Safety equipment in industries prevents fatal calamities. According to government data, three workers in Indian Factories perish daily on average due to fundamental safety precautions not being followed.

The organisation’s procurement and safety officers are in charge of choosing safety gear. This blog will guide you in choosing industrial safety gear such as safety shoes, helmets, face protection, and gloves.

Guide to Selecting Industrial Safety Equipment

Here is the breakthrough of the factors to consider before buying any safety equipment from suppliers:

For Safety Shoes

Safety Shoes are made to protect workers on the job. Before choosing your Safety shoes, you must:

• Identify specific dangers in your workplace, such as the risk of falling objects, electrical hazards, or exposure to chemicals.
• Ensure the footwear meets industry safety standards and regulations, such as ASTM F-2412-2005 or ANSI Z41-1999.
• Select shoes that fit well and are comfortable for long periods. Comfortable footwear prevents foot fatigue, enhances worker productivity, and reduces the risk of injury.
• Choose shoes made from materials that offer protection against the specific hazards of your environment, such as leather for durability or rubber for electrical resistance. Durable materials ensure longevity and sustained protection for workers.
• Depending on the risks identified in your workplace, look for features like steel toe caps, slip-resistant soles, and puncture-resistant materials. These features provide additional protection against common workplace hazards, reducing the risk of injury.
• Quality and Brand Reputation: Opt for reputable brands known for high-quality and durable safety shoes. Choosing established brands ensures reliability and consistency in performance, providing peace of mind to workers and employers.

Also Read: An insiders Knowing Difference between Safety Shoes and Work Boots

For Helmet

Safety Helmets protect the workers from fatal injuries.

Purchasing considerations for safety helmets:

• Ensure the helmet meets international safety standards like ANSI/ISEA Z89.1, CSA Z94.1, or EN 397, guaranteeing rigorous testing for impact resistance and electrical insulation.
• Different types are designed for specific hazards, such as hard hats for falling objects and electrical hazards. Others may offer additional features like face shields or earmuffs.
• Helmets are usually made from materials like HDPE, ABS, or fibreglass. Consider durability, weight, comfort, and ventilation features.
• A properly fitting helmet is crucial. Look for adjustable suspension systems and chin straps for a secure fit. Comfort is vital for long-term wear.
• Depending on job requirements, helmets with integrated eye protection, reflective strips, or accessory slots for headlamps and hearing protection may be necessary.
• Regularly inspect helmets for damage or wear. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for cleaning and storage to maintain their protective effectiveness.

Also Read: Things to Consider While Choosing Safety Helmets

For Face Protection

Here are the most important points to consider for choosing face protection:

• The first and most crucial step is to identify the specific hazards present in your work environment. Consider the following:
  
  
  • Impact: Flying chips, debris, or other projectiles.
  • Chemical Splash: Acids, bases, or other harsh chemicals.
  • Heat: Sparks, molten metal, or extreme temperatures.
  • Optical Radiation: Welding arcs, lasers, or intense UV light.
  • Dust or Biological Hazards: Fine particles or infectious materials.

• Once you understand the hazards, choose the appropriate protection:
  
  
  • Safety Glasses: Protect against moderate impact and small particles.
  • Goggles: Offer a tight seal, protecting against chemical splashes, dust, and some impact.
  • Face Shields: Provide full-face coverage against larger impacts, splashes, and some heat exposure. Worn in conjunction with safety glasses or goggles for optimal protection.
  • Welding Helmets: Specialized protection with shaded lenses for welding and similar activities.

• The material of the face protection is essential for durability and resistance:
  
  
  • Polycarbonate: Offers excellent impact resistance and is common in most safety gear.
  • Chemical Resistant Materials: Consult a compatibility chart against the specific chemicals in your workplace.
  • Heat-resistant Materials: Look for specialized materials for high-temperature environments.

• Proper fit prevents gaps, ensuring protection. Adjustable straps help customize the fit. Comfort is crucial, as uncomfortable PPE is less likely to be worn correctly.
  
  
• Always ensure the face protection you choose adheres to relevant safety standards, such as ANSI Z87.1 (USA), EN 166 (Europe), or your country’s specific standards. Check for markings on the equipment.

Important Points to Remember:

• Eye protection is often specialized. What works for metal grinding might not be appropriate for chemical handling.
• Face shields are usually considered secondary protection and should be worn with safety glasses or goggles.
• Consult your company’s safety guidelines and resources for specific requirements in your work area.

For Safety Gloves

A Concerning Statistic: Hand injuries are shockingly common in industrial settings. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that hand injuries account for a significant portion of all workplace accidents.

Key Considerations for Choosing Industrial Safety Gloves

• Just like with face protection, start by identifying the specific threats you’ll face:
  
  
  • Look for gloves with cut-resistant materials like Kevlar or specialized metal mesh.
  • Check chemical resistance charts provided by glove manufacturers to ensure the glove’s material is compatible with the chemicals you handle.
  • Choose gloves with heat insulation or thermal lining for temperature extremes.
  • If sharp objects are a risk, consider additional puncture resistance.
  • Electricians need specialized insulating gloves with voltage ratings.

• Glove materials make all the difference:
  
  
  • Leather: Durable and offers good cut and abrasion resistance.
  • Nitrile, Neoprene, or PVC: Excellent chemical resistance (check compatibility charts).
  • Kevlar: Supreme cut resistance.
  • Specialty Materials: Consider aluminized gloves for heat and chainmail for extreme cut hazards, etc.
• Ill-fitting gloves are clumsy and increase risk. Too loose and they slip; too tight and they restrict movement. Look for snug fits with flexibility for your specific tasks.
  
  
• Don’t sacrifice the ability to handle objects for the sake of protection. Balance the required protection with the need for precision and control. Consider thinner gloves with high cut resistance where appropriate.
  
  
• Ensure the gloves you choose meet the required safety standards for your industry, such as ANSI/ISEA (USA) or EN (Europe). Look for markings on the gloves indicating compliance.
  
  
  

Pro Tip: No single glove is perfect for everything. You might need multiple types for different tasks. Consult safety supply resources and your company’s guidelines to make the best decisions.

Also Read: 5 Trends Driving the Safety Equipment Industry

After exploring this guide, you’re now prepared to enhance workplace safety by selecting the right safety equipment. To refine your choices consider consulting with industrial experts such as Moglix on safety equipment and get the best guidance.