Choose the right safety gear

Step by step

1. 1

   Start with the hazards

   Before you buy anything, list what the job throws at you: flying chips, dust, fumes, noise, falling objects, sharp edges, chemicals, heat. Then pick gear for each one. The right gear depends on the task, not on how big the project is.

2. 2

   Protect your eyes

   Wear safety glasses marked ANSI Z87.1 (Z87+ for high impact) any time you cut, drill, grind, or hammer. Use sealed goggles for liquids, chemicals, and fine dust, and add a face shield over your glasses when grinding. Anti-fog lenses help a lot in heat.

3. 3

   Protect your lungs

   An N95 respirator filters dust from sanding drywall, sweeping, and cutting wood. Cutting or grinding concrete, block, or tile makes silica dust; use an N95 at minimum and cut wet when you can. An N95 does not stop paint, solvent, or chemical vapors; those need a respirator with organic vapor cartridges. A mask only works if it seals, so check the fit every time.

4. 4

   Pick gloves for the material

   Leather gloves handle lumber, block, and rough work. Use waterproof rubber or nitrile-coated work gloves for wet concrete, and chemical-resistant gloves for solvents and chemicals. Choose cut-rated gloves for sheet metal and glass. Take gloves off around drill presses and other spinning tools where they can be caught.

5. 5

   Protect your hearing

   If you have to raise your voice to be heard by someone an arm's length away, it's loud enough to damage hearing. Wear earplugs or earmuffs with saws, grinders, mowers, and compressors.

6. 6

   Protect your head

   Wear a hard hat marked ANSI Z89.1 whenever something can fall from above. Type I hats protect against blows to the top of the head; Class E hats add electrical protection. Replace a hard hat after any serious hit, and check the shell for chalkiness or cracks; desert sun breaks plastic down faster.

7. 7

   Protect your feet

   Wear closed-toe boots for any project. Choose safety-toe boots (ASTM F2413) when you're moving block, lumber, or heavy tools, and puncture-resistant soles around demolition or nails.

8. 8

   Plan for the heat

   In Parker, heat is a hazard on its own. Work early, wear a light-colored long-sleeve shirt and a brimmed hat, drink water every 15 to 20 minutes, and take breaks in the shade. Confusion, hot dry skin, or fainting can mean heat stroke; call 911 and cool the person down right away.

9. 9

   Keep gear in working shape

   Gear only works when you wear it, so buy pieces that fit and are comfortable. Replace scratched lenses, torn gloves, and any respirator that's damp, dirty, or hard to breathe through.