JEANS GUIDELINE

PART OF BESTSELLERS HEALTh & SAFETY GUIDELINE

CONTENTS

Jeans Guideline....................................................................................3 Sandblasting of jeans. ...................................................................4 Chemicals in nishing of jeans......................................................4

Handwork.............................................................................................5 Abrasion by wheel........................................................................5 Brushing.......................................................................................6 Abrasion by sand paper. ...............................................................6 Add whiskers. ...............................................................................7 Crinkle process. ............................................................................7 Tacking.........................................................................................8 Resin treatment and Curing.................................................................9 Resin treatment............................................................................9 Curing........................................................................................10

Chemical treatment............................................................................11 Spraying.....................................................................................11 Hand painting.............................................................................12

Laser etching......................................................................................13 Screen printing...................................................................................14 Washing..............................................................................................15 Rinse washing............................................................................15 Stone washing. ...........................................................................16 Bleaching...................................................................................16

Centrifuge and Drying........................................................................17 Centrifuge. ..................................................................................17 Drying.........................................................................................18 Neutralisation.....................................................................................19 Ozone. ................................................................................................20

JEANS GUIDELINE
This guideline is intended to create awareness of the general processes involved in jeans nishing and to give our denim suppliers an overview of the health and safety risks connected with these processes. Bestseller A/S expects that suppliers ensure all necessary safety measures are in place to protect workers from hazards associated with each nishing process. For general health and safety issues in garment factories, please refer to the Bestseller Health & Safety Guideline. If any of the work processes mentioned in this guideline are outsourced, it is your responsibility to forward a copy of this guideline to your subcontractor. To implement this guideline in the daily work, it is essential that workers are trained in health and safety issues and how to use and maintain Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). We expect our suppliers to implement effective procedures to ensure that workers wear any PPE provided. Such procedures would include raising awareness concerning immediate and long-term risks as well as fair disciplinary rules to tackle omissions and frequent offenders. The processes involved in the nishing of jeans can be hazardous to the workers health if the necessary safety precautions are not taken. Many of these risks may not be apparent in the short term, but in the long term there could be negative impacts to workers health which may only become apparent long after they have ceased working for the supplier. As a result it is essential that workers involved in these processes have regular occupational health examinations. The Evaluate, Remove, Minimize and Protect (ERMP) model should be used as a general tool to evaluate the health and safety conditions in the factory. The detailed information provided in this guideline only provides help in tackling the last element of the ERMP model: PROTECT! Please read more about the ERMP model in the Health & Safety Guideline

The guideline contains the following information about each process: Methods used in application Risk to workers Safety instructions Personal protective equipment (PPE)

Disclaimer: Every care has been taken in the preparation of this guideline, however, suppliers using these processes must ensure that they meet all local regulations and that safety provisions match the present risks. Sandblasting of jeans Due to the high health and safety risks involved during sandblasting, Bestseller has decided that no denim must be treated with sandblasting. Chemicals in nishing of jeans Many chemicals are used during the treatment of jeans, some of which can pose a health risk if they are not stored and handled safely. Among these are Potassium Permanganate (KMnO4), Sodium Hypochlorite (NaClO) and Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2) used in spraying and bleaching. When any chemicals are used, it is essential that recommendations and safety instructions stated in the Material Safety Datasheets (MSDS) are followed and implemented. MSDS must be routinely provided by any responsible chemical supplier as part of his service, and copies (in local language) must be displayed close to the point of use.

HANDwORk
AbRASION bY whEEL
Application: Risk: Safety instructions: PPE: Abrasion wheel Airborne dust may cause lung disease Airborne dust may irritate eyes and nose Rotating parts may cause skin injury if in contact with skin Use only in well ventilated area where ventilation directs air away from workers  If a pneumatic system is not used: electrical cords must be well maintained without exposed wires PPE should be worn Electrical cords are not plugged into an extension cord Mask Multipurpose gloves Lab coat Protective eyewear Ear plugs

BRUShINg
Application: Risk: Safety instructions: PPE: Abrasion by wheel Airborne dust may cause lung disease Airborne dust may irritate nose and eyes Rotating parts may cause skin irritation if there is long exposure to the skin Use only in well ventilated area where ventilation directs air away from workers  If a pneumatic system is not used: electrical cords must be well maintained without exposed wires PPE must be worn Electrical cords are not plugged into an extension cord Gloves Half face mask Lab coat Eye protection Ear plugs

AbRASION bY SAND PAPER

Application: Risk: Safety instructions: PPE:  The surface is rubbed with sand paper Airborne dust may cause lung disease Airborne dust may irritate nose and eyes Long-term use could damage hands  Use only in well ventilated area where ventilation directs air away from workers PPE must be worn Multipurpose gloves Half face mask Lab coat Eye protection

ADD whISkERS
Application: Risk: Safety instructions: PPE: The look is applied using sand paper Airborne dust may cause lung disease Airborne dust may irritate nose and eyes Long-term work may damage hands Use only in well ventilated area where ventilation directs air away from workers PPE must be used Multipurpose gloves Half face mask Lab coat Eye protection

CRINkLE PROcESS
Application: Risk: Safety instructions: PPE:  Jeans are fitted on a model leg and heat applied in the stove to fix the effect Hot objects may cause burns Hands to be protected from hot surfaces PPE must be worn Electrical cords must be well maintained without exposed wires Machinery must be well maintained and regularly checked Machinery safety instructions must be followed Ensure appropriate fire extinguishers are available close by and that workers are  trained in their use Electrical cords are not plugged into an extension cord Half face mask Multipurpose gloves Lab coat

TAckINg
Application: Risk: Safety instructions: PPE: A tacking machine is used Hands/fingers could get hurt if in contact with the needle Needle breakage could cause damage to the eyes Follow the machine safety manual Ensure proper training in using the machine Electrical cords must be well maintained without exposed wires Machines must have a needle guard to avoid physical risks from broken needle  parts In case no guard is available, PPE must be provided Electrical cords are not plugged into an extension cord Protective eyewear to be worn if machine is unguarded

RESIN TREATmENT AND CURINg

RESIN TREATmENT
Application: Risk: Safety instructions: PPE: Spraying or dipping into a chemical resin bath Hazardous chemical vapours Burns due to skin contact with the chemicals  Potential long-term health issues (if the resin contains formaldehyde, it could potentially cause cancer) Could damage eyes if in contact U  se only in well ventilated areas with local exhaust ventilation where contaminated air is taken out of the room and fresh air is pumped in  The spray booths, washer and hot stoves must be self ventilated by individual aspirators Air quality must be tested to ensure legal exposure limits are not exceeded Avoid eye and skin contact and rinse immediately in case of contact There must be a safety shower and eyewash nearby All chemicals must have MSDS The solution must be mixed in a well ventilated area Nitril rubber gloves Half face mask Protective eyewear Boots Lab coat Additional PPE should be worn if stated in the MSDS

CURINg
Application: Risk: Safety instructions: PPE: T  he previously prepared garment is placed in hot oven for 10-25 min. To allow the resin to bind with the fabric. Skin contact with hot objects can cause burns  May release excess fumes. Please see the risk and safety instructions for resin treatment T  he oven must vent fumes externally. An aspirator must start automatically when opening the stove doors in order to extraxt any fumes Avoid skin contact with hot objects  Ensure appropriate fire extinguishers are available close by and that workers are trained in their use Overhead conveyors are clearly identified to prevent worker injury  Use equipment to verify the actual temperature of the oven. This is to prevent overheating of the garment and reduce the chance of a garment catching re Follow machine safety instructions while operating the hot oven Ensure periodic checks of the oven are carried out Gloves Half face mask Apron

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ChEmIcAL TREATmENT
SPRAYINg
Application: Risk Spray gun Chemical vapours Eye and skin irritation if in contact with the chemicals Use only in well ventilated areas or ventilated water cabins Air quality must be tested to ensure legal exposure limits are not exceeded For all chemicals, MSDS must be provided and displayed close to the point of use Safety shower and eyewash must be nearby The solution must be mixed in well ventilated or open area PPE is used while mixing KMn04 must not be in contact with skin or the eyes and must not be inhaled or swallowed Store oil-based paints away from heat sources Follow the storage instructions of the MSDS Gloves that protect against KMn04 permeation Full face mask Protective eyewear Boots Lab coat (long sleeves) Additional PPE if stated in the MSDS

Safety instructions: PPE:

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HAND PAINTINg
Application: Risk: Safety instructions: PPE: Applied by hand with a brush or sponge Chemical vapours Eye and skin irritations Air quality must be tested to ensure legal exposure limits are not exceeded MSDS for paint available close to point of use Safety shower and eyewash must be nearby Use only in well ventilated areas Air must be directed away from the workers Store oil-based paints away from heat sources Follow the storage instructions on the MSDS Half face mask Gloves Lab coat Additional PPE if recommended in the MSDS

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LASER ETchINg
LASER ETchINg
Application: Risk: Safety instruction: PPE: An automated laser is used Eye damage and burns on the hands Inhalation of smoke fumes Moving machinery Fabric catching fire

A  dministrative and engineering systems must be in place to prevent physical contact with the laser beam including 2-level start/stop mechanism Avoid inhalation of smoke fumes resulting from machine operation Make sure that workers are prevented from being hit by moving machinery Put up signs indicating danger, warnings or cautions Install an alarm or warning light to indicate when the machine is starting up  Ensure that appropriate fire extinguishers are close by and workers are trained on their use Operate only in well ventilated areas Protective eyewear (laser safety glasses) Mask gloves (fire proof) Ear plugs if noise levels are over 85dBA

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ScREEN PRINTINg
ScREEN PRINT
Application: Risk: Safety instruction: PPE: O  ctopus shaped digital presses. Self protection built in. The machine automatically stops when the pressing area is not clear Hot surfaces can cause burns Chemical vapours Avoid skin contact with hot objects. Use only in well ventilated area with air directed away from the workers Air quality must be tested to ensure legal exposure limits are not exceeded MSDS must be available for the screen-printing chemicals close to point of use Electrical cords must be well maintained without exposed wires Automatic stop mechanisms must be checked regularly Oil-based dyes are stored away from heat sources Electrical cords are not plugged into extension cords Follow the storage instructions on the MSDS Gloves (to prevent from hot objects) Lab coat (long sleeves) Mask Additional PPE to be worn if stated in the MSDS

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WAShINg
RINSE wAShINg
Application: Risk: Safety instruction: PPE: Industrial washers are used. Dispersing agents are used De-sizing agents are used Noise Heat Wet floor U  se only in ventilated area (there must be a local ventilation system at the opening of the washer) MSDS for the chemicals must be provided close to point of use Safety shower and eyewash must be nearby Follow user safety manual for washing machine Spills must be wiped promptly to reduce risk of slips Floor can be treated with anti-slip paint to minimize risks Half face mask PVC nitride rubber gloves (long) Lab coat Boots Ear plugs

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STONE wAShINg
Application: Risk: Safety instructions: PPE: T  he garments are washed in industrial washers with stones. Pumice type stones are used. Additionally enzymes may be used to add to the effect of the stones. Also dispersing agents are used Noise Wet floor Use only in well ventilated area where ventilation directs air away from workers There must be MSDS for the chemicals close to point of use Safety shower and eyewash shall be provided nearby Spills must be wiped promptly to reduce risk of slips Floor can be treated with anti-slip paint to minimize risks Follow user manual for washing machine Gloves Half face mask Apron Boots Ear plugs

BLEAchINg
Application: Risk: Safety instructions: PPE: Industrial washer is used Bleaching agents are applied Noise Wet floor Potential irritation of skin and eyes  se only in well ventilated area where ventilation directs air away from workers U There must be MSDS for all chemicals close to point of use Safety shower and eyewash must be nearby Spills must be wiped promptly to reduce risk of slips Floor can be treated with anti-slip paint to minimize risks A local aspirator must be available in the washer outlet Follow user manual for washing machine Half face mask PVC nitride gloves Lab coat Boots Ear plugs

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CENTRIFUgE AND DRYINg

CENTRIFUgE
Application: Risk: Safety instruction: PPE: Industrial machines are used Rotating parts Use in well ventilated area where ventilation directs air away from workers Machine warning and guidelines must be displayed in the local language  Stay away from the centrifuge while in motion. No hand or body contact with the machine Ensure the centrifuge is fixed to the floor Ensure the clothes are placed in the machine in a balanced way Machine safety manual must be followed PVC Gloves Half face mask Apron Boots Ear plugs

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DRYINg
Application: Risk: Safety instructions: PPE: Industrial dryers are used Noise Heat Automatic opening and closing of doors Use only in well ventilated areas where ventilation directs air away from workers  The workers must keep away from operation panels in order to prevent being hit when the doors open and close unexpectedly Follow the user manual for the drying machine Gloves Half face mask Apron Boots Ear plugs

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NEUTRALISATION
NEUTRALISATION
Application: Risk: Safety instructions: PPE: Industrial washers are used for washing Noise Wet floor Use of chemicals which can irritate eyes and skin Use only in well ventilated areas where ventilation directs air away from workers Spills must be wiped promptly to reduce risk of slips Floor can be treated with anti-slip paint to minimize risks MSDS must be available for all chemicals close to point of use Machine safety manuals must be followed Mask PVC nitride gloves Lab coat Ear plugs Additional PPE if recommended in the MSDS.

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OZONE
OZONE
Application: Risk: Safety instruction: Ozone generator I f ozone is released into the workplace there are serious risks involved. Anything from skin/eye/throat irritation to death

Factories must separate ozone generators from the rest of the factory  A shut off switch must be available at least 10 metres away from the ozone generator The ozone concentration in the system must be monitored with an ozone monitor  Doors to machines using an ozone generator must be equipped with safety locks so that the machine cannot be opened if the ozone concentration is more than 1ppm or equal  Pipes, pipe connectors and clamps must be made of corrosion resistant materials and must be strong enough to withstand the pressure generated by the ozone nish process  Employees must be trained on the hazards of ozone gas, the use of the SelfContained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) and evacuation plan if the alarm triggers Standard operating procedure (SOP) for operating the ozone generator must be available and followed

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2011

CORPORATE SUSTAINABILITY