Safety journal

Head-to-toe protection · 4 min read

Gloves, safety glasses and boots: a selection guide

The hands, eyes and feet face different risks on different jobs. Select each item for the exposure instead of treating all safety equipment as equivalent.

Head-to-toe protection

Gloves are task-specific

Consider cuts, abrasion, temperature and chemicals separately. Chemical resistance depends on the material and chemical involved; consult the manufacturer’s compatibility information. Gloves can create an entanglement risk around rotating machinery, so assess the task before wearing them.

Safety glasses or goggles?

Flying particles, liquid splashes and radiation may require different eye protection. Ordinary spectacles are not a substitute for appropriate protective eyewear. A face shield may need to be used with suitable primary eye protection, depending on the task.

Look beyond the toe cap

Footwear selection may need to account for falling objects, punctures, slipping, electrical hazards or chemical contact. Not all safety boots provide every type of protection. Check the documented features and choose a fit suitable for the wearer and the work.

Inspect before each use

Look for worn soles, damaged uppers, torn gloves and scratched or cracked eyewear. Clean and store items according to manufacturer instructions. Replace equipment that can no longer provide the required protection.

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