Safety Workwear Now Covers A Range Of Options

By Darren Crane


Safety workwear has come a long way over the past few decades. Specialized equipment and clothing is available to cover virtually every eventuality and every profession. Whether you are a butcher, builder or lecturer, there are certain safety items which you will need.

High-visibility clothing is one of the most common items seen. People wear these items as a matter of course. You may choose anything from a simple vest to a hoodie, jacket, pants, shirt or overalls. Both men and women's styles are available. Yellow or orange are the main colors available. Reflector stripes are particularly useful when visibility is low.

Steel-capped boots prevent many foot injuries. They are compulsory safety wear in many industries. The ankle gains extra protection from boots with extended sides. Zips and/or laces may be used or the boots may be fitted with elastic sides. Resistance to chemicals, acids, heat and water are other benefits from these types of footwear.

Administration workers on industrial sites might prefer a slip-on sports shoe. These also have steel-capped toes and the soles are resistant to most acids and chemicals. They will also take heat up to 130 degrees Celsius.

Protective headgear is also very important. Hard hats are a standard item in many industries and on many sites. When working in the sun, a brim can be added. Some have a flap to protect the neck against sunburn. Another option is a brow guard. This comes with a clear, anti-fog visor and gives 99.9% UV protection.

Goggles protect the eyes from scratches, UV rays and chemical splashes. Choose goggles with Wide straps and foam padding to ensure that they are comfortable for long periods. Goggles are often combined with a dust mask.

Some trades produce undesirable air-borne particles. These need to be filtered from the air being breathed in by operators in the area. Respirators may be a simple, disposable cloth mask or a more complicated affair with replaceable filters. Adjustment points ensure that masks fit snugly against the face.

Deafness is common in many industrial workers. It is extremely important to wear earmuffs if working in a noisy environment. Some simply sit on the head while others clamp to a hard hat. The most comfortable have a low clamping force. These do not exert undue pressure but still maintaining a snug fit. Earmuffs protect ears from sounds up to about 110 decibels. Small, round ear plugs may be used instead and are easily fitted. Many are connected by a cord which prevents them getting lost. They are sold in packaged pairs in boxes of fifty or a hundred.

Protection for the hands ranges from Latex disposable gloves to PVC, fingerless, riggers and chemical gloves. Interlock poly/cotton liner gloves give added comfort. Long PVC gloves protect the forearms and hands against oil, grease and chemicals. The interlock lining makes the gloves easy to put on and remove. Where dexterity must not be compromised, Lycra may be incorporated into the material used. These gloves follow the contours of the hand, allowing superior gripping in both wet and dry conditions but without compromising feel. Safety workwear now makes working under hazardous conditions much safer and more comfortable.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment