The difference is clear
February 1st 2008

When providing your workforce with protective equipment, you can leave nothing to chance.

Nobody is more focused on providing the right levels of protection than the Occupational Health and Environmental Services division of 3M. 3M is one of the most established and diverse companies in the world, manufacturing and marketing some 55,000 products across more than 40 technology platforms in 200 countries around the globe. Health and safety is a top priority. As the world's leader in supplying safety and protective equipment, we want to give you all the support you need for your business

Information overload During the past decade, increasingly strict legislation surrounding health and safety at work has led to greater levels of awareness about occupation-related ill-health and injuries, higher minimum requirements of protection levels against occupational hazards and the development of new protective equipment.

But faced with a mountain of complicated legislation and so many products on the market, it is little wonder that some purchasers select personal protective equipment that is inadequate, over-protective or incompatible with their existing equipment. This is where 3M can help. We understand that different organisations have different needs.

An independent survey conducted by Simon Kucher & Partners (SKP) found that there were three clear important factors in a respirator: ease of breathing confidence in protection comfort For more than 75% of the respondents 3M is the preferred brand of respirator.

Revolutionary innovation Over ten years ago 3M developed the revolutionary 9300 series disposable particulate respirator to help protect the respiratory health of people exposed to particulate hazards in the workplace such as dusts, mists and metal fume.

Today the 9300 series is 3M's flagship range. It incorporates a host of special features that continue to make it one of industry's leading disposable respirators.

The 9300 series offers state of the art protection, leaving workers feeling attractive and comfortable. It combines 3M's own patented technologies to deliver a cutting edge design for maximum performance, comfort and usability.

"The 9300 series from 3M is the most comfortable mask that we have tried. We have been really impressed with the continued help and support from 3M and their helpline." Phil Tye, Amdega The 3M Advanced Electret Filter Material combines the benefits of both mechanical and electrostatic filters. This means lower breathing resistance and 3M quality you can depend upon. When having to wear a respirator for long periods of time, comfort is essential. The 3M Cool Flow Valve allows exhaled air to escape more easily – particularly beneficial in hot and humid conditions.

In addition to the mould breaking 9300 flat foldable series, there is a wide range of cup-shaped, buckle strap and valved options. These offer an unbeatable range of protection levels and designs to guard against many hazards from fine dusts found in the pharmaceutical industry to oil based mists generated during metal working.

3M helping you 3M respirators have been designed with compatible protection in mind. Analysis by the HSE shows that each year, of the 9,000+ PPE-related incidents reported under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR), mis-use, mis-selection, lack of maintenance and/or lack of training are major contributory factors in almost two-thirds (63%) of cases. In addition to these findings, one of the main problems observed in the workplace is that where more than one item of PPE is worn, they may be incompatible, potentially making the products ineffective and uncomfortable.

Rhian Watkins, product manager at 3M comments, "When the wearing of PPE is deemed necessary in the workplace it is crucial to select comfortable, compatible products that workers will wear for the entire duration of their exposure to potentially hazardous substances. If PPE obstructs vision, communication, inhibits dexterity or doesn't fit correctly or is just plain uncomfortable, it may be cast aside after a while or even not worn at all, which could result in dire consequences for both the worker and the business." To help solve this problem 3M supplies a wide range of high performing PPE, providing protection for workers.

The complete outfit 3M provides the whole package from modern and stylish eyewear that is light and comfortable to a large choice of banded, disposable and reusable hearing protection, carefully designed to be comfortable and durable for long term use. Completing the range of PPE are the 3M Coveralls with a choice of protection levels, from dustproof to splashproof through to spray tight and a wide range of reusable, powered and supplied air respirators for industrial applications, providing unequalled comfort and protection in the toughest conditions.

Continued support For advice and information on 3M product suitability, we have a dedicated advice line. Call 0870 60 800 60 if you have any questions or just want some more information.

Fit Testing It is a legal requirement for all workers who wear respirators with a tight fitting face piece to be fit tested.

3M also supplies Fit Test kits. Call 0870 60 800 60.

Still need convincing? Call the helpline today and get a free sample of the 9300 series flat foldable respirator.

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