HexArmor Catalogue - Needlestick

Waste sorters regularly encounter small, often hidden, hazardous objects in waste streams including metal burrs, frayed wire, wire rope, glass shards, and hypodermic needles. Sticks or punctures from needles pose a particular danger to workers due to the risk of infection from bloodborne pathogens such as HIV and Hepatitis C. According to the American Hospital Association, one case of serious infection by bloodborne pathogens can add up to $1 million or more in expenses for testing, lost work time, and disability payments. Even when no infection occurs, the cost to organizations is estimated to be more than $3,000 per injury for testing, counseling, and time off work. Needlestick protection

The international standard ASTM F2878 addresses the unique mechanics of hypodermic needle puncture related to PPE and is performed using a 25-gauge needle. Standardized safety tests like the ASTM F2878 have made the selection process easier for safety managers seeking out application-specific PPE.

HexArmor ® sets the industry standard for needle protection by providing solutions that use the layering of SuperFabric ® ** brand

material, which is exclusively licensed to HexArmor ® in the industrial PPE market. These highly dexterous materials with guard plates arrest and stop punctures from reaching the skin’s surface. When a needle comes into contact with SuperFabric ® , the material blocks and deflects needles, effectively trapping them in the small gaps between each guard plate. Needlestick resistance comparisons We tested our needlestick and puncture-resistant gloves against the competition with these results:

Our needlestick-resistant gloves and arm guards are thoroughly lab tested using actual 25-gauge needles to give you maximum protection and peace of mind.

ASTM-F2878 needle resistance comparison

12

10

8

6

Newtons 4

2

0

Interlock cotton

1.4 mm leather

Turtleskin ® full coverage

Turtleskin ® TS330

PicGuard™ (3 layers)

Turtleskin ® TS400

Punkban™ (2 layers)

Tilsatec ® Rhinoguard

HexArmor ® 6044

HexArmor ® 7082

HexArmor ® 9014

*The newton is the Standard International unit of force. One newton is the force required to cause a mass of one kilogram to accelerate at a rate of one meter per second squared in the absence of other force-producing effects. **SuperFabric ® is a registered trademark of HDM, Inc.

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