Chemical Protective Clothing and Other Considerations

Today, usage of chemicals at different levels of product manufacturing is near about obligatory. Chemicals serve an important purpose but not all of them are harmless. Some have properties that ask for careful handling and preventive measures from workers. Protective clothing makes one of the most basic components for guaranteeing the safety of workers from hazardous chemicals. So, let’s highlight some of the chemical protective clothing and equipments that are highly important;

Chemical-resistant gloves

Workers normally handle chemical containers and sacks manually. Hence, there is every chance of spill in case chemical is in liquid form. Even at times of splash and cleaning, workers can come in contact with chemicals that may be hazardous. High quality gloves are chemical resistant and protect hands from any kind of chemical exposure. Quality of the glove material can be determined through permeation testing. By making sure that gloves have passed the testing, manufacturing units can make sure that their workers are not exposed to any kind of harm.

Chemical-resistant boots

Boots too need to be chemical proof to minimize the chances of any spill related calamity. Boots with steel toe and shank are usually suggested if the chemicals being handled are hazardous in nature. Laboratory chemicals ask for carefully handling and guidelines are usually stated for the same. During cleanup too, feet can get exposed to chemicals. Therefore, chemical resistant boots are highly important.

Long sleeve coveralls and goggles

Attire that covers body parts is recommended for almost all the units that deal in any type of chemicals. Long sleeve coveralls meet the need in the best possible way. Speaking of eyes, it is one of the most sensitive parts of our body. Be it food grade materials or any other type of chemicals, usage of goggles while working is very much encouraged.

In case the firm is handling chemicals that give away gases or vapors, safety specialists also recommend self-contained breathing apparatus and gas-tight suits.

Industry workforce is an important resource for manufacturing units, and ignoring safety standards in case of protective clothing can lead to accidents and even negative publicity.

Apart from following safety procedures laid down by government authorities, major chemical firms also suggest their clients in following suit in safety methodologies.

Requirements Vary from industry to industry

Requirement of safety equipment and clothing however varies from industry to industry. For example, in case workers need to handle Bacitracin Zinc, then, protective clothing, goggles and gloves are usually suggested. In the same way, if the chemicals don’t pose any potential or actual threat to the worker’s health in any way, normal work uniform would do. So, it can be said that degree of protection equipment and clothing can vary.

Even for chemicals services like powder blending, there is a great need for protective equipment.

National Fire Protection Association has simplified selection of best chemical protective clothing for employers by introducing manufacturing standards for the same.

Experienced chemical companies are leading the way in guaranteeing that their workers get the best working environment to render their services. Novice units should also follow suit.