New Voltgard^® Test Lab Dual Testing Machine Enhances Testing Capacity, Efficiency, and Capabilities

OSHA rules and NFPA standards make the use of rubber insulating products mandatory when even the smallest probability of contact with 50 volts AC or higher exists. ASTM standards also require regular inspection and testing of in-service electrical protective equipment in order to maintain compliance and ensure the products’ safety and integrity when exposed to a wide range of voltages.

Saf-T-Gard is uniquely qualified to work with your facility and keep your employees safe while meeting all applicable industry standards with our Voltgard^® Test Lab, the largest, independent, NAIL4PET-accredited test lab for rubber insulating products in the United States providing full-service testing and recertification of rubber gloves, sleeves, blankets, line hose, covers, dielectric footwear, jumper cables, grounding sets, plastic guards, hot sticks, matting, hoods and insulating hand tools.

As a leading manufacturer and distributor of rubber insulating products, arc flash safety clothing and kits, grounding equipment, and testing services, Saf-T-Gard is dedicated to serving industries where worker safety and protection from electrical current are critically important. To that end, the Saf-T-Gard^® Voltgard^® Test Lab recently procured a brand new rubber goods test machine for gloves, sleeves, and everything except blankets, line hose, and hot sticks.

With two 14-position units connected to one AC/DC power panel, the new test machine is twice as large as the previous AC/DC glove/sleeve/boot tester and will significantly improve our efficiency, capacity, and capabilities.

About the Voltgard^® Test Lab

The Voltgard^® Test Lab is the largest, independent, NAIL4PET-accredited test lab in the United States and serves thousands of customers in nearly every industry, including electric utilities, electrical contractors, telephone and telecommunications companies, cable television operators, auto manufacturers, automobile service and repair shops, public transportation, and industrial facilities.

The Voltgard^® facility is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment for the complete testing of these products, including washing, visual inspecting, and electrical testing – all to applicable ASTM standards. All rubber protective equipment tested by the Voltgard^® Test Lab undergoes this rigorous sequence to ensure that your employees are always using safe equipment.

The Saf-T-Gard and Voltgard^® team has more than 100 combined years of safety expertise, focusing on industrial and electrical safety. Our team includes ASTM Voting Members, OSHA 30-hour trained safety professionals, Qualified Safety Sales Professionals (QSSP), and NFPA 70E trained safety professionals. The expertise and experience of our team can be an extension of your team when you partner with us on your company’s safety program. No one else offers the Voltgard^® level of service.

The Gard's Got It

GET IT AT THE GARD: Did you know Saf‑T‑Gard carries NSA Flame-Resistant Clothing?

Working around electrical hazards requires extra protection, and flame-resistant clothing helps reduce the risk of serious injury on the job. Designed for durability and comfort, the right FR gear allows workers to stay protected while getting the job done.

In honor of National Lineman Appreciation Day, we recognize and honor all of those who work hard every day to keep our power on.

From head to toe and floor to ceiling, Saf-T-Gard delivers the safety solutions you need to get the job done safely.

Click here to shop the NSA Flame-Resistant Clothing products online, or call customer service at 1-800-548-GARD (4273) today for more information or to place an order.

Vendor Product Spotlight: Streamlight^® Dualie^® 68782 3AA Dual Light

See what's ahead of you and right at your feet with the Dualie^® 3AA. Its bright light, which shines both ahead of you and downward, helps you avoid slips, trips and falls. One light, two beams: choose one spot beam or one flood light or both. The Dualie^® 3AA provides two types of illumination for multi-directional lighting and special uses. Intuitive activation allows you to use either beam or both at the same time. This intrinsically-safe flashlight allows you to see your entire work area, and the magnetic clip enables hands-free use.

Additional features and benefits include the following:

Click here to shop the Streamlight^® Dualie^® 68782 3AA Dual Light online, or call customer service at 1-800-548-GARD (4273) today for more information or to place an order.

Saf-T-Gard is an Authorized Streamlight^® Distributor

Flashlights are more than a convenience in industrial environments – they are a critical safety and productivity tool. Streamlight^® gives you more safety-rated lights for more options in hazardous locations. Streamlight^® flashlights are tested and certified by the world’s leading independent laboratories — including Underwriters Laboratories, ATEX, Demko, and the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA). This testing is your assurance that the Streamlight^® flashlight you choose will be safe in the environment(s) in which you’ll be using it.

Saf-T-Gard offers a variety of Streamlight^® flashlight styles in various classes, divisions, and groups. Click here to shop them online, or call customer service at 1-800-548-GARD (4273) today for more information or to place an order.

Celebrate National Lineman Appreciation Day with 20% Savings

This promotion is valid on web orders only. Offer expires on April 30, 2026. Some additional exclusions may apply.

Saf‑T‑Gard extends our deepest thanks to the men and women who put their lives on the line every day to keep the lights on and our communities safe. In honor of their dedication, and in recognition of the dangerous conditions they face, we’re proud to offer 20% off all products ordered on Saftgard.com, including:

Checkers Safety Ground Protection Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) Tool

Checkers Safety Provides Motion Safety Solutions for Jobsite Applications

Checkers Safety range of products includes cable protectors, wheel chocks, ground protection, visual safety warning whips, and traffic and parking safety solutions.

Improve Your Safety and Operations

Help reduce injuries, damage to equipment, and costly shutdown fines using high-quality safety solutions.

Reduce Your Total Cost of Ownership

Checkers Safety products are engineered to last years, not days, maximizing your return on investment.

Get the Expert Support You Need

With experts in every market and representatives across the world, Checkers Safety and Saf-T-Gard are ready to help you pick the right safety equipment for your application and needs.

This calculator helps you estimate the total cost of ownership for Checkers ground protection mats compared to alternatives like plywood, factoring in product life, reuse, and damage reduction over time. It shows how investing in reusable HDPE mats can lower long‑term costs by reducing surface repairs, replacements, and downtime across repeated projects.

Saf-T-Gard is proud to offer a selection of Checkers Safety products to help round out our customers' safety programs. Click here to shop them online, or call customer service at 1-800-548-GARD (4273) today for more information or to place an order.

Watch the FREE Leading Edges in Fall Protection: An Overview of Leading Edge Work and Applicable Standards Webinar Sponsored by 3M ON DEMAND

The term "leading edge" is often used to describe the forefront of innovation and progress, but in the context of fall protection, it takes on a more literal meaning. Leading edges can be found on construction sites, industrial facilities, and other work environments where employees are required to operate at height.

Unfortunately, working at a leading edge presents unique risks, including the potential for falls, which can result in severe injuries or even fatalities. To address these risks, it is essential to have a clear understanding of the hazards associated with leading edge work and the safety standards that must be followed.

By the end of this webinar, attendees should have a better understanding of the following learning objectives:

Five Safety Tips

1. SOUND ADVICE FOR SAFETY – If you have to raise your voice to be heard at arm’s length, noise levels likely exceed safe limits – it’s time to wear hearing protection.

2. SOUND ADVICE FOR SAFETY – Choose the right Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) – higher isn’t always better if it leads to improper fit or inconsistent use.

3. SOUND ADVICE FOR SAFETY – Disposable earplugs should be rolled up tightly and inserted properly to achieve full protection - a poor fit can reduce effectiveness significantly.

4. SOUND ADVICE FOR SAFETY – Reusable earplugs and earmuffs should be cleaned and inspected regularly for wear, cracks, or loss of cushioning that can impact performance.

5. SOUND ADVICE FOR SAFETY – Implement a hearing conservation program that includes monitoring, training, and regular hearing tests to protect workers long term.

Visit with Saf-T-Gard

iP Utility Safety Conference & Expo –Tuesday, May 5, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. (Eastern Time), and Wednesday, May 6, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. (Eastern Time), DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, Orlando, FL, Booth #413

NECA Safety Professionals Conference (NSPC) –Tuesday, May 19, 2026, from 12:15 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. (Eastern Time), and from 4:45 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. (Eastern Time), DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, Atlanta, GA, Booth #TBD

The Battery Show & Electric & Hybrid Vehicle Technology Expo – Tuesday, October 13, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Eastern Time), Wednesday, October 14, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Eastern Time), and Thursday, October 15, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (Eastern Time), Huntington Place, Detroit, MI, Booth #6724

Question 1 – Does 29 CFR 1910.151(b) only cover basic first aid?

Answer – Paragraph 1910.151(b) of OSHA's general industry standard, Medical services and first aid (29 CFR 1910.151), states, "In the absence of an infirmary, clinic, or hospital in near proximity to the workplace which is used for the treatment of all injured employees, a person or persons shall be adequately trained to render first aid. Adequate first aid supplies shall be readily available." Employers should provide medical services and first aid that are most appropriate to respond to incidents at their workplaces. OSHA allows employers to tailor the specific details of their first aid and medical services program, depending on the circumstances of each workplace and employer.

Question 2 – Is having personnel trained in adult cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) an OSHA requirement?

Answer – OSHA recommends that CPR training be a general program element of a first aid program. However, some OSHA standards, for example, Logging operations (29 CFR 1910.266), Permit-required confined spaces (29 CFR 1910.146), and Electric power generation, transmission, and distribution (29 CFR 1910.269), have specific requirements that employees be trained in first aid and CPR. If an employer is covered by one of these specific standards, CPR training would be required.

Saf-T-Gard Spotlight

Cameron Aune is a Strategic Account Executive and recently joined Saf-T-Gard.

What Cameron likes about Saf-T-Gard:

"Everyone has been incredibly helpful as I’ve been starting here. I’ve always enjoyed getting to know my customers, building relationships, and helping them solve problems to keep their employees safe."

What makes Cameron's day:

“Many things make my day! Having great conversations with customers, winning an opportunity, getting a contact name from a prospective customer, and helping get customers out of a bind.”

Cameron's outside interests are:

“My wife and I love hanging out with our dog and cats. We try to get to as many White Sox and Blackhawks games as possible throughout the year, and enjoy watching the Bears beat the Packers. We also like going to see live music. I love getting outside and hiking or relaxing in the sun and throwing the ball around with our dog.”

Do OSHA regulations require a shower and eyewash station near a spray booth for use with lacquer and contact adhesive?

The OSHA requirements for emergency eyewashes and showers, found at 29 CFR 1910.151(c), specify that "Where the eyes or body of any person may be exposed to injurious corrosive materials, suitable facilities for quick drenching or flushing of the eyes and body shall be provided within the work area for immediate emergency use." As the standard states, an eyewash and/or safety shower would be required where an employee's eyes or body could be exposed to injurious corrosive materials. If none of the materials used in this work area is an injurious corrosive (as indicated by the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for each product), then an emergency eyewash or shower would not be required pursuant to 1910.151(c).

While not having the force of a regulation under the OSH Act, the ANSI standard addressing emergency eyewash and shower equipment (ANSI Z358.1) provides for eyewash and shower equipment in appropriate situations when employees are exposed to hazardous materials. ANSI's definition of "hazardous material" would include caustics, as well as additional substances and compounds that have the capability of producing adverse effects on the health and safety of humans. ANSI's standard also provides detail with respect to the location, installation, nature, and maintenance of eyewash and shower equipment.

As I See It

It’s April 2026 and this month I would like to state for the record that size matters when it comes to our capability to supply industry with world-class industrial safety products and personal protective equipment (PPE). Hold on to this thought for a moment - "large enough to get the job done and small enough to care."

Saf-T-Gard is celebrating our 90^th birthday – four generations of family leadership committed to the finest products and services to fulfill our mission statement “To provide, based on experience, expertise, and understanding of our customer’s requirements, solutions to their needs for industrial safety products and personal protective equipment (PPE) of the finest world-class quality, appropriate and suitable for the purposes intended, that provide value, safety, and security.”

I can safely (and proudly) confess that Saf-T-Gard alone is not the largest safety products supplier (not the smallest either). But we can also boast that with the support and combined resources of AD-Affiliated Distributors of which we are a member-owner, collectively are larger than the “big 3” industrial distributors. Here’s the proof. Our AD combined buying power is more than $25 billion! Distributor “G” sales are around $16 billion. Distributor "M" sales are around $8 billion. Distributor "F" sales are around $7 billion. That’s why we are "large enough to get the job done."

The other half of that statement is equally, if not more, important. We’re in the people business – real people to talk to, real people to analyze customers’ operational hazards, real people to recommend productivity-enhancing, cost-effective solutions. We’ve invested in the technology to support what our real people are doing for you, our customers. We’ll answer the phone with a smile, take the time to understand your needs, and then we’ll engage our team to make it happen. That’s what we mean by "small enough to care."

To the tens of thousands of customers nationwide and worldwide that we have served more than 90 years – thank you.

If you’re ready for a fresh, personal approach to safety products and services, give us a call or visit us online at www.saftgard.com. Experience matters when it comes to your workers’ safety. That’s us -
Saf-T-Gard International –Bringing Workers Home Safely Since 1936.

Sincerely,
Richard A. Rivkin, CEO and Chairman of the Board