Is your workplace prone to accidents? Do hazards seem to get in the way of fulfilling an operation? There are ways that companies should determine and assess risks for the prevention and reduction of workplace accidents. There should be a power structure for preventive measures – starting with reducing the risks. The use of technical/engineering controls, implementation of training and the use of safety equipment should be prioritised to reduce risks. However, the use of individual personal protective equipment becomes a secondary option.

When Gears Aren’t Providing Enough Safety

Unfortunately, some companies motivate workers to use individual safety devices without ever taking into consideration the introduction to control steps and proper training. It is one of the common pitfalls in safety equipment. It leads to one of the several issues:

• Personal protective devices secure only an individual using the equipment, whereas measuring and controlling risks at workplace sources enables the safety of everyone at the workplace.

• Misuse and abuse of equipment becomes a common occurrence

• The presence of accidents still occurs where it could have been prevented with proper use of protective equipment

• Inefficiency working with protective equipment/gears

Not all security equipment will satisfy the exact performance needs or provide the same security. For example, not one type of handwear cover offers enough protection against all chemicals. The respirator that your handwear is wearing right now is designed for medium air but may not work well against high-temperature degrees.

There are several factors to consider when picking safety equipment in Singapore for every personnel. These are:

• durability and build quality
• permeability
• abrasion resistance
• melt resistance
• insulation
• cut resistance

Different sorts of individual safety equipment include:

• helmet or head-protector
• eye-protectors such as safety glasses and face shields
• breathing masks
• handwear covers
• safety shoes
• safety belts/life-lines

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Achieving Maximum Safety With PPEs

Achieving a maximum level of protection is often difficult and is rarely achieved with the use of personal safety equipment. Protection wears/PPEs ends up being ineffective due to poor maintenance, improper application/use and unsuitable fit. It defeats the purpose of providing safety and security when wearers end up feeling discomfort, restricting their mobility and adding further weight problems. For example; using heavy PPEs like full face masks and body protection in a high-temperature environment may lead to headaches, dehydration, and fainting.

–      Through Effective Control & Management

In the end, the implementation of workplace safety with PPEs becomes useless. Without proper management control and training can even put the lives of workers at greater risks. Determining which PPEs suit a particular individual, which safety gear works with specific environmental conditions or chemicals can drastically improve the condition. Improper control and managing operation concerning safety equipment may lead to a ‘blaming’ culture when personnel are dismissed for working inefficiently or discarding PPE equipment during operation.

–      Through Determining Suitability & Knowledge

Any kind of safety equipment/PPE gear should be appropriate for the wearer and his/her working condition. Not all PPEs are applicable in any workplace conditions and situations. For safety equipment to be further effective, the user needs to be familiarised and knowledgeable about the gears. Proper hygiene and maintenance should be among the priorities as well.

Other Essential & Must-Have Safety Devices for Every Workplace

Apart from wearable safety equipment gear, complying with additional equipment and other security devices (think of installed systems and hand-held devices) further bolster environment security. Here are few essential safety devices that every workplace should have:

Smoke Alarms

Smoke alarms offer the first line of protection in case of fire. When smoke presence is detected, it will trigger a fire alarm system to alert all personnel on the site.

Smoke alarms don’t cost a lot and are often affordable. You can get a decent mid-tier smoke alarm system without spending $100 while high-end ones will cost between $150-$200. Smoke alarms are easy to mount in fire-prone areas of your office or establishment (like the kitchen or areas with combustible materials). It guarantees prevention against fire-related incidents and protects valuable business assets from fire damages.

Gas Detectors

Gas leakage poses health risks and any workplace is prone to gas leakage problems. While they are often unseen, some gas leaks are odourless which makes it nearly impossible for someone to tell if there are any dangerous gas leaks in the area. This is where the role of gas detectors comes into play. There is a portable and fixed detector that can be purchased depending on the application.

Gas detectors work well with scanning and detecting any area capable of emitting certain gas elements that are dangerous and harmful to the human system. Proper implementation and strategic placing of gas detectors could boost safety against potential gas poisoning.

Fire Extinguishers

Fire extinguishers are vital safety equipment in any kind of workplace location. While the majority of fire extinguishers remain unused for many years, these can save lives.

Fire extinguishers need to be set up on every flooring of the establishment and in locations where they are visible and accessible should fire occur. There are different types of fire extinguishers, so make sure to select the best one for a particular area.

• Class A extinguishers are designed to put out fires caused by ordinary combustibles.
• Class B extinguishers are designed for flammable liquids like kerosene.
• Class C extinguishers are made for fires involving electrical wires.

Emergency Kits and First Aid

Never undervalue the importance of simple first-aid/emergency kits. These can save the lives of individuals who are injured and for those who aren’t capable of preserving themselves against certain situations.

Always make sure your workplace has a supply of antibiotics, bandages, eyewash, disinfectant cleaners, flashlight ointment and cold packs. Over-the-counter medications like paracetamols and pain relievers are beneficial to employees experiencing symptoms like body pain, headaches, and dizziness.

If you are looking for a fixed detector or safety equipment in Singapore, Ansac Technologies offers personal protective equipment and other devices for analysis and measurement.