Tag Archives: gloves

General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Protective Clothing

The 3 different types of gloves that every Plumber Needs

3 Different Types of Gloves That Every Plumber Needs

As you probably already know, a plumber’s number one asset is his hands, and as such, you should be doing everything you can to keep them (and yourself) safe while on the job. Gloves are an essential part of this equation, as they are often a plumber’s first line of defense against the various health and safety hazards they run into on a daily basis – things like chemicals, heat, sparks, or flames when soldering or welding, and raw sewage.

This may seem straightforward enough, but there are still a lot of plumbers who feel that gloves restrict their range of motion, and because of this, stay away from them altogether. While it’s true that some gloves do make a job more complicated or frustrating than it has to be, the risks that come with not wearing gloves should be enough to convince any plumber who enjoys his health to start wearing them. Not all gloves are made the same however, so we did our own research on the three gloves that are most useful to an everyday plumber.

Latex or Nitrile gloves

These thin, moisture resistant gloves are a must have for any plumbing jobs that include exposure to infectious, and other biologically hazardous materials. Remember to wear them on simple jobs like drain cleanings, and during the more complex ones, like installing a new sewer line, as both of these projects involve handling raw sewage. You can also use Nitrile gloves for the same instances, if you’re allergic to latex.

Tip: Most plumbers agree that wearing a pair of these gloves under their normal leather “work” gloves offers better protection.

Drain Cleaning “Work” Gloves

Drain cleaning gloves can be made from leather, PVC (Rubber), or synthetic materials, and are the most commonly used type of glove among plumbers. They offer added protection against the cuts and abrasions that commonly occur when handling a metal drain snake, as well as protection from the sewage and other bodily fluids that follows the snake up. Leather-based or synthetic gloves should be utilized whenever the job calls for physical labor, for increased grip and protection.

Tip: Again, it’s a good idea to wear latex or nitrile gloves under these, and it should be noted that rubber gloves are great for avoiding chemical-related injuries, and offer the most protection when working with commercial-grade solvents.

Welding Gloves

Gloves with a high level of heat resistance are crucial for plumbers that do any kind of welding or soldering work on a daily basis. Typically, welding gloves are made of thick leather, have extra long cuffs to prevent spatter burns, and offer varying levels of fire resistance.

Tip: When choosing a pair of welding gloves, make sure that the gloves you choose match the type of welding work that you will be doing, as different types of welding and soldering come with different temperatures.

Wearing the wrong gloves or no gloves at all is the perfect way to injure your hands on a job. It’s a fact that using gloves on any plumbing job is important, but what’s not so obvious is just how important choosing the right kind of gloves for each job can be.

General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Head Protection, High Visibility Safety, Protective Clothing

FIVE WAYS TO DECREASE THE DANGER OF YOUR SMALL WORKSPACE (GUEST POST)

Workplaces and warehouses can be dangerous places;  it is important that they allow you to work quickly, efficiently, and safely. Small workplaces such as garages and small warehouses can often be poorly ventilated, and cluttered with numerous hazards. Here are five tips to help improve and maintain the safety of your workspace.

At the height of winter small workplaces can not only be a burden to work in, but also be a threat to your health. It goes without saying that warm clothing should be used including fingerless gloves which will not hamper you when performing any manual tasks. Professional standard space warmers should also be considered, as many domestic heaters are not up to the job and are highly inefficient. It is also worth checking the efficiency of any windows and doors, they should be providing a notable barrier from the cold and not allowing any heat to escape. The price of new energy efficient widows and doors may be costly initially, but they could save you a considerable amount on your heating bill and help to keep you warm during any harsh winter days. Heated flooring could also be considered, but the expense can be very large, and wearing thick socks and professional standard boots can be enough to stave off cold feet.

If you work with any large or dangerous machinery,  a cluttered workspace can become a death trap. Working around cluttered spaces is bad enough, but tripping or falling into heavy machinery can be fatal. To decrease clutter it is worth utilising some shelving for items that are frequently used, and find designated areas for items that are less frequently used (a place where they can be stored for long periods of time without being in your way). Any heavy machinery should be out of the way of other items, so space organising around machinery should be of the upmost importance.

If you have a large quantity of clutter, or some very bulky items, it can be worth contacting a professional clearance company. For example companies such as A1 Clearances specialise in the removal of large scale or bulky items from a workspace, and will often consider any item for removal regardless of size. If the clutter you have is manageable then you should designate one day to sift through everything in your workspace and take any redundant items to nearby skips or recycling facilities. By clearing out redundant items you will find that you have more shelf space as well as floor space, hence making your work less dangerous and more efficient.

Make Precautions For Fire 

Even if you are working in a small garage it is important that you lay down your own fire safety regime. The most important part of this is identifying and maintaining a fire exit. In a warehouse you should have an official fire exit and this should never be blocked. In a garage or similar workspaces you should have an exit that can always be reached, and no heavy machinery or other items should be in the way of this exit. Things you can normally dodge will become more of a tripping hazard when panicking due to fire and smoke. You should have the correct fire extinguishers in your workspace as well. For example, a water based extinguisher should be used for any wood or textile based fire, and a CO2 extinguisher for any flammable liquids or electrical equipment. Failing to use the right extinguisher can not only make a fire worse but could also cause a fatal explosion. 

Be Seen At All Times 

If a forklift truck is in operation then high visibility clothing must be worn by all others in the workspace. This simple precaution costs very little but it a proven lifesaver. A forklift truck can easily crush anything in its way, but wearing high visibility clothing can help the driver identify a potential hazard much more quickly. A hard hat should also be used when driving a forklift incase anything heavy is knocked off a high shelf.

 

Author Bio: Robert works with A1 Clearances , a UK-based domestic clearance & removals business.

 

General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Head Protection, High Visibility Safety

DECIDING ON SAFE MOTORCYCLE EQUIPMENT (GUEST POST)

 
 

When facing the daily commute, workers have increasingly opted to favor motorcycles in lieu of costlier passenger vehicles, carpooling, and public transportation. Within the past decade, the number of motorcyclists in the United States has roughly doubled from around 3.8 million to 6.7 million. While motorcycle culture has enjoyed a newfound appreciation, there’s another statistic that is a greater cause of concern – and that’s the number of motorcycle accidents occurring annually, which has been on the rise for the past two decades. 

With an increasing number of people riding for daily commutes rather than as experienced hobbyists, it’s unfortunate that these numbers are destined to rise. However, following these tips when preparing your motorcycle equipment can drastically reduce the odds that any accidents you find yourself involved in might result in serious impairment or death. 

Choosing the Right Motorcycle Helmet 

There are riders who ignore wearing helmets due to the misconception that they negatively impact your ability to hear and see your environment. However, studies have verified time and time again that how motorcycle helmets affect hearing and vision is marginal at best. More importantly, the fact that helmets reduce the fatality of accidents by around 40% is enough proof to never consider going on without a helmet. 

A good motorcycle helmet should be not only durable, but lightweight. Additionally, excessive weight on your head can cause your neck to whip harder to cause more extensive neck and head damage in the event of an accident. This will allow turning your head more easily to maintain awareness of your environment. A helmet should also be well-fitted and adjusted for a snug, unmoving fit. A helmet will also improve your road awareness by negating wind noise, dust, and insects that might aggravate you on the way.  

And, of course, wearing a helmet will help you in terms of staying on good terms with police officers and your insurance provider. 

Equipping the right gear 

One of the greatest challenges for motorcyclists who opt for riding for their daily commute is that their daily work attire, especially of the white-collar variety, doesn’t exactly meet the level of protection necessary to defend oneself during an accident. After all, while your local motorcycle club might nod in approval when you arrive in leather chaps, you might find a harder time getting the approval of your supervisor. 

While standard competition weight leather is an exceptional choice for protection, there are options for motorcycle protection even for those with a business-oriented image to maintain. Kevlar mesh is a comparably protective material that offers greater breathability and a more lightweight solution. It is also far more weatherproof and can even be equipped under clothing if appearances are a great concern. Many Kevlar mesh products feature leather padding on high impact areas, which are an excellent design consideration to prevent getting a case of road rash. 

If none of these choices are options immediately available to you, the next best alternative is to dress in many layers. Your bare minimum should incorporate some kind of heavy duty jacket, wear resistant pants, gloves, boots, and your helmet. Consider wearing clothing which feature reflective safety materials, or even a full reflective safety vest. 

While it might not be ideally comfortable and it might take a little extra effort to change upon arriving at your destination, making sure you arrive in one piece is too important to ignore simply because it might seem inconvenient at the time. 

This is a contribution by Greg Pickett, a content creator with Michael Padway & Associates. In addition to writing online, Greg is a motorcyclist who drives a vintage BMW whenever he has a weekend when the roads aren’t iced over. Follow him on Twitter at @GregTPickett.

General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Head Protection, Protective Clothing, Weather Protection

TEXAS AMERICA SAFETY WANTS TO HELP YOU STAY WARM THIS WINTER

Our parent company, Texas America Safety Company, has been in the business of selling quality personal protective equipment for over twenty years.  There are many items you may not know about, so we would like to take the time to introduce some winter products to help you stay warm.  Whether you plan to be sitting outside at a football game, going on a ski trip, hunting, or working every day in the outdoors, we think you will enjoy viewing these products.

Here is a list of some of our items that will help you stay warmer, and chances are, at a lower cost than retail stores.  You can see full descriptions on our cold weather comfort products page.

  • Winter liners.  These are worn under hardhats to keep your head warm from outside cold. They can also be worn underneath a regular hoodie to add warmth.
  • Knitted tube liners.  Warm liners that fit over hardhats; they are either full-face or half-face. 
  • Plush Fleece Balaclava winter liners.  These work much better than scarves, and come in navy, orange, or camo colors.  Drawstring ensures warmth around your head and neck.
  • Multifunctional Winter Gaiters. Made of microfiber, these can be worn 10 different ways.
  • “Hot Rods” Warming Packs!  Handy little packets that warm up your hands, feet, anywhere you need to stay warm!  Be sure to check these warming packs that last for hours.  You’ll be glad you did!

It is our goal to furnish you with safety information on a daily basis.  We thank all our readers and blog contributors this past year, and wish all of you a safe, happy, and healthy New Year!

 Don’t forget to ask for the 5% discount we offer if you mention that you read about it on our blog!

 

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues

TILE GROUT CLEANING GUIDE (GUEST POST)

 Be it the bathroom tiles, kitchen tiles or tiles on the workplace floor, a grout between any of them may appear pretty filthy and grimy. No one really enjoys cleaning a grout, especially when the grout contains numerous dirty stains that look impossible to clean. But without proper care and maintenance, tile grouts can become discolored and may even tarnish the surface of your tiles. There could be various factors contributing to grout formation such as mildew or moulds causing grout stains in the bathroom; moulds, food stains, household grimes in the kitchen and similar moulds and dirt on the floor leads forms the tile grout. To clean any grout here‘s a guide on what all you can do to keep your tiles looking new always.

Vinegar and Baking Soda

This is perhaps the most tried and tested method to clean away the tile grouts and is indeed the most effective cleaner. Simply dilute the vinegar with equal volume of water or make a paste of baking soda with small amount of water, to clean away that nasty grout. Spray the vinegar solution or dab the soda paste onto the grout. Take a small scrub brush and scrub away the grout in small circles. Do not move your brush in straight up-down motion as this might remove more debris than required from the grout. Rinse it well with water and pat it dry with paper towel.

Try Oxygenated Cleaners

You can even try the generic household cleaners or the oxygenated cleaners like Oxyclean, Lysol, Mr. Clean or even the powder based chemical cleaners to clean away the tile grout. Mix any of these cleaners as directed and scrub with small scrub brush and wash away with water.

Try Hydrogen Peroxide and Water

Make sure you use this method only on white grouts as it may lead to discoloration of colored grouts and always try this method on a small area first. Mix equal quantities if hydrogen peroxide and water in 1:1 ratio. Apply this paste to grout lines and leave it as such for 15 minutes and then rinse it off with water.

Apply Shaving Cream

This is indeed the easiest and least expensive method of cleaning the grout. Apply the shaving cream on to the grout and leave it for a few minutes. Scrub it with a brush and wash away with water.

General Tips for Cleaning the Grout Away

  • Cleaning the grout at first with water will help remove any loose surface
  • Avoid the use of metal bristles to clean the grout, use any other stiff brush
  • Make use of gloves and protective eye wear while making use of chemical cleaners
  • Always test all your grout cleaners on small areas at first
  • Never mix different cleansers together

Once your grout is clean, you can maintain its neat and fresh look by applying a few coats of grout sealer. There are various types of grout sealers available in the market for various purposes, such as for floor tiles, for bathroom tiles and for the kitchen backsplashes. Always check that you buy the correct grout sealer depending upon the grout you’ll be applying it on to. It is important that you apply the sealer at least once or twice every year.

In a large building, your maintence crew will appreciate these tips – especially the one about the shaving cream.

Author Bio  Myezy Handyman  is a reliable company which is offering you professional Home maintenance and repair services. We have skilled professionals who work with their skills as well as with experience.

 

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Head Protection, High Visibility Safety, Protective Clothing

WHEN DO I NEED SAFETY WEAR, AND WHAT DO I NEED? (GUEST POST)

Safety wear is used to protect you in work environments but to the majority, it becomes part of the uniform and we forget its benefits. This article is going to give you a run down of what you need and when you might need it.

Labouring jobs and outdoor jobs are perhaps the most obvious occupations in which workwear is required. When you are working in a building environment for example, there is a risk with carrying heavy goods in case you dropped  something on your toe. When your work outdoors, perhaps doing road works, there is a risk in foggy or dark conditions with your lack of visibility. Hazards exist everywhere you look but jobs, like the ones described, carry a higher risk. This is why you need safety wear. Safety wear decreases the chance of accidents and injuries.

But what is needed and why?

First of all let’s start with what is available.

  • Socks with extra cushioning so you can feel comfortable while wearing safety boots.
  • Safety boots – most contain steel toe caps to protect your toes and you should look for ones with anti-slip surfaces to ensure you remain steady on your feet.
  • Work trousers – containing durable material, knee pads and lots of pockets.
  • Safety gloves – to protect your hands.
  • Safety goggles – your eyes are the most precious part of your body and although goggles might look unattractive, it is worth it to save your vision.
  • High Visibility clothing. Vests and jackets help you stay noticed in unclear conditions.
  • Knee pads – knees are weak parts of the body and the extra padding can be crucial if your spending a lot of time knelt down on the floor during your job. It is all about making you comfortable.
  • Hard hats with cushioning to protect your head and brain are very important.

Who needs what though?

Well,  if you are in a labouring environment, it depends. 
Builders will more than likely require steel toe work boots in case any materials are dropped while doing the job. They also require hard hats and gloves are a must have, particularly if working outdoors in blustering conditions.
Mechanics need work trousers and knee pads. When they are knelt on the ground and under vehicles, comfort is essential and these must-haves are necessary to protect your knees.
Welders require safety goggles. This is a dangerous job and your eyes are the most sensitive part of your body. They are critical safety products.

If you are outdoors, maybe working on the roads as a traffic officer or as an highway operative, you need to ensure you stand out and people can see you. This is not always easy when the weather conditions are poor or even when it is dark; this is why your role requires high visibility clothing. Hi-vis jackets and vests come in fluorescent designs and contain extra reflective strips to ensure you are noticeable and in turn accidents are avoided. Jackets come in a variety of styles so if you are working in the cold, you can opt for a fleece lined parka that will keep you warm but also safe and secure.
Emergency services also wear hi-vis clothing to ensure they are apparent and people recognise them easily; this is particularly important for crucial situations.

Most workers require some sort of safety uniform but for occupations outdoors or in labouring environments, a specialised range of safety wear has been deigned to decrease any unexpected risks. It is very important and statistics suggest you need these items. Take a look at our range of workwear here http://www.sportsdirect.com/pages/workwear and stay safe!

 

 

 

Back Safety, Ergonomics, Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Protective Clothing, Respiratory Safety

FOUR SOLID CONCRETE SAFETY TIPS YOU SHOULD KNOW (GUEST POST)

Concrete is one of the most widely used materials in construction yet many contractors lack knowledge of the potential dangers posed by concrete and the equipment used to pour and finish it.

Thankfully, the deaths caused as a direct result of working with concrete are extremely rare. The injuries incurred from working with the material carelessly, however, are higher. And, like most workplace accidents, a significant proportion of these injuries were probably avoidable.

With that in mind, here are four essential concrete safety tips for anyone regularly working with concrete or related machinery.

Concrete burns; keep covered up and wear protective equipment

Concrete burns are one of the lesser understood risks of working with fresh concrete, principally because the thick, cold consistency of concrete isn’t something you’d expect to have a burning property.

However, fresh concrete has a high alkaline content, which makes it extremely dangerous to human skin. Even worse, alkaline attacks nerve endings meaning that those exposed to concrete might not feel the effects until well after initial contact. The severity of concrete burns can range from minor irritation to dermatitis and burns.

To avoid the risk of concrete burns, ensure that all skin that could potentially be exposed to concrete mix is fully covered; this includes forearms, legs and a face mask and goggles if possible. It goes without saying that you should invest in some hard-wearing protective gloves when handling concrete too.

Protect yourself from concrete dust

Concrete dust from pre-mix concrete is one of the more dangerous elements of working with concrete, as prolonged exposure and inhalation can lead to the development of asthma and other occupation-related respiratory illnesses. In the short term, it can also lead to severe irritation of the eyes.

Fortunately, protecting yourself from the effects of concrete dust is relatively simple. Always wear protective goggles and a face mask when pouring your concrete into a mixer. If any other unprotected workers are in your direct proximity at the time, tell to stand clear until the dust has cleared.

Be prepared for heavy lifting

Depending on the kind of concrete job you’re carrying out, workers might be required to lift heavy concrete blocks. Set concrete is extremely heavy, so ensure that you have the correct amount of workers lifting a block and that each worker follows the accepted ‘safe’ way to lift: a straight back, bent knees and lifting with the legs.

For heavier concrete blocks, you might require the use of machinery such as a crane. Before allowing a crane to lift a block, make sure that the block is properly secured and any risk of the block falling loose is minimal. Clear any workers out of the path of the block’s journey to avoid any fatalities should the block fall.

Stay safe with construction equipment

The finishing of concrete requires a lot of equipment, including some seriously heavy-duty machines such as ride-on power trowels. Safety checks should be carried out on this machinery before use; is everything in working order? Are there any loose parts? Also make sure that you fully train (or are fully trained) in the same use of all equipment you use – if you feel unsure or suspect that a worker might not be in a position to safely operate equipment, get someone else to operate the equipment and organise further training.

When using any construction equipment, other workers should be positioned well clear of the operating area.

Concrete is an extremely useful material and one that is relatively easy to use – so long as you follow basic safety procedures.

Christopher Smith is writing on behalf of Multiquip UK, suppliers of construction equipment

 

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Head Protection, Protective Clothing, Respiratory Safety

SAFETY TIPS FOR DECONTAMINATION FOLLOWING DISASTERS

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Waters after hurricane/flood/tornadoes can be contaminated with sewage, industrial waste, microorganisms, chemicals, and other substances that can cause illness or death.  In these environments, it becomes necessary for professional rescue workers, along with volunteers, to begin the tasks of decontaminating the properties that are still standing.  An important step in preventing disease is to disinfect clothing, tools/equipment, and work area surfaces.  

Good old household bleach solutions can be used for decontamination purposes when working around these hazards.  It is important to workers and volunteers that good hand hygiene is established.  Hands should be washed with clean soap and water if at all possible.  If only contaminated water is available, use ¼ cup of bleach per 1 gallon of water.  When cleaning hand tools, immerse them in the solution.  Severe surface decontamination needs to be disinfected using a solution of 1½ cups of bleach to 1 gallon of water.  Allow this to stand 3 minutes. 

It is important to mix bleach solutions fresh daily, just before use.  The solution needs to stand for 30 minutes before using.  Wipe electric or battery-operated tools with bleach solution.  It is also imperative that you wear gloves, and eye protection when cleaning clothes, tools, and surfaces.  When mold is present, use respirators (N-95 recommended).  Never mix ammonia products with bleach. 

An Added Problem 

Emergency responders don’t often consider technical animal decontamination, yet the possibility absolutely exists.  Common HAZMAT situations involving animals include septic tank falls, inadvertent chemical overspray, swamps, flooding, and gasoline from automobile and trailer wrecks.  Animal handling and decontamination is an integral part of any HAZMAT response where animals are potentially exposed to hazardous chemical releases. Contaminated animals pose a health and safety threat to any human they contact after removal from a hazardous environment if they are not properly decontaminated.  This requires proper training and equipment for first responders and well thought out plans for animal management before, during and after the decontamination process.  Sights of deserted animals are heartbreaking, and there are rescue agencies that take them in and rehabilitate them, finding new owners if the original owners are not found. 

Because there is such a threat of disease, all precautionary measures should be taken by workers, volunteers and homeowners.  Wearing proper PPE personal protective equipment for different situations is of the utmost importance.

 

 

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Head Protection, Protective Clothing

IF CAMO IS YOUR STYLE, YOU’RE GONNA LOVE THIS!

Living in Texas, we see many folks wearing camouflage-style clothes.  Why, I even have a camo t-shirt, and I don’t hunt, work with gloves or do anything that qualifies me to wear it, other than it’s prety cool!

This pattern has been popular for a long time, so what better chance than to display the variety of camouflage products that Texas America Safety Company offers than right now?  Be sure to check out the entire page, and see why these are too good to pass up.  The MCR gloves, as stated in the description, support the Wounded Warriors project.  Portions of your purchase go to that great group.

If you prefer wearing, say, patriotic hardhats to work, we have a bunch for you to choose from.

Look for yourself, and see what we have to offer.  If you like something, be sure to mention you read about it on the blog, and you’ll receive a 5% discount, as stated at the beginning of our blog. 

Thank you for your time, and all the folks at Texas America Safety Company wish you a safe Memorial Day.  We hope everyone who travelled  arrives safely at home, ready to get back to work tomorrow!

General Safety Issues, Head Protection, Weather Protection

ESSENTIAL PROTECTIVE ITEMS FOR CONSTRUCTION SITES (GUEST POST)

Essential Protective Items for Construction Sites

In the construction industry, loud noises, extreme heights and unpredictable hazards are part of the job. You may also have to fight against rain, high winds and other extreme weather to get the job done. In this risky industry, having the right equipment and protective wear can protect you from common jobsite injuries. Following are some of the most important items for construction workers to have. 

Protective clothing

The weather conditions will have a big influence on the clothing you need to wear when working at a construction site. When it’s raining, you want appropriate rainwear, such as waterproof boots, pants and a raincoat with a hood. (When you’re handling tools, you don’t want to be slippery). If you’re working on highway or overnight construction projects, you can find rainwear with reflective strips, so people can see you in the darkness.

When the weather turns cold you will need warm hats, gloves and heavy socks to keep your extremities warm. Other protective clothing includes steel-toe boots, which protect your feet from falling objects, and polarized sunglasses that reduce glare.

Gear

Jackhammers, drills and other machinery can damage hearing permanently, so ear protection on the job is extremely important. In fact, the average 25-year-old carpenter has the hearing ability similar to a 50-year-old worker who doesn’t work in construction. Wear ear plugs or other ear protection devices to reduce the risk of hearing loss. And remind your coworkers to do the same.

Safety Hardhats are important when working in areas where construction activity is occurring above your head. The hard hat minimizes the risk of head injury, if an item falls from above. To prevent falling, rope ties, belts or harnesses are required by law when you’re working above a particular height. And you can protect your eyes from flying debris by wearing goggles or other protective face gear.

Quality tools

A construction worker depends on having reliable, quality tools. If your tools aren’t properly maintained or are in disrepair, that could increase your risk of accident or injury. Regularly inspect your tools to make sure they’re in good working order.

Radio

A two-way radio is important to have on the job, so you can communicate with others on the site and quickly get answers to questions. The two-way radio is also a great communication tool when there is an emergency and you need assistance immediately.

Having the right tools before heading out for the job site will help you do the job. It can be nearly impossible to successfully and productively do your job when you do not have the right equipment. Make a list of tools you need for each upcoming job and spend some time packing the items and ensuring each one works properly. While your employer is legally required to provide certain equipment, you should always double check to make sure it fits you well, is in good repair – and most importantly, you must remember to use it. That hard hat won’t do you any good if you forget to wear it.

Sent by Cassandra Lynne