Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to common queries about our products and services.
Q 1. What is the strength of KARAM harnesses?
Ans. KARAM harnesses undergo rigorous testing and meet safety standards for use in potentially hazardous environments. These harnesses are tested as per procedures laid down in the relevant EN/ISI standards to sustain a static load of 15 KN for 3 minutes without showing any signs of damage to the webbing or metal parts.
Q 2. What is the shelf life of KARAM harnesses?
Ans. When stored in ideal conditions (as specified in the instructional manual) the shelf life of KARAM harnesses extends up to 10 years.
Q 3. What will a shock-absorbing lanyard limit fall-arrest force to?
Ans. A shock-absorbing lanyard absorbs shock during the fall and it ensures to limit force to less than 6kN.
Q 4. What features should you look for in a lanyard before buying it?
Ans. Lanyard selection depends on the available anchor structure and fall clearance distance. Users must ensure that they should not fall on the ground in case the lanyard is deployed after absorbing the shock. The other most important factor is the area of application. Users can select restraint lanyard, work positioning lanyard or fall arrest lanyard depending upon the application areas.
Q 5. Can we use KARAM rope grab fall arrester PN 2000 with any anchorage line other than KARAM polyamide anchorage line?
Ans. KARAM rope grab fall arrester PN 2000 is a guided-type fall arrester on a flexible anchorage line and is certified as per EN 353-2. We recommend that the rope grab be used only along with the KARAM polyamide anchorage line of 14mm or 16mm dia. because it has been tested and certified in this combination only. If used with any other anchorage line the product cannot be considered as a certified equipment. KARAM shall not be liable for any consequences incurred thereafter.
Q 6. What is the frequency of servicing the KARAM retractable blocks?
Ans. We recommend sending KARAM retractable fall arrester blocks to KARAM authorized service centre for inspection and servicing each time the equipment is arrested a fall. Additionally, as per EN 365 and SANS 50365 of PPE Directives, PPE needs to be inspected every 12 months (from the date of first use) by a competent person appropriately authorized by the manufacturer.
Q 7. Can I use my fall arrest harness as a rescue harness?
Ans. Not all fall protection harnesses can be used for rescue. For carrying out rescue activities, the harness should have attachment points on sternal and ventral position along with attachment point on dorsal position.
Q 8. What can I use for safe anchorage where the termination hook of my lanyard is unable to provide the required opening?
Ans. KARAM offers an entire range of anchorage slings of various lengths. These slings can easily be tied around the strong support structures (taking care that there are no sharp edges) hence providing ready anchorage points.
Q 9. How can I clean my KARAM harness?
Ans. In case of minor soiling, wipe the full body harness with cotton cloth or a soft brush. Do not use any abrasive material. For intensive cleaning wash the harness in water at a temperature not more than 40ºC using a neutral detergent (pH7). Do not use acid or basic detergents. Follow the washing instructions mentioned in the user instructions manual without any deviations.
Q 10. What is the maximum weight of a worker suitable for wearing KARAM harness?
Ans. KARAM harnesses are tested on 140 kg dummy mass.
Q 11. How can I get safe anchorage on structures like I-Beams?
Ans. KARAM provides a ready solution for anchorage on I-beams through its product beam anchor reference SA 08. The adjustable arm of the anchor post allows usage on I-beams of various widths.
Q 12. How can we get safe anchorage over the length of a roof?
Ans. KARAM provides a portable easy to use temporary horizontal anchorage line PN 3000 which is available in a total length of 20 m. This line can be adjusted for lengths ranging from 5m to 20m. You can use anchorage slings on the posts to connect this horizontal line at the two ends.
Q 1. How can certified eye and face protection be recognized?
Ans. Certified eye and face protectors will always have certification marking stamped or engraved on the lenses, frames (front and temples).
Q 2. How to care and store safety eyewear?
Ans. Clean safety eyewear with mild soap and water. Wash lenses with water before wiping. Store eye protection preferably in a clean dust-proof case. Replace the safety eyewear if lenses are scratched or pitted.
Q 3. How is a goggle different from a spectacle?
Ans. A spectacle generally has a lens mounted on a frame with side arms and it covers the maximum of the area around our eyes while in a goggle, the lenses are mounted on a shroud, and it completely seals the area around eyes. Goggles generally have headbands for better fit.
Q 4. Does a person using prescription glasses need a safety spectacle?
Ans. Yes, the employee who wears prescription lenses while engaged in operations that involve eye hazards must wear eye protection that incorporates the prescription in its design or wear the safety eyewear that can be worn over the prescription lenses without disturbing the position of the prescription lenses. KARAM offers ES 007 spectacle for this purpose. This can easily be fit over most prescription spectacles and provides optimum protection against harmful radiations as well.
Q 5. Which lens should be used for protection against UV rays?
Ans. Polycarbonate, by its nature, filters 99.9% UV rays. In that way, all KARAM spectacles have UV protection.
Q 6. Is IR filter common for all types of welding?
Ans. No, there are different IR filter shades. The wavelength of IR emitted from different types of welding works varies. Therefore, it is advised to select the filter shade as per the work situation. Generally, IR 5 shade suits all gas welding types and IR 11 suits arc welding types.
Q 7. I have to switch frequently between the machine shop and outdoor work. Which spectacle will be suitable for me?
Ans. The indoor/outdoor spectacle with a slight tinted coating makes the user comfortable both in the outdoor and indoor light. So that is the most suitable spectacle for your work. KARAM offers ES 006 for this application.
Q 8. What is hard coating?
Ans. Polycarbonate lenses get scratched due to its physical property and the working conditions where we use it. So, to minimize scratches, and to provide durability and longevity to the lens, a high quality thermally cured chemical coating is done which is called hard coating.
Q 9. Why do the goggles have ventilation?
Ans. The goggles give a complete sealing by tight fit and hence the water vapor in your sweat creates moisture that disturbs the vision. So, the goggles are provided with indirect ventilation holes for the comfort of the user and clear vision.
Q 10. What are the numbers and letters present on the lens of most safety spectacles?
Ans. They are the lens markings consisting of Lens scale no., manufacturer identification, optical class, Originality mark, certification mark, mechanical resistance and optical requirement marking. These markings are done according to the tests the spectacle has undergone based on the respective standards.
Q 1. Do any vertical lifelines come with an extension arm?
Ans. Yes, PN 8000 and PN 9000 come with an extension arm that curve at the ladder end over the working platform for safe access.
Q 2. Which fixed lifeline system is best suited for truck loading?
Ans. KARAM Horizon PN 4000 (floor/ceiling mounted) lifeline is best suited for truck loading.
Q 3. Is there any Fixed Lifeline which can be used by multiple users simultaneously?
Ans. KARAM horizontal anchorage lifeline system PN 4000-roof mounted and PN 4000-floor ceiling mounted are the ones which can be used by multiple users.
Q 4. Does KARAM offer anchor posts for trapezoidal roofs?
Ans. Yes, there is a wide range of anchor posts available for trapezoidal roofs. Also, KARAM offers a variety of roof posts for standing seam roofs too.
Q 5. How do I install a fixed line system at my site?
Ans: KARAM has trained and experienced installers to install the fixed line system at the client's site.
Q 6. Can I have a shock absorption mechanism in my extremity post?
Ans. Yes, KARAM has 2 extremity posts that come with an inbuilt shock absorption mechanism which activates in the event of a fall and reduces the forces felt onto the body of the user.
Q 7. Can KARAM fixed line systems be used in explosive areas like petroleum or petrochemical plants?
Ans. KARAM's full range of fixed line systems are ATEX certified. They can be used in hazardous areas and are safe to use within a potentially explosive atmosphere.
Q 8. What is the material of construction of KARAM fixed line system?
Ans. KARAM's range of fixed line systems is available in stainless steel SS 316 and aluminum alloy. Choose the one as per your industry requirement.
Q 1. What is better between a 4 point and 6 point helmet?
Ans. When it comes to helmets, the number of points used to secure the helmet is not necessarily an indicator of its effectiveness or safety. The number of attachment points may vary depending on the type and purpose of the helmet.
The first main difference between these models is the amount of suspension each helmet contains; the 4pt models have only two straps on each side for a total of 4pt while the 6pt models have 3 straps per each side. Although both deemed safe by the certifying bodies, a person should look into what type of work will be done to determine which helmet to wear. 6pt suspension models offer superior protection in regard to blows in which the lateral side of the head comes in contact, or the blow comes from an off-centre axis, whereas 4pt models offer good coverage for the side of the head with superior protection for the front and top.
Q 2. Are KARAM helmets suitable for use on bikes?
Ans. KARAM helmets are certified for protection of the head from overhead impact hence they are ideal for use in environments where there is potential fall of material, tools, etc. from above whereas KARAM helmets are neither tested nor certified for protection against impact from the sides hence it is not advisable for use on bikes.
Q 3. What is the shelf life of KARAM helmets?
Ans. When stored in ideal conditions away from direct sunlight and humidity, the shelf life of a KARAM helmet can go up to 5 years.
Q 4. How to care and store safety helmets?
Ans. Safety helmets should be cleaned with warm water and soap, on a regular basis. It must be stored in a clean dry area away from sunlight, not subjected to extremes of heat, cold or humidity. Replace the helmet immediately, if it is cracked, dented or shows any signs of wear and tear.
Q 1. How long can someone be in a loud noise before it's hazardous?
Ans. Sound-level meters measure noise levels which are represented in decibels or dBA. The higher the noise level, the louder the noise. You can listen to sounds at 70 dBA or lower, as long as you want. Sounds at 85 dBA can lead to hearing loss if you listen to them for more than 8 hours at a time. Sounds over 85 dBA can damage your hearing faster. The safe listening time is cut in half for every 3 dB rise in noise levels over 85 dBA.
Q 2. What is the difference between earplugs and earmuffs?
Ans. Ear plugs are an ideal choice for ear protection during long hours of exposure in areas prone to a high decibel sound. They are inserted inside your ear, with the purpose of blocking your ear canal. Earmuffs are versatile, apt for usage during a shorter duration of exposure to unwanted sound and come with different features, like helmet-mountable, foldable etc.
Q 3. How do I pick my hearing protectors?
Ans. It is important to use suitable hearing protectors to safeguard against overexposure to noise. Using the right hearing protection equipment is vital in a specific industry situation. Choose the one as per the area of application. You can use ear plugs in grinding, drilling, milling operations, newspaper and press industry etc. Earmuffs are apt for in Industrial applications like agricultural, construction, heavy machinery, etc.
Q 4. How should I care for my hearing protection device?
Ans. Wipe dirt or debris from earplugs before reusing. You can clean the earmuffs by cleaning it with warm soapy water. Replace foam earplugs and earmuffs when they become damaged or when they no longer recover to their original shape, softness or expansion characteristics. Store earplugs or earmuffs in their original packaging or in a clean and dry polybag
Q 1. What are some key differences between a face respirator, a surgical mask, and a face covering?
Ans. Face respirators are considered respiratory protection. If worn correctly, these respirators offer excellent protection against air contaminants, viruses, micro-organisms, dust, smoke etc. due to their advanced filter material and snug fit feature. A surgical mask is meant to be used by medical personnel during surgeries and provide optimum level of protection from droplets, splashes, sprays or splatter that may contain germs. Regarding face coverings, these are not considered respiratory protection. Made from cloth it does not efficiently filter Covid-19 virus as it does not have filtering fabric.
Q 2. How do I clean my face mask?
Ans. KARAM does not recommend using a reusable cloth mask as it does not efficiently filter Covid-19 virus because it does not have a filtering fabric.
When it comes to cleaning the face mask only a reusable mask should be washed whenever it gets dirty. Reusable mask can be washed with tap water and soap and can be hanged in direct sunlight to dry completely.
Q 3. How should I store my face mask?
Ans. To store and reuse your face mask properly, follow these steps:
- Remove your mask correctly and wash your hands thoroughly afterward.
- Keep the mask in a dry, breathable bag. For example, you could use a paper or mesh fabric bag.
- When you want to use the mask again, take it out from the bag and inspect for any signs of damage or wear, if there are no such signs then you can use it.
- If the mask appears damaged or is visibly soiled, discard it and use a new one instead.
By following these simple guidelines, you can help ensure that your face mask remains clean, effective, and safe to use again.
Q 4. Can I re-use my face mask?
Ans. Whether you can reuse your face mask depends on the type of mask you are using. Here are some general guidelines:
- Surgical masks should be discarded after each use and not reused.
- N95 and FFP masks can be worn for up to 8-12 hours before needing to be discarded or replaced.
- Reusable cloth masks can be washed and reused multiple times. (KARAM does not recommend using a reusable cloth mask as it does not efficiently filter Covid-19 virus because it does not have a filtering fabric.)
Q 5. How can I keep my glasses from fogging while wearing a mask?
Ans. If your glasses fog up while wearing a mask, it is possible that the mask does not fit properly. Look for a mask with an adjustable nose clip. Once your mask is in place, press the nose clip to adjust the fit over the bridge of your nose. A snug-fitting mask will help keep puffs of warm breath from fogging the lenses.
