Free pair of safety spectacles and the chance to win a race-track day
September 5th 2007 Embarking on its first full season of Formula One World Championship, the Dutch-owned racing team: Etihad Aldar Spyker F1 Team chose to work with diversified technology company 3M in the specification of compatible Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
Now 3M is offering one lucky HSM reader the chance to take a whole range of performance cars for a spin in an ultimate race-track day! What’s more, every reader who enters the competition will receive a free pair of 3M safety spectacles or an earplug sample pack. enter your details here (while stocks last. Deadline for entries is 31st October 2007)
When style is as important as protection
At Silverstone, Spyker F1 manufactures high performance cars that are put through gruelling paces both in the factory setting and on race-tracks throughout the world. Health and Safety Officer Steve Martin is responsible for the occupational health and safety of composite trimmers and race teams who are exposed to a number of potential hazards that include exposure to noise, the risk of eye injury and the inhalation of vapours, carbon fibres and fine dust particles.
At the outset of the 2007 season, Spyker F1 introduced a wide range of occupational health and safety products from 3M, encompassing:
• Safety eyewear
• Protective earplugs and ear-muffs
• Maintenance-free respirators, re-usable respirators and powered-air respirators.
Glamourous PPE wins the day
Commenting on the switch to 3M products, Steve explained, “However much we emphasise the importance of wearing PPE, in an industry where style and glamour are absolutely critical to the image of the team, it is often a challenge to get people to wear it. When PPE is uncomfortable or doesn’t fit correctly, the problem can be exacerbated, so right from the start of the season it was important to provide high-performance equipment that not only looked good, but that would work well together when necessary and provide a high level of comfort at all times. Since we have introduced the eye, respiratory and hearing protection products from 3M, there has been a marked difference in the amount of PPE being worn. People actually want to wear it!”
Tried and tested eyewear
The race team and the composite trimmers trialed many different types of safety spectacles from a range of suppliers, and the 3M™ 2740 Comfort safety spectacles came out as an overall winner with everyone. This was mainly due to the stylish look of the product and its adaptability to many different shaped and sized faces.
Protection in the factory
In the factory environment, mechanical extraction facilities in the trim shop remove the majority of the carbon fibre dust particles made airborne by hand-held grinding, cutting, sanding and finishing machinery. Here, the 3M™ 9332 disposable respirator provides a high level of FFP3 protection from residual fibres and fine dust. Its soft, malleable structure, low profile and patented Cool-Flow valve - which allows for easy breathing and reduces moisture build-up - allow the respirator to be worn comfortably for extended periods. And because each product is individually packed, workers can be assured of the integrity and cleanliness of every new respirator donned.
To protect workers’ hearing in the trim room and the wind tunnel, along with 3M 9322 respirators, 3M™ 1445 high attenuation ear-muffs are provided. For visitor use and general use when workers are inside the factory environment, Spyker F1 has installed two dispensers that allow workers to easily access 3M™ 1100 ear-plugs.
Protection on race days
The noise level at a race-track can be very high so high attenuation 3M 1445 ear-muffs are used by the race team at events and training days. The Spyker F1 team is currently trialing level-dependent ear-muffs from 3M, which allow increased capacity for holding conversations in extremely noisy environments whilst giving outstanding hearing protection. Fabrication members of the race team wear a 3M 7500 series half-mask reusable respirator with 2138 filter which delivers P3 protection against the inhalation of dusts, metal fume and mists. Stylish 3M 2740 Comfort safety spectacles are worn with this respirator to give eye protection.
For world-wide use, Spyker F1 has also purchased four 3M™ Jupiter™ powered air respirators with 401 head-top and particulate filters. Easy to maintain and use, the respirator is compact and lightweight, allowing maximum ease and freedom of movement – even in small spaces.
At present, the team is trialing 3M protective coveralls to protect wearers against oil, dirt and grease in car refitting applications.
Excellent Customer Service
Steve said, “3M exceeded our expectations in the supply of our PPE. Not only did they give us professional advice on the best equipment for each of our applications, they provided a unique service package that included training key personnel to carry out fit-testing, PPE-fitting videos and customised posters that remind staff and visitors how, where and when to protect themselves. We are delighted with not only the entire 3M product range, but also with the 3M team’s excellent level of service.”
For further information, just  click here. More articles from 3M UK Ltd: | 
