Working with Steel – Essential Safety Gear
Steel is one of the most widely used materials in construction, and it is important that you pay close attention to safety when handling, welding and cutting it. Safety should remain a top priority on site, with appropriate safety gear made available to all workers and clear safety guidelines in place. In this blog post, Mascot Steel will be sharing some insight into the safety gear considered essential when working with steel.
Why is PPE important when working with steel?
Whether on the construction site or in the steel mill, there is never any shortage of hazards. Workers are required to undergo a range of tasks from material loading and unloading through to smelting, refining, welding, finishing and more when working with steel. Not only do some of these tasks result in the emission of particles and toxic gases, there is also a risk of injury from falls and the operation of machinery. It is therefore important that all people working with steel are equipped with appropriate PPE equipment including clothing, gloves, eyewear, ear plugs and masks.
The 7 Essential Pieces of Safety Gear for Working with Steel
- Safety Gloves
There’s no shortage of safety gloves available on the market, but each product will be suited for a particular application. Think about the tasks you will be performing prior to making a selection. Ensure that you have a wide selection of sizes to suit everyone, as gloves which are too big will slip off easily and fail to provide protection. You will likely find yourself choosing between one of two types of gloves, with their benefits outlined below.
Leather gloves – these provide very good protection from cuts, although they can be somewhat cumbersome to work with and make it difficult to grasp tools and small objects.
Latex Gloves – if you will be painting steel or working with chemicals, then you should consider latex gloves. These gloves are flexible, waterproof and will provide protection against paint and chemicals.
- Steel Cap Boots
Everyone who works with steel should wear properly fitted steel cap boots, as they provide protection against drops and other workplace hazards. Your boots should be comfortable and secure so that they provide appropriate protection to your feet and ankles without causing fatigue throughout the workday.
- Safety Goggles
Safety goggles provide eye protection as they block harmful gases/emissions from entering your eyes whilst also being impact resistant. A good pair of safety goggles should be lightweight and flexible, and you can choose various lens colours to best suit your work environment. Alternatively, you may wish to use a full face shield which can be particularly beneficial when cutting and grinding steel.
- Earmuffs or Earplugs
Don’t forget about hearing protection, as working with steel can be a noisy affair. Drilling, cutting and welding creates significant and often prolonged noise which may lead to temporary hearing loss or tinnitus. Earmuffs and earplugs should be used on site to save your ears from long-term damage.
- Safety Masks
Gases, vapors and airborne particles are released when heating and welding steel. You should ensure that you wear a comfortable mask or respirator to protect yourself against these harmful elements.
- Welding PPE Gear
Invest in good quality, flame resistant welding jackets and sleeves which comply with Australian Standards. A welding helmet should be worn at all times, and it will keep you safe from sparks, arc eye and retina burns.
- Hard Hats
This is the most common and basic form of PPE gear, but it is very important that all workers wear a properly fitted hard hat. Hard hats provide impact protection from falling objects, helping to prevent serious injury to the head and neck.
Mascot Steel – Your Trusted Supplier of Steel in Penrith and Sydney
Mascot Steel take safety seriously, and we’ve been providing quality stainless steel from our Mascot and Penrith locations for more than 40 years. To arrange a quote, contact us on (02) 9313 1313 or email us at sales@mascotsteel.com.au today.
