PPE: Personal protective Equipment, Got any?

[depotdan]

Every occupation has some Risk, we are all human and it is possible to avoid some human errors, when we can't avoid these errors then Their accidents. My point of view here is to enlighten those young and old who are taking up repair and fabrication for the first time and those who need a refresher. Use Safety glasses,a Face shield when grinding or sanding metal or any other material, wear safety toed shoes, a flame retardent Smock or long sleeved shirt, leather Sleeves, apron, leather gloves, a scull cap and Ear plugs to protect your hearing. You can argue that not using a safety device once is acceptable, But as the old saying goes " Accidents only happen once", If you are running a sander without a guard, grinder without a tool rest, a foundry in your tennis shoes, You are asking for an accident. Wear your safety tools and be an example to others. Have a safe and happy day!

[Gadget]

Hi Dan,
You will notice that in my second foundry video I do have leather boots. Normally I don't use tennis shoes for pouring but did slip that time. I am also going to buy leathers for my legs and an apron, I already have sleeves.
Safety glasses and face shields are also very important. An exploding grinding wheel could quickly put an end to your fun.
Nice thread, thanks.

[BearNPum]

For welding fumes, what is a good way to handle these? For the hexavalent chrome, will a respirator handle these stainless welding fumes?

[jonrya91]

For welding fumes, what is a good way to handle these? For the hexavalent chrome, will a respirator handle these stainless welding fumes?

C/P from MSA's site. This is speaking of the OSHA standard which pertaines to hexavalent chromium.

"To comply, one can use a traditional half-mask NIOSH approved respirator with N-95 filters. For maximum protection however, MSA recommends a P-100 filter with a full facepiece."

[junes]

If your around heavy fabrication or large heavy parts don't use safety toed boots!!

[Hamstn]

Very well said bit of info. I think the most important is being an example, something I fail at severaly.

[BearNPum]

C/P from MSA's site. This is speaking of the OSHA standard which pertaines to hexavalent chromium.

"To comply, one can use a traditional half-mask NIOSH approved respirator with N-95 filters. For maximum protection however, MSA recommends a P-100 filter with a full facepiece."

Thanks, I will check my filters and wear the 1/2 mask from now on.

[matteh99]

If your around heavy fabrication or large heavy parts don't use safety toed boots!!

I assume you are talking about the idea that the steel toe of your boot can chop your toes off?

I watched mythbusters episode were they tested that idea and there was only one case where having a steel toe caused more damage than it prevented. That was if a heavy blade hit the steel toe it could glance off and cut off more of your foot than if you hadn't been wearing steel toes. Of course you still would lose toes with regular boots just not as much of your foot. Every other way they smashed the boot the foot was better off with a steel toe.

I think the idea of steel toed boots being dangerous is the same as the idea that air bags in cars or motorcycle helmets being dangerous. While there may be a few cases were you are better off without them most of the time you are better off with them.

Eric

[depotdan]

You must satisfy yourself, the metal tarsel style shoe that covers your foot is another option. I am not a Risk manager, but I would probably not report an accident to workmens comp or other insurance if I wasn't wearing PPE. Mythbusters take a lot of chances, but do you see them without any protective device, "NO!" You don't wear a helmet for motorcycle riding, thats your choice or the choice of your state DOT. I prefer to wear mine. I also have body armor, and stop at a stop signs.

[junes]

Eric I agree with steel toe boots helping alot of the time and for most people they work great. A work I actually am required to wear non steel toed boots in my department. I obide and on a daily bases lift aluminum plates weighing 2000 lbs or more on edge so that's their thinking and to some degree I agree. The bottom line tho is your loosing your foot either way In my case. By no means am I dissagreeing with you Eric I totally agree.