This is why it is critical to wear hard hats in underground coal mines

Hard hats are by far one of the most important pieces of protective gear out there. If you are ever working in a place where there is a chance of injury from falling objects or impact from debris or other hazardous situations then a hard hat is critical.

A hard hat is made up of materials that can sustain dangerous impacts and its suspension bands disperse the weight and prevent the impact from being directly transmitted to your skull. Make sure you are prepared, visit L&A Safety’s website today and take a look at their wide range of hard hats and protective gear or visit one of their stores in Milnerton, Robertson or Vredenburg.

Hard hats are commonly used in construction sites, underground mines and oil rigs. Mines and oil rigs and filled with dangers 24/7, this is why it is mandatory for all workers to wear protective headgear.

Coal and hard rock mining is one of the most perilous jobs and many fatal accidents occur in these work environments every year. Read on to find out why hard hats serve a good cause in the underground mining operations.

BLASTING RELATED ACCIDENTS – Explosives are used to break rocks in order to mine what you’re looking for. Workers in this environment are likely to get injured by flying pieces of rock. Hence why hard hat safety is essential for such workers.

FLY ROCKS – As mentioned, blasting is a technique used frequently. However, if workers are not careful or not equipped with the right protective gear, they can be injured due to flying rocks. Rocks that travel further than expected could even cause fatal injuries.

PREMATURE BLASTS – Sometimes there is a case of a premature blast where the workers are caught unaware and are at serious risk of fatal injuries. Your best bet in such cases is to wear a hard hat at all times.

MISFIRES – If a blast in the mine does not go as planned, the explosion could be even more dangerous as the workers are not prepared. This is why it is critical for workers to wear protective gear from head to toe.

MINE INDUCED SEISMICITY – This is a potential life hazard for those working in underground mines, so make sure to always wear your protective gear and your hard hat at work!

It is essential that employers and employees are aware of the possible hazards that can endanger the lives of those working in underground mines. Hard Hats are becoming more and more of a mandate than a choice for work environments that include these types of working conditions.

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.