Safety Tips

Hard Hats 101: Quick Guide

Hard Hats: Your Essential Guide to Protection Hard hats are essential for safeguarding against head injuries in various industries. Here's a concise guide to help you choose and maintain the right hard hat. Types of Hard Hats According to the Australian Standard AS/NZS 1801:1997, hard hats are classified into three types: Type Description Type 1 General industrial safety helmets offering impact protection. Type 2 Helmets with added heat resistance for high-temperature environments. Type 3 Helmets designed specifically for bushfire fighting, providing extensive protection. Colour Significance In Australia, hard hat colours often indicate specific roles: Colour Role White Managers, engineers, supervisors. Yellow General labourers and earthmoving operators. Blue Electricians, carpenters, and technical operators. Red Firefighters and emergency personnel. Green Safety officers and inspectors. Orange Road crews and traffic marshals. Pink Typically used by visitors or as a spare. Service Life and Replacement Regularly inspect your hard hat for signs of wear, such as cracks, dents, or fading. Exposure to sunlight, chemicals, and temperature extremes can degrade the materials. It's advisable to replace the shell every two to three years and the suspension system annually, or immediately if damage is detected. Proper Usage Fit: Adjust the harness to ensure a snug fit without discomfort. Position: Wear the hard hat level, with the brim facing forward. Accessories: Only use manufacturer-approved attachments to avoid compromising safety. Compliance Ensure your hard hat complies with AS/NZS 1801:1997. Look for clear markings indicating the manufacturer, date of production, type of helmet, and standard compliance. For a selection of compliant hard hats and accessories, visit AIMS Industrial's Safety Equipment section. Remember, a well-chosen and maintained hard hat is a vital component of personal protective equipment, ensuring safety in hazardous environments.

Stay Ahead: What You Need to Know About WHS Laws in Australia in 2025

Australia’s WHS Laws 2025: What You Need to Know Workplace safety is serious business—and staying updated on Australia’s Work Health and Safety (WHS) laws can save you time, money, and lives. Whether you’re running a construction site or managing an office, these updates for 2025 will keep you compliant and your team protected. What’s New in 2025? 1. The Engineered Stone Ban Silica dust is a big deal, and it’s not going away anytime soon. Safe Work Australia has rolled out a ban on engineered stone to curb exposure risks. If your team works with concrete or stone, make sure they’re equipped with respiratory protection that meets the latest standards. 2. Incident Notification Rules Have a system in place to report incidents, including psychological hazards. Streamlined rules mean businesses must act fast and be transparent. Set up a workplace safety station with first aid kits and ensure staff are trained to use them. 3. Right to Disconnect Burnout is real. New laws allow employees to unplug after hours. It’s the perfect time to promote healthier work environments by investing in ergonomic office setups. Check out our range of anti-fatigue mats for your workspace. 4. Industrial Manslaughter Legislation Tasmania is now in line with other states, holding employers accountable for negligence that results in fatalities. Make compliance your mantra. Invest in high-visibility gear to keep your team safe and seen. 5. New Workplace Exposure Limits (WEL) From hazardous chemicals to airborne particles, workplace exposure limits have been updated. Equip your team with protective gloves and eye protection to meet these stricter standards. Stay Compliant with the Right Tools Staying on top of WHS laws is easier when you have the right equipment. Whether it’s hard hats, fall arrest systems, or safety signage, AIMS Industrial has you covered. Why It Matters WHS laws aren’t just rules—they’re lifelines. By investing in safety gear and fostering a culture of compliance, you’re not just protecting workers—you’re protecting your business. Ready to level up your workplace safety? Explore AIMS Industrial’s safety solutions today!

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Overview of Work Health and Safety (WHS) Laws in Australia

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Spring Cleaning Your Workspace

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FAQs on Hard Hats (Colour Meanings, Types, Maintenance, Expiry Etc)

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How to Identify and Measure V Belts

At this point, we are assuming that you have identified the belt but need to ensure you get the right length. (In another article, we discussed how you can identify and measure synchronous (timing) belts.) Important: If your pulley has teeth, then you probably have a synchronous timing belt, which should not be mistaken for cogged belts -- who also appear like they have "teeth" but are just actually cogs (notches) -- such as these banded-narrow, classical and narrow-section cogged belts. We are dealing here with V belts, which are power transmission belts that have a V shape. They may be cogged (notched) or wrapped. They are run on V shaped pulleys that do not have teeth. We’ve updated this article for timeliness, clarity and depth, and it may contain technical details, terms and jargon. In this article, we discuss: Definition of different belt lengths When to use which diameter How to measure classical V belts How to measure narrow section V belts The carpenter’s golden rule Definition of different belt lengths According to Gates, in their GatesFacts Technical Information Library, figuring out the belt length can be “confusing” especially when people don’t always refer to the same terms. For clarity, here are the various lengths and how they are described (directly taken from Gates): Outside Belt Length: The outside length of a belt is usually measured with a tape under no tension. Its validity is questionable since some belts have an arched top whereas others are flat. This would give different readings for the two belts. It can be used only as an approximation. Inside Belt Length: The inside length is measured with flat pulleys (not v-pulleys) and a tape measure. As with the outside length, the inside length varies with the manufacturer. This length should not be used. Note: As clarified with Gates, if you know the diameter of the flat pulleys and the center distance between them, then you can calculate belt length. This will be equal to half the circumference of each pulley plus double the length between the shaft centres. Belt Pitch (Datum) Length: The pitch length of a belt is the length at the pitch diameter of the sheaves being used. Classical industrial belts are specified in terms of pitch length. The pitch length is obtained by adding the pitch circumference of one sheave (pulley) to twice the center distance between two equal diameter sheaves (pulleys) at a specified tension. The belt pitch length is normally the length at the belt pitch line. This line is generally located at the neutral axis near the cord line and varies with cross section and construction. The pitch of the belt and sheave is actually a theoretical point that relates to the more accurate, reliable, and useable effective diameter and effective length. This datum system defines specific sheave (pulley) and belt dimensions previously known as the pitch system for classical belts and sheaves. What were previously identified as pitch diameter or pitch length are now known as datum diameter or datum length. These are the new catalog identifiers which allow all belt and sheave manufacturers and users to use the same nomenclature. Belt Effective Length: The effective length of a belt is the length about the effective outside diameter of a sheave at a specified tension. The effective outside diameter of a sheave is measured where the groove top width is a dimension as specified by RMA, ASAE or SAE standards. The effective length is obtained by adding the effective outside circumference of one sheave (pulley) to twice the center distance between the two standard measuring sheaves (pulleys) at the standard measuring tension. Nominal Belt Length: The nominal length is used to refer to the length and cross section of a specific belt. For example, an A38 has a nominal length of 38 inches; a 4L440 has a nominal length of 44.0 inches; and a 3V300 has a nominal length of 30.0 inches. The nominal length is used for designation purposes and exists in name only. Related post: Belt Length Acronyms (La, LE, Ld, Lp, Lw and Li) When to use which diameter The formulas have all remained the same, but this table from Gates makes it easier for everyone trying to figure out which belt diameters to measure: To Calculate Previously Used Now Use Speed Ratio Pitch Diameters Pitch Diameters Belt Speed Pitch Diameters Pitch Diameters Horsepower Rating Pitch Diameters Pitch Diameters Rim Speed Outside Diameters Outside Diameters Center Distance Pitch Diameter and Pitch Length Datum Diameter and Datum Length Belt Length (Datum) Pitch Diameters Datum Diameters Center Distance Factor "h" Pitch Diameters Datum Diameters Arc of Contact correction Factor "G" Pitch or Outside Diameters Datum, Pitch or Outside Diameters Span Length Pitch or Outside Diameters Datum, Pitch or Outside Diameters Source: GatesFactsTM Technical Information Library, Datum Diameters: A New Industry Standard How to measure classical V belts This refers to the original form of power transmission belts with a belt profile of M, Z, A, B, C, D & E. Source: Gates Industrial Catalogue 2018, page 29 It also refers to the cogged (notched) version of these belts, referred to as ZX, AX, BX & CX. These belts are dimensionally the same as the wrapped belt but have cogging running perpendicular to the length, as per this image. Source: Optibelt Technical Manual V-Belt Drives, page 15 Classical belts are traditionally measured by internal circumference in inches. Therefore, an A26 belt has an internal circumference of 26 inches. A note of caution: Although rare, we have started to see occurrences of classical belts being marked by measures other than internal circumference, so it is worth double-checking the measurement of your belt if it is from a manufacturer that you don’t know. Quality brands such as Gates, Carlisle and Opti are all measured by internal circumference. If it is more convenient to measure the outside circumference, you can do that. Just DEDUCT the following for each size to find the internal circumference since, as you know, the outside circumference is greater than the internal. Z: 1” A: 2” B: 3” C: 4” D: 5” E: 6” The above applies whether the belt is the wrapped or cogged version. M section belts have a different profile with a very small difference between the internal and external circumference. How to measure narrow section V belts Narrow section belts include SPZ, SPA, SPB & SPC belts. It also includes their cogged equivalents, XPZ, XPA, XPB & XPC belts. (Some manufacturers refer to these as SPZX, SPAX, SPBX & SPCX.) These belts are metric belts, but this section also discusses narrow section imperial V belts, which include 3V, 5V, 8V & 3VX, 5VX and 8VX belts. Dimensions for the wrapped and cogged narrow section belt are as per this image: Source: Carlisle Industrial Power Transmission Belts Catalogue Narrow section V belts are identified by their pitch length. For example, an XPZ987 has a pitch length of 987 mm. In order to calculate the pitch length of the belt, you must measure the inside length (circumference) and then ADD a figure, depending on section size, as listed below: SPZ: 13 mm SPA: 18 mm SPB: 22 mm SPC: 30 mm It's different for imperial belts. As with the classical belts, these are measured and identified in inches according to their inside circumference. For example, a 3V400 has an internal circumference of 40.0 inches, and a 3V450 has an internal circumference of 40.5 inches. Conclusion Chances are you don’t have a belt measuring device so we find the handiest way to measure them is to clearly mark a starting point on the belt with a text and then use a dressmaker’s tape to measure slowly and carefully around the belt. And we like to do it at least twice. To borrow from the carpenter’s golden rule: Measure twice and buy once! Hopefully, this has helped you to identify the length of belt you need but, of course, if you’re still having a challenge, give us a call or send us an email and we’ll work with you to figure it out. If you would like to read more about the various types of power transmission belts, Wikipedia has an excellent page that summarizes the various types of belts which have been using across the decades. To borrow from the carpenter’s golden rule: Measure twice and buy once! AIMS' Note on Safe Use of Belt-Driven Systems Power down: Before any inspection, maintenance, or adjustment, make sure to completely shut down the power to the machine and apply a lockout/tagout (LOTO) device to prevent accidental restarts. Right belt for the system: Keep in mind that v-belts (especially cogged / notched / wrapped belts) are different from synchronous /timing / ‘toothed’ belts. Some mistake the cogs for teeth but remember that cogged belts run on V-shaped pulleys that do not have teeth. Are you operating where flammable substances are present? Maybe you need fire-resistant anti-static (FRAS) belts – or maybe heat-resistant and oil-resistant belts will do. We compared them in this FAQ. Safe attire: Avoid loose clothing, jewelry and long hair that could get caught in the moving parts. Ensure proper fit of workwear without compromising comfort, dexterity and protection. Tie back long hair and secure loose items. Safeguards in place: Never operate a belt-driven system with the guards removed or bypassed. These guards are there for your protection. Maintenance and replacement: Regularly inspect belts and pulleys for wear and tear. Maintain proper belt tension and alignment as specified by the manufacturer. When replacing the belt, make sure you get the proper fit and measurement of the system. These accessories and maintenance kits (eg alignment tools, belt measurers, pulley gauge sets, spacers, tensioners etc) come in handy. Cleanliness: Keep the area around belt drives free of debris and clutter that could get caught or cause a fire hazard. (Refer to our content library's sub-index of articles about belt-driven systems and electric motors for more information.) This blog's sub-topics

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