As a contractor, it’s your job to protect your workers from injuries, and construction safety equipment is essential to this end. While some pieces of equipment may seem simple, others can prove to be incredibly useful. Some of the very important safety equipment are puncture-proof shoes, reflective clothing, plastic helmet, and more. Read on to learn more about different types of safety equipment used on construction sites. The safety items we are going to discuss in this blog post are extremely essential for protection at construction sites – and foster the well-being of your workers.
Work Pants
Regardless of whether you’re working on a home improvement project or you’re an employee of a construction company, work pants are a critical piece of construction safety equipment. While jeans are an excellent choice for most construction workers, many tradesmen are more comfortable in tailored construction pants.
These garments are designed to fit snugly, but they also allow for a great deal of flexibility. Flexibility is the main feature as it allows workers maximum mobility so they do not get injured. Work pants are made from various types of fabric, each with its own pros and cons. Cotton is a natural fiber that feels comfortable against the skin. Work jeans are generally made of strong cotton fibers, but they can also be stretchy and breathable.
Surgical Masks
Surgical face masks are essential pieces of construction safety equipment. Typically, these face masks contain a filtration layer that reduces the volume of air passing through the mask. Several safety standards are used to ensure the quality of surgical face masks. The ASTM standards for face masks specify that they have a breathing resistance of 80 mmHG or more.
There are three levels of safety: level 1, level 2, and class 3. The first level is suitable for low-risk situations. Level 2 and level 3 are meant for heavy exposure to fluid or aerosol. Level 3 masks provide protection from fluid and airborne particles as much as 165 mmHg. This is critical for construction site safety.
Reflective Suits or Clothing
When it comes to choosing workwear, especially at night, many construction employers think they’re providing their workers with the best possible equipment. But there’s a lot more to be considered than the style of hi-vis clothing. A high-visibility warning garment meets certain safety standards. The standard outlines the safety specifications for coveralls, jackets, trousers, harnesses, and more. This way, the presence of construction workers can be detected so workers stay safe at all times.
Puncture-proof Footwear
In the construction sector, puncture-proof footwear is an important piece of safety equipment. These shoes are designed to protect workers from a variety of injuries caused by falling objects. Specifically, they must be made with a metatarsal and toe puncture-resistant design. Some puncture-proof footwear is also electric-shock-resistant. This footwear has usage in many applications.
Cones
A safety cone is an excellent way to communicate higher levels of risk. It can also be used to direct traffic at checkpoints. They are widely used and will always be a necessary product for safety. Cones have many commercial and industrial uses and the concreting SWMS at Construction Safety Shop can help you select the right one.