What exactly is PPE?

In some careers, employers are expected to provide, replace as well as pay for personal protective equipment. You need to know that PPE is used in the event that all the measures fail to control exposure. In other words, it will only protect the wearer when he or she is putting it on. In case it fails, then an employee should not anticipate any form of protection at all.

Types of PPE

There are different types of PPE you will come across. The common types include Respirators, protective gloves, eye protection, protective clothing and Protective footwear just to mention a few of them. If you’re looking for reliable, affordable and durable PPE – contact L&A Safety or visit one of their branches in Milnerton, Robertson and Vredenburg.

In the process of making a decision about PPE, you need to ask your manufacturer, supplier or trade association the following question before making your final decision.

•  Is it suitable for your working conditions in any way?

•  How do you tell when it requires replacement?

•  Will it offer you with the required level of protection?

•  What training or maintenance practice should you undertake well?

On the other hand, employees should understand why PPE is important and how they can use the same correctly. Otherwise it will not protect them as expected. They need to find out the following:

•  Does it fit properly?

•  Is it comfortable to wear?

•  If PPE requires cleaning and maintenance, how should it be undertaken?

In conclusion, the right choice of PPE and work wear will make a whole difference as far as effective management of health is concerned. There are a wide range of items that you can choose from. Before you buy anything, ensure that you understand the latest regulation changes governing the ever evolving sector. In order to avoid accidental injuries from taking place, you need to wear PPE!

Roof Washing: Hazards and Considerations

Roof washing is probably never on anybody’s top-5 list of ways to spend an afternoon, but it certainly can become a necessary evil.  If it were just a matter of aesthetics, you could almost write it off as vanity and leave your roof to become whatever filthy mess it was destined to become, but that’s not the case.  There are a number of reasons somebody might want to clean their roof. 

For example, preventing the build-up of food sources for birds and rodents or preventing chemical build-up that can damage the roof membrane. However, it’s become even more important in recent years with the emergence of energy-efficient buildings and construction.  Build-up of dirt, soot, algae, or other residue can alter the amount of light and heat your roof absorbs or reflects.  Washing it is necessary to keep it as efficient as when it was installed.  However, there are some things you need to consider:

> Environmental Concerns

Unfortunately, it’s not as simple as lathering it up and letting it run down a drain.  Know what’s required in your area before beginning, according to water restrictions, etc. You’ll also want to protect plants, shrubs, and other parts of your building that could be damaged by the run-off, especially if chemicals are being used.

> Warranty

Most likely your warranty will not cover the roof if you’re washing it for aesthetic purposes, but it could if washing it is necessary to keep it as energy efficient as designed.  Know what will and what won’t negate your warranty before starting or hiring a contractor.  If this is the case, the manufacturer/installer of your roof may have recommendations or requirements for you to follow which will dictate what type of brushes to use, what pressure a pressure washer can be used at and more.  Any damage you cause is going to be on you, so be familiar with this.  As another option, your installer can help you write your cleaning plan or may actually offer cleaning services.  Weigh your options and the possible outcomes.

> Safety

This is important because people not used to working on roofs may not take the precautions necessary.  Fall protection is going to be a major concern.  If you can do the job from a ladder and maintain three points of contact, you may not need fall protection, but I find it difficult to believe you’ll be able to apply the necessary soaps and water without letting go of the ladder.   If you use an aerial lift or do the work from the roof itself, you are going to need to have fall protection.  On a commercial roof, you may have the benefit of a parapet that meets the requirements for fall protection but if not, you need to figure out how to protect your workers. L&A Safety offers a number of different safety equipment and PPE, pop into one of L&A Safety’s stores in Milnerton, Robertson or Vredenburg today!

You will not only have open edges where you or your employees will be exposed to a fall, but slippery surfaces as well.  Remember, this is a concern on flat roofs as well as sloped roofs.  Personal fall arrest systems may be your best bet, but you need to determine a proper anchor point, ensure your employees are wearing their harnesses and lanyards properly, and ensure they have been trained in the proper use of their fall protection equipment.  

Sometimes, things seem simple.  If you need to wash your roof, you may think you just have to throw some soap up there and rinse it off with some water, how hard can it be?  Unfortunately, if you take a moment to look further into it, you could be putting yourself and your employees at risk.  The bottom line: Know what you’re doing or hire somebody that does.

Why is Respiratory Protection important in Construction?

Respiratory protection is an important part of Personal Protective Equipment in Construction Work.

In any field of construction work it is of vital importance that all employees wear the appropriate task specific PPE, respiratory protective equipment is one of the most important pieces of PPE. Whether the employee is only using hand or power tools there is still a variety of industrial sprays, dust, fumes and particulate materials, amongst other respiratory hazards on the work site.

So it is not only necessary for the sake of health consciousness to protect yourself and your workers against respiratory hazards, but it is also an obligation due to the legal Occupational Health and Safety Act.

Looking for a wide range of safety equipment and high quality of PPE? Why not stop by one of L&A Safety's branches in Milnerton, Robertson or Vredenburg and place your order today!

There are gases, dusts, and toxic fumes present at every construction worksite that can make you very ill and some may even cause eventual death, some respiratory hazards such as carbon monoxide can make you unconscious or even kill you within minutes, other hazards such as asbestos can take years before they make you sick and can cause lung cancer.

There are methods such as engineering controls, for example good ventilation methods in an enclosed area, work practice controls such as using alternative cutting and grinding techniques, and administrative techniques where only the necessary workers who are performing a task are in the hazardous areas.

In most cases a simple dust mask will suffice but depending on the type of work and the hazardous materials other methods such as a full mask with a visor, a welding helmet, or a respirator may be required.

Respirators and respiratory protective equipment needs to be well maintained and kept clean, and any damaged equipment must be discarded of and replaced immediately.

Respiratory protection can save a life, hazards in the workplace may not seem as serious to you but regular exposure to certain materials and particles can lead to chronic illnesses and can cause drastic damage to your lungs. In some cases as with extreme hazardous materials, a few short exposures can cause death.

So remember in any workplace it is not only law but of utmost importance for your and the health and safety of your employees to always wear the task specific personal protective equipment and always to follow the Written safe Work procedures and Risk assessments step by step. Take care of your own personal safety first and then that of your fellow workers.

The Do’s and Don’ts of Winter Construction Work

Whether they’re doing important repairs in the middle of a blizzard or working on a new construction during dangerously low temperatures, construction workers need to wear the proper protective clothing during the winter.

Take these steps during the winter for safe construction. At the same time, it may be worth reviewing the following tips no matter what the current weather is, in case conditions take a turn for the worst.

Here are some basic do’s and don’ts brought to you by L&A Safety for construction professionals to follow during the colder months.

Do: Be cautious around downed power lines
The Occupational Safety & Health Administration mentions this in a list of winter weather guidelines, noting that snowy environments could make live wires even more dangerous than they are normally.

Don’t: Use equipment unsuitable for the weather
The tools workers employ in winter conditions need to be specifically approved for seasonal use. Assuming that a tool fit for warm weather use is equally viable in cold or snow could lead to a possible hazard, as can using any of this equipment incorrectly.

Do: Wear insulated gear
From head to toe, workers can look for apparel that retains body heat and keeps them comfortable. Insulated Gloves, scarves, socks, and coveralls with thermal protection can all be useful, as can boots and helmets with the right insulation.

Don’t: Work too long without breaks
Even with protection, workers shouldn’t spend too much time exposed to the elements. Managers should take precautions to keep workers warm and in good health, such as breaks in a well-heated space to recover.

Do: Keep walkways safe
Move slowly when surfaces are icy, and wear boots with treads to reduce the chance of losing a grip and falling. Sanding or salting slippery patches also helps with traction and get make it easier for crews to make it through high-traffic areas.

Check out the L&A Safety website  for all sorts of occupational safety products.