Safety First is the principle that says safety should come before anything else. A safety-first mindset helps people avoid dangerous situations and prevents accidents and injuries. Tree care crews face significant hazards on the job. Although many general industry standards apply, specific PPE is critical for these workers to stay safe.
Eye and Face Protection
Trimming and pruning trees is a highly complicated job that can be dangerous. It requires specialized equipment like ladders, safety harnesses, and ropes. It also involves using chemicals, which can cause skin, eyes, and lung injuries. Eye protection is essential to a Tree Work Now tree crew’s safety, but it isn’t always enough. A helmet or face shield protects them from falling debris and prevents a concussion. Absorbing the shock can also protect them from electricity if they accidentally fall back near an active line. Most safety glasses or goggles meet ANSI Z87 standards, but many other styles can help. Some include mesh visors that reduce the noise produced by quality chainsaws to acceptable levels. These are especially effective when standard polycarbonate visors can fog up quickly in humid conditions.
Hard Hats
Whether battling falling branches, chipping out dead wood, or climbing scaffolding, tree service professionals are constantly facing hazards to their heads. Wearing PPE like hard hats and safety helmets helps protect them from sudden dangers that can cause severe injuries and even death. The shell and suspension should be inspected before every use to ensure a safe hard hat. They should be free of cracks, nicks, gouges, and other damage that could compromise the structural integrity of the hat. Additionally, hard hats should be replaced whenever the shell or suspension shows signs of deterioration. Hard hats can be classified into physical protection and electrical hazard resistance classes based on their ANSI standard. This information can be found on the hat’s label under its brim.
Safety Glasses
When it comes to tree maintenance in Haymarket, safety should be a top priority. Working with trees, whether it’s pruning, trimming, or removing branches, involves potential risks. One essential piece of safety equipment that often gets overlooked is safety glasses. Aside from hard hats, eye and face protection is among the most important pieces of PPE for tree crews. Without it, severe head and eye injuries are possible. Safety glasses should be rated to ANSI Z87.1 standards and provide complete coverage of the eyes with lenses that wood, branches, or other debris cannot pierce. Lenses should also be UV-rated to protect the eyes from harmful rays that can cause corneal sunburn and influence cataract formation.
In addition, frames should be durable enough to withstand being bent and twisted during a project. Employees should also be able to adjust the fit of their safety glasses and not interfere with other required PPE or hinder movement. Federal regulations require employers to establish a PPE program that includes: identifying hazards, providing employees with appropriate safety equipment, and training for the proper use of the equipment.
Leather Gloves
While various work gloves are available today, leather is a popular option for professionals and those serious about their work. From cowhide and pigskin to various styles and shapes, they protect workers from abrasion, chemical exposure, heat, and cold. Look for hi-viz colors and fluorescent accents to help workers spot their gloves in the field. Some also feature winter liners to keep hands warm, dry, and numb-free. If working near energized power lines, wear appropriate leg and groin protection.
Hearing Protection
The proper equipment is crucial for tree crews to do their jobs safely. During your inspection, see that they wear earmuffs, earplugs, and pants that protect their legs in case they fall off the tree. Also, look to make sure they are wearing their hard hats and safety glasses. Ensure the ear protection your crews wear is appropriately rated for the noise levels they are exposed to. Performing a thorough hazard assessment, creating PPE policies, and training employees on proper safety procedures is a great way to help prevent struck-by injuries and other workplace hazards. This will pay off for your company in the long run and ensure customers get the quality service they expect. Read more exciting articles on Tech new master
