Disposal of Protective Equipment

KARAM is a company dedicated to providing high-quality personal protective equipment (PPE) while maintaining a strong commitment to environmental sustainability. We are proud to implement green initiatives that not only enhance our products but also contribute to a healthier planet.

One of our key focuses is the safe disposal of used and discarded PPE. We have established systematic methods for dismantling and recycling various components of our products, such as harnesses, lanyards, helmets, etc.

By recommending these safe disposal practices to our end-users and customers, we ensure that our PPE is managed responsibly throughout its lifecycle, minimizing environmental impact and promoting a sustainable future.

Disposal of Harnesses and Rope Lanyards

According to EN 365, the Harnesses and Rope Lanyards shall be deemed to be disposed off under the following conditions (inclusive of but not limited to):

1. If the Harness/Lanyard was in use by the wearer and has been subjected to an impact of fall.
2. If the Harness/Lanyard has been subject to any kind of Static or Dynamic strength test.
3. If on inspection, the Harness/Lanyard (either in issue or in storage) has been found not fit for use, by a competent authority.
4. If on Pre-use inspection, the harness/Lanyard part has been found to be damaged, broken, burnt, worn-out or torn.
5. If the Harness/Lanyard has crossed its shelf life (Refer to KARAM Product Shelf-Life Policy)

Recommended Disposal Method for Harnesses and Textile/Rope Lanyards:

Define three separately labelled Bins- First for Metal Parts, Second for Plastic Components, and the Third for Webbing/Textile Components.

Dismantle the Harnesses:

1. With the help of a pair of Scissors, start cutting the harness, first from the ends where the metal parts are stitched. Dismantle all the metal parts like metal buckles, frames, D-rings etc. from the Harness, and place them in the Bin labelled for the Metal Parts.
2. Now, slide out the Plastic parts like the Web holders, ID plate, etc. from the webbing of the Harness. Cut out the plastic parts that are stitched on to the webbing, like the webbing end-loops. Place these Plastic parts into the defined Bin.
3. Lastly, now check for the dismantled harness for any remaining plastic or metallic parts. It should be left with only the webbing. Now discard this webbing in the Bin marked for the webbing.

Dismantle the textile/rope Lanyards, similarly:

1. With the help of a pair of Scissors, cut out the ends of the Lanyard where the metal parts are stitched. Dismantle all the metal parts like Connectors, D-rings etc. from the Lanyard, and place them in the Bin labelled for the Metal Parts.
2. Now, cut and slide out the Plastic parts like the plastic thimble, energy absorber plastic cover, etc. from the Lanyard. Place these Plastic parts into the defined Bin.
3. Lastly, now check for the dismantled lanyard for any remaining plastic or metallic parts. It should be left with only the textile/rope and webbing of the energy absorber. Now discard this into the Bin marked for the Webbing/Textile.

Treatment of the discards in the various Bins:

1. The metal components scrapped and so collected must be sent to a suitable and Registered Recycler agency to be recycled.
2. The plastic components scrapped and so collected must be sent to be crushed and recycled for further use, to a suitable and Registered Recycler agency.
3. The webbing components scrapped and so collected must be compacted in Bailing machines and then disposed off in allocated and defined landfills, or to a suitable and Registered Recycler agency.

Disposal of Safety Helmets

The KARAM Helmets shall be deemed to be disposed off under the following conditions (inclusive of but not limited to):

1. If the Helmet was in use by the wearer, and has been subjected to an impact, and has been cracked or damaged due to this.
2. If the helmet has been subject to any kind of Impact strength test.
3. If on inspection, the Helmet (either in issue or in storage) has been found not fit for use, by a competent authority.
4. If on Pre-use inspection, the Helmet parts have been found to be damaged, broken burnt, worn-out or torn.
5. If the Helmet has crossed its expiry shelf-life.

Recommended Disposal Method for Helmets:

Define Two separately labelled Bins- First for Plastic Parts and Second for Textile Components.

Dismantle the Helmet:

1. With the help of a pair of Pliers dislodge the cradle from the inner fitting of the Helmet Shell.
2. Separate out all the plastic parts of the helmet and put into the defined bin for Plastic parts.
3. Tear out the textile padding from the cradle of the Helmet and put into the defined bin.

Treatment of the discards in the various Bins:

1. The plastic components scrapped and so collected must be sent to be crushed and recycled for further use, to a suitable and Registered Recycler agency.
2. The textile components scrapped and so collected must be disposed off in allocated and defined landfills, or to a suitable and Registered Recycler agency.

Disposal of Metallic Products & Metal Components

According to EN 365 metallic products & metal components shall be deemed to disposed off under the following conditions (inclusive of but not limited to):

1. If on Inspection, the metallic products and/or metal components (either in issue or in storage) have been found not fit for use, by a competent authority.
2. If on Pre-use Inspection, the metallic products and/or metal components have been found to be damaged, broken, rusted, or worn out
3. If the metallic products have crossed their shelf life (refer to the specific UIM )

Recommended Disposal Method for Metallic Products and Components:

1. Define Two separately labelled Bins- First for Aluminium Parts and Second for Steel Parts.
2. Treatment of the discards in the various Bins:The metallic components scrapped and so collected must be sent to a suitable and Registered Recycler agency.

Disassemble the Product:

1. With the help of suitable screw openers, disassemble the metallic parts from the bigger assembly of the product
2. Separate out all the components as per their make and put into the defined bins for Aluminium and Steel. Aluminium components are usually lighter in weight and can be identified accordingly.

Disposal of Retractable Blocks

Blocks are repairable items & should be sent to KARAM authorized service centres for servicing & repair.
According to EN 365, blocks shall be deemed to disposed off under the following conditions (inclusive of but not limited to):

1. On pre use inspection by competent authority, the blocks are damaged beyond repair, like if the casing is cracked or any part of the block is broken, rusted, or worn out.
2. If the Block has crossed its shelf life (refer to the UIM)

Recommended Disposal Method for Retractable Blocks:

1. Disassembly of the Retractable Block should only be done by a trained and authorised personnel.
2. Define Three separately labelled Bins- First for Aluminium Parts, Second for Steel Parts and Third for Plastic Parts.

Disassemble the Retractable Block:

1. With the help of suitable screw openers, disassemble the metallic parts from the bigger assembly of the product in a systematic way and with care. Special care needs to be exercised while removing the coil spring from the casing since that can accidently jerk out causing injury to the service personnel.
2. Separate out all the components as per their make and put into the defined bins for Aluminium and Steel. Aluminium components are usually lighter in weight and can be identified accordingly. All metal parts like Buckles, D-Rings, Anchorage Eye, and wire rope should be dismantled and put in the defined bin.
3. Similarly, all plastic parts like the casing of block etc. should be dismantled & put in the separate defined bin.

Treatment of the discards in the various Bins:

1. The metallic components scrapped and so collected must be sent to a suitable and Registered Recycler agency.
2. The plastic components scrapped and so collected must be disposed off in allocated and defined landfills, or to a suitable and Registered Recycler agency.

Please check out the link below to access information regarding Registered Plastic Recyclers in India:
https://eprplastic.cpcb.gov.in/plastic/downloads/notice_pwp_registration.pdf