A Guide to PPE | Safety Equipment

There are many reasons to consider your safety in the workplace. Whether you work in a high-risk industry like construction or work in a bustling warehouse, it is important for you to remember to wear the right personal protective equipment. This gear helps you stay safe and sound no matter what demands are placed on your shoulders in a given day. In order to make sure you are doing what is right for your health, take a moment to review this guide and learn more about the basic steps to staying safe while on the job.

Who Requires PPE?

One of the biggest questions you might be asking yourself is “who actually needs PPE?” Though some industries offer little-to-no risks to employees, there are a slew of fields that place heavy demands on workers. If you work in such an industry, your employer will clearly define the rules and regulations for you as determined by organizations like OSHA. In most cases, your employer will also provide you with literature on the matter and give you an opportunity to ask more in-depth questions about the steps you should be taking to adhere to these standards.

Eye and Face Protection

Eye and face protection is one of the most important factors to take into consideration when it comes to your safety on the job. Your eyes are incredibly sensitive and need to be properly shielded at all times. Some of the more common protective face coverings include goggles, safety spectacles, and face shields used by welders and similar professions. Any eyewear purchased for a high-risk job must be approved by the American National Standards Institute. Goggles and glasses featuring an ANSI z87 designation have been tested in accordance with rigorous industry standards.

Head Protection

When most people picture safety equipment, the first image that comes to mind is a hardhat. Worn by construction workers, contractors, manufacturers, and more, helmets are key to keeping people safe while on an active worksite. As with goggles, gear for protecting your head must meet the right standards. As long as the helmet is able to withstand a sudden impact or unexpected blow, it should be a good fit. Naturally, the type of work you do will play into what kind of helmet is most suitable for your needs.

Foot and Leg Protection

Though many people focus on the head and face when it comes to gear for protection, you must also remember your limbs and extremities. If you’re working with power tools or heavy materials, the last thing you want is to drop something and allow it to fall on your foot. A girder that slips out of your hands while carrying it across a site, for example, can crush your foot with ease and lead to life-long complications. Boots with steel toes are a must, as are any leg coverings needed for your specific type of work.

Hand and Arm Protection

As with your legs, it is also important to consider your arms and hands when you are investing in gear for your own personal protection at the workplace. Gloves are a staple of most industries, as hands come in contact with an array of dangerous substances, sharp edges, and surfaces of varying temperatures. The gloves you buy will come down to the nature of your work. You need to often strike a balance between thickness and allowing enough room for your fingers to move about as needed without restriction.

Body Protection

Though it is not the standard in all industries, proper protection for your torso might also be useful to take into consideration. Your chest is just as susceptible to injury in the event of a sudden blow or impact. Still, you don’t want to weigh yourself down with layers of gear if you need to move around a lot. Padded pieces worn over or under your clothing can be advantageous if you work in a field where you should be concerned about a chest injury.

Hearing Protection

Your ears are quite sensitive to specific sounds. If a loud sound rings out too close to your head, it can lead to lasting discomfort. In some cases, it might even trigger tinnitus or vertigo. To avoid this, take hearing protection to heart when it comes to your personal gear. Plugs are advised in many settings, though some workers prefer noise-canceling headphones that sit over the ears. Go with whatever is most comfortable for you and remember to stay aware of your surroundings at all times when your hearing is being dampened.

Originally published at https://safetygearpro.com on January 22, 2021.