Safety Supply Guide

No matter what type of job you are working, there is always going to be a need for safety supplies. Figuring out what type of precautions you need to take can be tough. Even if you have already gotten the supplies for your workplace, they can end up sitting in storage for a very long time. Do you know what type of equipment you need to keep you and your employees safe?

Read more about, “Emergency Preparation 101.”

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires that every work place has a first aid kit that is easily reachable to the employees.

What is in a first aid kit?

Depending on your needs, a kit can be more specialized to fit your needs or certain concerns. If you have an employee with asthma, for example, and you are worried about being able to treat them you can put an extra inhaler inside the kit. First aid kits can come in a variety of sizes because it is advised that you always have double the materials on hand.

There are also over the counter medications that you can add to your first aid kit. From pain medication, Advil or Tylenol, to allergy medication.

Where should I have a first aid kit?

Remember that your kit should be located somewhere that can be easily accessed by your employees. The kits should be kept away from windows as they can be damaged by the cold and heat. But to make them more resistant there are first aid and pac-kits that are weatherproof.

With every hire it is important to inform your employees where the first aid kit is located and that they are properly trained to properly assess a medical situation.

8% of all workplace deaths are a result of accidental falls. It is important that anyone who is working 6 feet or more above ground that they have a fall arrest system. The best type of construction harness is a full body harness as it is designed to arrest the most dangerous falls.

What does a fall arrest system include?

• Safety Harness
• Anchorage
• Connectors
• Other Safety Equipment: lanyards, deceleration device or lifeline

Lanyards are used in order to reduce the impact of a fall and get rid of the rebound. Depending on your needs, from the height of the climb to the weight of the climber, there are also lanyards that can come in adjustable lengths and are shock absorbing.

Remember that when you are choosing your construction harness that you note the number and placement of D-rings and the type of buckles that is required for the job. If your job includes climbing a tree or pole be sure to check out the climbing pads that are designed specifically for that use.

If you work in industry, construction, demolition, or renovation hard hats are a required piece of equipment. These were made to protect workers from damage that can make life changing injuries.

What do hard hats protect you from?

• Falling objects or debris
• Striking head against a fixed object
• Electric shock

It is important to always make sure that you are wearing equipment that will properly protect you while working. A way to test whether or not you should continue to wear a hard hat is by applying force by squeezing it. If you begin to hear cracking or any unusual sounds, that is a good indication that it is time to be replaced. And if there are any cracks, dents, or fatigue found on the hat, then it definitely needs to be replaced.

For even more protection check out our ‘Eye Care & Protection’ category. Safety glasses and safety goggles are perfect for construction workers who are trying to constantly keep debris from getting into their eyes. The goggles, however, are going to offer you more protection and won’t interfere with those who have to wear prescription glasses.

Find out more about worksite safety, “Construction Safety Culture.”

Emergency lights and exit signs are pieces of equipment that we don’t really notice unless we are in a movie theatre. But these lights are one of the most important pieces of equipment that every commercial setting should have.

What is the purpose of emergency and exit lights?

• Exit signs will show the direction or location of the exit.
• Emergency lights show the path to the exit.

The emergency lights should be tested at least once a month regardless of its power source. And remember that the exit sign should be pointed in a direction where you know your customers and employees will look so they can find the exit without trouble.

Here is an example of what NOT to do:

If you are worried about these signs and lights increasing the cost on your utility bill, don’t. These lights and signs are designed to use LED lights which will make your building more energy efficient. And if you are looking to make your place of business a little more safe check out the exit/emergency light combos that point the way and highlight the exits for your customers.

There are also different safety signs and safety tape to indicate to your customers or those passing by of what is happening. HomElectrical has a variety of signs from wet floors to biohazards depending on what your project is. Tape, in addition, is another way to direct people away from a dangerous location. These can come in a variety of colors and can say “caution,” “electrical line,” “danger,” and more.

Learn more, “Safety Tips for LED Retrofitting” and “Emergency Exit Light.”

Shop all Safety Supplies

Are you prepared for any type of emergency? Share your thoughts with us today!

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