materials.