Collection: Novarlo Blog

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is essential for industrial workers facing hazards like falling objects, arc flashes, and high-decibel noise. Novarlo highlights the top five PPE essentials: hard hats, flame-resistant clothing, impact-resistant gloves, hearing protection, and safety glasses. Each category features high-quality, standards-compliant gear to ensure worker safety and regulatory compliance. Investing in the right PPE helps crews stay protected, productive, and OSHA-compliant on any job site.

PPE plays a crucial role in preventing and minimizing workplace injuries by acting as a barrier against hazards like impact, heat, chemicals, and electricity. It not only reduces the severity of incidents but also boosts worker focus, confidence, and job performance. Compliance with OSHA and industry standards is supported through proper PPE use, helping companies avoid costly violations. At Novarlo, we provide high-quality, compliant gear that helps build a safety-first culture and keeps your workforce protected.

Type II hard hats provide top and side impact protection, making them essential for high-risk construction environments. Unlike Type I models, they include foam linings and enhanced suspension systems to guard against lateral strikes. OSHA’s recent shift toward safety helmets reflects growing industry adoption of Type II standards. At Novarlo, we offer compliant, high-performance head protection built for the toughest job sites.

Heat stress poses a serious risk for workers in high-temperature environments, especially during the summer. Recognizing symptoms like heavy sweating, dizziness, or confusion is crucial for early intervention and safety. Preventive measures include staying hydrated, taking shaded breaks, and wearing breathable, flame-resistant clothing. Novarlo offers a range of FR and cooling gear designed to help you stay cool, safe, and compliant on the job.

Choosing the right high-visibility (hi-vis) vest is critical for workplace safety. This guide breaks down ANSI classes, common use cases, and standout features to help you pick the best vest for the job. Whether you’re working roadside, operating machinery, or managing electrical hazards, Novarlo offers high-performance options - Class 1 to Class 3, FR-rated, and specialty breakaway styles - to ensure you’re both compliant and protected.

Choosing between half-mask and PAPR respirators depends on your work environment, protection needs, and comfort level. Half-masks offer lightweight, cost-effective protection for moderate exposure, while PAPRs provide high-level respiratory and eye protection for high-contaminant environments—without requiring a tight facial fit. This guide compares features, pros, and cons to help you select the right respirator for safer, more comfortable work.

Working in high-heat conditions doesn’t mean compromising on safety. This guide explores how modern flame-resistant (FR) clothing keeps workers cool, dry, and compliant during the summer. From lightweight fabrics and moisture-wicking tech to cooling accessories and compliance with NFPA 70E, you’ll find smart strategies to stay protected without overheating. Whether you’re on a job site or in the field, Novarlo’s summer-ready FR gear helps you beat the heat while staying safe.

Flame-resistant (FR) base layers play a vital role in workplace safety for those exposed to arc flash and flash fire risks. Unlike 100% cotton, which can ignite and intensify injuries. FR base layers are engineered to self-extinguish, resist ignition, and prevent melt-related hazards. They meet NFPA 70E and OSHA standards, helping reduce burn severity even under FR outerwear. Novarlo’s range of breathable, moisture-wicking FR base layers ensures you stay cool, compliant, and fully protected—starting from the layer closest to your skin.

Arc flash is a critical hazard in electrical work, making properly rated PPE essential for safety and compliance. Cal ratings measure the thermal protection of arc-rated apparel, with NFPA 70E categorizing risks from 4 to 40+ cal/cm². To choose the right protection, workers should follow equipment labels, conduct risk assessments, or use NFPA tables. Novarlo offers a complete range of arc flash gear, comfortable, compliant, and built for real-world conditions.

Cut-resistant gloves are a critical line of defense for workers handling sharp tools, metal, or glass. The ANSI/ISEA 105 standard assigns gloves a cut level from A1 (light duty) to A9 (maximum protection), making it easier to select the right glove for the job. These ratings ensure consistent performance across brands, support OSHA compliance, and help prevent serious hand injuries. At Novarlo, we carry a trusted selection of ANSI-rated gloves tailored to a wide range of industries and risk levels—so you can work confidently and stay protected.

In this blog, we unpack the essentials of respirator fit testing — what it is, how it differs from seal checks, and why it’s a must for compliance under OSHA 1910.134. We explore the differences between qualitative and quantitative methods, who needs testing, and how often it’s required. Whether you’re looking to buy or rent, Novarlo offers certified respirators and expert advice to help keep your team safe and compliant.