Tag Archives: Protective Clothing

HUNTING SEASON IS ALMOST HERE!

As fall approaches, so does hunting season!  Sportsmen and sportswomen who enjoy hunting, camping, hiking or other activities need to be prepared for disease-causing bacteria that may be waiting for them.  According to Guy Moore, a wildlife biologist with Texas Department of State Health Services, “outdoor activities bring a greater risk of exposure to diseases transmitted by fleas, ticks, mosquitoes and other animals.”

Some of these germ carriers are:

  • Wild hogs, which can carry brucellosis, a bacterial disease.
  • Deer, which can transmit anthrax, a bacterium that can cause a severe, life-threatening disease in both animals and humans.
  • Fleas and some animals such as squirrels, cats, rats, prairie dogs, and mice can transmit plague to humans. 
  • Mice can spread hantavirus infection to people.  They shed the virus in droppings, urine and saliva, and upon drying, these excretions can spread in the air on dust particles.
  • Ticks – an infected tick can cause Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever and tularemia.
  • Mosquitoes, of course, are a nuisance and can carry organisms that cause encephalitis and West Nile infection.
  • All warm-blooded animals are susceptible to rabies.  Skunks, bats, coyotes and foxes are known carriers of rabies.

If you are still determined to go out there and enjoy the outdoors, don’t let us discourage you.   Most of these illnesses are rare, with the exception of West Nile.  Just keep these reminders handy:

  • Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer after handling game.
  • Wear latex-type gloves when dressing game.
  • Wear eye protection when dressing game.
  • Use insect repellents containing DEET.
  • Wear protective clothing, and light colored clothes so you can see ticks on your clothes.
  • Stay away from overgrown brush and tall grass if possible.
  • Do not touch antlers, bones, hides or other parts of dead animals.

Now, more safety tips for hunters:

  • Be sure you take your cell phone and tell someone where you plan to hunt and when you plan to return home.
  • Don’t hunt alone.
  • Wear hi-visibility vest  and cap – hunter orange.
  • Keep your equipment in good condition.
  • Be sure of your target before you pull the trigger.
  • Watch for snakes, and keep your distance.
  • Be sure to carry a first-aid kit.
  • Never wave to another hunter; shout loudly and clearly.
  • Be sure treestands are in good condition; use a harness to climb in and out of stand.
  • Unload your rifle when you get back to camp; assume that every gun in the camp is loaded until you can see the action is open and  it is safe to handle.

Remember: Your safety is your responsibility

 

Texas DSHS

USDA Forest Service

PPE: Body Protection

Workers who face bodily injury during performance of their jobs need the appropriate type of body protection.  Some hazards that contribute to the need for this protection are: weather extremes, impacts from tools or machinery, chemicals, hot splashes from liquids or molten metals, infectious materials; there are other hazards too numerous to name.
A variety of protection ranges from lab coats, vests, jackets, aprons, surgical gowns, coveralls to full body suits.  If full body suits are needed, the suit must fit correctly for total functionality.
Body protection materials include:

  • Treated Wool or Cotton – Comfortable, fire-resistant, protects against dust, abrasions, rough and irritating surfaces; adapts well to changing temperatures.
  • Paper-like Fiber – Disposable suits for splashes, dust.
  • Leather – Helps withstand dry heat and flames.
  • Duck – Tightly woven cotton fabric; prevents cuts and bruises when handling rough, heavy or sharp materials.
  • Rubber, Rubberized Fabrics, Neoprene and Plastics – Works against chemical and physical hazards.  When working with chemicals, the manufacturers label must be checked to ensure protection from the specific chemical.

Employers and employees should both take interest in protection.  Do a survey of what types of hazards exist in your particular line of work.  Then determine what type or types of clothing is needed to help protect you against those hazards.

Source: OSHA