Articles posted by JAdmin

Bin level indicators, also known as level sensors or indicators, are used in many industries. They are used to monitor and measure the material level inside a bin, tank, or any storage vessel. They play a crucial role in agriculture, manufacturing, and logistics, which require accurate monitoring of material levels for efficient operation and inventory management.

By providing real-time information about the material level inside a container, level sensors help operators and managers keep track of inventory levels. This prevents overfilling, underfilling, or material shortages and optimizes storage capacity. Accurate and timely data is available at your fingertips, giving you the opportunity for better decision-making, improved safety, and increased productivity.

There are various types of bin level indicators, each suited for different applications and materials. Some of the common types include:

• Point level indicators: These indicators determine whether the material level has reached a specific point, such as a high or low level. They can be as simple as mechanical switches or more advanced devices using technologies like capacitance, vibrating forks, or optical sensors.
• Continuous level indicators: Unlike point level indicators, continuous level indicators continuously measure the material level. They can be used to measure liquids, powders, and bulk solids. Examples of technologies used for continuous level measurement include ultrasonic, radar, laser, and guided wave radar.
• Weight and pressure sensors: These indicators rely on load cells or pressure sensors to measure the weight or pressure exerted by the material in the bin. By monitoring changes in weight or pressure, these sensors can determine the material level in the container.

Bin level indicators can be connected to control systems, data loggers, or other monitoring devices, allowing for remote monitoring and integration with overall process automation. This enables operators to receive alerts, generate reports, and make informed decisions based on real-time data.

Visit us today if you need help identifying which bin level indicator is right for you.

Ladders are standard tools used in various industries for accessing heights and performing tasks at heights. Not all companies use ladder cages, which can pose significant safety risks if not properly managed. 

Understanding OSHA standards

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has established guidelines for ladder use to ensure the safety of workers and compliance with regulations. Here’s what you need to know, with links to the corresponding guideline:

• According to OSHA Standard # 1910.28(b)(9)(i)(A), every existing fixed ladder installed before November 19, 2018, must have a cage, ladder safety system, personal fall arrest system, or well. 
• OSHA Standard # 1910.28(b)(9)(i)(B) says that every fixed ladder that is installed on and after November 19, 2018, should have a ladder safety system or a personal fall arrest system.
• Meanwhile, OSHA Standard # 1910.28(b)(9)(i)(C) expounds that when a ladder cage, fixed ladder, or well is replaced, a ladder safety system or a personal fall arrest system must be installed in the repaired section or where the replacement has been placed. 
• Finally, OSHA Standard # 1910.28(b)(9)(i)(D) says that on and after November 18, 2036, a ladder safety system or a personal fall arrest system must be equipped on all fixed ladders. 

Defining terms 

Ladder cages are enclosures installed around fixed ladders to prevent workers from falling off, providing fall protection and a safe climbing environment. Unfortunately, this setup limits its protection to those falling backward and offers no protection to those falling downward.

Meanwhile, ladder safety systems are designed to reduce, if not eradicate, the chances of an employee falling from a ladder. They are made of a personnel carrier, a safety sleeve, a lanyard, connectors, and a body harness. Any existing fixed ladder incorporating this system — even if it already has a ladder cage — will be considered OSHA-compliant. 

Do you still have more questions? Visit us at KC Supply Co. for any further clarifications that you may have about the compliance of your ladder cages and fixed ladder setup today.

There are a ton of different personal protective equipment (PPE), and finding the right one for your company might be a daunting task. We at KC Supply Co are here to provide you with the different types of commonly used PPEs that you may require in your given profession.

Hearing Protection

OSHA guidelines dictate that noise exposure of an individual is limited to eight hours for 90 dBA, with exposure times being halved for each five dBA increase. With our in-ear ear protection, your employees can safely work their eight-hour shifts with minimal risk of hearing loss. Ensure that the hearing protection has a snug fit and is always worn correctly to ensure optimal hearing protection.

Face protection and eye protection

Face and eye protection are paramount when it comes to personal protective equipment. We have a selection of hard eye and face protection ideal for industries that expose employees to hazards such as flying debris, chemical splashes, or even potentially infectious materials. Face and eye protection can be used with other PPEs, such as disposable masks or half-face respirators.

Head Protection

Head protection comes standard in any construction site as there is always a hazard of falling objects in these locations. But wearing a hard hat in extreme temperatures can be very cumbersome and sometimes painful. This is why we have winter liners and sweatbands that can be easily placed on and removed from the straps of your hard hat. These pieces of personal protective equipment would help reduce the chaffing of the straps onto your head while at the same time absorbing any sweat that may accumulate during work.

Visit us today at KC Supply Co for all of your personal protection needs. Whether it’s for your corporate or individual use, we are happy to provide the appropriate personal protective equipment for you.

Safety should always be your priority, as it is your employer’s responsibility to identify and mitigate workplace hazards. A safe workplace leads to a more productive environment and happier, healthier employees.  

 Keep an eye on these hazards:  

 Biological — Biological hazards potentially spread diseases in the workplace. Aside from the current pandemic and health protocols, consider if your employees also need updated vaccines, such as for the flu and other rampant diseases.  

1. Chemical — Exposure to poorly managed industrial chemicals can lead to many adverse effects, such as skin irritation, burns, or eye injuries. These chemicals must be appropriately stored, and access to them must be restricted to authorized personnel with the appropriate training and personal protective equipment (PPE). 

1. Confined spaces — Working in confined spaces is always among the most common workplace hazards. Always train the concerned personnel on how to function in the confined space, and teach those assigned to rescue them in times of emergency.  

1. Electrical shocks — Shocks can occur without warning. Proper maintenance of electrical installations and immediate repair or replacement of damaged cables and appliances will keep them from happening. 

1. Falls — Falls from high places or falling objects are among the most common and severe workplace injuries. Prevent falls by limiting access to authorized personnel, securing tools and safety equipment, and training staff on how to use them.  

1. Fire — Fires are often the result of poorly maintained electrical equipment or other accidents. You must always have accessible fire extinguishers and ensure personnel is trained to use them. 

1. Machinery malfunction — Workplace hazards are often caused by malfunctioning equipment, which can potentially cause life-threatening accidents. Prevent this through regular maintenance and training workers to report any malfunction.  

1. Noise — Hearing damage or loss occurs in employees exposed to loud noises for prolonged periods. Supply your employees with the appropriate PPE and employ a shifting work schedule to ensure they are exposed to these sounds for the minimal time possible. 

1. Physical — Encourage a work environment that promotes a Clean-As-You-Go system. To prevent physical injuries caused by an unsafe work environment, always ensure that the workplace is neat and orderly. 

1. Poor Ergonomics — Poor ergonomics can lead to sprains and body fatigue that accumulate over time, leading to poor morale in your employees as they would relate work with pain. Workplace hazards caused by poor ergonomics can be resolved by training your employees in posture and fostering an ergonomic environment in your company. 

Eliminating workplace hazards is a nearly impossible task. Still, you would decrease these chances with good housekeeping, proper tools, and training. You would also know how to handle them should the need arise. 

 Visit us at KC Supply Co for all of your safety equipment needs. 

Housekeeping is more than just a buzzword. As an employer, it is a crucial component in your policy to ensure that your company is in tip-top shape. Good housekeeping practices can boost efficiency in the workplace regardless of the setting. You can control or eliminate workplace hazards that would have otherwise led to a costly incident.

Being effective in housekeeping is an ongoing process, not just an occasional or one-time clean-up. Here are a few tips to help you.

Keeping it clean.

Housekeeping is more than just telling your employees to clean up after themselves. It requires a thorough assessment of the workplace, considering the various moving and static parts, such as work areas, storage spaces, and even rubbish bins. Streamlining your workflow to ensure minimal handling of materials from storage to workstations while keeping the workplace orderly is the essence of housekeeping.

Keeping workers updated.

Ensuring that workers have the appropriate training is essential in a good housekeeping program. They would need to know how to handle the materials properly and, more importantly, how to dispose of them safely. In this way, they would protect themselves, other workers, and other workers and the company.

Keeping facilities maintained.

Maintenance is the name of the game. Maintaining the building and equipment is an important aspect of good housekeeping. The building, equipment, and machinery are in good working order. A good maintenance program should include inspection, upkeep, and repair of tools, machines, and equipment.

Overall, a good housekeeping program can keep your company functioning optimally, preventing any incidents that could lead to losses due to material repair or personnel accidents. Everything is cleaner and the workplace more hygienic, improving your employees’ health. It would provide more efficient use of the space while having better control of tools, materials, and even inventory.

Do you want to learn more about housekeeping? Head over to KC Supply Co today.

Tank cleaning can be a very hazardous business when not done properly. Working around storage tanks alone could pose several safety risks, so moving around or inside tanks for cleaning can be even more dangerous. It’s precisely why OSHA has certain regulations regarding storage tank cleaning.

OSHA requires that personnel working around the tanks for cleaning be given the proper training to know their way around the tank. Furthermore, they can’t simply proceed to clean the tank — a careful preplanning process is also required, determining who is assigned to do what, the purpose of each action, and most importantly, what to do in emergencies.

Beyond the OSHA regulations, here are also some critical reminders about tank cleaning:

Always wear appropriate clothing

It must be a requirement for all personnel cleaning the tank to be wearing the appropriate PPE. PPEs come in a variety of forms and levels of protection. Plant supervisors must ensure that the personnel is provided the right level of protection depending on what the tank contains and the work that needs to be done. For example, workers may need respiratory protection and full body suits if fumes are involved.

Always have a fire extinguisher or a fire protection protocol in place

OSHA reminds everyone that preparing for the worst is essential in ensuring that any untoward incident is addressed as soon as possible. Many materials stored in tanks are flammable, so it’s crucial to have a fire extinguisher or other similar options during tank cleaning. It’s even more critical to have these on hand when cleaning fuel tanks.

Double or triple-check all settings

It’s not enough to clean the tank — it’s also crucial to check all its settings and connected pipes. Check for pressure, heat levels, oxygen saturation, amount of material contained, and other process-essential settings. Before any cleaning, the tank should be in a state that is safe for personnel to approach and do their work, with no risk of machines starting up or material moving.

Tank cleaning is not just a maintenance job; it’s a major responsibility that requires an entire team to handle and manage. Schedule your tank cleaning regularly and ensure the safety of the entire plant.

Regular maintenance of storage tanks and their adjoining machinery ensures the smooth operation of the entire plant. Visit us today for more tips on keeping your plant running in top shape.

Tank safety should always be on your mind, whether working around, on, or inside industrial tanks. Industrial storage tanks for fuel, fluid, or material can pose unique hazards for all personnel around them.

Keep these safety concepts in mind:

Always make sure you have the correct type of tank for the suitable material

Remember that not all tanks are made the same. Some industrial tanks are specially designed to hold corrosive fluids better than others, while others are only used for processing and not long-term storage. Tank safety must use the appropriate type of tank for its holding. It would otherwise risk the tank’s structural integrity and storage ability, resulting in leaks or damage that could be catastrophic.

Clean the tanks before anything goes into them

Tank cleaning before material changeovers or maintenance purposes helps ensure tank safety by removing any accumulated material or stale product and dramatically reduces the risk of contaminants inside or outside the tank. Cleaning tanks before pouring into them also ensures no residue leftover from the previous use. Ensure that the procedures in the plant include regularly scheduled shutdowns for cleaning.

Eliminate fire hazards

One of the most significant risks to tank safety is flammable materials. Ensure that all personnel are well informed of the fire hazard area around the tank and install proper flame and detonation arresters. Eliminate all sources of ignition, if possible, from both the tank and the piping connected to it. You also must consider flammable material inside the tank, so you must carefully install protectors against flammable vapors.

Require PPE always

All personnel working in or around the tanks must be in PPE. Depending on what the tanks contain, the appropriate suits for personnel could mean the difference between life and death in the event of an accident. PPEs can also significantly reduce long-term health problems from exposure to the tanks’ toxic material.

Put tank safety first above everything. Through these reminders, protect the tanks, your plant, and your personnel from untoward incidents and formulate an airtight safety plan.

KC Supply Co prioritizes the health and safety of all personnel working around industrial tanks. Visit us today to find safety equipment and more.