HSE International ISSUE 104 | Page 18

SAFETY PRODUCTS & PPE: SUNDSTRÖM SAFETY AB WORLD-CLASS RESPIRATORY PROTECTION S undström Safety AB was founded in 1926 by mining engineer Ivan Sundström, who recognised the risk of occupational lung disease and the need to protect the eyes and lungs of miners. Ivan began producing respirators, and the company and its products were developed by his son Per, whose art studies included analysis of the anatomy of the human body. The understanding of human face forms laid the foundations for the design and technical developments of Sundström products. Since 1993, Sundström has been ISO 9001 certified. This was a natural step in quality development, and the company has continued to deliver its aim and motto - to protect people against polluted air - throughout and into the 21st Century. Tony Smith, Sales Manager for the UK & Ireland continued: “We always endeavour to offer the best possible protection. Sundström has a strong custom in heavier industries such as steel and mining, but we do sell to the full spec trum of industry, from manufacturing to pharmaceuticals. We cover the whole of Europe and have operations in US, Australia, Asia and Russia. “On a worldwide basis, we employ just over 100 people. It is my responsibility to manage a UK team of 4 technical Sales Representatives, who spend most of their time advising and promoting optimum levels of RPE protection. “As a sales team, we spend around 75% of our time 18 HSE INTERNATIONAL training end users in the correct fitting and maintenance of our range. We feel that establishing a role where health and safety is the top priority to both employers and employees is crucial, along with helping them to meet legislative standards. This includes experts who are involved with the development of new ISO standards, so we can be at the cutting edge of product innovation and development..” Sundström are proud members and liaise closely with BSIF and the British Safety Council. “We also work with several government and industrial bodies to promote safe working practices. We have been involved with the British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS) and are always looking to promote respiratory health to industrial bodies representing all sectors. It is all about educating industry on how we can protect respiratory needs,” Tony added. Sundström is synonymous with offering a wide product range far in excess of legislative requirements. Some of the respirators available include: Half mask SR 100 The SR 100, negative pressure half mask is made of silicone and is available in three sizes, S/M, M/L and L/XL. This mask is equipped with two exhalation valves, ensuring