Protection from small venom is much needed

We're talking about the tick. The little critter can transmit Lyme disease with a bite. Not always is the bitten person aware of the tick. Then consider that 1 in 5 ticks carry Lyme, and it will become clear that walking outside unprotected is like Russian Roulette.

Not only in green
Contrary to popular belief, ticks do not only keep themselves "in the green." A tick bite can be contracted anywhere, outdoors. A person who falls prey to Lyme disease may be out of action for an extended period of time as a result. In some cases, returning to work is no longer possible, due to the effects of the disease. Shouldn't it be the most normal thing in the world for employers to offer protective clothing against tick bites? Apart from the human suffering that can occur after a bite, the economic damage is substantial when an employee drops out. Fortunately, there is a good solution to this problem.

Gert-Jan van Spanje, category manager apparel, footwear and safety at Intersafe Groeneveld BV.
(Image: Quintalle Nix)

Special tick-resistant PPE now available
We speak with Gert-Jan van Spanje, category manager of clothing, shoes and safety at Intersafe Groeneveld BV. "As a supplier of safety equipment to the GWW sector, we see it as our duty to raise awareness among employers and employees about the tick and the consequences of Lyme disease. This is an infectious disease caused by the Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria. This bacterium targets nerve tissue, joints, skin and heart. If the disease is not treated in time, then neurological, joint, skin or heart problems can develop. The effects can manifest as facial paralysis, pain and loss of strength in arms or legs, fever, severe fatigue, gloom and dizziness," Van Spanje said.

The solution to the problem is provided by Intersafe in the form of special, tick-resistant clothing. "We supply specially impregnated work clothing from Rovince. After coming into contact with Vincent Jansen, co-founder of Rovince, it quickly became clear to us that the tick must be taken into account vigorously. The work clothing we supply through Rovince is impregnated with permethrin, a synthetic variant of an insect repellent found naturally in chrysanthemums. Completely harmless to humans, but a very unpleasant substance for the tick to come into contact with. Instead of making its way onto clothing, toward skin, the tick will "burn its fingers" and let go. This also prevents you from taking undetected ticks home through your clothing, where they then strike later."

Consider that 1 in 5 ticks carry Lyme.

Tick-resistant clothing in an infra package
As partners, Intersafe and Rovince serve the market. "We provide advice and information, and supply the right protective clothing. Intersafe is the only party that can supply tick-resistant work clothing with an RWS and NEN8333 standardization!". So the means of defense is there, now we just have to make sure everyone is aware of the danger!"

Meet the Rovince products during Infratech 15 to 18 January 2019 in Ahoy Rotterdam. Stand number 5.109