A productive and comfortable work site revolves around using industrial safety equipment and protective supplies. The proper tools and systems also increase confidence for all levels of experience. Analyzing age demographics, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that both younger and older workers benefit from consistent reviews of preventative measures. Since many people are working more years than previous generations, the sooner they learn and reassess precautionary directives, the better. A strong foundation begins with having equipment essential to promoting and supporting safety.
Industrial Safety Equipment: Provide Plenty of Lockout/Tagout Kits
When reviewing equipment inspection procedures to help prevent warehouse accidents, also teach workers about lockout/tagout policies and products. Make sure that cabinets containing universal circuit breakers, ground fault circuit interrupters, pneumatic padlocks, as well as ball and ring, ball valve, and gate valve devices, are readily accessible. Also be sure to list bilingual instructions, if necessary. Individual and portable lockout kit bags are another way for employees to quickly convey that machinery or tools are currently unusable. To easily identify the correct locks, use color-coded tags and include labels for steering wheel covers and ladders. This video references OSHA regulations and succinctly demonstrates sample lockout/tagout situations:
Start Every Shift With Visibility Clothing and Protective Equipment
It should be second nature for all employees to wear PPE at the start of every task. Thoroughly review all responsibilities with each crew member, to determine exactly what kind of clothing they require. Remind everyone too, that certain pieces have specific designs for handling specific materials. There is more than just a name difference between welding, chemical-resistant, and cold-weather gloves. Check that hearing protection, outerwear, harnesses, respiratory masks, hard hats, goggles, and vests are part of your industrial safety products inventory, along with any other particular requested items. Additionally, see to it that all items fit properly and do not aggravate any allergies or skin sensitivities.
Be Prepared for Confined Spaces
Confined spaces present their own challenges because of the limited visibility and difficulties in moving around. Consult with industrial safety equipment manufacturers about which products, such as collapsible ducts, guard rails, and work tents they recommend. Ask them to provide hands-on demonstrations with their tripods, access ladders, space blowers, gas meters, and rescue systems. Amply review all guidelines and details with each shift, even with those who have been working in this type of environment for many years.
Industrial Safety Equipment We Tend to Forget: Gas and Fire Detectors
Sometimes the greatest workplace dangers aren't immediately noticeable. Combustible gas and carbon monoxide detectors, photoelectric sensors, and air-sampling systems are critical for adhering to safety equipment industry regulations. Leak detection systems are also beneficial for work sites, along with multiple pieces of fire fighting apparatus. Train for fire drills, and point out where water mist and sprinkler systems are within the work space.
Eye Wash and Emergency Shower Stations Are Important Workplace Safety Products
Protective wear is, of course, the first thought in minimizing if not preventing eye injuries, however, it's not always a guarantee. It's still possible to accidentally wipe your eyes with substances still on your hands or have flyaway materials hit you in the eyes before putting on facial shields. There are a variety of factors to consider when creating your industrial safety equipment list, as pointed out by the "Eyewash and Emergency Shower" program. For starters, decide whether permanent or portable eyewash stations are best and if they should be stand-alone systems or combined with emergency drench showers. If installing showers, consider vertical or horizontal models and the amount of privacy needed for each user.
Industrial Safety Products Include Signs and Audio Sensors
Language and literacy barriers and difficulty gaining employees' attention may make safety meetings a challenge at times. Don't let those factors deter you though, because the power of a strong workplace safety culture can bring crews together in recognizing and preventing injuries. Visual and audio products get through to everyone and are near impossible for people to ignore. Develop a checklist with industrial safety equipment suppliersthat include the following:
- Defective, caution, danger, and inspection tags
- Barrier, anti-slip, waterproof, reflective, and underground gas warning tape
- Self-adhesive pipe marker hazard signs, such as "Flammable," "Radiation," "Forklift Use," "Toxic," and "No Smoking,"
- Blank, customizable signs
- Emergency exit lighting
- Traffic cones
- Flashing light, audio alert, and vibration sensor systems
Teamwork is a Main Component of “What Is Industrial Safety?”
A productive and happily functioning warehouse relies on many people. It's a collaborative effort between supervisors, safety distributors, and everyone who steps onto the floor, whether they're clean-up crews, equipment operators, or technicians. Accidents will still happen, despite maintaining decluttered work spaces, consistently using machine guards, and following proper storage practices. But with proper industrial safety equipment in place, fewer you can count on fewer accidents and injuries.
