Key Considerations When Selecting Safety Garments and Workwear

When it comes to workplace safety, the right garments/PPE play an important role in protecting employees from potential hazards. Selecting appropriate safety workwear requires careful evaluation of its features, certifications, and suitability for specific work environments. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you make an informed decision when choosing safety garments for your team

Always request certifications and specification sheets for safety garments. These documents verify that the garments meet industry standards and possess the necessary safety features to protect workers. Without these assurances, you risk selecting products that may not provide adequate protection.

Not all flame-resistant garments are created equal. It’s essential to distinguish between:

• Inherently Flame Retardant (IFR): Protection is woven into the fabric, making it permanent and resistant to wear and washing.
• Flame Retardant (FR): A chemical treatment is applied to the fabric, providing temporary flame resistance that can degrade over time and washes.

Pro Tip: If a garment is marketed as flame-retardant, it must include flame-retardant tape to meet safety standards.

Certain materials, such as nickel, can cause allergic reactions in some individuals. Look for garments manufactured without restricted substances. For example, Sweet-Orr’s safety garments are nickel-free, making them safer for workers prone to allergies.

The protection offered by safety garments must align with the specific hazards present in the workplace.

Example 1: Arc Flash Protection

In high-risk electrical environments, such as those involving arc flashes, specialised arc-rated garments are crucial. These workwear items are designed to withstand extreme electrical hazards and protect workers from burns and injuries.

Example 2: Flame and Acid Protection

For industries handling chemicals or operating in fire-prone areas, dual-purpose garments like the Flame Acid Range are ideal. These offer robust defense against both flames and hazardous acid spills, ensuring comprehensive protection in high-risk scenarios.

The quality of a safety garment extends beyond its fabric. Factors such as the number of stitches, stitching quality, and material grade directly affect comfort, durability, and longevity.

Even fabric from the same manufacturer can differ in quality, so it’s essential to inspect each garment for consistency. Inferior construction can compromise safety, leaving workers vulnerable to harm.

When selecting safety garments, focus on their material composition and durability:

• Inherently Flame Retardant: Provides permanent protection that won’t diminish over time.
• Flame Retardant: Offers temporary protection through chemical treatments that may degrade with washing.

By understanding the nuances of safety workwear features and selecting high-quality, certified products, you can ensure workers remain protected while addressing the unique challenges of your workplace.

Shop our range of workwear and conti suits

Sweet-Orr Commitment to High-Quality Protective Workwear

Join us as we interview Abigail Louw, Marketing Manager at Sweet-Orr. We discuss the brand’s commitment to high-quality protective workwear, particularly the importance of conti suits in worker safety. Abigail

Read More

09
Dec

Insights into Implementing Effective LOTO Procedures

Join us as we interview Farah Montenegro, local product expert for the Middle East and Africa at Brady Corporation. Farah, shares insights from her 17 years with the company as

Read More

15
Nov