The Q Source Resource

Tuesday, October 11, 2016

Q Source VP Interviewed at the 2016 Costa Rica Life Sciences Forum

The Costa Rica Life Sciences Forum 2016 is being held this week in San Jose, Costa Rica. Q Source’s Vice President, Gus Lugten, was part of an interview filmed at the forum and posted on the CINDE (Costa Rican Investment Promotion Agency) YouTube Channel.

Lugten commented on the high level of education in Costa Rica, the impressive lineup of companies present in the country, and Q Source’s role in providing solutions to the challenges those companies face:

CINDE is a private, non profit investment services organization that has attracted more than 250 high-tech companies to Costa Rica over the past 32 years. Costa Rica is the second largest medical device exporter in Latin America and the Life Sciences Forum is their dedicated MedTech event for the Life Sciences sector in the region. The 2016 Life Sciences Forum event is the third edition of this gathering of reps from leading manufacturers, researchers, consultants, and government officials focused on the latest advances and achievements in this sector.

Q Source, Inc., formed in 1984, is a distributor supplier of products addressing the commercial industrial assembly and production environments. Most notably working with the Electronic and Pharmaceutical Industrial sectors, our product supply offering is now utilized in almost all industrial type manufacturing.

For more information about Q Source please contact us via our Web site, phone (800-966-6020), or by email.

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Friday, October 7, 2016

Lgi Cleanroom Labels Added to QSource.com

QSource.com has recently added Lgi Cleanroom Labels to our Labeling & Identification offerings. Lgi, known for their CleanMark® labels, are innovative experts in label manufacturing and print technology.

Lgi CleanMark labels can be customized for size and used with either direct thermal or thermal transfer printers. They’re built to withstand extreme hot or cold temperatures, harsh chemical solvents, and physical abrasion. They feature the ability to indicate sterilization processes, such as autoclaving; may be pre-sterilized, and will not contaminate clean or sterile environments with particulates, outgassing, or microbes. CleanMark labels will firmly adhere to or easily peel from challenging surfaces.

Lgi’s CleanMark line of labels are easy-to-move, can be printed on with cleanroom pens or by any standard thermal transfer printer, and includes:

CleanMark Labels
CleanMark EZ-Peel Cleanroom Labels
CleanMark Printers & Ribbons
CleanMark Autoclave Labels
CleanMark Cryogenic Labels
CleanMark High Temperature Labels

As mentioned, Lgi’s CleanMark labels can be customized for size, adhesion, type, and removability. If you have specific requirements, please contact one of our cleanroom specialist for further assistance by calling 800-966-6020. Please consider the following when requesting a customized label:

For what cleanroom classification will your labels be used?
Is pre-sterilization required?
Are extreme temperatures a possibility?
Will there be chemical or solvent or exposure?
Do you need your labels to cycle through changing environments?
What type of surface will your labels adhere to (flat, cylindrical, conical, material, etc.)?
Do you need permanent or removable labels?
Do you need blank or pre-printed labels?
What type of printer (thermal transfer, direct thermal, or Laser) will be used?

Monday, August 29, 2016

Seven Steps to Creating an Ergonomic-Rich Working Environment - Guest Blog

by Carissa Harris, Marketing Communications Coordinator, Sovella, Inc.

In Carissa’s first Guest Blog for the Q Source Resource, she focuses on how you can create an ergonomic workspace.

Proper ergonomics play a vital role in workplace productivity.

When it comes to productivity and efficiency in the workplace, proper ergonomics play a vital role. A workplace that focuses on the well-being of their employees will find an increase in their output, leading to greater profit. Ergonomics is about more than just posture and arm reach. It takes into consideration all aspects of a worker’s movement, eyesight, noise level, and more. By having all components and areas in easy reach and at comfortable distances, it minimizes the amount of bending, twisting, and reaching workers need to make, and consequently reduces strain, stress, and discomfort, leading to a more relaxed positions and greater efficiency.

Here are seven steps that can guide you in creating an ergonomic-rich environment at your company:

Research and Develop a Plan of Action – Implementing a proper, ergonomic workplace requires research into the correct products for your company and your employees. Understanding the fundamentals of ergonomics will help when it comes time to selecting the best products for your environment. Creating a plan of action ahead of time will also reduce the risk of purchasing products that will not benefit employees in the long-term. It can be beneficial to look to other companies with ergonomic environments and see how you might replicate their successes.
Conduct Interviews with Employees and Observe Their Behaviors – To see where you have fallen short in the past, conduct interviews with employees and review any prior injury reports. This will provide the insight into the current problems and assist you in purchasing the right equipment in the future. Some risk factors in ergonomic-poor workspaces include: awkward postures, over-exertion, straining eyes, poor ventilation, and improper lighting. These can lead to worker injuries, including carpal tunnel syndrome, muscle cramping, slipped discs, and tendinitis. Understanding these risks and injuries will lead to better purchasing decisions and happier staff.
Gather the Team – Getting everyone on board will make the transition to ergonomics smoother and quicker. Employees will be open to the change when they are informed of the benefits, including less stress and strain.
Consider the Not-So-Obvious –
- Should employees be sitting or standing for their particular work? Or given the option for both? Tasks with little lifting or reaching may benefit from sitting with the option to stand, while jobs that require heavy-lifting, continuous movement, or parts retrieval will benefit from standing with the option to rest. Height-adjustable benches and proper seating are essential.
- Is the bench surface correctly positioned and does it cater to various heights? Body size and leg space are factors to consider.
- Which style of chair is best? Comfort and adjustability are important in choosing the best chair for the job. A chair that is ergonomic will be adjustable to accommodate all body types.
- Are the monitors in the correct position? Consider viewing angle and distance. Screens should be well lit and in focus to prevent strain on the eyes.
- How does lighting affect work? Shadows, brightness, even color of light can affect the well-being of employees. Proper lighting can prevent headaches and fatigue.
- Consider keyboard distance, reach distance for tools, placement of equipment, ventilation, etc. Managers should also encourage good posture and breaks to avoid strain, tension, and fatigue, as well as stretching. Remember, all employees are not created alike, and body type should be taken into account.
Be Sure Vendors Can Meet Your Ergonomic Needs – Choose furniture that can be properly adjusted and explore customizations to best suit your employees. Vendors should be able to demonstrate the functionalities, calculate benefits, and give references. Think about long-term use, and pick a sustainable option. Select a vendor that provides the best solution in a timely manner, with the best support.
Happiness is the Goal – Quality workspaces make for happier employees. If they feel better, they will perform better, in turn boosting your productivity and profitability. Ergonomic-rich environments have employees that take fewer sick days, report fewer injuries, and are over-all more satisfied.
Measure and Improve – Understand how employing ergonomics has improved productivity, reduced injuries, and created a happier staff. Compare output before and after, and survey your employees to determine any improvement and increased happiness. It is important to evaluate the workplace and make improvements as needed. By continuing to improve, you will continue to develop a better system that continues to function and produce at the highest possible level, founded upon proper, modern ergonomics.

An ergonomic-friendly workstation project takes an initial investment of research time, budget, customization, and more, but turns those investments into an opportunity for business growth. By using baseline data and key performance indicators (KPIs) to analyze your investment decision (both before and after), you’ll be able to justify the effect ergonomics has on employees and their work. You can also start small and increase investments with proven results paving the way to continue.

Great tips, Carissa! Thank you for providing a solid plan to implement ergonomics into the working environment. We look forward to learning more about the topic and how Sovella can assist in such an implementation.

For information about Sovella ergonomic workspace products, or to place an order, please visit QSource.com. You may also contact us via email or phone at 800-966-6020 and we will be happy to assist you.

Friday, July 22, 2016

Using ACL 7600 IPA Wipes in Conjunction with ACL 8690 Acrylic Conformal Coating for PCB Rework/Repair Prep – Guest Blog

by Steve Allen, VP Marketing and Innovation, ACL Staticide

In Steve’s latest Guest Blog for the Q Source Resource, he recommends a process of PCB preparation for rework/repair.

Preparing PCBs (printed circuit boards) for rework or repair is a very important process. ACL Staticide has developed and manufactures an array of precision cleaners and surface preparation products, along with final finishing conformal coats to aid in this application. These products’ primary focus is in the area of printed circuit board repair and OEM manufacture. Let’s cover some key areas of PCB rework and repair using a two-step process for surface preparation and finishing.
In many instances of PCB repair, surface preparation with a pre-saturated wiper followed by treatment with conformal coating is the process of choice for reworking a board and getting it back into service.

With that in mind, ACL’s 7600 IPA Wipers are perfect for surface preparation following repair. The 7600 is a pre-saturated wipe using a precise 70/30 blend of extremely pure, electronics-grade isopropyl alcohol blended with deionized water to prevent premature evaporation of the cleaning solvent. The solvent is added to the wiper in a cleanroom environment. These wipers use a non-woven Sontara® technology designed to be extremely low linting, even at the perforation. Available in a 100-wipes reclosable container (made of non-hazardous material), the 7600 product is perfect for final finishing work of any circuit board. It is great for removal of hand oils, conductive greases, carbonized soils, dust/dirt, light flux residues, and a variety of other soils.

A 2-wiper use process is recommended for general-purposed cleaning and hand wiping of larger components and various board surfaces. One wipe is used for initial cleaning of heavier residues, and a second wipe for final surface cleaning and finishing. All surfaces should be allowed to gently dry for one to two minutes, or dry using compressed air or a duster product like the ACL 8640 Turbo Blast Duster.

Following this process, the board is prepared and ready for application of surface protection like acrylic conformal coating. ACL’s 8690 Acrylic Conformal Coating is the product of choice for protecting the PCB and all surface components from oils, moisture, and most soils. It is used following surface cleaning and preparation with the 7600 IPA wipers. ACL 8690 can be applied to the entire board surface. It is dry to the touch in less than 30 minutes and completely cures in 24 hours. It provides protection as well as heat resistance and contains a UV dye indicator so that the user can be sure the entire board and all components have been treated. ACL 8690 leaves behind a high-gloss cure (making it suitable for final presentation to the customer at contract manufacturers) and prepares the board for final installation.

This process of using both the 7600 wipes and 8690 conformal coating in conjunction with each other for final board preparation and final surface finishing prior to installation helps eliminate potential failures and damage to PCBS or devices. Please contact us with related questions or comments.

Thank you, Steve! That sounds like the way to go when preparing printed circuit boards. We look forward to your future articles.

For information about , or to order, any of the ACL products mentioned in this blog, please visit QSource.com. You may also contact us via email or phone at 800-966-6020 and we will be happy to assist you.

Friday, June 10, 2016

Make Common Home/Office Repairs w/Eclipse’s Household Tool Kit

Save 13% off the Q Source price of the Eclipse (PK-2028T) 13-Piece Household Tool Kit. Our FPF061016 Coupon Code is auto applied when you add a PK-2028T Tool Kit to your shopping cart. This Featured Product Friday (FPF) promo is valid from today, June 10, 2016 through Sunday, June 12, 2016 and the code is unlimited use.

This 13-piece tool kit features a versatile selection of tools for common, basic home and office maintenance. Includes a durable carrying case.

Follow our weekly FPF selection on The Q Source Resource Blog, via our email newsletter, or on our social media accounts. Please help us spread the word about Featured Product Friday by sharing the FPF code with your friends and colleagues.

For further questions about Featured Product Friday, please read our informational blog post, call us (800-966-6020), or send us an email. Please note: This promo is valid only at QSource.com and expires on June 12, 2016.

Wednesday, June 8, 2016

What You Need to Know When Selecting ESD Flooring – Guest Blog

by Craig Zander, Transforming Technologies

Craig’s newest Guest Blog, for the Q Source Resource, provides valuable tips about selecting ESD flooring for your workplace

The use of ESD flooring and footwear is a popular way to ground people working with ESD-sensitive devices that cannot use a conventional wrist strap/cord system because they need to be mobile, or because they are working near equipment with moving parts that could pose a hazard. ESD footwear and flooring provide a convenient method to drain the charge from the operator to ground.

There are many options for ESD flooring that are “permanent” solutions, such as conductive tiles and epoxies. These products generally have very good durability and can last for many years. Unfortunately, they also present a few challenges.

PERMANENT ESD FLOOR CHALLENGES

Cost: ESD floor tiles and epoxies are an expensive option. The cost of the tiles or epoxy in combination with the conductive undercoat and installation expense makes permanent flooring one of the more expensive options.
Moisture: In some cases, the moisture content in the sub-floor is too high to allow successful or long-term adhesion. Hydrostatic pressure from floors can cause tile lifting or epoxy bubbles. Testing must be done prior to installation to be sure that the floor can be installed.
Installation: Installing an ESD tile or epoxy floor requires experienced installers. The conductive undercoat must be applied in a precise quantity and manner. Mistakes can lead to poor adhesion and poor electrical readings on the installed floor.
Maintenance: While new floors may look amazing shortly after installation, they must be maintained to keep their appearance and their electrical performance. Some floors require certain floor finishes, and some floors cannot be waxed or their electrical properties will become diminished.
Permanence: While a permanent floor can be an advantage, it may be a disadvantage to companies that occasionally change facility layouts or to companies that lease space.

TEMPORARY OR PORTABLE ESD FLOORING

There are a number of options for those that need to ground their operators through footwear and flooring, but do not want a permanent ESD floor.

ESD Mats

ESD mats come in a variety of options including size, thickness, contour, and conductivity. ESD mats are generally placed in front of standing operations and provide a path to ground for the operator and, possibly, a more ergonomic standing surface than the standard floor.

Floor mats may be offered in specific sizes (i.e., 2’ x 3’, 3’ x 4’, etc.), or may be offered with interlock to provide a variety of lengths. They are easy to relocate should production equipment need to be moved.

ESD Runners

ESD floor runners offer a solution in front of long assembly lines, or areas where mobile equipment is being used and needs to be grounded.

ESD floor runners are generally smooth or slightly textured to allow mobile equipment to move, thus they offer less ergonomic benefit than mats.

Interlocking Tiles

ESD interlocking tiles provide an effective way to cover a larger area, or an entire floor, while still offering some portability. The tiles can be easily cut to fit an area and they are free floating on the floor so there are no moisture issues that come with permanent floors. Many of the interlocking tiles also provide ergonomic properties. Yellow safety edges are also available if the floor does not terminate at a wall.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT FLOOR

Whether you select permanent flooring or temporary/portable ESD flooring, you need to verify that the electrical properties of the footwear and flooring combination will meet your requirements.

To be in compliance with ANSI/ESD S20.20 you must verify two specific measurements. First, you need to measure the resistance of the person, through the footwear, through the flooring and to ground (ANSI/ESD STM 97.1 Floor Materials and Footwear – Resistance Measurement in Combination with a Person). Second, you need to verify the voltage being generated by people using your selected footwear (shoes or foot grounders) and flooring (ANSI/ESD STM 97.2 – Floor Materials and Footwear – Voltage Measurement in Combination with a Person).

ANSI/ESD STM97.1 (Warmbier Metriso 3000 Resistance Meter)

ANSI/ESD STM97.2 (Warmbier WT-5000 Walking Test Kit)

We’ve briefly reviewed the factors to be considered when choosing ESD flooring. With these in mind, you can select the floor that meets your needs for ESD properties, overall cost, and ease of use.

Thanks, Craig! That’s excellent information to assist our readers in choosing the proper ESD flooring solution to meet their needs. We’re excited for the next time you share your expertise with our Q Source community.

For information about Transforming Technologies and their ESD control/monitoring products, please visit QSource.com. You may also contact us via email or phone at 800-966-6020 and we will be happy to assist you.

Tuesday, May 17, 2016

Create a Proper Spill Control Plan w/Brady SPC Absorbents

Implementing a proper Spill Prevention Control & Countermeasure plan (SPCC) helps create a safe and productive work environment for your employees. With that in mind, we’ve recently added a broad-reaching Brady Absorbents Department to QSource.com.

OSHA and EPA regulations (29 CFR 1910.22(a)(2), 40 CFR 112.7(c)(1)(vii), and 29 CFR 1910.120(j)(1)(vii)) require specific spill control and cleanup procedures to protect employees. The cost of non-compliance can be devastating in a number of ways. Brady’s SPC product line offers hundreds of spill control solutions for your workplace so you can avoid those costly cleanups.

Our new Brady SPC Absorbents Department features everything you need to create an effective SPCC plan with products in the following categories:

When creating your SPCC plan, you need to consider three main factors.

What Are You Absorbing?

Universal spills include coolants, solvents, gasoline, vegetable oil, kerosene, and other water-based fluids
Oil only spills include hydraulic oil, motor oil, brake fluid, cooking oil, turpentine, and other oil-based fluids
Chemical spills include aggressive chemicals, citric acid, sodium hydroxide, and other unknown chemicals

What Type of Absorbent Application?

Wiping, dripping or foot traffic applications use pads, rolls, SOCs, and pillows
Barrier-backed or heavy traffic applications use mats and rugs
Emergency spill response use spill containment and spill kits

What Size & Weight Do You Need?

Brady SPC products are available in a wide variety of sizes and absorbency weights in many categories

Visit QSource.com’s Absorbents Department to start building your SPCC plan. If you have questions about what your specific work area requires, you may contact us by phone (800-966-6020), email, or via our Web site. We also offer a complete line of Brady Labeling and Identification products.

Wednesday, May 4, 2016

SCS’ New Air Ionizers Offer Reliable Static Control

These two reliable ionizers feature built-in automatic emitter point cleaners, adjustable fan speeds, and steady-state DC ionization. If you’re looking for a dependable solution for ionization, these units are a smart choice.

SCS 9110-NO - BENCHTOP AIR IONIZER

The SCS 9110-NO 100-240 VAC Benchtop Air Ionizer w/Power Source helps eliminate the build-up of static charges on insulative materials. It has an easy access cover for maintenance, a white powder-coated metal housing, and an illuminated power switch. In addition, it features the following specifications:

AC/DC Power Adapter Power Input: 100-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz - Power Output: 24 VDC, 2.5A
Operating Voltage: 24 VDC, 1.8 A maximum
Power Consumption: 14 watts (normal operation) 42 watts (auto cleaning operation)
Fuse: 2 QA, 250V, 5.2 x 20 mm glass tube
Ion Emission: Steady-state DC
Balance Voltage: ± 15 volt (25 ± 5°C, 45 ± 10% RH)
Decay Time: ≤ 2 sec
Air Speed: 500' per min (152 m/min)
Audible Noise: High fan speed: 54 dB (sustained), 57 dB (auto cleaning)/Low fan speed: 48 dB (sustained), 55 dB (auto cleaning)
Ozone Level: < 0.05 ppm
Certifications & Approvals: cULus, CE, RoHS, WEEE

SCS 9310-NO - OVERHEAD AIR IONIZER

The SCS 9310-NO 100-240 VAC Overhead Air Ionizer w/Power Source includes most of the same features as the 9110-NO Benchtop unit. In addition, its specifications include:

Operating Voltage: 24 VDC, 2.5A maximum
Power Consumption: 43 watts (normal operation) 60 watts (auto cleaning operation)
Fuse: 5 A, 250V, 5.2 x 20 mm glass tube
Decay Time: ≤ 3.5 sec
Air Speed: 200' per min (61 m/min)
Audible Noise: High Fan Speed: 57 dB (sustained), 60 dB (auto cleaning)/Low Fan Speed: 46 dB (sustained), 51 dB (auto cleaning)

Please Note: Neither unit includes a power cord. The compatible SCS 770000 North America Power Cord is available separately.

Please visit QSource.com to purchase one of these new SCS Air Ionizers. You may also contact us by phone (800-966-6020), email, or via our Web site.

Wednesday, April 20, 2016

GHS Chemical Labeling: When to Re-Label Existing Chemicals – Guest Blog

by Tom Smith, Product Manager, Brady Corporation

In Tom’s first Guest Blog for Q Source, he answers the question of GHS labeling for older chemicals.

Does your facility have chemicals that have been sitting on the shelf for a year or more? OSHA’s final Hazard Communication Standard deadline around the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals is quickly approaching. All customers must be fully compliant with the requirements, including those for Safety Data Sheets and chemical container labels, by June 1 of this year. Read on to learn if you need to re-label them with new GHS labels.

To answer this question, you first need to determine if you have chemicals on your shelves without GHS labels. Under GHS, OSHA required all chemical manufacturers to begin shipping their chemicals with compliant labels by June 1 of last year. OSHA also provided distributors with an additional six months (up to December 1, 2015) to make sure their inventories were updated and they were shipping chemicals with compliant labels. With this in mind, it’s entirely possible you may have ordered a chemical from your distributor before December of last year and received containers that have the previously used “right-to-know” or NFPA diamond labels.

Once you determine if you have older chemical containers without GHS labels in your facility, the next step is deciding whether you need to re-label them. The good news is that OSHA provides some guidance on this issue, explaining that “employers are not responsible for updating labels on shipped containers, even if the shipped containers are labeled under HazCom 1994.”

"To answer this question, you first need to determine if you have chemicals on your shelves without GHS labels."

Although you’re not responsible for updating older labels, you do have a responsibility when it comes to damaged labels or undisclosed hazards. OSHA explains that “the employer must re-label items if the labels are removed or defaced. However, if the employer is aware of newly identified hazards that are not disclosed on the label, the employer must ensure that the workers are aware of the hazards as discussed below under workplace labels.”

What sort of additional hazards may be undisclosed? NFPA 704 does not address hazards such as carcinogens (cancer causing) or mutagens (causing birth or genetic defects in the unborn child). However, the OSHA 2012 HazCom/GHS regulation does consider those hazards. Therefore, if you have an existing chemical that you know is a carcinogen, you also have to indicate that hazard and appropriate precautions on your label.

As with most regulations, the details are the key to understanding the appropriate actions to take. When it comes to employee safety, particularly with a new regulation, taking the conservative route with over-communication and thorough training is the ideal option. While you’re not required to re-label older chemicals, be sure the presence of the differing labels is made clear to employees to ensure they are safely handling all containers in your facility. As the full GHS implementation takes effect, these older containers will eventually be circulated out with future chemical orders and GHS-compliant labels will be used consistently.

Thanks, Tom! Your valuable information is extremely useful for making educated chemical safety decisions. We look forward to your future contributions to the Q Source Resource.

Wednesday, April 13, 2016

Q Source Adds Luxor – H. Wilson Specialty Furniture to Web Site

Q Source, yesterday, increased its product offerings by adding Luxor – H. Wilson as a new manufacturer on QSource.com. Luxor – H. Wilson has been manufacturing quality innovative workspace product solutions for seventy years.

Luxor – H. Wilson are leaders in the production of a variety of products for use in work-intensive environments. More than 100 of these quality products are now available through Q Source, including:

Mobile Cabinets
A/V, Mobile Flat Panel & Presentation Carts
LCD TV Stands/Mounts & Universal LCD TV Stands
Mobile Lecterns, Standup Presentation Desks & Standup Desks
Tablet Charging, Tablet/Chromebook Charging, Tablet/Chromebook Computer Charging Carts & Tablet Wall/Desk Charging Boxes
Mobile Marker, Mobile Glass Marker, Wall-Mounted Porcelain Marker & Wall-Mounted Marker Boards
Double-Sided Magnetic, Mobile Room Dividing Whiteboards & Mobile Magnetic Whiteboard Room Dividers w/Mesh

For more information about Luxor – H. Wilson products, and to make a purchase, please visit our Luxor – H. Wilson Department at QSource.com. You may also contact us by phone (800-966-6020), email, or via our Web site.

Thursday, March 31, 2016

Top 12 Advantages of Vision Engineering’s Eyepiece-Less Stereo Microscopes

Vision Engineering offers a supreme ergonomic advantage. Using their advanced technology, such as Vision Engineering’s Eyepiece-less Stereo Microscopes, increases user comfort and leads to higher levels of accuracy and efficiency. With that in mind, here are the Top 12 Advantages of Vision Engineering’s Eyepiece-Less Stereo Microscopes:

Reduces strain by liberating users from a fixed working position
Allows for natural upright body posture, which increases user comfort
Provides an entirely natural view of the subject by allowing ambient light to enter the eyes
Allows users to wear prescription or safety glasses
Next to no set-up required, which means no fiddly eyepieces to configure for each user

Eyepiece-less technology provides users with better peripheral vision for tasks requiring hand-eye coordination
Enhanced 3D depth perception via freedom of head movement allows stunning image quality
Comfortable operators equals greater levels of accuracy for longer periods of time
Minimizes strain-related injuries and/or healthcare costs associated with prolonged microscope use
Superior performance improves fault detection and reduces costly mistakes
Happy workers are productive workers
Show your customers you have the best inspection capabilities and gain the competitive advantage

QSource.com carries a complete line of Vision Engineering products, including their eyepiece-less Mantis series of stereo microscopes.

Wednesday, March 16, 2016

Stay Grounded w/Transforming Technologies ESD Socks

Transforming Technologies continues to develop new, innovative ESD protection products. Their new ESD Socks provide an effective way to ground personnel if wrist straps are not an option.

Transforming Technologies ESD Socks are meant to be worn with ESD shoes and ESD flooring. ESD socks provide good contact between the user and ESD footwear, which is needed for a proper path-to-ground. Transforming Technologies’ socks have conductive hotspots woven into the ball and heel to ensure a strong connection to the skin. (For a system to be effective, ESD flooring and footwear must have a low enough resistance to allow voltage from operator to flow to ground.)

Manufactured with polyester, spandex, and conductive yarn, these ESD socks have a resistance of less than 103 (on the gray heel and toe hotspots) and are available from QSource.com in small (up to size 8), medium (8-12), and large (12+) sizes.

Wednesday, January 27, 2016

Waterloo Industries Heavy-Duty Toolboxes & More Now at Q Source

Are you looking for heavy-duty, professional-quality toolboxes, workbenches, or other storage-related products? We suggest checking out our newest addition to QSource.com, Waterloo Industries.

Waterloo Industries was founded in 1922 as a manufacturer of valve spring compressors, but when a tool box they created to carry samples of their valve spring compressor gained great interest, they soon became focused on creating high-quality, durable toolboxes of all kinds. Today, their products include:

Tool Chests
Tool Cabinets
Hand Tool Boxes
Utility Carts
Project Centers
Bulk Storage
Workbenches
Accessories and more...

Waterloo products are used in a number of industries (such as maintenance & repair, industrial & manufacturing, vehicle service & repair, and career & technical education) and are intelligently designed to meet the rigors of professional use. Many Waterloo products offer extensive warranties and are made in the USA.

Please visit our Waterloo Industries Department at QSource.com for more information and to purchase one of these durable, easy-to-use storage solutions today. You may also contact us by phone (800-966-6020) or email.

Thank you for reading. Please leave your comments, questions, and suggestions for us by clicking on "Post a Comment." We also encourage you to share this post via the social media icons below.

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Wednesday, January 13, 2016

Looking Good, Feeling Good: Microscope Ergonomics Is Much More Than Sitting Comfortably – Guest Blog

by Stephen Sanderson, International Product Manager, Vision Engineering

In Stephen’s first Guest Blog for Q Source, he discusses microscope users’ injuries and discomfort and ways to remedy these issues.

Headaches are a common complaint of microscope users.

Ask any seasoned microscope user about working with microscopes and they will often have stories of sore necks, headaches and “microscope eye,” seemingly caused by leaning over conventional stereo microscopes for prolonged periods. Such issues not only have a significant effect on users’ comfortable working, but their discomfort also affects concentration and, by association, the ability to perform tasks.

They are not alone, in a report of microscope users from the Federal Institute of Industrial Safety:

33% reported stiffness and pain in movement
60% experienced headaches
40% had eye complaints

While it is hard to attribute every incidence of each complaint with the microscope, it is often the common factor. Specific attention can also be paid to eyepieces. Most conventional stereo microscopes produce a very small and bright exit pupil that requires the user to maintain a fixed viewing position very close to the eyepiece. This leads to areas of poor ergonomics, poor postural ergonomics, and poor optical ergonomics.

The requirement for a fixed viewing position can be helped by ensuring that the user’s workstation is correctly configured. To do this work from the ground up, adjust the user’s seat and bench height, have them stand and sample the position so that the final location of the eyepieces does not require the user to overextend or compress the neck. Don’t forget that it is often possible to raise either the sample or the entire stand, if needed. That dusty old text book that sits in the corner unused could be just what is needed to lift the sample to a better working height.

For optical ergonomics with eyepiece microscopes the situation is more complicated. Interpupillary distance, diopter adjustment, and eyepiece selection all sound complicated and can factor in the user’s comfort affecting eyestrain and headaches. The answer? Get rid of the eyepieces.

NO EYEPIECE = GREATER COMFORT & PRODUCTIVITY

Eyepiece-less systems, such as Vision Engineering’s Mantis and Lynx ranges, are designed with ergonomics at their core. Rather than small, restrictive exit pupils of conventional eyepieces, Mantis and Lynx ranges offer exit pupils that are up to 10 times larger. Those allow users freedom of movement and a natural comfortable working position.

Vision Engineering's Lynx Microscope is ergonomically
designed for user comfort and freedom.

When eye comfort is increased, by reducing refocusing and iris activity through a working position that is further from the microscope itself, it allows an equidistant direct view of the subject and inclusion of ambient light into the field of view. Where eyesight correction is necessary, the user can simply use their own spectacles allowing correction for conditions such as astigmatism that cannot be corrected through eyepieces.

Good ergonomics lead to comfortable users who are better able to concentrate for longer are less prone to illness or injury, and who experience ease of operation and enhanced ability to perform a task. More importantly, for many users it means that they can go home at the end of the day happy and pain free with the satisfaction of a job well done.

In conclusion, consider ergonomics when choosing your next microscope system to reduce user injuries, increase productivity, and ensure that users are at their best on the job.

Thank you, Stephen, for those valuable insights into creating a safer, more comfortable environment for microscope users. We look forward to future Guest Blogs from you and Vision Engineering.

For information about Vision Engineering's microscope/inspection products, please visit QSource.com. You may also contact us via email or phone at 800-966-6020.

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