3 Ways wearing PPE can sometimes expose you to hidden dangers

If you want to protect yourself from dangers in the workplace you need to wear Personal Protection Equipment (PPE)! Whether you work in a factory, construction site or laboratory, you always need to wear the correct PPE to avoid injuring yourself or exposing yourself to anything dangerous.

For affordable PPE, including safety wear and equipment, visit L&A Safety’s website or pop into one of their stores in Cape Town, Robertson or Vredenburg.

If you’re not careful, there can be a negative side to wearing PPE, especially if you use it improperly…

It can give you a false sense of security

A false sense of security can be dangerous and even deadly! Just because you are wearing your PPE doesn’t mean you cannot be harmed, accidents can still happen. Workers who wear PPE and believe they are completely protected can be careless when it comes to handling chemicals, electricity and other dangerous objects.

It can create hazards

PPE doesn’t fit everyone the same, it is not one size fits all, so you need to wear the PPE that is specifically designed for your work. If you wear the wrong PPE protection or the incorrect size then you are putting yourself in harm’s way.

Pre-contact vs. point-of-contact

PPE protects workers during point-of-contact hazards, such as exposure to ultraviolet light or contact with dangerous acid. Yes, PPE improves worker safety by reducing the risk of injury, but it doesn’t eliminate the hazard! Pre-contact controls are essential to improving worker safety as they eliminate hazards completely.

PPE includes hard hats, helmets, safety boots, gloves and masks as well as hearing protection and so much more – always wear the correct PPE and plan out your PPE program carefully.

Why is it so Important to Wear Safety Goggles

Safety goggles are generally worn to protect the user from dangers objects and chemicals. They come in all shapes and sizes, depending on what they are protecting the wearer from.

Let’s take a look at why safety goggles are so important…

There are a number of reasons why safety goggles are so important. Firstly if you work with hazardous materials and chemicals you can handle them without the fear of possibly damaging your eyes. Safety goggles also protect the wearer from anything falling or flying into their eyes. 

For example should your be welding and sparks are flying, your safety googles are the only thing protecting your eyes. Another example could be an explosion in a science lab – you could be potentially blinded or seriously injured without safety goggles.

If you are in doubt about whether you should be wearing your safety goggles are not, it’s better to just wear them and be safe than sorry. If you find It difficult to remember wearing them at all times, simply put them on every time you enter the construction site, garage, laboratory or where ever your place of work may be.

Safety goggles can be pricey, not at L&A Safety! 

For affordable, but high-quality PPE, including safety goggles visit one of our branches in Cape Town, Vredenburg or Robertson or browse through the website catalogues here - http://landasafety.co.za/

What PPE is needed for Cold Weather?

With the colder weather slowly coming along, it’s time to stop and think about how to deal with weather-related hazards in the workplace. In some work environments, special PPE is needed.

COATS and JACKETS

When the environment is very cold, an insulated jacket or coat is necessary. In cases were workers are in different weather conditions, the jacket would need to be water resistant, waterproof or wind-resistant.

SHOES

This all depends on what work is being done. Waterproof boots or insulated boots are a must for some workers, while rubber bottom boots and leather tops may be better for others.

HEAD PROTECTION

Did you know that 50% of body heat is lost through your head? Workers who don’t need to wear hardhats, a wool hat will help to keep them warm.

GLOVES

Workers need hand protection in the cold weather, so opt for insulated gloves to keep fingers warm.

EYEWEAR

When your glasses fog up, it can be really annoying as well as dangerous. Breathing in the cold air can cause your PPE glasses or safety goggles to mist up, so wear protection that is separated from the mouth and nose.

Prepare for the cold today to avoid injuries later!

L&A Safety has a range of PPE suited for cold weather. Have a look on their website today, or pop into one of their stores in Robertson, Cape Town or Vredenburg.