Safety clothing refers to any personal protective equipment (PPE) products. These products protect the wearer from risk and unnecessary danger. People equipped with PPE can mitigate fire risks, exposure to extreme hot or cold temperatures, harsh weather, exposure to toxic substances, and ballistic risks that are hazardous to health. The kits keep the wearer safe from unnecessary danger and risk. People dealing with toxins, electricity, chemicals, harsh weather, and construction, in general, should be equipped with better safety attire.
The proficiency of this attire depends upon the materials and designs used to manufacture them. It is inappropriate to wear them outside of their intended area of application because of their specific design. Employers around the world should also be able to identify and list out the occupational hazards their employees face while working for them because some of them are risking their lives for work. Therefore, the employers must provide the safety gear, educate and train the employees about their use, and wear them.
Since protective gear is the last line of defence, it is the safest way to protect and prevent workers from getting injured. It is essential for anyone who works in risky conditions such as labs, construction sites, production plants, etc.
There are several types of safety gear that make up the safety clothing; they are:
1. Head protection
Wearing safety protection or PPE for protecting the head can help avoid any injuries to the head that may happen from objects falling or swinging. Furthermore, these protective gear prevents the wearer from knocking into things that are stationary as well. Some of this equipment also helps prevent scalping or entanglement in the machines. These headgears include helmets, hair caps, hardhats, bumps, and other such accessories.
2. Hand protection
Hand protective gear consists of gloves, gauntlets, wrist cuffs that protect hands and arms from getting cut or injured otherwise. It is vital to safeguard hands as they are most prone to accidents. Wearing safety clothing also ensures protection against heat or cold. One should wear hand protection if they are
- Doing Outdoor jobs and construction
- Operating things that vibrate
- Working in hot or cold settings
- Working with dangerous elements and chemicals
- Manually handling items that are abrasive or sharp
3. Face and eye gear
Estimates show that nearly more than six hundred workers worldwide are prone to eye injuries while working. One can avoid such injuries by using protective eye and face equipment. They include
- Safety glasses
- Goggles
- Face and eyes shield
- Eyewear and accessories
- Visors
These should be mandatory if the workers are
- Handling lasers and power-driven tools
- Working with toxic substances that are extremely hazardous
- Constantly welding
- Using vapour or gas
4. Footwear
Protective footwear is a must for anyone whose work involves working in extreme climatic conditions, handling chemicals, cutting, and dealing with electricity. They are of great use in construction sites, labs, and any job involving the handling of heavy machinery and goods. Safety boots or steel toe boots and anti-tactic, anti-slip footwear are examples of protective footwear.
5. Body Protective gear
Body protective wear consists of highly reflective clothing; they contain reflective paint or strips of reflective material that makes them visible even with little exposure to light. These are a must for anyone who works outdoors. Body PPE also consists of weather-appropriate clothing, harness, and other accessories.