Alright – welcome back everyone. With school holidays in full swing, keep safe and stay hydrated on the road. In the previous post we mention about gloves when handling hazardous substance. (You can find the recap here.) Let’s talk about the other gears you need to stay safe when dealing with nasty chemicals and other dangerous stuff as when you’re working with hazardous substances, you’ve got to cover all your bases by taking the ‘Head-to-Toe’ protection review approach.
Headgear/Face-shield/Visor
First up, you might need a hard hat to protect your noggin. Some situations call for a full-face shield, safety helmet or visors, to keep those chemical splashes or fine dust and or paint spray particles away from your eyes, ears, nose and face. Signage are also good reminders for areas where face shields are required before commencing work.
Eye Protection
Speaking of eyes, safety goggles or safety glasses are a must from common industrial hazards such as flying particles and fragments, dusts, splashing materials and molten metals, harmful asses, vapours and aerosol. For users with prescription glasses, additional protection can be in the form of overcoats to fit over existing frames. There are a variety of eye protection available depending on application.
Breathing Easy
For your lungs, respirators are key. Depending on what you’re dealing with, you might need anything from a simple face mask to a full-face self-contained breathing apparatus.
Keeping Your Skin Safe
Your skin needs love too. We’re talking chemical-resistant gloves, coveralls, aprons, and sometimes even a full chemically impervious suit. And don’t forget about your feet cover-on, or even chemical-resistant boots are crucial.
Choosing the Right Gear
Here’s the thing: not all PPE is created equal. The type you need depends on the specific hazards you’re facing. For example:
- Flammable liquids might require flame-resistant clothing
- Corrosive chemicals need extra-tough, chemical-resistant gear
- Toxic gases could call for specialized respiratory equipment
- Always check the safety data sheet (SDS) for the substance you’re working with. It’ll give you the lowdown on what PPE you need.
Remember
PPE is your last line of defence. It’s super important, but it shouldn’t be your only protection. Always try to eliminate or reduce hazards first before relying on PPE. Wearing PPE isn’t just about looking cool (although those chemical suits are pretty rad). It’s about keeping you and the rest of the team safe and healthy. So gear up, stay safe, and seize the day.
