Grainger (NYSE: GWW), the leading broad line supplier of maintenance, repair and operating (MRO) products serving businesses and institutions, has released its list of the “Top 10 Asked Safety Questions for 2016.” This is the second year in a row for this Top 10 list, which is based on more than 120,000 customer questions fielded by Grainger technical product specialists throughout the year.

Dominating the list again in 2016 are frequently asked technical questions related to personal protective equipment (PPE), including respirators, hand protection and fall protection. New to the list are questions around the revised American National Standards Institute (ANSI) workplace first-aid kit standard and secondary container labeling requirements under the Globally Harmonized System for Hazard Communication (GHS).

Top 10 asked safety questions for 2016:

• Can you explain the different classes and types of first-aid kits under the revised ANSI/ISEA standard?
• What is the difference between a two-way and a three-way confined space retrieval?
• What are the secondary container labeling requirements under the GHS standard?
• How do I determine what respirator size I need for my job?
• What gloves are appropriate for protection from acid?
• Which respirator cartridge should I use when painting? What about protection from mold?
• Can I use different manufacturers’ fall protection equipment together?
• What is the difference between a bump test and a calibration for an air monitor?
• What does the date stamp on my electrical rated rubber insulating gloves mean?
• Do I need leather protector gloves over my electrical rated rubber insulating gloves, and if so, what length glove should I get?

For answers to the “Top 10 Asked Safety Questions for 2016,” visit https://safety.grainger.com/your-top-10-safety-questions.

Selecting & using the right PPE

“While we receive inquiries from our customers about safety standards and regulations as they evolve, the bulk of their questions year after year continues to center around personal protective equipment,” said Travis Kruse, senior director of safety strategy and solutions at Grainger. “Selecting the right PPE and using it correctly can get complicated for those who don’t use it every day, and our customers know they can get answers from Grainger technical product specialists quickly, so they can get back to doing their job safely with full confidence.”

Grainger’s team of safety specialists helps customers solve safety challenges, offers cost-saving solutions and recommends program standardization strategies. They hold degrees and professional certifications from accredited institutions in safety, industrial technology, chemistry and related fields.

New standards: silica and walking-working surfaces

“Looking to 2017, we anticipate PPE being an important focus area for customers again, but we also expect safety issues to become more complex with the new OSHA respirable crystalline silica standard and upcoming revisions to the OSHA walking-working surfaces standards among others,” said Kruse. “Knowing that, customers should take a closer look at the engineering and administrative controls in place at their facilities, because they are the two most effective lines of defense against safety hazards, and more regulations will be focused on those areas next year.”

Grainger is a leader in safety services and solutions, offering technical support and training to help customers comply with workplace safety regulations and safeguard facilities. In 2015, safety and security products represented nearly 20 percent of Grainger sales.

The information provided is intended for general purposes only. It is not a substitute for review of product information and instructions, or applicable government regulations or industry standards, and should not be construed as legal advice or opinion.

W.W. Grainger, Inc., with 2015 sales of $10 billion, is North America’s leading broad line supplier of  maintenance, repair and operating products, (MRO) with operations also in Europe, Asia and Latin America.