No matter how skilled a worker is, that person is always exposed to various health and safety risks at the job site. Workers are exposed to environmental, chemical, radiological, and mechanical hazards and even seemingly minor risks can result in serious injuries. Hence, it is very important that workers use protective gear and under-go proactive safety training to know how to use and maintain equipments. There are several bodily hazards that need workers to wear specialized clothing and use specific tools for protection. Protective gear limits exposure to toxic chemicals and hazardous conditions that can result in injury. Paint additives, solvent vapors and toxic metals in pigments pose risk to painters while dermatitis and vapor from bonding agents pose risk to floor and tile setters.
There are different kinds of personal protective gear for painters and floor installers. Additionally, there are regulation and standards put in place to be followed by the employers. Along with providing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), employers also need to provide training to employees about how to use PPE. Must-have protective equipments for painters and floor fitters include -
It is very important that a worker is comfortable in protective gear he is wearing and he must also ensure that they are fitting properly. Poor fitting PPE will not offer protection it is intended too and instead, it may result in increased risks.
There are different kinds of personal protective gear for painters and floor installers. Additionally, there are regulation and standards put in place to be followed by the employers. Along with providing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), employers also need to provide training to employees about how to use PPE. Must-have protective equipments for painters and floor fitters include -
- Safety Goggles - Must have for eye protection, there are different safety goggles available for indoor and outdoor use of workers. Along with safety goggles, face mask can also be used to reduce exposure to chemicals that can result in skin irritation.
- Dust Mask - Floor and tile fitters are regularly exposed to dust and other minute contaminants. Breathing in dust can result in lung disorders like silicosis, hence it is very important to wear a dust mask while working.
- Safety shield - Flying debris, splashing chemicals and sparks pose risk and can result in serious facial injuries. Hence, painters and floor fitters should use safety shield along with other headgear.
- Tyvek Suits - Made from high density polyethylene fibres, Tyvek suits are durable, comfortable and offer best protection. Covering the entire body, it provides breathable inherent protection against liquid splash, dry particles and aerosols.
- Respirators - Painters often work with spray paint, and are exposed to flammable and toxic solvents. Hence they need to use respirators along with hoods to limit their body from exposure. There are various types of air respirators present for different work environments.
- Safety boots - Workers dealing with flammable solvents should also use safety boots and shoe cover to protect their feet. Floor fitters working on slippery surfaces should use slip-resistant boots.
It is very important that a worker is comfortable in protective gear he is wearing and he must also ensure that they are fitting properly. Poor fitting PPE will not offer protection it is intended too and instead, it may result in increased risks.