Hi, my name is Amber, and I have worked alongside of contractors for years. I ran the sales department of a contracting firm, I bought my own house and hired multiple contractors to help with projects, and I am an amateur researcher of all things related to contracting. If you are thinking about a home or commercial repair or refurbishment, this blog is for you. It has designs, inspiration and advice that I have picked up from my close relationships with contractors over the year. I hope these posts illuminate your next project and help you decide which direction to take your home or business.
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Safety is a concern in any construction site. In most cases, employees carry heavy objects, work at extreme heights and are exposed to several fire hazards while working. As such, contractors should have appropriate safety equipment to prevent accidents and injuries at their sites. So what safety equipment should they consider? Continue reading for some insights.
Personal Protective Equipment
Personal protective equipment (PPEs) protect employees in case of an accident at the site. For instance, helmets protect the head in case of a fall or falling objects at the site. There are different types of PPEs. As such, contractors should examine the site risks to establish what equipment they should provide their employees. For example, an asbestos abatement company would be concerned about protecting its employees from toxic asbestos fibres. Therefore, they would provide respirators, eyewear, boots, gloves, and decontamination equipment.
Height Safety Equipment
Height safety equipment allows employees to work at heights without the risk of falls. There is a wide range of height safety equipment, each with its specific uses. For instance, scaffolding is often used for masonry work when building high-rise buildings. Nonetheless, you can find smaller scaffolds that are used for window cleaning, electrical repairs and painting work. Scissor lifts are motorised platforms that can elevate employees working at extreme heights. Although they are easy to set up, the platform has a small area. Therefore, it cannot support many employees in one go.
In some cases, employees do not have a platform when working with heights. For instance, when installing a roof, builders rely on shingles and trusses for support. In this case, they should have a safety harness to ensure they do not fall to the ground if they slip. The rule is that the harness should be in excellent condition and tested to support the employee's size and weight. Otherwise, the harness could develop defects when in use.
Fire Safety Equipment
Construction sites are prone to fires caused by flammable materials, onsite cooking, defective equipment, electrical faults, and welding works. Malicious individuals could burn down the site to stop development works. The fire safety equipment is specific to specific types of fires. For example, a water extinguisher can only put out class A fires. Conversely, a dry powder extinguisher can put out class B, C and F fires. You could also install smoke and heat detectors to warn you of a fire at the site. Finally, the site should have appropriate signage to direct people to the exits and warn them of fire risks.
Keep these tips in mind when looking for safety equipment suppliers near you.
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