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.