2oTrimestre08 | PROTECCIÓN LABORAL 55 Updated Products Active protection with Ten Cate fabrics As companies become increasingly aware of the importance of frequent and unex- pected hazards in the workplace, they seek to use protective fabrics to equip their workers. Safety specialists state that most protection fabrics will only protect against a limited number of hazards. Tecasafe® fabrics seek to combine comfort and protection against various hazards: heat, flames, chemicals, acids, electric arch and welding sparks. Also, due to the inclu- sion of Static-control® fibres in their com- position they will protect workers in poten- tially explosive environments (ATEX), with the added value of their availability in hi-visibility colours. This multi-hazard protection turns Tecasafe® into the safest choice for a large number of end users: gas and oil distribution, gas stations, refiner- ies, petrochemical industry, distribution of electricity/explosive substances, special task forces, army, fire fighters and electri- cians. Among the advantages and properties of the Tecasafe® range of products, the fol- lowing stand out: Fire and heat hazards Protection against heat/fire is based on a mixture of cotton and flame retardant fibres. So the fabric itself is inherently flame retardant and will maintain its properties after repeated washing. Tecasafe fabrics comply with FR specifica- tions contained in EN 531 and EN 533, Index 3. For sporadic welding, fabrics XA1 and XA9001 offer suitable protection against flames, in accordance to EN 470-1 requirements. Outdoor hi-visibility Many people working out of doors need the combination of hi-visibility and flame retardant properties. Tecasafe offers yel- low fluorescent fabrics that comply with En 471 standards. Those needing water- repellant properties may choose fabrics with Hydro-Tec finish. For waterproof workwear, there is another option: fabrics with breathable membrane complying with EN 343. Antistatic safety Static electricity is produced by friction of one surface against another, and in the case of fabrics the charge may reach over 15,000 Volts, depending on circumstances. In general, this charge will quickly be dif- fused but there is real danger in the pres- ence of explosive fumes or flammable sub- stances, for even a tiny spark might cause ignition. Due to the special core conductor fibres laid out as an invisible mesh in Tecasafe fabrics with Static-Control® prop- erties, static electricity will be diffused even when the user is wearing insulating footwear. Tests prove that fabrics with Sta- tic-Control fibres comply with EN 1149-3 standards, successfully passing the strict test of hydrogen gas with no earth dis- charge connection. Electric hazard In the event of electric arch, caused by acci- dental short-circuits, can produce high radiating heat. The consequences may include serious burns and immediate igni- tion of basic cotton/polyester fabrics. This electric hazard is quite frequent and causes serious injuries. Workers need to be equipped with workwear that will protect them against the energy caused by electric arch. Protection against chemicals and acids The danger of chemical spills is perma- nent. Tecasafe® fabrics offer limited pro- tection by means of the special Hydro-Tec finish, guaranteeing chemical protection in accordance to EN 3689 and EN 13034 type 6 standards. When it comes to image workwear, where style and elegance are obviously essential, Ten Cate has much to offer: Tecastyle® (Denim-Look) is the most effective com- bination of functionality and fashion. The fabrics are ideal for making work- wear for various sectors including con- struction, transportation, distribution, mechanics, industry, etc. PARA MÁS INFORMACIÓN, CONTACTE CON: comercial@prensa-tecnica.com