Typical Workplace Safety Gear For 'Heavy Industries'

Workplace safety is of paramount important and a process that's ever-changing as workplace trends also change with the times. While various industries have a list of specific guidelines, some are shared.

In order to implement and follow safety guidelines the right tools must be used. Even in industries as different as construction and warehousing, certain gear must be worn and each must comply with national or international standards. Let's look at what they are.

Eye and face protection

Eye gear consists of goggles and face shields with a sturdy visor. They protect against glare, sparks, debris and chemical sprays. Since goggles are worn in environments that carry some risk, they must be made of lenses that can withstand heat, glare and the rest of the disturbances mentioned.

Face protection, meanwhile, also consists of protective eyewear but in a larger shield-like form. It may come attached to a helmet or separately but it covers the entire face so even high-risk jobs like welding don't pose a threat.

Unlike prescription eyeglasses that are made of glass, safety goggles and face shields are polycarbonate-based. Special coatings ensure they don't burn or break even in intense working environments. Since such environments at times witness UV and IR radiation, the gear also filters out harmful radiation.

Hand protection

Hand gear consists of heavy-duty gloves that protect against abrasions, chemical and biological agents and fire. Like eye and face protection, they must meet strict quality standards. Glove sizing is another important consideration because a poor fit can lead to poor grip.

Gloves must be chosen depending on the nature of the job. If workers must handle chemicals and liquids, gloves designed to resist the same are necessary. Polyvinyl chloride and polyethylene are the top materials. If they work around high temperatures and fire then the gear should protect them from the two.

Head gear

Head gear comprises helmets and hard hats capable of resisting hard knocks. Just like how motorcycle helmets are designed to exact specifications and even shape, workplace head protection receives the same precise construction.

Safety helmets may be conventional (to reduce impact on the head, neck and spine) and meant for general applications or may be resistant to electricity (as much as and more than 20,000 volts). Some are versatile in that additional components like face shields and goggles can be added. It all depends on the environment and nature of work.

Protective clothing

Most protective clothing consists of overalls, garments that protective against heat and fire, chemicals, biological agents (designed for people working with HAZMAT, for example), extreme cold and heat. People involved in forestry such as loggers will need to wear clothing specific to their occupation so pants, for instance, will be made of chainsaw-proof fabric that's also water and oil-proof.

Height safety

We're including height safety gear because falling from a height has been blamed as one of the most common reasons for fatalities in certain workplaces. The construction industry in 2012 saw the most fatalities resulting from falls. This is a cause for concern because most workers work at a height and this can't be prevented.

There are many more safety gear to wear in workplaces, all of which offer invaluable protection against injuries and fatalities. These are a few examples of gear that's worn by workers of all heavy industries.

Safety gear should be used to protect the employees in dangerous jobs and also soap dispenser should be used by them to ensure hygiene. Click here to buy products now.