Technical Data Sheets Materials For Defence And Protection D0310 Ballistic Nylon Fabric Leg protection for refuse collectors handling plastic refuse sacks. Introduction When local councils introduce plastic sacks for the collection of household refuse, it is usually in the expectation of making significant financial savings. Their refuse collectors benefit by having the job made lighter and cleaner. What local councils don't expect is a sudden increase in leg injuries to their refuse collectors.They don't expect to see men in pain or off work, collection schedules disrupted and temporary collectors brought in at a cost of hundreds of pounds each week. One way to achieve the planned savings without injuries and related financial losses is to provide the refuse collectors with leg protection. Fothergill ballistic nylon provides that protection. The Rochdale Experience When Rochdale MBC introduced plastic sacks for household refuse collection they achieved savings of £500,000. Six fewer vehicles were required, and the workforce was cut by one third. Soon however there was growing concern among members of the Health & Safety Committee. Accident records showed that every week at least one man was being injured by sharp objects placed in the sacks by negligent householders. Typical objects that caused injuries were broken mirrors, bottles, drinking glasses, old knives, knitting needles and kitchen forks. Most of the injuries were to the legs of the collectors. Usually they happened as the sacks were carried from the house or when they were swung into the back of the vehicle. Because the sharp objects are often contaminated by rotting food or even nastier refuse, the wounds they cause soon become infected. One man speared in the leg by a knitting needle was off work for six months when the wound turned septic. Even without infection an injured collector has to go to hospital for an anti-tetanus injection or to have the wound stitched. At one time there were as many as four collectors off work with leg injuries from sharp objects in plastic refuse sacks. The men were still receiving their pay while temporary replacements were brought in at a cost of £120 per week each. The Health & Safety Committee responded by launching a local press campaign asking householders to take more care. Whilst there was an immediate reduction in the number of accidents reported, it was not long before the effects of the campaign wore off and accidents began to rise again. Protection for Legs Not to be deterred, Rochdale's Environmental Health Department, with the help of councillors from the Health & Safety Committee, approached the Littleborough site for assistance. They were already known to the council as weavers of specialty fabrics, including fabrics for protection against chain saw injuries. An initial suggestion from the technologists was to use aramid, which is widely used to protect against chain saw injuries. Although it was successful in eliminating the accidents, it was rejected on aesthetic grounds. Ballistic Nylon The technologists then suggested their D0310 ballistic nylon. This material is used extensively to protect men and equipment from ballistic fragments - and it can be dyed. The same crew then held trials using ballistic nylon sewn onto their trousers. This was found to be completely successful. It resisted the cuts and penetrations, it can be dyed to specific colours and as a further bonus it is cheaper than aramid. The Price of Protection The results of the trials encouraged Rochdale MBC to authorise the issue of two pairs of nylon protected overall trousers to each of their 80 refuse collectors. Costs for supplying and fitting the protective material came to £1,000. This must be set against the £12,000 - £25,000 per annum payable in extra wages to cover for absent crew members as a result of industrial injury. Further Information If you would like further information about leg protection for refuse collectors talk to our sales office staff and textile technologists. They will be happy to give you further details of D0310 ballistic nylon and other Forthergill Engineered Fabrics protective fabrics. Ask them for advice on your proposed application or get more details about performance and price. There's no obligation. All statements, technical information and recommendations contained in this data sheet are given in good faith and are based on tests believed to be reliable, but their accuracy and completeness are not guaranteed. They do not constitute an offer to any person and shall not be deemed to form the basis of any subsequent contract, nor to constitute any warranty or representation as to quality, merchantability or fitness for purpose. All products are sold subject to the seller's Standard Terms and Conditions of Contract. Accordingly the user shall determine the suitability of the products for his intended use prior to purchase and shall assume all risk and liability in connection therewith. It is the responsibility of those wishing to sell items made from or embodying the products to inform the user of the properties of the products and the purposes for which they may be suitable, together with all precautionary measures required in handling those products. The information contained in this leaflet is under constant review and liable to be modified from time to time. Back