The National Ready Mixed Concrete Association has introduced a four-part tape series on Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs). The Protection Section Series — Parts 1, 2, 3, & 4 answers the “whats, whys, and how-tos” of PPEs, and provides in-depth discussions for proper safety issues concerning drivers. Part 1 discusses the “big picture” view for PPEs, and inspecting and properly caring for a hard hat. Part 2 concentrates on the eyes and ears, with information on the five types of eye protection and the three types of hearing protection. Part 3 focuses on safety vests and gloves, with detailed discussions, and factors for consideration when choosing each. Part 4 covers the PPEs boots and centers on six critical tips for getting a proper fitting pair. It also emphasizes how to recognize and provide strategies for preventing heat stress/exhaustion and hypothermia.

All four tapes are scheduled for release by the middle of September. Each tape is available to NRMCA members for $70 or $200 for the four-part series. Concurrent with the PPE series release, NRMCA is firming up the agenda for the 2003 Mentor Driver Workshop, December 11-12, in Orlando. NRMCA encourages current user companies to elect their new Mentor Drivers for 2003 and send them to the workshop. The Orlando gathering will be the only workshop of 2003. Information on the Mentor Driver program or PPE series can be obtained from NRMCA's Jacques Jenkins, 888/846-7622, ext. 1165; jjenkins@nrmca.org; or at NRMCA's website, www.nrmca.org.