Personal protective equipment (PPE) is extremely important to the health and safety of industrial workers. Often the accidents that happen on the job are due to the absence of personal protective equipment. Since industrial workers are regularly exposed to workplace hazards, the body must be protected. There are many forms of PPE used by industrial workers, including gear to protect the respiratory system and flame-resistant clothes to protect the skin. Regardless of the specific profession, PPE is widely used by industrial workers to protect themselves from workplace hazards.
Head Protection
The importance of PPE for industrial workers is that it keeps employees safe while on the job. Head protection is one of the most important forms of PPE because it protects the head from injury. One example of head protection is a hard hat. Hard hats should be well fitted, neither too loose nor too tight. Some hard hats also have a built-in shield to protect the face. The fact is that accidents happen on the job. There are unforeseeable dangers as an industrial worker, so wearing a hard hat is always essential. A hard hat can protect an industrial worker from falling or swinging objects. Additionally, if a fall occurs, a hard hat can save your life.
Hand Protection
Hand protection is important because injury to the hands could make the job more difficult. There are many different types of hazards associated with industrial work, so there are also many options for hand protection. Some gloves, such as leather or canvas, protect against cuts and burns, while some protect against dirt and chaffing, such as fabric gloves. For anyone that is working with electrical hazards, more heavy-duty gloves are necessary. Insulted rubber gloves can protect industrial workers from electrical hazards. To take it one step further, there are also chemical and liquid-resistant gloves for industrial workers who deal with highly toxic or corrosive materials.
Face and Eye Protection
The importance of PPE for industrial workers is especially relevant when it comes to the face. If the face isn’t protected in the event of an accident, the eyes and mouth are at risk. Since protecting the face in hazardous working conditions is essential, all face protection must comply with safety standards. Failure to comply with standards could cost an employee their sight, so finding the appropriate face protection is vital. Safety glasses are a common form of face protection because the eyes are covered, and for many employees that is the best form of protection. Safety glasses are durable glasses with a plastic or metal frame that typically have impact-resistant lenses. Need more eye protection? Chemical splash goggles are a good option. Chemical splash goggles are tight-fitting goggles that cover the eyes and surrounding eye area.
When it comes to face protection, masks are also an option. Masks are important for the health of your respiratory system but can also prevent dirt and debris from getting into the mouth. Masks can be helpful for protection, but make sure the mask is flame-resistant if exposure to that hazard is possible. Face shields are also available for chemical protection, as well as protection against other workplace hazards. Face shields can also protect the eyes, so considering this option could maximize face protection. Full-face respirators are also an option if an extreme hazard is present in specific industrial fields.
Hearing Protection
Since noise typically cannot be minimized in an industrial setting, hearing protection is important to the hearing health of employees. Earplugs are a way to protect hearing while working in a noisy setting. There are many options for hearing protection based on preference. One of the standard forms of ear hearing protection is pre-molded earplugs. For a more customizable fit, consider formable earplugs. Formable earplugs can adapt to fit perfectly into the ear for maximum comfort. For anyone who doesn’t like anything in their ears, earmuffs are the best option for them. Earmuffs fit around the ear and help minimize noise because they are lined with acoustic foam.
Skin and Body Protection
Protecting the skin and body is especially important where workplace hazards are present, so it’s advantageous to invest in protective clothing that keeps the body safe. Flame resistant clothing is one example of protective clothing. Flame resistant clothing is made so that it won’t catch on fire, making it essential for industrial workers. Many potential dangers requiring FR clothing include arc flashes, flash fires, and explosions. Flame resistant clothing comes in many different options to cater to the needs of industrial workers that could potentially encounter an arc flash or flash fire.
There are many options for flame resistant clothing depending on the needs of the individual. Flame resistant outerwear protects the body while providing comfortability that allows you to easily move around. There are many options for FR outwear including sweatshirts and jackets, as well as overalls. There are also options for various climates and temperatures. For example, winter jackets are available as an option for flame resistant clothing, as well as insulated coveralls. These options make it easier to work in the winter because employees are protected and warm. One of the biggest mistakes an industrial worker can make is wearing outwear that isn’t flame resistant. Most industrial workers know to wear flame resistant pants or shirts, but it is often the outwear that slips the mind.
FROutlet offers a wide variety of fire resistant clothing and accessories that comply with NFPA 70E and 2122 standards. FROutlet offers PPE and protective clothing for women and men, including sizing options such as regular, big, tall, and long. We take pride in providing high-quality products at a low price. We are proud to offer brands including Ariat, Bulwark FR, Carhartt, Danner, Double H, Lapco, Rasco FR, Thorogood, Timberland, Twisted X, Walls, Wolverine, Workrite, and Wrangler FR. For all your flame-resistant needs, we are here to help. We want you to be protected on the job, so feel free to check out our website and browse our selection.
