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A great many jobs involve daily tasks that endanger workers' hands. Among them, medical personnel run the greatest risks of infections and other contagious diseases. For centuries, health services have been searching for solutions to be able to care for patients without risking their own health. Back in 1847, doctors experimented with washing their hands between patient examinations and autopsies and the patient death rate dropped by 90% in two months! In the 1980s, all health personnel began to use disposable gloves to examine patients, considerably reducing the rate of transfer for contagious diseases. Doctors, nurses, auxiliary staff… all run the risk of pricks, cuts... just like many other professions, although due to the high levels of hygiene required, they should always use disposable gloves. Consequently, one solution that took off widely was the double glove to increase safety as much as possible.   But why a double glove? Because if one of the gloves is pricked or ripped, the second glove can reduce exposure to fluids such as blood by 87%. Perforation rates for disposable gloves among medical personnel vary between 40% and 61% depending on their specialisation. In special situations such as operating theatres, the chances of a cut or a prick are greater (sewing needles, scalpels, etc.) with accidents reported in as many as 1 in 6 operations. How is it done? For this practice, it is recommended to use a smaller gloves on the inside and a larger size of glove on the outside. Although this depends on each person and how they feel about wearing the disposable gloves. The small loss of dexterity and sensitivity in the fingers only lasts for the first few days and you get used to it. The two colour technique If you use two gloves for maximum risk situations such as when operating, it is best to use gloves in different colours. In that way, if either of them has a small opening, this is easy to identify and replace. You can consult Juba's catalogue of disposable gloves by clicking here.

The Navarre Public and Occupational Health Institute (ISPLN) recently published the analysis of a serious workplace accident due to an electric shock and issued its conclusions and recommendations on how to avoid this incident from happening again. Consequently, technicians from the occupational health service run an investigation after each serious occupational accident (three cases in Navarre in the last few weeks). Once complete, the notification is drawn up with the relevant preventive recommendations and it is sent to business organisations, similar companies, trade union organisations, health and safety services, workers and citizens in general, as the Navarre Government stated in a press release. On this occasion, an accident was analysed that had happened during electrical maintenance work on low voltage cabinets. The job, consisting of retightening connections using a wrench and cleaning off any mud, was performed with the power off although for operating reasons, part of the facility was powered. The worker involved in the accident had been informed. For unknown reasons, an electrical arc or discharge occurred, probably due to elements still powered being too close together or accidental contact between them. After the electrical arc took place, the worker's clothing burned quickly and he suffered wounds on his face, arms and chest. After analysing the incident, its causes were put in objective terms as follows: the disconnection procedure carried out was deficient; the worker was not protected against other elements that were still powered. In addition, the worker was not using the right personal preventive equipment for an electric arc risk (clothing, gloves and face protection), due to which the injuries were more serious, he added. The ISPLN recommendations state the importance of an appropriate disconnection procedure, by applying 'the five golden rules' (disconnection, verification that there is no power, preventing reconnection, earthing and short-circuiting if necessary and protecting against other elements that are still powered), according to annex II of R.D. 614/2001, dated 8th June, on protecting workers against electrical risks. It also highlights that, although collective protection should always be prioritised over individual, all workers at risk of exposure to electric arcs should make preventive use of the right personal preventive equipment using at least: screens that filter optical radiation occurring during an electrical discharge (inactinic) as safety glasses do not provide enough protection; and long sleeved clothing, even in summer, and gloves providing protection against electric arcs, depending on the power of the facility, proximity to transformation centres, etc. Finally, in this type of work, the ISPLN recommends consulting the personal preventive equipment supplier, consulting the occupational risk prevention service and looking at risk prevention sheet no. 40 issued by the ISPLN. Navarre remains tenth in the accident rates among the regions of Spain, with a below-average rate, slightly lower than regions such as La Rioja or the Basque Country, added the Executive. In the Juba catalogue we have special gloves for working with electrical threats of up to 40,000 volts of test voltage and 36,000 Volts in use, certified by the European EN 60903 standard. Click here for more information on these gloves or email us at [email protected] to get all the information you need on gloves for dielectric work. Source: Europa Press Agency

Within a common strategy throughout the BUNZL group, Juba is continuing its work to guarantee health and safety for all its workers, obtaining the OHSAS 18001:2007 certification awarded by AENOR. This certification specifically guarantees requirements for an Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) management system, intended to allow an organisation to control its risks and improve its OHS. Using good management, we intend to harmonise a common system for a leading group in the Spanish market with wide geographic dispersion. Thanks to its methodology, we aim to reduce accidents in the workplace and increase productivity, by identifying, assessing and controlling the risks associated with each work station, and avoiding causes of accidents and illnesses in the workplace. The perception of a safer environment for workers goes hand in hand with a drop in illnesses, sick leave or absenteeism, an increase in productivity, a progressive reduction in accidents and a fall in sanctions and unnecessary spending. The system helps to meet legislation in terms of prevention, integrating it into the organisation's processes, leading to an improvement in the company's internal management and the communication between the company and the worker, and the company and administrations and interested parties. This certificate is the guarantee and the tool used by health and safety managers to interact independently with the whole organisation By getting this certificate, we aim to promote a preventive culture by integrating prevention into the company's general system. This was the management's intention and it has required commitment from all workers, middle managers and directors. AENOR, our certifying entity is the undeniable leader in Occupational Health and Safety certification in Spain. Since 2004, year of the first Occupational Health and Safety management certificate in accordance with OHSAS 18001, more than 1,300 organisations have certified their Occupational Health and Safety management system with AENOR. The OHSAS certification is a management tool that provides safety to all interested parties in the product supply chain.  In addition, Juba has continued to decisively strengthen its environmental commitment by adding new initiatives over the last few weeks: - Changing traditional lighting for LED bulbs: predicted 2.5% energy-saving  -    Consumption of paper with forestry certification and a FSC® chain of custody -    Most of Juba's car fleet is classified as having level “C” emissions. These vehicles meet the requirements currently set by the European Union concerning emissions. In parallel, we have starting using hybrid cars. You can consult the certificates obtained by Juba by clicking here. Onwards and upwards!  

An important number of the anti-cut gloves in Juba's catalogue are manufactured out of Dyneema® fibre. Used on armoured vehicles, bullet-proof vests, F1 seat belts, etc., this is the strongest fibre in the world. As opposed to other work gloves, Juba gloves made with Dyneema® can be washed over and over without losing their properties, consequently saving your company money. The Juba quality department has tested different gloves (4400, 4402, 4500, 4510 or 4520) in their laboratory coming to the conclusion that after 15 washes, the properties (abrasion, cut, tearing and perforation) of the gloves remain unchanged.  In the following graph provided by DSM (company that owns Dyneema®), we can see how this fibre behaves compared to other materials.   In a recent calculation by DSM based on average use of gloves with similar protection, users of anti-cut gloves manufactured out of Dyneema® can save up to 55% in their annual personal protective equipment bills.  This is due to the fact that Dyneema® is made with UHMWPE (Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene) and its main properties are not affected by water or detergents. The behaviour of these fibres does not vary (as for other materials) when they come into contact with aggressive chemicals used in manufacturing detergents such as sodium hydroxide and ammonia, hydrochloric acid, etc. Dyneema® fibre's melting point is between 144ºC and 152ºC. However, it is difficult to reach these temperatures in the washing process for any piece of clothing. We should never take Dyneema® over 90ºC, which is more than enough in most cases to get rid of the dirt. To contrast their studies, DSM carried out 3 different washing processes as a test: - Dry cleaning: gloves are dry cleaned using Perchlorethylene (PER) and then dried at 70ºC.  - Washing and drying in a drum: gloves are washed with water and detergent at 60ºC. Then they are rinsed with cold water and put in the drier at 55ºC - Washing and drying in a drum at higher temperatures: in some industries such as the food industry, anti-cut gloves should demonstrate maximum hygiene by adapting to European standards. This test reaches temperatures of up to 95ºC. Washing processes that are either dry or use water and detergent did not have a significant effect on the strength, cutting and abrasion of the gloves being tested. The adjustment, flexibility and comfort were not affected either. However, although the Dyneema® fibre demonstrates great behaviour in terms of washing, we cannot say the same about other fibres used in anti-cut gloves. The structure and properties of cotton, elastane or polyamide might be modified when in contact with detergents or when exposed to high temperatures. Ask one of our specialists if you have any questions on how to wash anti-cut gloves and start saving money now.

Our Flex series, one of the most successful clothing lines in the entire Juba catalogue, is including a new model for summer 2017 that is brown, combined with black. The Flex series is characterised by being very comfortable and multi-purpose, providing long-lasting clothing that gives freedom of movement as it is made with elastane. This range is also available in navy/black and grey/black. For the summer months, we recommend the short sleeved polo top (ref 690), multi-pocket shorts (ref 192), available in a wide range of sizes (from XS to 3XL). If you have any questions on these products, please email us at [email protected].  

Among more than 700 references in the Juba catalogue, we would like to mention our customers' favourite gardening gloves below. Gardening involves a whole range of tasks, requiring gloves specially made for each of them. Let's start! Barbecue: The H295 is our top glove for barbecues, offering effective protection against contact heat. Its design and performance make it one of the kings of summer. Swimming pool: When you add chlorine or other substances to a swimming pool, it is important to protect your hands and forearms from possible splashes that might cause burns and skin irritations. For this job, we recommend our 811C55 glove, tested and certified for use with chemical substances (EN 388:2003EN 374:2003) Planting, pruning and picking: A large number of gardening tasks revolve around planting, picking, sowing, pruning... plants and trees. To protect your hands from calluses, pricks from thorns and other injuries, it is fundamental to work with a glove that provides both protection and comfort.  From our catalogue, we would choose the HN20 (in the photo) 254 and H122210 models. Phytosanitary: When you use chemical products to fertilise your garden or allotment, you should take the right safety measures to protect your hands from chemical agents that can cause severe burns. For these tasks, we recommend the H260 disposable glove reference. Chainsaws: Working with a chainsaw is particularly dangerous. At Juba, we always recommend a certified glove for these tasks. The MT180 model meets the Class II standard (EN 381-7:1999). It is perfect for working both in the garden and in the forest.  Enclosures and wires: There are jobs that require gardening gloves giving protection against cuts. These gloves are manufactured using Dyneema fibres, 8 times stronger than steel and 80% lighter. Light and very comfortable gloves with maximum anti-cut protection. In the photo: Juba Powerfit HDY008SP model

The BPU1400 reference remains one of the most popular items in Juba's entire work glove catalogue.   A real Best Seller that has now become a much more complete glove thanks to new analyses concerning harmful substances. Performed by AITEX, one of the best textile technology institutes in Europe, the latest tests have certified this glove with new higher, quality levels.  The following table shows the results from these tests:

The Juba Quality Department recently travelled to Alicante to attend a course on “Technical materials applied to personal protective clothing and accessories” in the certification company Aitex. This course aimed to provide in-depth knowledge on PPE design materials so as to cover all risks for workers and obviously so that it meets the legislation in force. Juba continues to back employee training to be able to offer its customers up-to-the-minute information as well as helping them become more competitive in this field.  

Manulatex metal mesh gloves are the best option for working with electrical scissors and knives. Manulatex France, set up in 1979, develops, manufactures and sells personal protective equipment, particularly for the agro-food industry. In the following video, one of the brand's managers goes into greater detail on these special gloves for abattoirs, meat industries, cutting up meat...