Do it yourself, but Do it safely!

When you tackle any DIY job it’s important that you know how to be safe, especially if you are a beginner.

Here’s how to complete your DIY project safely by using the correct PPE…

  ü  Choose the right gear for whatever task you are going to do. If you are going to be welding, you’ll need a welding mask and gloves, if you’re going to be spray painting, you’ll need a respiratory mask, etc.

  ü  If you are unsure of what PPE you will need, do not hesitate to contact L&A Safety on 021 552 0665 or email tish@landasafety.co.za

  ü  To protect your eyes, always use safety goggles or glasses

  ü  To protect your ears, always use ear plugs

  ü  To protect your hands, always wear gloves

  ü  Always make sure your PPE fits properly, otherwise it’s pointless wearing it

General Safety Tips:

     1.       Do not wear loose fitting clothes that could get caught in machines or tools

     2.       Make sure your working area is clean and tidy

     3.       There’s no need to rush! Do your project slowly and safely

     4.       Pack your tools away in a safe place when you are done

     5.       Always have a properly stocked first aid kit close by. Contact Supply Doctor for affordable first aid kits on 087 001 0511/2 or email westcoastsales@supplydoctor.co.za

     6.       Do not use a tool unless you are familiar with how to use it

     7.       All your tools should be in good working condition

A DIY project is a fun, affordable way to get things done around your home or business. However it is vital that you ALWAYS wear the right PPE. Pop into an L&A Safety store in Cape Town, Robertson or Vredenburg today!

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/

How to Maintain your Safety Glasses – 8 Easy Tips

When it comes to certain workplaces, safety glasses are a vital piece of PPE. Even while you mow the lawn or play on the sports field, safety glasses serve the same purpose – to protect your eyes!

And like any other PPE, they need to be maintained to ensure they last a long time. L&A Safety supplies a wide range of excellent PPE, including a range of safety glasses. Visit the website now - www.landasafety.co.za

Follow these 8 simple steps:

  ü  Clean them everyday – Whether you rinse them under water or wipe them off with a damp cloth, it will get rid of any debris or dust that may have accumulated.

  ü  Use lens cleaner – Water is the simplest way to clean your safety glasses, but lens cleaner gets rid of the stuff water cannot.

  ü  Clean the sides and ear pieces – You will be shocked at how dirty these parts of your glasses can get.

  ü  Don’t use abrasive cleaners – Glasses become unwearable when you use rough clothes to clean them because scratches will damage the lenses

  ü  Don’t use regular household cleaners – Glass cleaner and things like kitchen cleaner can really damage your safety glasses. Rather use the above cleaning methods.

  ü  Inspect them daily – Look out for cracks and any broken pieces, these can be dangerous if an accident happens.

  ü  Use storage – The best place to store your glasses is in a hard case or pouch. If you don’t want to buy one an old sock is another option!

  ü  Replace them when need be – Damaged or scratch safety glasses are a serious safety hazard. When your lenses are scratched they will impair your vision and if they are cracked they’ll lose the ability to protect your eyes as they should.

Always provide your workers with a well-stocked cleaning station to make sure everyone keeps their safety glasses in good working condition.

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.