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Four smart tips for picking the best protective gear

Photo shows a worker wearing protective eyewearThere are a variety of workplace-related conditions where having the proper gear can make the difference between safe, predictable results and dangerous circumstances involving injury or even death. Your senses, hands and feet, and even torso can be subject to dangerous conditions when you work in a machine shop, automobile repair facility or similar work environment. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is designed to ensure that your body and senses are protected against these elements as much as possible, but it is no guarantee - you also need to keep your eyes open and use common sense. While we may not be able to help you with the latter, we can make sure you're aware of how PPE can assist. We'll detail four smart uses of such equipment in the following article.

1. Protect your hearing

Whenever you're on a job site, a wide array of machines and situations can produce noises with decibels loud enough to cause permanent hearing loss and damage. Thankfully, noise-induced hearing loss is perfectly preventable when you take the proper precautions. A good pair of earmuffs or earbuds can keep out sounds that might otherwise damage your ears. If you have to raise your voice to speak with someone just a few feet away while working, then you need this protection. Solutions that protect you are both portable and affordable, so there is no excuse not to have these.

2. Protect your eyes

Sparks, chemicals and rogue objects can all be dangerous to eye safety - which is why having the proper personal protective equipment is vital. Your eyes may be the most valuable sense you have, so invest in a good pair of safety goggles or safety glasses. In areas where flying debris can be an issue, it is best to have goggles. Some people do not like the feel of these, however, and will resort to safety glasses. When used properly, both can be an effective block against hazardous items and conditions.

3. Protect your head

Exceptionally vulnerable to several different types of workplace injury, your head must be protected at all costs. Hard hats are the most common way to do this, but there are various types of helmets available. A helmet should be adjusted so that a space remains in between your head and the helmet, which allows it to absorb any impact from falling objects. The helmet should be resistant to water, heat and penetration, as well as be shock absorbent.

4. Protect your feet

Last but not least, your feet are another important part of the body that must be protected and made comfortable while on the job. Steel-toed boots are a common site in the workplace, as this protection can keep your extremities from suffering damage from falling or rolling objects. By keeping your work area free of clutter as well, you can minimise the likelihood that an accident will occur involving the feet.

There are many different forms of personal protective equipment, and knowing how to use each type is key to maintaining a level of safety while at work. By protecting your feet, ears, head and eyes, you can ensure that the risk of accidental injury is minimised. By ignoring this advice, you put yourself and those around you at increased risk of injury or even death.

This article was provided by Essential Industrial Services who are specialists in Personal Protective Equipment as well as bearings and power transmissions.

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