Construction sites can be dangerous places when the proper safety procedures aren’t followed and proper safety equipment isn’t used. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is the last line of defense to protect you from a workplace injury and should be worn whether you’re a professional on the job, or a weekend warrior taking on a home project. We’ve got a full inventory of safety gear available at Maxwell Supply in Tulsa so stop by and stock up before starting your next project. Here are a few safety basics that require PPEs.
Hearing
When noise levels exceed 85 dB, hearing can be damaged and protection is needed. Think about all of the noise on a typical construction site. Machinery and tools, workers yelling, and even traffic passing by all contribute to the noise your ears are subjected to. Most power tools operate between 90 and 120 dBs so hearing protection should be worn any time a power tool is in use. A general rule of thumb is that if you have to raise your voice to talk to someone who’s an arm length away, you need hearing protection. This protection comes in the form of ear plugs, and ear muffs most commonly. Remember that while hearing damage is completely preventable, it’s also permanent and irreversible.
Eyes
There are three key steps to avoiding injuries to your eyes. First, assess your work site and identify any potential hazards to your eyes. Second, eliminate those hazards by removing hazardous materials, or screens or guards. Third, use proper eye protection like glasses or goggles to provide a final line of defense. Different types of work and tools will require different types of eye protection, so before you start work, be sure you have the correct protection available.
Head
A hard hat is commonly used on any construction site, but it’s the rare occasions when it’s not in use that become exponentially more dangerous. A hard hat needs to be able to resist penetration by falling items, absorb shock, be water resistant, slow to burn, and be adjustable in order to fit securely on a variety of head sizes. There should also be open space between the rigid helmet exterior and the top of the head. In addition to wearing the hard hat whenever you’re on the job site, it’s also important to regularly inspect it for damage. The recommended maximum lifespan for a hard hat is five years.
Feet
When you start to suffer from foot pain, you’re more likely to begin suffering from pain elsewhere too. Foot protection not only protects your feet, but also lowers the risk of injury to the rest of your body, and helps prevent fatigue slows your reaction time. Depending on the job, proper foot protection could be as simple as a sturdy boot. Any type of foot protection will provide comfort while firmly gripping the heel, allow free movement of the toes, and have a fastening across the instep to keep the foot in place while walking.
Browse through some of our safety inventory online, or stop by and see us at Maxwell Supply in Tulsa for everything you need for your next project.