Respiratory Protective Equipment for the Workplace

Some work processes can involve using harmful substances, fumes and chemicals – by breathing in these substances you can put yourself and the people around you at risk!

Respiratory protective equipment is used to protect workers from these substances that could be potentially hazardous, such as…

Gases
Sprays
Solvents
Dusts

Wearing the correct equipment can include a range of things, including…

Visors
Hoods
Masks
Helmets

When it comes to using protective equipment such as respiratory masks, they should not be the only protection you use to stay safe in the workplace. However, wearing RPE is a good temporary precaution to take before you get the proper protection.

Always remember that your respiratory protective equipment should be the correct type for the task and environment as well as fit you correctly to insure maximum protection.

Subjecting yourself to a work environment that is potentially hazardous for your health can result in a number of issues, including respiratory diseases, asthma, cancers as well as diseases in the airways and bronchitis.

Looking for the correct safety PPE for the job at a price you can afford? L&A Safety offers a range of PPE, including respiratory equipment – contact us today on 021 552 0665 or email tish@landasafety.co.za otherwise pop into a store in Cape Town, Robertson or Vredenburg.

Common Noise Hazards and What Hearing Protection to Wear!

A workplace that exposes you to loud noise constantly can really affect your hearing in the long run. The louder the noise you are exposed to, the more damage it can do and in some serious cases, it can even lead to permanent hearing loss.

You may be at risk! These are the most common noise hazards:

- Powered or pneumatic tools

- Impact tools, such as hammers, drop forges or riveters

- Powered cartridge-operated tools, guns or punching tools

- Constant interfering noise, such as a vacuum cleaner, busy street or crowded bar

Activities that generate high levels of noise:

- Agriculture

- Waste recycling

- Wood & plastic processing

- Heavy construction, demolition or road repairs

Wearing hearing protection should always be worn by those who are exposed to noise levels that are above 85db(A).

Hearing protection comes in two main forms – protection that covers the ear such as safety ear muffs and electronic hearing protectors. As well as protection that is inserted into the ear such as ear plugs.

L&A Safety offers high quality safety wear and equipment at affordable prices. Be sure to pop into one of our stores in Cape Town, Vredenburg or Robertson otherwise take a look at our website www.landasafety.co.za

Hearing protection is just as important as wearing safety goggles and hard hats, so make sure you wear the right protection that fits you right and that is properly maintained!

Respiratory Equipment to Protect against Common Breathing Hazards

Breathing in any hazardous substances when you are at work can put your health at serious risk and can even cause diseases and conditions such as asthma, COPD and cancer!

This is why if you are working in an environment that has a variety of chemicals including substances that create fumes, dust and other substances you need to always wear respiratory protective equipment. L&A Safety offers high quality PPE that won’t put a hole in your pocket – order online from www.landasafety.co.za or call 021 552 0665

Some of the most common breathing hazards can come from situations such as…

- Dust exposure from grinding or sanding an object

- Mixing or pouring chemicals

- Using certain chemicals

- Wearing the wrong kind of respiratory protection equipment

- Not managing and cleaning surfaces that are contaminated

You or your employees should be alert and especially vigilant and ensure that the right steps are taken if you work with or around…

- Solder flux

- Glues and resins

- Laboratories

- Chemicals in hairdressing

- Spray paints, etc.

- Wood, flour and grain dust

Respiratory protective equipment comes in many different forms, including visors, hoods, masks, helmets, etc. Any equipment that you have to wear while working should be the correct type for the task, size and fit as well as the substance and the working environment.

You can use the L&A Safety website to take a look at the various types of equipment and determine what kind you or your employees need.

Which Gloves should you wear for Dairy Farming?

In agriculture, gloves have many uses and they are an important part of the job, especially when it comes to the dairy farming business.

The gloves that many people in the business swear by are disposable nitrile gloves, but why? Studies show that worker and animal health needs to be improved as well as high quality milk. This is why nitrile gloves are used on a regular basis.

Here are the main benefits:

>> Less bacteria is transferred from the hands to the milk which means the milk is cleaner. Nitrile gloves make it difficult for the bacteria to stick to the hands when compared to the crevices of your hands without gloves on.

>> Nitrile gloves protect against repeated exposure to teat dips.

>> Superior resistance to iodine used to prevent contamination between cows, a resistance not found with latex gloves

Wearing gloves for protection is vital in the dairy farming industry. If a cow becomes infected or sick, this means precious time and money lost for the farmers. Plus the problem will become worse if the infection spreads to other cows.

Rather than taking that risk, all dairy farmers should stock up on nitrile glove supplies to provide the correct protection.

For a wide range of PPE, including a nitrile gloves and a selection of work gloves – visit L&A Safety’s website today or pop in at one of their stores in Cape Town, Vredenburg or Robertson.

Construction Safety Topics to discuss in the Workplace

Safety during construction should not be taken lightly. This is why discussing construction safety topics before work starts are highly important.

So, what is the main aim towards holding safety meetings? For every business or organisation, its employees’ safety and security is of the utmost importance. This is why; these topics can help reduce the number of injuries and even fatalities suffered by workers. If workers are exposed to hazards while they are inside or outside the work zone, the responsibility of the supervisor increases.

For helpful topics on construction safety, consider discussing the following topics…

- Use of first aid
- Use of hard hats
- Power tool safety
- Proper personal hygiene
- Proper road work safety
- Effects of sleep deprivation
- How to drive construction vehicles during winter
- What are workplace distractions
- Hearing protection devices
- Fall rescue techniques
- Proper grounding checks
- Asphalt worker safety
- Proper construction site hygiene
- Why is safety important in the workplace
- Asbestos use in construction
- Emergency fall response
- Construction fall protection
- Contractor safety work permit
- Construction ladder safety
- Demolition safety planning
- Safe lifting techniques
- Safety rules for power tools
- Employee safety responsibilities
- Are we prepared for an emergency
- Crane operation hand signals
- Importance of safety training
- Demolition safety checklist
- Hazardous material warning labels
- How to handle injuries
- Safety regulations in the workplace
- Construction site electrical hazards check list

The safety topics provided in this list will help employers and employees become educated better about workplace safety and security, ultimately reducing any chance of mistakes.

Looking for affordable and reliable PPE including safety boots, hats, gloves, clothing, equipment, etc. Pop into an L&A Safety store in Cape Town, Vredenburg or Robertson or visit the website www.landasafety.co.za

L&A Safety Products – Frams Safety Footwear

L&A Safety have branches throughout the west coast, including Cape Town, Robertson and Vredenburg. With a wide range of PPE on offer, from hard hats and safety goggles to reflective vests and work boots – L&A safety is your one-stop shop for quality safety wear and equipment.

You can order your Frams Safety Footwear online or from any L&A Safety store.

Frams is an original South African safety footwear brand that is proudly part of the BBF Safety Group (Pty) Ltd. Everything about this consistent, economical, reliable footwear is aimed at pleasing all customers, from general work to heavy construction and mining duties.

With a wide range of customers comes a wide range of needs, everyone is faced with different challenges when it comes to their safety, here are the key features that Frams offers…

- Steel toe caps
- Male and female footwear
- Genuine leather design
- Chemical protection
- Non-conductive
- Antistatic

If you work in these industries it is recommended that you buy a pair of Frams safety footwear…

- General work
- Agriculture
- Construction
- Smelting/foundries
- Mining
- Transport

Do not hesitate to contact us today to order your Frams safety footwear…

▪ MILNERTON

Unit 19, Central Park, Platinum Crescent

T: +27 (0)21 552 - 0665

E: tish@landasafety.co.za

▪ VREDENBURG

Shop 16, Westcoast Centre, Cnr. Long & School Street

T: +27 (0)22 713 - 3149

E: vredenburg@landasafety.co.za

▪ ROBERTSON

Unit 2, Cnr. Church & Industrial Street

T: +27 (0)76 532 - 5533

E: bensin@natko.co.za

Preventing Safety Hazards in the Workplace

When you are at work, there are important things you should keep in mind to prevent any injuries. There are some guidelines in place to control, correct and prevent potential and current hazards. You should understand the guidelines for equipment you are operating and wear all required protective clothing to make sure you stay safe while in the workplace. It is important that you make sure that safety precautions are always followed…

     1.       Follow all work safety procedures. Wear protective gloves, safety masks and ear protection when required. Wear safety goggles and follow all instructional policies for the equipment being operated.

     2.       Provide regular breaks for employees in hazardous working conditions. Rotate workers through various areas and provide exercise breaks for employees to prevent fatigue.

     3.       Make sure to give employees and management hazard training and assessment classes. All machines and techniques involved with the job need to be taught and repeated throughout the work force. Make all employees aware of the dangers and hazards of all equipment and supplies they deal with on a daily basis.

     4.       Track all corrections made to hazardous work areas. Always keep records of any accidents that occur in the workplace. Use this documentation to locate possible hazards and work to eliminate future accidents.

     5.       Conduct preventative maintenance on all equipment and systems before replacement or repair is needed to prevent workplace hazards.

     6.       Prepare for emergencies, whether accidental or those of natural cause such as the weather. Have drills and plans of action in place.

     7.       Implement medical programs within the business. The size and scope of the medical program will vary based on the number of employees and characteristics in the workplace. Larger companies can even hire on-site medical staff while smaller companies should make arrangements with local clinics.

As an employer you have a responsibility to protect workers against safety hazards at work, as they exist in every workplace. Some are easily identified and corrected, while others create extremely dangerous situations. The best thing to do is learn how to prevent them!

Are you in need of some quality safety wear and equipment at an affordable price? Visit L&A Safety in Cape Town, Robertson or Vredenburg or visit www.landasafety.co.za today!