As well as being the object of utility, furniture can also define our habits and serve as a means of expressing our taste and mindset. They play an aesthetic role in a property, contributing significantly to creating a unique atmosphere. Vintage or much-used, less durable pieces of furniture can wear out over time and need to be renewed. If you want to give your tired furniture a new look quickly and easily, then the best option is furniture wrapping!

There are countless reasons why you might want to give a piece of furniture a new look. It could be that the teeth of time have left their mark on the surface, but it could also be that you're on the verge of a style change, or that the piece of furniture is being moved to another room where it doesn't fit in.

Furniture renewal can be done in several ways, but if you're short on time and looking for a quick, and cost-effective solution, then furniture wrapping is the best option.

What is furniture wrapping?

Furniture wrapping is a process whereby a piece of furniture is simply covered with a special film. This film is self-adhesive in most cases and consists of three main parts. As with stickers, there is a protective layer, the surface itself and an adhesive layer that adheres to the furniture sheet. Self-adhesive wallpaper works on a similar principle and is mostly used for decorating interior surfaces.

Self-adhesive wallpapers and furniture films are available in a variety of colours, some with a wood effect, some with a stone-like appearance and some with a metallic coldness on the furniture’s surface.

The protective layer is removed during application and its function is to protect the film from external influences. So, for example, when the tiles are placed on the side of a cabinet they must be peeled off.

The purpose of the glueing is to ensure that the film adheres firmly to the surface. It is common to encounter cases where the adhesive tape comes off the MDF surface that has been purchased ready-made, typically the cabinet furniture front. What could be the reason for this?

MDF is wood fibre based and is produced with high-pressure pressing. A huge advantage is that it is easy to handle, simple to paint and foil. Their characteristic feature is that the heat and pressure during application cause the glue to cross-link, which is what binds the film. However, in the case of plywood, the evaporation of the resin can weaken the adhesive, not to mention the fact that adhesion can also be impaired by heat. It is important to note that films by their very nature like to shrink to their original size, which can also cause them to separate from the surface. However, with a little care and the choice of good quality materials, these negatives can be avoided, and a retro-fitted thermal barrier film can ensure a long life.

Some tips for use

1. Start small! If you are inexperienced, it is a good idea to start with a simple surface, such as a flat and level surface.
2. Clean, then glue! Before you start glueing the film, clean the surface thoroughly, dust and degrease it, as this is the only way to ensure that the film sticks properly to the surface. When cleaning, use a microfibre cloth, as this will attract dirt and make it easier to remove.
3. Prime! If the surface of the furniture has not been treated with anything, it is a good idea to start by priming it, i.e. starting with the primer.
4. Take it one step at a time! Glueing is not too difficult, but it needs some practice. Firstly, unroll small pieces (10 cm) of foil, as much as you can safely handle. Working from the centre outwards, smooth the foil up so that there is no air trapped underneath. It's best to do this with a special smoothing tool, but if nothing else, a microfibre cloth will do.

Advantages of the self-adhesive film

• The self-adhesive film has both advantages and disadvantages. Here are the advantages that have made this method of furniture refinishing a favourite for many!
• It forms a waterproof layer on the surface of the furniture, meaning that it does not allow moisture to reach the wood.
• It does not emit substances harmful to human health like most paints.
• There is a wide range of product variability available on the market.
• Easy to apply, nothing special, expensive, nor difficult-to-obtain equipment is needed. All you need is the film itself and a trowel.
• The application is not complicated, it requires attention, but it is easy to learn.

Disadvantages of self-adhesive film

Furniture films are very popular, but some problems can arise when using them. Let's look at the disadvantages!

• Wood does not breathe under the film as it completely seals the surface.
• Poor quality foil can deteriorate over time, but good quality foil can last for a long time.
• Damages and other physical impacts will show on the foil, just like on the original furniture board.

Renewing furniture with filming is more cost-effective and environmentally friendly than buying new pieces. Give your furniture a new colour, refresh your interior, liven up your spaces!

The FFP masks were usually used by professionals, industry, and health care workers, but the COVID-19 pandemic has made these respiratory protection devices a common tool. The use of particle-filtering half-masks has long been a mandatory legal requirement in many workplaces. In this post, we have put together all you need to know about the use of the FFP-2 mask and other FFP mask types.

In workplace environments, such as in a factory or laboratory, professionals are constantly exposed to hazardous substances daily. The various aerosols and fine dust particles yield high risks because they can be carcinogenic, in some cases, radioactive and can damage the human respiratory system.

The most effective protection against these hazards is the use of particle-filtering half-masks covering the nose and mouth, which must be worn in workplaces where concentrations of particulate matter, fumes and aerosols exceed a pre-specified level.

What is a particulate filtering half mask, or respirator, for?

An FFP mask (Filtering Facepiece Particular) is a respiratory protection mask, i.e. the mask filters the inhaled air through a filter, trapping pollutants so that they cannot pass through the protective layer(s).

In theory, this provides sufficient protection, however, in practice, standard masks can never provide 100% protection due to so-called suction leakage. This phenomenon occurs because the protective device does not fully align with the face. Between the surface of the skin and the mask, at the joints, or the valves, air from the environment can easily get in, creating a leakage that reduces the protective effect.

There are three classes of masks based on suction leakage standards (EU standard EN 149):

• FFP 1: maximum suction leakage: 22%, application: non-hazardous in case of dust, dirt.
• FFP 2: maximum suction leakage: 8%, application: fine dust, medium hazardous chemicals, fibrogenic dust, droplets, liquids.
• FFP 3: maximum suction leakage: 5%, application: toxic substances.

Within the different categories of FFP masks, there are two basic types: there are versions with and without valves. The latter has the advantage of reducing the warming-up of the respiratory protection device.

FFP masks are available in different shapes and colours. They are designed to fit comfortably on the bridge of the nose and the face, which helps to avoid fogging of the goggles.

It is important to note that FFP masks are disposable. This is because the filter inside the mask becomes clogged with filtered impurities over time, thus increasing the breathing resistance and requiring the replacement of the protective device.

 FFP1 mask

FFP 1 masks provide the lowest level of protection of the FFP mask categories and should be used when the working environment is not contaminated by toxic substances and fibrogenic dust. In other words, if inhalation of the substances does not result in serious harm but causes discomfort and irritation.

The FFP 1 mask filters 80% of the particles and is recommended for use in environments where the occupational exposure limit does not exceed four times the limit. Typically, these masks are required in the construction and food industries.

FFP 2 mask

The FFP 2 masks provide more protection than the FFP 1 masks in general. They can be used to avoid the negative effects of harmful solids, liquids, aerosols, dust, and fumes. These are substances that may cause irritation in the short term but can lead to serious illness in the longer term, for example by reducing the elasticity of lung tissue.

These masks filter out 94% of particles and are recommended for use where measured levels do not exceed ten times the occupational exposure limit.

There are some industries where FFP 2 masks are commonly used. Examples include mining and metallurgy environments. These are all areas where workers may encounter substances that can cause long-term illness.

FFP 3 mask

FFP 3 masks provide the highest level of protection among the respiratory protection masks. They are highly effective against toxic fumes, aerosols, and dust, and also protect from radioactive materials, viruses, bacteria and fungal spores. They filter out 99% of harmful particles in the air.

They perform best in environments where occupational exposure limits are not exceeded by more than 30 times. A typical environment is the chemical industry, where the highest level of respiratory protection is required.

FFP masks and the coronavirus

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the use of FFP masks has spread outside the workplace. As a means of protection against the virus, the use of masks has been made mandatory in several countries, and in many places the use of masks with a protection level of at least FFP 2.

From a virus protection point of view, these masks are of great importance, as they prevent or at least reduce the possibility of the spread of the virus.

Respiratory protection in the workplace is not only a recommendation but also an occupational health and safety requirement. The various FFP masks are easy and simple to use and are worn with the minimum of discomfort. They play an important role in the prevention of workplace hazards, along with other protective equipment such as goggles, earplugs, and helmets.

According to a recently published statistic by the Hungarian Central Statistical Office, two-thirds of fatal accidents at home are caused by falls, slips and stumbles. Creating a safe environment both inside and outside the home is vitally important, and with the optimal precautions, unfortunate accidents can be easily avoided. Indoor and outdoor anti-slip tapes play a very important role in protecting ourselves. Let's see what you need to know about it!

Indoor and outdoor anti-slip tape

The purpose of the indoor and outdoor anti-slip tape is to make it safe to walk on slippery surfaces in rainy weather, during snow and when the surfaces are wet. For children and elderly people, it is particularly difficult to move safely in such conditions: maintaining balance is a real challenge. These anti-slip tapes help to prevent slips and fall by preventing the foot from slipping.

An anti-slip tape is attached to the pavement with the help of a self-adhesive surface. It is typically based on a highly elastic PVC tape with layers of aluminium oxide crystals in varying amounts, depending on the type of the tape. These crystals form a rough, scratch-resistant, abrasion-resistant layer that prevents slipping.

Where to place the anti-slip tape?

Generally, wherever the surface material makes it necessary. These tapes can be used both outdoors and indoors. They are most used on stairs and ramps, but they can also be used on a flat horizontal surface if the surface becomes slippery on its own or is constantly in contact with water. They can be applied on the surface of marble, artificial stone, wood, various types of ceramics or even smooth concrete.

Anti-slip tape for all needs

Different types of anti-slip tape are the best choice for different situations. With so many types available today, it makes a difference which rolls you put in your virtual shopping basket or pick up off the shelf at the store. Let's look at the most common types!

Tape and sheet

The non-slip surface of the cover can be achieved by using self-adhesive tapes and sheets. The properties of tiles and tapes are the same, so the circumstances and the size of the surface would mostly decide which version is the better choice.

From normal to extra roughness

Normal gauge tapes are easy to apply and very durable. As PVC sheets form the basis of the tape, they do not become soggy when exposed to moisture. There are three levels of material roughness - normal, enhanced, and extra. The characterisation of the risk factors determines which one to choose.

Where there is normal pedestrian traffic, a standard grade of tape is sufficient. Of course, a coarser version can be installed, but it is less wear-resistant and will need to be replaced in a shorter time.

Such tapes can be applied to stair surfaces, scaffolding, ladder rungs, entrances, various types of machinery and vehicles to make the surface safer to walk on.

The extra-roughened ribbon is best used in places where the size of the crystals on normal anti-slip strips is insufficient, for example on ramps where large machines or forklifts are used.

Rubber-based materials

Rubber and medium elasticity tapes are most often used in swimming pools, spas, bathrooms, and showers. They are medium grooved and perform particularly well in wet environments.

The tapes can be applied to both indoor and outdoor surfaces, although care should be taken to ensure that the tape is applied to surfaces with temperatures above +10C°.

Surfaces based options

The advantage of aluminium-based anti-slip tapes is that they are much easier to adapt to the characteristics of the surface. This is most often used when the floor surface is metal, which is most often the case in industrial environments.

Their application is as simple as that of plastic (PVC) based tapes: thanks to the self-adhesive design, they are simply smoothed over the metal surface, then pressed down and smoothed to the pattern.

Colours for safety indication

Self-adhesive anti-slip tapes can be coloured to warn of danger or potential risks. If the highlight of the surface is important, a black and yellow stripe colour combination is a particularly good choice, as it indicates to passers-by that they should proceed with extra care and caution.

Transparent options

You may have a nice, special floor surface that you don't want to cover up with anti-slip strips, but you still want to provide some form of safety. Luckily, anti-slip tapes are also available in transparent designs, so you don't have to sacrifice safety for aesthetics.

Phosphorescence options

There are also greenish glow-in-the-dark ribbons that "fill up" in daylight and help you find your way at night with their greenish-yellowish light. These are particularly useful in places where you often must travel in the dark or dim light.

Weak adhesive options

There are also versions of anti-slip tapes with a weakened adhesive strip. This has the advantage that it leaves no marks, and the surface remains clean once the tape has been removed. However, it has the disadvantage of being less durable. For this reason, they are recommended for use in cases where the surface is sensitive and only a temporary non-slip surface is required.

Tape on aluminium sheet

There are cases where it is not advisable to choose self-adhesive tape because of the material of the surface, for example, if you want to apply non-slip tape to a staircase with a grid. In this case, the ideal choice is anti-slip tape applied to aluminium sheets, which can be fixed to the surface with screws.

Anti-slip tapes are designed to make traffic safer for both people and machinery. They can be used in both residential and industrial environments, and even in the home, where they are easy to install, to ensure the safety of the family.

Head protection is of paramount importance in a variety of jobs. As a private individual, it is everyone's responsibility to protect their body while cycling, skiing or other activities. For companies, however, this is not only an option but an obligation, and the framework for this is laid down in the health and safety regulations. In this post, we look at what a good quality safety helmet can do and what types of safety equipment exist.

Occupational safety takes a different form in every work area. While in an office environment, factors such as regular exercise, breaks, and good posture play the most important role, there are other jobs where physical protection of the body is vital.

The complexity of the protective clothing and the number of garments depends on the exact nature of the job and the hazards to which the worker is exposed. The head is one of the most vulnerable parts of the body, so it is no wonder that a safety helmet is the number one piece of protective equipment. 

Are all helmets hard hats?

In a working environment, the short answer is no. Indeed, employers can only claim to have taken care of the physical safety of their employees if they provide them with suitable, certified protection gear that complies with regulations and standards. Be aware that certain helmets are not compatible with regulatory standards, therefore, cannot be considered hard hats.

The purpose of the hard hat is to protect the head from external physical impact. However, it can only do this if it is in perfect condition, so it is worth checking the surface of the hard hat for damage and cracks regularly. If any defects are found, the hat should be replaced, as a damaged one may not be able to provide the same level of protection. Each hard hat has a validity period of several years. Once the expiry date has passed, it is essential to replace it.

In addition to hard hats, it is worth mentioning another type of head protection, which is mostly used in less dangerous work areas. These are baseball caps that protect against low-force impacts, making working conditions more comfortable.

Classification of hard hats

Hard hats can be grouped according to several different characteristics and properties. Let's look at the most important ones.

What kind of hazards are they protecting against?

One of the basic groupings is the type of external impact the hard hat should protect against. It is not always the case that the protective equipment must withstand electricity, force, burns or extreme cold. These risk factors require different levels of resistance.

What is the standard they must comply with?

There are two categories of hard hats based on the standards, there are industrial helmets that must be used in areas where falling objects and lateral impact can cause injury. These industrial helmets are required to carry the date of manufacture, helmet type, manufacturer, size, material abbreviation and safety marking.

The other standard is for impact helmets, which are most used when working in confined spaces, such as pipelines or vehicle assembly. They are simpler in design, lighter and do not protect against falling objects.

What is a hard hat shell like?

There are so-called thermoplastic and thermosetting hard hat shells. Thermoplastics are more sensitive to UV radiation, which in practice means that their material will succumb to sunlight more quickly. These helmets can typically be used for up to 4 years.

The other category is the thermosetting helmets, which are more tolerant of sunlight, UV radiation and less brittle. Examples include glass-fibre reinforced polyester helmets, fanol-textile helmets and fibre-polyaniline acetate helmets.

The importance of colours

One might think that design is the only reason why the colour of helmets differs in some cases. However, the different colours represent different job roles. This makes it possible to tell at a glance which area of expertise a particular professional is working in. Let's look at what the colour of the helmet indicates:

- Green: mechanics,

- yellow: building construction workers,

- Red: inspectors,

- Blue: workers near high voltage,

- White/Grey: visitors.

Who is required to wear a safety hard hat and how should it be worn?

In general, hard hats are compulsory to wear for everyone on the construction sites, including visitors. It is worthwhile to comply with this rule as serious penalties can be imposed if you fail to do so, even if no accidents occur.

The use of hard hats in such an environment is therefore not an option, but an obligation. It is not enough to place the safety gear on your head, but it must be properly adjusted and switched on to ensure that it fulfils its protective function.

How to care for the hard hat?

The hard hat should be cleaned from time to time, but it is important never to use strong chemicals, as this can damage the material. Sometimes a hard hat is shared between several people during work stages, so it is a good idea to disinfect the inside to ensure good hygiene. Under no circumstances should hard hats be painted, scribbled on, written on, painted over or deliberately scratched.

Otherwise, the storage of helmets is not too complicated, but care should be taken to ensure that they are not exposed to strong and direct sunlight and that the room in which they are stored is neither too hot nor extremely cold. This will prevent the material from deteriorating when it is not in use. 

Hard hat accessories

The use of hard hats alone is not always sufficient to provide adequate, full protection. The protective coverall is of course a basic piece of equipment, but the helmet can also be fitted with various accessories to suit the purpose, such as sweatbands and sweat pads to catch sweat drops that roll down the face, various vision panels and data shields to protect the face, blinders, goggle variations to protect the eyes, or earplugs to protect against hearing loss.

Safety hard hats are essential for everyone working in a hazardous environment. Accidents can occur anywhere at any time, so it's better to be safe than sorry! With proper protective equipment and maintenance, injuries and tragedies can be avoided in most cases.