RESPIRATORY HAZARD PREVENTION
LAYERING FOR ALL SEASONS
OUR SPECIALIST
Remember the days when your parents or other adults nagged away at you before you went outside? ‘Where are your gloves?’; ‘Have you got your hat?’; ‘Do you have your jumper?’ Most of us experienced those types of questions for a good reason: Australia has a harsh, diverse climate with a vast range of conditions that need to be carefully assessed and prepared for.
SAFETY + REGULATIONS
In the workplace, wearing the appropriate clothes is not just about being comfortable. If you’re kitted with the correct workwear your comfort can improve your efficiency, and of course, safety. We are now at the transition time between seasons, and that means whether you’re an employer or a worker, it’s time to ask an essential question: Do you have the suitable workwear for the months ahead?
The answer can be difficult because the clothing needs to protect you from the elements and workplace hazards; determining the appropriate workwear can be challenging but is essential in environments that can change significantly during a single shift of work. For example, you may start your day before dawn where the darkness necessitates you wear night compliant hi-vis clothes; the cold also means you must wear layers to keep warm, yet within a few hours the temperature rises to the extent that you shed all but one of these layers. Each layer has its own role. The base layer must provide compression and support of muscles and enable efficient blood circulation without the risk of clotting. The mid layers must be breathable, warm, and at times when layers are stripped, they should also satisfy hi-vis requirements.
In addition to breathability and hi-vis elements, the outer layer should be waterproof and provide workplace relevant protection, including Ultra-Violet Protection (UVP). Importantly, the air gap between each layer provides additional warmth and protection. So, as we approach winter, what are you thinking? Remember, we can’t control the weather, but we can apply flexible and suitable solutions for each workplace which improve comfort, efficiency and safety.
Choosing an effective layering system is essential for everyone whose workplace weather varies. The main layers are:
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PROTECTION IN THE WORKPLACE
IMPACT PROTECTION
BASE
DANGEROUS GOODS
MID
OUTER 14
Safety Spotlight
Edition 2 / May 2021
ASSESS | INFORM | EQUIP
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