A Guide On Safety Equipment

Safety is a concern for any contractor. Besides being a legal requirement, accidents at the site could injure critical employees, damage equipment and affect the contractor's credibility. Safety equipment goes a long way in preventing and reducing the impact of accidents at the site. Below is a short article discussing the various classes of safety equipment that contractors should consider. 

Height Safety Equipment 

Height safety equipment protects employees from falls as they work at higher elevations. There are different categories of height safety equipment depending on the risks the worker is exposed to. For example, ladders are quite convenient when conducting light works such as painting, gutter or window installations. It is wise to inspect the ladder to ensure it is stable and does not have structural defects that could weaken it when in use. Safety harnesses are a series of straps that hold employees as they work at large heights. The primary objective of the harness is to prevent a fall. For instance, it could prove essential when conducting roofing works or climbing poles. When using a harness, check the weight limits of the harness, any signs of wear on the straps and the lanyard's length to know the maximum working height. 

Confined Space Equipment 

In some cases, employees work in constricted areas such as utility holes, wells and mines. These environments expose them to various risks such as low oxygen levels, dangerous gases or chemicals or cave-ins. Confined space equipment keeps employees safe when working in these environments. Besides, they ensure quick and effective rescue in case of an accident. They include oxygen tanks, rescue harnesses, recovery blocks, gantry systems, rescue stretchers, respirators and gas detectors. 

Safety Barriers

You will find safety barriers on most construction sites. The barriers serve several purposes. First, they prevent third parties from accessing the construction site. This helps prevent injuries since they do not comprehend the various site hazards. Secondly, barriers keep employees aware of risks such as open pits, trenches and weak soils. Barriers can also be used to control traffic inside the construction site. For example, they could prevent trucks from driving in areas with risks such as unstable soil or falling construction debris. 

Essential Safety Measures  

Essential safety measures refer to fire response and prevention strategies. For example, the construction site should have extinguishers to put out fires caused by electrical faults or gas explosions. If possible, contractors should use fire-resistant construction equipment. For instance, a fire retardant scaffolding will ease rescue and prevent injuries if a fire breaks out when employees are aboard the scaffold. Moreover, the site should have safety signs to guide employees to the exits in case of a fire outbreak. 

For more information about safety equipment, contact a local supplier.