Blog - KC Supply

KC Supply Co on how to choose the right bin level indicator

May 24, 2023
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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.

May 11, 2023
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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.

April 28, 2023
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Keeping a company running in tip-top shape is hard enough, but add in challenging weather and wet conditions, then what you have is a potential recipe for disaster. Taking the proper steps is essential to ensuring your workplace is hazard-free and your personnel safe.

We recommend some steps to help keep your company safe in wet conditions.

Have the proper gear.

Provide sufficient rain gear for your employees during the rainy season to ensure a streamlined workflow, free from any accidents caused by inclement weather. Good rain gear includes both pants and a coat made from ventilated materials to be worn comfortably for prolonged periods. In the colder months, it is better to use ones made from wool or synthetic material that can still provide warmth in wet conditions.

Use the appropriate equipment.

Avoid using tools not rated for outdoor use when it is raining. Ensure that all of the tools that would be used have textured or non-slip grips to prevent accidents. Providing work boots with deep threads is also helpful to prevent slipping in the work area. It is also important to use anti-fog spray or wipes on glasses or safety goggles to ensure adequate vision. Providing a high visibility vest to ensure that you are easily identifiable, especially when working in areas with high vehicle traffic or when working around heavy machinery.

Keep it simple.

Double-check your workspace layout and note areas that are most likely to have water pooling on them during wet conditions. Examples could be areas near doorways, entrances, or delivery bays. Ensure that these areas are always dried or have hazard signs nearby. This would keep your employees safe and save the company money from any potential lawsuits.

With proper precautions in place, you can keep your employees safe during wet conditions. For more information on safety equipment and other safety tips, visit our website today.

April 28, 2023
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There have been 391 confirmed tornadoes in the US for 2023. It’s safe to say we are off to a windy start of the year. Tornado safety is essential in this regard, as every employer must be able to provide all of the necessary training, equipment, and planning that is needed for their employees to be safe.

Here are a few steps to help you keep your company safe during a tornado.

Plan ahead

The first thing you need to figure out is to identify the best place for a shelter. Underground areas like basements or storm cellars are ideal locations, as these areas are usually reinforced and away from any possible debris that could cause harm. If an underground shelter is unavailable, look for areas away from doors, windows, outside walls, and areas with wide-span roofs. Individuals caught in a tornado while driving are advised to head to the nearest shelter.

Get the right equipment

Tornado safety relies on having the right equipment. Create a disaster supply kit containing all the necessary items that an individual would need to survive for three days while waiting to be rescued. This includes food, water, first aid kits, flashlights, and other necessary supplies. These kits may be placed inside the shelter in advance. Ensure that any food items are stored properly and that you have adequate water and food for all your employees.

Updated training and exercises

Ensure that all of the employees have sufficient training in how to respond in case of an emergency. Training all employees to practice shelter-in-place plans is a great way to start the dialogue about tornado safety. Include in the training the need to account for all individuals present in the workplace while inside the shelters.

These are just some ways to ensure that your employees are safe in times of emergency. For more information on how to keep your employees safe, visit our website today.

March 24, 2023
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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.

March 24, 2023
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Respirators are essential personal protective devices that are used in various industries all over the world. The COVID-19 pandemic also shone a limelight on the devices, as they became in short supply at the onset of the pandemic as healthcare workers scrambled to find one to be protected from the virus.

Now that the pandemic and mandatory masking are a thing of the past, respirators are again in rampant supply. Here at KC Supply Co, we have a wide range of respirators. Whether you’re looking for a disposal mask or a more durable respirator for your employees, we have the equipment to satisfy your company’s needs.

Please take a look at our offerings below.

Disposable mask – A disposable mask is easy to use and ideal in environments where you only need to filter out non-oil particulates in the air to protect your employees. Extra effort has to be given to ensure that a particular series of disposable masks fit an employee well.
Half-mask respirator – A half-mask respirator is ideal in many scenarios. The appropriate combination of pre-filters, filters, and cartridges can protect against harmful particles, fumes, vapors, and gases.
Full facepiece respirator – Full facepiece respirators give the same protection from harmful agents in the air as a half mask respirator, with the added benefit of forgoing the need for goggles. This is ideal in areas with a risk of exposure to smoke, vapors, and sprays that could harm the employee if exposed without any eye protection.

Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) – SCBA protects the user from oxygen deficiency, dust, gases, and vapors at plants. These could even be used in tunnels or even by firefighters. SCBA offers greater versatility than other respirators as its use is not limited to environments with ample oxygen supply, with the drawback of having to carry your own oxygen tank.

With our large variety of MSA and Draeger respirators, we can provide the best respirator for your particular work environment. To find out more about our available respirators and to fit test yours, visit us today.