Selecting the right clothing to protect against chemical hazards is crucial for worker safety. In this article, we've prepared some recommendations for choosing protective clothing.
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Determine the degree of risk
Before selecting protective clothing, it's important to determine the level of risk of chemical exposure. Markings on equipment and materials will help determine the required level of protection.
The main types of risks for workers at a chemical plant:
- poisoning by substances: chemical compounds that employees use and produce at the enterprise can be dangerous if they come into contact with the skin, are inhaled or swallowed;
- fire and explosion: gases in particular are highly flammable;
- occupational disease: failure to observe safety precautions and the cumulative effect of prolonged contact with chemicals can lead to damage to internal organs and systems.
Set the type of substances
When purchasing workwear wholesale, consider the types of substances the employee handles and the type of risk. In production, you might encounter:
- organic substances: can be liquid, gaseous or solid;
- inorganic substances: can be metallic compounds, salts, acids and alkalis.
- hazardous substances can be toxic, radioactive, corrosive, explosive, etc.
- pharmaceuticals – these are substances that are used to produce medicines such as antibiotics, analgesics and others.
- Pesticides are substances that are used to kill harmful insects, fungi and weeds on farms and in gardening.
- cosmetics – these are substances that are used in cosmetic and hygiene products, such as shampoos, soaps, toothpastes, etc.
- chemical reagents are used to conduct control tests and experiments.
Assess the level of protection
Workwear and footwear may protect against all types of chemical hazards or only specific ones. Consider this when purchasing products.
When purchasing PPE, make sure to choose the correct size. Clothing should fit properly, without sagging or restricting movement. Otherwise, protection will be insufficient.
Ensure quality and certification. It's important to choose reputable, well-known manufacturers that use certified materials with the appropriate level of protection.
Be sure to train your employees. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations. Employees should know how to properly don PPE, clean it, and store it after each shift.
In general, choosing protective clothing against chemical hazards should follow the manufacturer's recommendations. PROSAFE will help you choose protective clothing and footwear based on the hazard level at your facility and the potential risks associated with working with hazardous substances.