Composite Toe vs Steel Toe Work Boots

What’s the difference between composite toe and steel toe safety boots? Both are great at protecting your toes from getting crushed or pierced on the job. Specifically, safety toe boots offer two forms of protection: impact resistance and compression resistance.

Both these toe boots have materials wrapped around your toes at the front of your boots, and both offer unique benefits that should be weighed when you’re making a decision.

Composite Toe

Comp toe work boots are quickly replacing steel toe boots as the industry norm. It is made of non-metal materials like Kevlar, carbon fibre, plastic or fiberglass. Some jobs might require you to pass through a metal detector; this makes composite toe boots ideal.

Since these boots do not contain metal, they are more comfortable when working outdoors. This is especially true when working outside in extreme conditions. Metal conducts heat, meaning your feet will get colder in cold climates, and hotter in hot climates. So, it is preferable to have comp boots for outdoor work.

Composite boots are also much lighter, this means you’ll use less energy when walking and the boots will actually feel more comfortable if you are wearing them for a long period of time.

Steel Toe

This boot is a classic for qa reason, for years, steel safety toes have been the old tried and true method for protecting the feet of countless workers on the job. And although comp boots are lighter, steel toe boots offer more flat protection.

That’s right, as far as straight impact and protection goes, steel toes can handle much more. That being said, unless you are working in a very hazardous environment, you’re not likely to be in a situation where your toe boot is at risk of shattering.

However, there is a myth that, if met with a heavy enough object, steel toe boots can chop off your toes! Luckily this is false.

Always be careful on the job and be aware. Composite and steel toe bots do a great job of protecting your feet, but it is best to avoid situations that can result in injury in the first place.

Which safety toe do you think is best for your line of work? Browse through L&A Safety’s wide range of work boot options and pick which one is best for you.

Canteen Duty: What to Wear

It’s one of those things that you could probably never imagine doing – spending the day making and serving food, while people crowd around a counter waiting for their food. Yet, many people who work in the food industry, in the school tuck shop or volunteer to help out, know all about it.

The most important thing about canteen duty is what to wear! L&A Safety has a great range of protective clothing including canteen wear like canteen aprons, caps and tops and trousers.

-> Tie up your hair or wear a hair net
 You don’t want to be flinging your hair around and have a strand fall in someone’s sandwich. Many canteens will actually make it mandatory to wear your hair in a hairnet, so make sure you tie it back properly.

-> Cover up the toe cleavage
While it’s not a serious thing, schools may be concerned about Occupational Health and Safety Guidelines. Avoid trouble, or a blob of piping hot soup landing on your toes, and wear closed shoes like a pair of sneakers or clogs from L&A Safety.

->Always wear an apron
Working in a canteen is a messy business, so cover up your clothes with an apron. Make sure it is ideally suited, and get a high-quality one from L&A Safety.

What are some other fail-safe tips for surviving life in the canteen?

A guide to chemical protective clothing

When working in a research laboratory, there may be exposure to dangerous chemicals, so your health and well-being is a vital concern. Whether it is chemical protective clothing for the field or while lab coats for the lab, your safety is easy to maintain as long as you have the right clothing.

The major area of concern when it comes to chemical exposure is contact with your eyes and skin. Your eyes will be protected with safety goggles, and your skin is protected with chemical protective clothing. Think of what a scientist would usually wear – pocket protectors and a white coat.

White lab coats protect from exposure to harmful chemical dust, so a dust mask needs to be worn to prevent inhalation of chemicals. Disposable chemical protective clothing can also provide protection, especially against splashes. For workers who use spray resins or paints, full body garments prevent any skin exposure or transfer of chemicals.

The best feature of these items is of course their disposable nature. Most disposable clothing garments are made from recycled content, which provides safety while being affordable. These pieces of disposable clothing can be discarded after use to minimize cleaning costs, especially in automotive painting, machine shop operations and chemical cleanup.

Depending on your work environment, the level and target areas of exposure vary. The protective clothing items will also differ. From protective hoods, shoes, gloves and sleeves to white coats, pants and full body suits. No matter what you’re wearing, when exposure occurs, you must dispose of the protective garment.

If your job involves exposure to harmful chemicals, always make sure you wear the right chemical protective clothing!

For a wide range of personal protection equipment and clothing, take a look at L&A Safety's website, or visit them at one of their branches in Milnerton, Robertson or Vredenburg!

How to choose the right respirator or dust mask

Home and garden projects may involve exposure to harmful chemicals and toxins, like paint fumes, solvents, dust, adhesives, pesticides and cleaning products. In addition to proper ventilation, a respirator or dust mask will go a long way in protecting your lungs and health.

However, respirators and dust masks aren’t all the same; there are different kinds to choose from. At home and around the workshop, a particulate filter or chemical cartridge respirator are likely to be all you’ll need. Take a look through L&A Safety's range of products, including a variety of respirators and dust masks!

Particulate Filters: These include disposable dust masks, which are the most common type of air-purifying devices for home use. Particulate filters can be disposable or reusable with replaceable filters. They cover your nose and mouth and provide protection from airborne particles, such as dust, mists, liquids and some fumes.

When you are choosing a dust mask, consider:

- Masks with an adjustable nose piece offer a tighter fit.

- Disposable masks with foam face seals will be more comfortable and a little more effective.

- Masks with an exhalation valve will make breathing easier.

- For highly toxic particles (such as asbestos), choose a non-disposable mask with sealing gaskets.

Chemical Cartridge Respirators: These respirators contain special carbon filtering material that absorbs gases and vapours from the air. The replaceable cartridges are inserted in a mask that seals tightly around the edges to block out unfiltered air. Cartridge respirators may be half-mask or full-face.

Respirator Safety Tips:

- Notice Smells
Change the filter if you notice any changes in smells or taste, or if your throat, nose, or lungs become irritated.

- Breathe Easy
You should also change your respirator if it becomes clogged and hard to breathe through.

- Keep Dry
Many respirators, especially disposable ones, become ineffective if they get wet.

- Follow Instructions
Replace filters as instructed on the package.

- Don’t Reuse
Disposable respirators aren’t meant to be used more than once.

- Throw Away if Broken
Discard any respirator or filter canister that is dirty or damaged. Replace gas masks if rubber seals are damaged.

A respirator is an extremely important device that protects your mouth and nose from any harmful chemicals or toxins. Make sure to choose the right respirator or dust mask according to your needs.

L&A Safety pride themselves on being a one stop destination for all of your Personal Protection Equipment - We are waiting to take your call, contact us today! Milnerton : 021 552 - 0665; Vredenburg : 022 713 - 3149; Robertson : 076 532 - 5533.

If you love DIY projects – There are five pairs of gloves you should never be without

A good pair of gloves is vital for performing different tasks around the house, garden or garage. Plus they make great gifts for the mechanic of home-improvement nut in your life. L&A Safety can offer you a full range of gloves to choose from for all your different DIY projects - Check out the website here and place your order!

Here are five pairs of gloves you should never be without if you love DIY…

Nitrile Gloves – These gloves hold up to the toughness of many uses, including engine swaps and mechanical teardowns. The only downside to wearing gloves like these is the loss of dexterity, so getting the right size is crucial. Nitrile gloves are resistant to most chemicals, but grease and oil will eventually render them useless. However, whether you are a professional or a weekend warrior, these are essential.

Latex Gloves – These gloves should be thicker than the ones at the doctor’s office, and be able to handle most chemicals. They are especially useful when packing wheel bearings and doing oil changes, plus a pair in the back of your truck can really help in any roadside emergency. Multiple uses are obviously out of the question, but they make clean up quick and easy!

Leather Palm Work Gloves – Also known as general use or inspection gloves, these thin latex gloves are great when using cleaning chemicals like bleach or heavy engine degreaser. They are also great for applying a clay bar as they keep oil skins from contaminating the clay.

Latex-Dipped Work Glove – When you’re handling heavy and obscure objects that don’t require much dexterity, these gloves can handle just about anything. If you’re going to be carrying heavy engine blocks, transmission cases and axle housings around, these are definitely a must!

Welding Gloves – No matter what kind of welding you do, it can pose a serious threat to your hands. An insulated pair of welding gloves is a key part of safety. You may have tried to weld without gloves, but once you get burned once, you will never make that mistake again.

While many products focus on protecting the eyes and ears, it is actually the hands that usually bear the brunt of most garage and DIY hazards. This is why it is essential to have the right work gloves for every occasion!

Running in combat boots made comfortable

Running in combat boots doesn’t need to be painful if you have good boots for running! If you’re a police officer or security guard, you’ll be grateful to have a solid pair of boots that are built to move. 

Here are some of the design features of the best boots for running.

> Good Fit. If you’re going to be running in combat boots, you want them to be snug, but not too tight. Your heel shouldn’t wiggle at all in the boot when chasing after someone or moving to a different position.

> Traction. A solid outsole will help you keep your stride, and prevent you from slipping and sliding around any tight corners.

> Flexibility. When your foot moves, it flexes. Flexible boots offer a wider range of motion, allowing you to move quicker and easier.

> Breathable. A breathable boot means not as much sweat, and if you’re running hard, you’re going to sweat!

> Lightweight. The more weight you put on your feet, the more effort you have to use when running. Choose lightweight boots to make running a breeze.

Take a look at L&A Safety's wide range of combat boots that are not only of the highest quality, but are also sold at an affordable price! Order today, or visit one of their branches in Vredenburg, Robertson or Milnerton.

But why is it so important to have combat boots built for running? Well, it matters if you’re in the army or part of the police. After all being part of an elite combat unit means swiftly and strategically relocating positions and improvising on the go. It means being able to tread lightly and keep quiet. So you can’t wear old-fashioned trench boots that were passed down from your grandfather.

Failure to pay attention to minor details when you purchase a good pair of combat boots can end up in careless and unnecessary mistakes that can’t be undone.

A solid pair of combat boots not only protect you from the elements, but also help you to move fast enough to reach objectives and complete import tasks efficiently.

Don’t let a cheap, lousy pair of boots be your mistake. If you’re a law enforcement officer, security guard or soldier, you’ll know how critical boots are to the job! 

Protective clothing is a must in mining

There are many potential hazards and risks that you may come across while working on mining work sites. It is vital for employees to wear the correct safety equipment and follow the safety protocols to protect their health.

Here are some reasons why protective clothing and equipment is so important:

 - Get noticed. Employees who wear high visibility gear are much more likely to be seen by other people. This is especially important if employees are working near machinery or a road.

- Protect their skin. Protective clothing is specifically designed to protect employees’ skin from cuts, grazes or any other injury.

- Barrier to the elements. Employees are often required to work in extreme conditions such as rain, high winds, cold and extreme heat.

The types of protective equipment used in the mining industry includes safety goggles, steel-toed boots, safety helmets, long-sleeved shirts, long trousers, high visibility vests, ear plugs and hats.

Businesses are required to train their employees on the appropriate way to wear protective equipment and how to use it correctly.

Organisations must also ensure anyone visiting the workplace wears the appropriate protective equipment where necessary. It’s then essential to inform any visitors of safety procedures and alert them of potential hazards.

But, where can you buy this clothing? It is important to purchase the right personal protective clothing for each specific situation to protect employee’s health and safety. It would be a good idea to check out landasafety.co.za, where they have a wide range of personal protective equipment.

Wearing protective clothing when working in the mining industry won’t stop accidents from happening, but it can greatly reduce the risk of injuries and health problems.

Dry feet are comfortable feet

Most work boots come pre water-proofed these days, but if they are not, it really pays to treat the leather surfaces of your boots. Exposing your feet to moisture for long periods of time can really damage skin tissue, cause fungus and even athlete’s foot.

It helps to learn how to clean and care for your work boots, so you can keep your feet dry, cool and happy at all times.

If your job calls for long hours spent outdoors in a region that receives more than above average rainfall, consider opting for a boot with a more breathable material. Also, a moisture wicking lining will draw moisture away from your feet if any water does happen to get inside.

Comfort is tied to performance; it’s hard to be at the top of your game if you can’t focus on anything besides your aching or wet feet. If you want your feet to remain comfortable throughout the workday, look for snug-fitting working boots with a great insole.

Comfortable boots that keep your feet dry are not just a luxury, they’re a necessity – buy yourself a quality pair of work boots today. L&A Safety is a great place to look, they have a wide range to choose from, including other safety wear and equipment.

Why should you were gumboots when you go fishing?

What you wear when you go fishing is vitally important; if you are cold and wet, you simply cannot concentrate and you’ll probably want to pack up your fishing gear early. You don’t want to waste your own time, so once you decide you would like to embark on a fishing trip, make sure you have the right gear, including gumboots.

If you know you’re never going to wade into the water, then there is no need to buy yourself waders. A good pair of gumboots and waterproof leggings will do the job, but always make sure the quality is of the highest. L&A Safety has a wide range of affordable, yet high-grade gumboots to choose from. They are waterproof, yet light and comfortable – get yourself a pair today!

Food Handling Gloves – What you need to know

When preparing or cooking food, food handling gloves are a vital item to use. We expect all people working in restaurants to use gloves, right?

Well, sometimes you see someone at a café or food deli making your sandwich with their bare hands, and your first though is probably – are their hands clean? Proper hand washing and wearing food handling gloves can really cut down on bacteria and germs.

So, what are some of the benefits of wearing gloves when preparing or handling food:

1. Wearing gloves keeps your hands odor and stain free! No one wants their hands to smell like garlic or onions for days on end. And what about those horrible stains you get on your hands from working with beetroot and berries? When you wear food handling gloves, you can just slip them off afterwards and your hands will be clean and fresh.

2. Gloves protect your hands. If you have any cuts or scratches, even a small paper cut, food can sneak in and cause pain or infection. Gloves act as a barrier to keep wounds clean and help them heal faster.

3. You can be protected from illness if you wear gloves when handling food. Raw foods, like chicken contains a lot of germs and bacteria that can carry dangerous diseases and illnesses. Even once you have washed your hands multiple times, some bacteria can still be left behind and settle under your nails.

4. Protecting your food is also important, but even if you wash your hands they still carry a lot of germs and bacteria. So, when working with food that is already prepared it is wise to put on a pair of food handling gloves. It may seem a little inconvenient, but everyone should do it, even if you are chopping veggies for a salad of plating a meal at a restaurant. You don’t want to spread any germs to your friends, family or customers.

5. Wearing gloves can protect your nails and rings from

getting ruined. There is nothing more frustrating than chipping your nail on the vegetable peeler. Not to mention, that missing ring or piece of nail polish may have fallen into whatever you are preparing.

A good pair of gloves in the kitchen goes a long way to prevent germs and so much more. Once you find the right pair for yourself, you’ll never go without them again! For a wide range of gloves to choose from, visit L&A Safety or take a look at their website today.

Why you should wear high-visibility clothing in the workplace?

There are certain workplaces that have more dangerous hazards than others, and employees are required to wear high-visibility clothing to ensure that they remain safe. In workplaces such as construction sites, transport companies, warehouses, factories and roadwork, it is crucial to wear high-visibility clothing for your own safety. The high-visibility clothing will prevent employees from biological hazards, static electricity and high voltages.

High-visibility clothing is more visible during the night, but it must also be used for daytime work. L&A Safety is a store that provides high quality personal protection clothing and equipment, plus they also have a wide range of high-visibility clothing, take a look at their brand new highway waistcoats.

The high visibility clothing also protects employees in situations when it extremely hot. The material used prevents the heat from outside from affecting the body.

There are a large amount of employees who are killed each year, or seriously injured at work, mostly in vehicle related incidents because they feel it is not necessary to wear high-visibility clothing. In most cases, the driver does not see the person because they are not wearing any high visibility clothing.

There is a broad range of high visibility clothing to choose from, such as highway waistcoats, t-shirts, trousers, jackets, hats and coveralls. The type of clothing that is used in a workplace will be determined by the ambiance and lighting that is available in the area and conditions such as fog and snow.

There are some jobs that will only require you to wear a waistcoat, but some require full body high-visibility clothing. Some occupations involve workers being out in very adverse weather and high-visibility clothing ensures that the workers are well protected from these conditions. Workplaces that are very dark are a potential hazard and high-visibility clothing is a necessity.

Traffic police and civil engineers work in environments that are full of moving vehicles; this increases the risk of accidents. They should always wear high-visibility clothing to ensure that the drivers can spot them from a distance to avoid any accidents.

There are various standards that are used to determine which high-visibility clothing is suitable for a specific workplace. Workers should use the right type to ensure that they are well protected from the hazards that are presented in their workplaces.

Why you should always wear safety goggles in science class

Using safety goggles while you are dealing with experiments in science glass is essential for a safe, active learning environment. However, choosing the right goggles and using them in the right way is critical to ensure the lab experience is a good one.

Science labs and classes aren’t that dangerous, but when you’re working with strong chemicals, fast moving objects and other foreign materials, there is a high chance of accidents and injuries. Different labs and science classes have different risks depending on the types of experiments performed and the equipment used…

Biology. Dissections may need sharp instruments that could cause cuts and hazardous bodily fluid spills. Preservation chemicals used on tissue cultures can also be toxic.

Chemistry. Strong chemicals and chemical reactions can create fumes, splashes and dust that can irritate and damage your eyes. Dropping test tubes, beakers and flasks can also create dangerous shards of glass.

Anatomy. Students in more rigorous anatomy classes may encounter human bodily fluids or may be growing dangerous cultures that could cause infections and injury when in contact with your eyes.

Physics. These classes may use rolling, falling or thrown objects to measure different physical laws, and eye protection is necessary to safeguard against this.

Earth Systems. Studying ecology, geography, and other Earth sciences may lead to experiments with sharp objects, toxic plants, or other items best kept safely away from the eyes.

Geology. Advanced geology may break rocks to examine their strata and sharp objects and rock dust can irritate or injure eyes

Damage to your eyes does not heal as easily as damage to other parts of your body like your hands. So, make sure you take the proper precautions and wear your safety goggles.

Contact L&A Safety, your one stop shop for all your safety clothing and equipment. Contact us today or visit one of our branches in Milnerton, Robertson or Vredenburg.

4 reasons why you should always wear dishwashing gloves

If you do a lot of cleaning there is one thing you should have learnt over the years – its always a good idea to wear gloves when you’re doing the household chores! Here are four reasons why you should always wear dishwashing gloves.

If you are looking for a high quality pair of rubber household gloves, try L&A Safety, they have a wide variety of safety equipment and clothing.

1. Better grip
Soapy water and slippery dishes isn’t the best match. Anyone who has dropped a soapy dish, knows how dangerous sharp objects and murky water can be. Wearing gloves when you wash the dishes can allow for much better grip!

2. Protect your skin
Hot water, harsh chemicals and dishwashing liquid can really do a number on your skin. Protect your skin by not allowing it to be exposed to chemicals and high water temperatures that can irritate and dry your hands out. This is especially important if you have any cuts or scratches on your hands. Avoid the pain and chance of infection by exposing your hands to dishwater or other chores.

3. Protect your nails
Torn and broken nails can happen so easily when your nails have been weakened by chemicals and water exposure. Prevent painful snags and tears by wearing gloves when you wash the dishes or do any household chores.

4. Avoid gross stuff
Yes, if you clean the house often you should not be surprised or repulsed by any household job. The fact is, there are jobs in our home that are going to be gross to do. If they are disgusting to think about then they’re not going to be nice to touch and expose our skin to.

Do you wear gloves when you do the household chores? Well, if you answered no, then you really should start wearing them!

Why your work boots need to be comfortable

Jobs that demand standing for long hours - like security personnel and duty patrol – require extra comfortable boots. The human foot is full of sensitive nerves and the two feet combined hold around one fourth of the bones found in the human body.

Standing upright for many hours at a time may cause damaged veins. When you kick your boots off after a long day’s work and your feet are swollen, it’s because standing on your feet builds up pressure inside the veins of your feet. Prolonged standing on a hard surface can permanently expand these veins, causing chronic foot conditions.

INSOLES & MIDSOLES

The best way to reduce the pressure on your feet is by wearing orthotics, insoles, or sock liners. Many service boot models feature padded insoles sewn directly into the boot.

Orthotics, insoles, and sockliners offer cushioning that distributes the weight of your foot over a larger surface – this minimises the damage done to your feet by standing for hours at a time. Midsoles are also useful in making boots more comfortable by providing extra padding.

SOCKS

The easiest way to reduce pressure is to wear heavy socks. Socks will not only reduce the pressure on your feet, but also prevent painful corns from popping up. Most people do not want to wear thick socks during the warmer months, so breathable performance socks present a great alternative to eliminate irritation and keep your feet comfortable.

A STURDY SHANK

The shank of a boot forms the supportive structure between the insole and outsole. A good, sturdy shank will equally distribute your weight and take the pressure off the bottoms of your feet.

In the market for a new pair of work boots? L&A Safety has a wide variety of work boots to choose from, take a look at our website or visit one of our branches in Milnerton, Robertson and Vredenburg.

The Top 10 Reasons to Wear Gloves when you Garden

Some people who work in the garden never wear gloves, but you’d be surprised how important those gloves really are! Here’s why you should grab your gloves before your even set foot in the garden…

- The spring weather can turn cold in an instant

- Wearing a good pair of gloves will make it look like you know what you’re doing, even if you don’t

- Remember that cats think the world is their litter box, and that includes your garden

- There are far better ways to spend your time then cleaning dirt from under your fingernails

- Toads hibernate in the strangest places; you don’t want to disturb them, especially when you’re not wearing gloves

- Cuts, thorns and scraps on your hands are no fun at all

- Blisters

- Mud treatments are apparently all the rage, but they are highly overrated

- There are probably all sorts of fungi in that dirt you’re just about to put your hands into

- The number one reason to wear gloves in the garden is because L&A Safety sell’s such a wide variety of cool gloves to choose from!

Need an affordable pair of gloves for your gardening adventures? Or maybe you need a pair for something else. Either way give L&A Safety a call today or visit one of their branches in Milnerton, Robertson or Vredenburg.

How can I protect my eyes from injury?

Eye injuries are an incredibly common thing in the workplace. Simply using the proper eye protection on the job can prevent thousands of injuries every year.

There are four things you can do to protect your eyes from injury:

- Know the eye safety dangers at your work

- Eliminate hazards before starting working by using machine guards, work screens or other controls.

- Use proper eye protection

- Keep your safety eyewear in good condition and have it replaced if it becomes damaged or broken

Protective eyewear should be selected according to the task you are performing, there are different types of eye protection, including:

Non-prescription and prescription safety glasses. Although they may look like normal glasses, they are designed to provide eye protection. Their lenses and frames are much stronger than regular glasses and they can protect against dust, chips or flying particles.

Goggles. They provide impact, dust and chemical splash protection. Like safety glasses, safety goggles are highly impact resistant. In addition, they provide a secure shield around the entire eye and protect against hazards coming from any direction.

Face shields and helmets. Full face shields are used to protect workers exposed to chemicals, heat or bloodborne pathogens. Helmets are used for welding or working with molten materials. However, face shields and helmets should NOT be used as the sole means of protective eyewear. They need to be used with safety glasses or goggles.

Special protection. Other types of protection, such as helmets or goggles with special filters can be used to protect the eyes from optical radiation and exposure. This should be used for welding or working with lasers.

Protective eyewear works best when you know exactly how to use it, and it can keep you safe from any potential eye hazards.

For a wide range of protective eyewear, contact L&A Safety, or visit one of there shops in Milnerton, vredenburg or Robertson.

Protecting the hands of construction workers

Protecting the hands of construction workers is not an easy task. They need gloves that fit like a second skin while also offering protection from the sharp edges of building materials.

Today’s gloves are designed to protect workers from a variety of threats: cuts from the rough and sharp edges of building materials such as glass, brick and roofing; the potential poisonous effects of chemicals; chemical burns; and the threat of injury from the many materials and tools handled in the course of a day’s work.

The causes of hand injuries on construction sites are many. However, the number one factor is performing tasks within the protection of gloves. Other factors include performing an unfamiliar task, lack of training, distractions and being fatigued.

There is always room for improvement in hand protection, but recently new fibre technology has been developed that provides cut resistance with dexterity.

Researchers are able to meet the comfort and flexibility needs of workers with gloves that have the required cut resistance combined with:

- Lighter coatings

- Touch sensitivity

- Greater dexterity

With these new glove models, workers no longer have a reason to remove gloves when performing tasks.

Whenever gloves are being selected, these three key factors need to be discussed…

- Performance properties. The ability of the glove to provide protection against specific hazards

- Durability. The gloves retention of performance properties with use

- Human factors. The gloves fit, function and comfort

It is so important for everyone in the construction industry to find the right glove and wear it. Your hands will thank you later, remember you only have one pair!

L&A Safety is your one-stop shop for all your PPE and clothing! Contact us today or visit our branches in Milnerton, Vredenburg or Robertson.

Welding Safety

Welding safety starts with an understanding of what could go wrong, and preparation for when it does. Risks of welding include electric shock, inhalation of toxic fumes, eye injury and skin burns. To start, protective clothing and equipment must be worn during all welding operation including helmets and shields.

Welding safety starts with having the right protective gear. This includes:

- Respirator/Welders Mask: There are multiple types of respirators. Buy the one that is made for welders and the type of projects you will be performing. If purchasing a mask with a filter, match the filter to the types of metals and coatings used.

- Keep the area clean and check any gasses for signs of leaks.

- Ventilation: All welding areas should have proper ventilation. Poor ventilation leads to "plume poisoning". If you suspect that be inhaled a toxic plume seek medical help immediately!

- Storage: All flammables should be stored in a flammable liquids locker.

- Eye protection: welding eye protection protects against injuries from debris and from the effects of the ultraviolet light. Different types of helmets are made to protect you when performing different types of welding. These vary by shade number, having a passive or auto-darkening lens (automatically adjusts to welding rays) and comfort/fit.

- Fire protection: Sparks created during the welding process can start fires. For welding Class C extinguishers are often used since these are for electrical fires. Sand and water can also help to extinguish fires.

- Protective Clothing: All skin areas need to be protected to protect against molten metal and sparks.

This includes:

- Long sleeve shirts

- Pants that cover the tops of shoes

- Gloves

- Shoes or boots

- Hair is protected with something called a welders beanie

- Leather jackets are also effective for protection from slag and sparks

- Leather aprons provide some protection when sitting down

- Shoe covers called spats protect shoes, something helpful if you are working on a project that produces sparks and slag (molten metal)

Welding Safety Tip: Use pliers when handling metals. If you believe a metal is cool, use the back of the hand and slowing bring it closer to the metal. You'll feel the heat as you get closer if it is too hot to handle.

Awareness of the most common welding hazards and knowing how to avoid them ensures a safe, productive work environment for all.

For all your PPE clothing and equipment, contact L&A Safety or visit them at their stores in Milnerton or Vredenburg.

Advantages of Synthetic or Leather Industrial Work Gloves

There are advantages and disadvantages to both synthetic and leather industrial work gloves. There is no perfect material, but both of these choices provide advantages to the wearer.

Some of the benefits of synthetic safety gloves include…

Flexibility – They make excellent disposable gloves for medical, laboratory, and chemical environments.

Strength – Whether you choose Kevlar for cut resistance, Thinsulate for protection against wind and cold, or a combination of materials, synthetics provide strong protection.

Weight – Most synthetic industrial work gloves are lighter than leather counterparts, which can be very beneficial over long work days.

Safety leather gloves also provide valuable advantages to the user, including…

Durability – While not necessarily true with cheap work gloves, leather is a very durable and long lasting material.

Breathability – Unlike most synthetic material, leather “breathes” giving the wearer much more comfort, while being substantially cooler in hot conditions.

Allows effective “combinations” – Because of its malleability, leather is a perfect outer shell that can be securely attached to linings, such as electrical safety gloves with leather outer shells and natural rubber linings.

As you can see, the strengths of one material become the potential liabilities of the other, but both are good choices. Your personal preference for comfort and safety reasons will be the deciding factor since both designs are effective. Cost differentials are not a major consideration with the majority of choices of industrial safety gloves made with either material.

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Contact L&A Safety for all your safety wear and equipment. We can provide you with anything from safety gloves and boots to boiler suits and respirators.

What’s so special about safety glasses?

You may be asking yourself, “Why do I need special safety glasses?” or “Why can't I just wear my regular glasses?"

There are three very important features of safety glasses:

1. The frames on safety glasses are so much stronger than typical glasses and are built to prevent the lenses from being pushed into the eyes and potentially damaging them.

2. Safety glasses have impact resistant lenses. If a large object were to hit you in the face, the last thing you want to deal with is a shattered lens being pushed toward your eye.

3. Safety glasses have side shields. Some safety glasses wrap around your face to prevent objects from being able to get to your eyes, while other safety glasses have clear, impact resistant side shields affixed to the frames. Either style is perfectly acceptable.

There are numerous styles of safety glasses, and in many cases, eyeglass manufacturers offer impact resistant prescription lenses. If you wear eyeglasses, this may be an option to discuss with your eye doctor. Additionally, many safety glasses have UV protection, which make them doubly advantageous when woodworking outdoors.

Whatever style you choose, always remember to put your safety glasses on when you enter the workshop. If you develop this habit from the outset, you'll actually feel somewhat "naked" if you try to do anything in the workplace without them.

Contact L&A Safety, or visit their stores in Milnerton or Vredenburg for a wide range of safety wear and equipment. From safety glasses and gloves to boiler suits and work boots - we have it all!

Construction Safety Topics

Safety during construction should not be taken lightly. This is why discussing construction safety topics before work starts are highly important.

So, what is the main aim towards holding safety meetings? For every business or organisation, its employees’ safety and security is of the utmost importance. This is why; these topics can help reduce the number of injuries and even fatalities suffered by workers. If workers are exposed to hazards while they are inside or outside the work zone, the responsibility of the supervisor increases.

For helpful topics on construction safety, read through the following topics…

- Use of first aid
- Use of hard hats
- Power tool safety
- Proper personal hygiene
- Proper road work safety
- Effects of sleep deprivation
- How to drive construction vehicles during winter
- What are workplace distractions
- Hearing protection devices
- Fall rescue techniques
- Proper grounding checks
- Asphalt worker safety
- Proper construction site hygiene
- Why is safety important in the workplace
- Asbestos use in construction
- Emergency fall response
- Construction fall protection
- Contractor safety work permit
- Construction ladder safety
- Demolition safety planning
- Safe lifting techniques
- Safety rules for power tools
- Employee safety responsibilities
- Are we prepared for an emergency
- Crane operation hand signals
- Importance of safety training
- Demolition safety checklist
- Hazardous material warning labels
- How to handle injuries
- Safety regulations in the workplace
- Construction site electrical hazards check list

The safety topics provided in this list will help employers and employees become educated better about workplace safety and security, ultimately reducing any chance of mistakes.

Do you need a supplier that can offer you high-quality, affordable safety wear and equipment? Visit L&A Safety in Milnerton or Vredenburg today!

Safety Equipment used in a Scientific Laboratory

Science labs are a unique workspace, given the hazardous chemicals that most laboratory technicians are handling on a regular basis. To prevent contamination and injury, it is essential to implement proper safety attire and equipment throughout the facility. If the lab site is going to be used by students, it may also be wise to have them sign a contract stating that they understand the safety rules for the lab.

Goggles

Goggles prevent injury to the eyes by blocking harmful substances that could splatter during an experiment. Goggles also prevent contamination of the experiment by blocking any eyelashes that may fall into the work area. Finally, they protect the eyes from biological substances that may be carrying contagious diseases.

Aprons

Aprons prevent spills from reaching the laboratory technician's clothes. In a sterile environment, they protect the lab experiment from contaminants on the technician's clothing. If the technician is working with a substance that would otherwise stain his clothes, most lab aprons are made of polyester which naturally repels substances instead of absorbing them.

Washing Equipment

In the event of an accident, all laboratory facilities are required to have a sink, eye-washing station and emergency shower. These areas are usually distinguished in a lab because of their yellow handles and covers. Many labs also contain a drain to ensure contact-free removal of spills.

Always remember safety first when using chemicals or working on chemistry experiments!

L&A Safety is your one-stop supplier of safety wear and equipment. Whether you are looking for boiler suits and safety gloves or hard hats and steel-cap boots - we have it all! 

How to properly remove gloves

Gloves should be changed as soon as possible when soiled or if torn or punctured.  Gloves must be completely removed when they become contaminated or before you leave the work area.

In order to prevent exposure to any infectious materials that might be on the gloves, it is important that you remove gloves correctly.  You do not want your fingers to touch the outside of the gloves at any time.

Here are the steps for safely removing gloves:

STEP 1

With both hands gloved, peel off one glove starting from your wrist and continuing over your fingers.  Hold the inside out glove that has been removed in your gloved hand. 

STEP 2

Use the inside out portion of the glove you just removed to peel off the second glove.  Both gloves should be inside out when they are removed.  This will prevent exposure to blood and other possibly infectious materials on the gloves.

STEP 3

Tuck the first glove inside the second.  Dispose of the entire bundle properly.  Gloves must never be reused.

If not contaminated with blood or other possibly infectious materials, dirty gloves can be placed in the regular trash. 

In some areas, special containers are available.  The special containers are in place to protect people who might harm themselves with the gloves.

NOTE: Gloves should be disposed of in cans for contaminated trash if soiled with blood or other potentially infectious materials. 

STEP 4

Wash your hands thoroughly!

Need some quality safety wear and equipment? Contact L&A Safety today!

Can wearing PPE be hazardous?

PPE or otherwise known as Personal Protective Equipment refers to equipment that people wear to minimize their exposure to dangers. You may work in a factory and handle chemicals daily, which means you should wear gloves and goggles to protect your skin and eyes. Visit L&A Safety, a great supplier of safety wear and equipment, and place your order today!

PPE can save your life, but if something is done improperly it can also expose you to risk and additional dangers…

> False sense of security

Wearing PPE often gives workers a false sense of security, which can be deadly! Just because you are wearing PPE does not mean you are completely protective from hazards like chemicals, electricity and sharp objects. Workers who believe this may be less attentive to other safety measures or be more careless.

> When PPE creates hazards

PPE isn’t one-size-fits-all. Each piece of PPE is individually designed for each job, and wearing the wrong type of protection can place a worker in some serious danger. Thick chemical-resistant gloves may protect a laboratory scientist, but they will impair the grip of a worker using a drill, causing some serious hazards.

> 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 can include anything from helmets, hard hats and safety shoes to hearing protection and so much more. So make sure your PPE program is planned out carefully and introduced in stages.

How to prevent safety hazards

When you are at work, there are important things you should keep in mind to prevent any injuries. There are some guidelines in place to control, correct and prevent potential and current hazards. You should understand the guidelines for equipment you are operating and wear all required protective clothing to make sure you stay safe while in the workplace. It is important that you make sure that safety precautions are always followed…

Preventative Safety Guidelines

- Follow all work safety procedures. Wear protective gloves, safety masks and ear protection when required. Wear safety goggles and follow all instructional policies for the equipment being operated.

- Provide regular breaks for employees in hazardous working conditions. Rotate workers through various areas and provide exercise breaks for employees to prevent fatigue.

- Make sure to give employees and management hazard training and assessment classes. All machines and techniques involved with the job need to be taught and repeated throughout the work force. Make all employees aware of the dangers and hazards of all equipment and supplies they deal with on a daily basis.

- Track all corrections made to hazardous work areas. Always keep records of any accidents that occur in the workplace. Use this documentation to locate possible hazards and work to eliminate future accidents.

- Conduct preventative maintenance on all equipment and systems before replacement or repair is needed to prevent workplace hazards.

- Prepare for emergencies, whether accidental or those of natural cause such as the weather. Have drills and plans of action in place.

- Implement medical programs within the business. The size and scope of the medical program will vary based on the number of employees and characteristics in the workplace. Larger companies can even hire on-site medical staff while smaller companies should make arrangements with local clinics.

As an employer you have a responsibility to protect workers against safety hazards at work, as they exist in every workplace. Some are easily identified and corrected, while others create extremely dangerous situations. The best thing to do is learn how to prevent them!

Are you in need of some quality safety wear and equipment at an affordable price? Visit L&A Safety in Milnerton or Vredenburg or visit their website today!

Basic Categories of Safety Gloves

It is generally agreed that there are six major categories of safety gloves. The differences are defined by the potential hazards they defend against and, often, the material used for their construction. The general classes of safety work gloves are…

Disposables: excellent for one-time use while still providing “fingertip sensitivity” required by medical environments, industrial laboratories, and clean rooms – often made of latex, vinyl, nitrile, or polyethylene.

Chemical resistant: protect the wearer from chemical penetration to the skin – usually made of latex, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), neoprene, butyl, or nitrile.

Cut resistant: using Kevlar, steel knit designs, or synthetic yarns, these items lessen the chance of cutting the skin by sharp objects or moving machine blades.

Voltage resistant: protect the wearer from injury by active electrical voltage – usually made of rubber, a very effective non-conductor material.

Temperature resistant: designed to protect the wearer from temperature extremes (hot or cold), arcs and flames, and torch or welding activities.

General work: give you protection against common workplace hazards (cuts, punctures, abrasions, etc.) – made of a variety of materials, including cotton, leather, synthetics, or even a combination of these.

As with all personal protective equipment (PPE), identify the potential threats you face, find the best disposable gloves or industrial work gloves available, then use them correctly.

Whether you need general purpose safety leather gloves or high tech protection gloves, correct use will eliminate many of the hazard risks you face on the job.

For all your safety equipment and personal protective equipment, contact L&A Safety, or visit their stores in Milnerton and Vredenburg.