Safety Gear that every DIY Enthusiast Should Own!

Safety gear is just as important as your most precious tools in your toolbox; it’s there to protect you!

Here are the five most important pieces of safety gear that every DIYer should own...

  ü  Safety glasses

When you’re working with dangerous chemicals, sparks, debris, etc. you’re going to need a pair of safety glasses to protect your eyes. You should have a few pairs of safety glasses lying around in your toolbox. Why? Because their cheap and easy to find. Stick to buying glasses from a reliable source like L&A Safety – visit their website here.

  ü  Hearing protection

Power tools are much louder than you may think; listening to them all day long could damage your ears and even lead to hearing loss. Earmuffs are your best bet as they are comfortable to wear and block most of the noise out. If you’d rather go for the cheaper option, earplugs can be worn but they’re not as comfortable.

  ü  Masks and respirators

Inhaling asbestos, mould and fibreglass can make you seriously ill, so wearing a mask is an absolute must when it comes to doing demolition work. Respirator masks are comfortable to wear and provide more protection than disposable masks.

  ü  Gloves

For at home work, a light pair of leather, canvas or cloth gloves are vital. Steer clear of those huge bulky gloves that take ages just to wear in. The best gloves you can buy for your tool box offer proper protection but are still easy to wear.

  ü  Work boots

Just like your gloves, your boots should be reliable, yet still comfortable to wear. When you’re busy doing your DIY projects you need foot gear that can protect your feet from falling objects, water and even ensure you don’t slip.

Make sure you have these essentials in your toolbox at all times!

How to clean your Respirator Mask

Taking care of your respirator is simple stuff, but it can have a big impact on your health and safety at work. L&A Safety explains the best way to keep your non-disposable respirator clean and how to prolong the life on your cartridges.

Most people never clean their respirators. Why? Maybe they love germs, or accumulated grime, or maybe, they just wipe it out with a rag occasionally and keep working. Hey, I’ll do it right from now on.

Masks are worn to protect workers from dangerous atmospheres, and properly cared for; they will continue doing that for quite some time. However, if you’re wearing a mask, chances are you’re not working in the cleanest environment and they need to be washed to remove any residue occasionally.

To clean your respirator, first wash your hands. You don’t want to take the dirt and replace it with the paint or chemicals you’ve been working with. If you’re not sure how to do it, check the written instructions that came with your mask. Make sure you don’t lose any seals or washers that may be in place with the cartridges.

It probably goes without saying, but we’ll say it anyway: you can’t wash your cartridges. If you have cartridges with rigid exteriors, you can wipe the dirt or over-spray off. But make sure you set them to the side when you are washing.

Next, hand wash the respirator face piece in warm water. Use a disinfectant soap. Check with the manufacturer to see if there are recommended brands.

After you have cleaned the respirator and all the parts, let them air-dry before reassembly.

The other important thing to remember about caring for your respirator is keeping your respirator and cartridges stored correctly. Sunlight, dust, extremes of both heat and cold, and chemicals can have a negative effect on the longevity of your mask.

Ideally the cartridges should be removed after each use and put in a zip-lock bag for storage. If you have a half-face mask, it will fit into a big bag without having to take the cartridges off. Always store your mask away from the job site or any other chemicals.

If you have any questions about your safety gear, respirators or safety equipment in general, contact L&A Safety today!