As we continue to monitor the latest updates and information about the global COVID-19 outbreak, we are taking additional measures to ensure we safeguard the health of our employees and preserve our ability to operate. Over the past several weeks, we have been taking actions to help prevent infections at our sites in Alabama. Rainbow Technology has a pandemic preparedness plan that has been implemented, and we are being proactive in our approaches to ensure business continuity.
When a member of an organization’s workforce contracts any contagious illness, not only does the business suffer from the subsequent absenteeism of the employee, but productivity loss can also occur when a worker is suffering from illness and attempting to work. But there is particular concern over the spread of the COVID-19 Coronavirus that could be a devastating impact to both business operations and individual health. Fortunately, Rainbow Technology makes several different products which can be distributed throughout the workforce which can significantly reduce the incidence and transmission of everything from common cold and influenza viruses, to more serious viruses such as COVID-19. These are simple yet effective products that can work in conjunction with one another to keep employees safe and maintain optimum productivity.
The change of seasons is always a beautiful time of year, but with that nip in the air comes the many challenges of Winter. It never fails – I look at my watch and realize I’m running late. I grab my coat, run out to my car and discover it’s a block of ice. Having lived in some harsh winter regions within the Midwest, I’ve actually been in situations where I couldn’t get in my car because the doors were frozen shut. I couldn’t even get into the trunk to get the scraper out. That’s where Canadian Formula De-Icer comes to the rescue.
Industrial Field Technicians in the Utility and Telecommunications Industry have unique requirements in the equipment service work they perform. Much of their service work involves routine maintenance and repair of the equipment they support – cleaning and lubrication. But the variety of equipment they service combined with the space limitations of a service vehicle makes it nearly impossible to have the right cleaning and lubrication product on hand for any given service requirement. It is for this reason that Rainbow Technology created Multi-Purpose Lubricant.
With OSHA now requiring utility workers to wear Flame Retardant Clothing (FRC) for their personnel protection while at work, a concern has been raised as to “Can I use DEET Insect Repellent on my FR Clothing like I did on my regular work clothes?”
In the past there was not much thought of the effects of DEET being applied to non-FR Clothing for mosquito protection in the work place. But with the new changes in Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) requirements, the concern about the effects DEET has on FR Clothing needed to be addressed.
It was determined that DEET needed to be studied and tested on FR Clothing relative to arcing and exposure to open flames. This test was conducted by Rainbow Technology, ArcWare, and Kinectrics Laboratory to determine what effects DEET would have on FR Clothing when exposed to arcing. See the video below.
DEET Insect Repellent was applied on a FR Shirt, per label directions, before the arc test was conducted. The result clearly demonstrates that an application of DEET on FR Clothing propagates the flame after an arc and can contribute to body burn in the event of electric arc. It is therefore advisable not to treat any FR Clothing with any Insect Repellent containing DEET.
To find out more about Rainbow Tick & Mosquito Repellent for Clothing, click HERE.
Getting ready for summer? Protect your fiberglass ladder with Rainbow’s Fiberglass Protective Coating #4621
Fiberglass ladders will weather, as will most materials, when exposed to an outdoor environment. The degree of degradation of surface appearance will be accelerated by warm, moist climates; areas of high humidity; and high solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
The effects from weathering on fiberglass ladders includes:
1.Color change - comes from resin yellowing, fading pigment, or fiber whitening
2.Loss of gloss finish
3.Surface fiber appearance - due to erosion or “fiber blooming.” Fiber blooming is the condition in which small fibers are exposed and give the ladder a chalky appearance. These exposed fibers collect dirt or grease and may affect the electrical properties of the ladder. These raised fibers also allow water along with water vapor to penetrate the ladder and lower the electrical resistance of the rail which will reduce its value as an insulator. Lastly, this condition will cause the user discomfort if the exposed fibers penetrate the skin.
3.Physical appearance - ladders may exhibit cracking, decaying, chipping, or flaking.
Rainbow Fiberglass Protective Coating (#4621) is designed to protect fiberglass ladders and other assemblies against all of the above effects that may be caused by exposure to weather, humidity, or UV radiation.
You can use Rainbow Fiberglass Coating on these surfaces:
Fiberglass Ladders
All types of Disconnect Sticks
Material Handling Booms
Digger Derrick Booms
Temporary Change Out Equipment
Fiberglass Street Light Poles
Applying Fiberglass Protective Coating is simple:
1.Surface must be clean, dry and free of rust before spraying. Prep the surface of the ladder by lightly sanding until smooth and free of flaking and splintered fiberglass. Take care to protect surrounding areas from spray mist. For best results, use when can is between 50°F and 90°F (10°C and 32°C.).
2.Shake can at least one minute after rattle is heard and occasionally during use.
3.Spray surface with steady even strokes at a distance of 8 to 10 inches (20 to 25cm). Several light coats give a better finish than one heavy coat. Allow 30 minutes of drying time between light coats. Allow to completely dry before use.
4.To clear sprayhead for future use, turn can upside down and spray for 3 seconds. Completely empty cans may be recycled or disposed of with regular trash. Dispose of partially empty cans responsibly. DO NOT incinerate or compact.
5.If clogging develops, turn sprayhead 1/4 turn or remove and clean sprayhead slot (Figure 1). Do not stick pin or other objects into can opening. With can and sprayhead pointed away from you, reinsert sprayhead with a gentle twisting motion.
Zika is a disease caused by Zika virus that is spread to people primarily through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito.
Is this a new virus?
No. Outbreaks of Zika previously have been reported in tropical Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific Islands. Zika virus likely will continue to spread to new areas. In May 2015, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) issued an alert regarding the first confirmed Zika virus infection in Brazil. Since that time, local transmission has been reported in many other countries and territories.
What countries have Zika?
Specific areas where Zika virus transmission is ongoing are often difficult to determine and are likely to change over time.
What are the symptoms of Zika?
About 1 in 5 people infected with Zika will get sick. For people who get sick, the illness is usually mild. For this reason, many people might not realize they have been infected.
The most common symptoms of Zika virus disease are fever, rash, joint pain, or conjunctivitis (red eyes). Symptoms typically begin 2 to 7 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito.
How is Zika transmitted?
Zika is primarily transmitted through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes, the same mosquitoes that spread Chikungunya and dengue. These mosquitoes are aggressive daytime biters and they can also bite at night. Mosquitoes become infected when they bite a person already infected with the virus. Infected mosquitoes can then spread the virus to other people through bites. It can also be transmitted from a pregnant mother to her fetus during pregnancy or around the time of birth.
Who is at risk of being infected?
Anyone who lives in or travels to an area where Zika virus is found and has not already been infected with Zika virus can get it from mosquito bites.
What can people do to prevent becoming infected with Zika?
There is no vaccine to prevent Zika. The best way to prevent diseases spread by mosquitoes is to protect yourself and your family from mosquito bites. Here’s how:
Use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellents. All EPA-registered insect repellents are evaluated for safety and effectiveness.
Always follow the product label instructions.
Reapply insect repellent as directed.
Do not spray repellent on the skin under clothing.
If you are also using sunscreen, apply sunscreen before applying insect repellent.
If you have a baby or child:
Do not use insect repellent on babies younger than 2 months of age.
Dress your child in clothing that covers arms and legs, or
Cover crib, stroller, and baby carrier with mosquito netting.
Do not apply insect repellent onto a child’s hands, eyes, mouth, and cut or irritated skin.
Adults: Spray insect repellent onto your hands and then apply to a child’s face.
Treat clothing and gear with permethrin or buy permethrin-treated items.
Treated clothing remains protective after multiple washings. See product information to learn how long the protection will last.
If treating items yourself, follow the product instructions carefully.
Do NOT use permethrin products directly on skin. They are intended to treat clothing.
What is the treatment for Zika?
There is no vaccine or specific medicine to treat Zika virus infections.
Does Zika virus infection in pregnant women cause birth defects?
There have been reports of a serious birth defect of the brain called microcephaly (a condition in which a baby’s head is smaller than expected when compared to babies of the same sex and age) and other poor pregnancy outcomes in babies of mothers who were infected with Zika virus while pregnant. Knowledge of the link between Zika and these outcomes is evolving, but until more is known, CDC recommends special precautions for the following groups:
Women who are pregnant (in any trimester):
Consider postponing travel to any area where Zika virus transmission is ongoing.
If you must travel to one of these areas, talk to your doctor first and strictly follow steps to prevent mosquito bites during your trip.
Women who are trying to become pregnant:
Before you travel, talk to your doctor about your plans to become pregnant and the risk of Zika virus infection.
Strictly follow steps to prevent mosquito bites during your trip.
Does Zika virus infection cause Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS)?
Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is a rare disorder where a person’s own immune system damages the nerve cells, causing muscle weakness and sometimes, paralysis. These symptoms can last a few weeks or several months. While most people fully recover from GBS, some people have permanent damage and in rare cases, people have died.
We do not know if Zika virus infection causes GBS. It is difficult to determine if any particular germ “causes” GBS. The Brazil Ministry of Health (MOH) is reporting an increased number of people affected with GBS. CDC is collaborating with the Brazil MOH to determine if having Zika makes it more likely you will get GBS.
Should we be concerned about Zika in the United States?
The U.S. mainland does have Aedes species mosquitoes that can become infected with and spread Zika virus. U.S. travelers who visit a country where Zika is found could become infected if bitten by a mosquito.
With the recent outbreaks, the number of Zika virus disease cases among travelers visiting or returning to the United States will likely increase. These imported cases may result in local spread of the virus in some areas of the United States. CDC has been monitoring these epidemics and is prepared to address cases imported into the United States and cases transmitted locally.
We're excited to be launching our new web store to bring Rainbow products to you and your home. In the coming months, we'll begin to offer more of our products for sale on this site. Please keep checking back!
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