kevin wooldridge Wrote:I don't personally have a problem with either Millets (are they stil in business by the way) or B&Q for what they do, but (and here's the rub), neither would be on my list of suppliers of suitable PPE 'fit for purpose'.....and its unfortunate that much of the moaning that goes on from archaeologists regarding PPE is concerned with the fact that 'Millets' style waterproofs split within ten minutes of being first put on, B&Q safety helmets contain no comfort padding band or facility for attaching ear or eye protection etc etc .....
I have never heard any archaeologist say that PPE shouldn't be worn on grounds they would rather be unsafe!! Surely it can't be beyond the imagination of the H&S organiser within any archaeological organisation to 'google' the countless suppliers out there and find one who can provide suitable PPE equipment fit for purpose.....or even just ring David and ask what the BAJR toolstore can supply....guaranteed reliability at the very least I think.....
B & Q gloves were a stop gap for a few days until better replacements arrived, and while they do great stuff, I certainly insist on better gear, much like yourself.
Again, with archaeologists saying that PPE shouldn't be worn on the grounds that they'd rather be unsafe - that's not what I was trying to say (maybe I could have phrased it better in my post).
Its more when you have to wear mandatory PPE that's over the top for the task, but not in itself dangerous. The usual goggles, gloves, hat, combo in open fields far from machinery that everyone dislikes.
All I'm trying to suggest is that if you suggest a supplier as another option for your PPE, you may get more of a positive response. And in my case, I honestly didn't know about womens cut flashjackets or waterproofs, etc. as its never been brought up before on-site as a serious issue.
Yes a good H&S supplier should know good suppliers, but it never hurts to poke your on-site supervisor and point out quite seriously that while you're quite happy to wear PPE, it needs to fit. If they're any good at their job, they'll listen.
I'm going to spend a bit of a search around to find some good suppliers, and then pass the list on to the management and keep it to pass onto clients who insist and provide PPE on excavations. Its always worth a try.