Selecting the Correct Coverall Style For Work
When your job is in industries such as construction sites, mechanic shops and plumbing for example, coveralls make a great layer of protection from dirt, grim and some harmful workplace hazards.
Coveralls are the most common form of safety clothing that provides protection from contaminants such as dirt, grease, oil, certain liquids and burns.
The Making Of A Good Quality Coverall
Coveralls are utilized by so many job types such as mechanics, construction workers, welders and fabrication facilities to help improve safety and proper hygiene.
Following are some suggestions options worth looking for.
– Sturdiness – Depending on the job task good quality and the type of fabric is very important. For example mechanics tend to prefer the polyester/cotton fabric as they are more durable then 100% cotton fabric. Mechanics tend spend a lot of time in contact with the ground which can wear an inappropriate cotton coverall out very quickly.
The polyester/cotton fabric tends to not absorb liquids such as oil and grease as easy as cotton fabric which soaks up liquids quite readily.
– Safety Protection – When considering the appropriate fabric type and front closure it is very import to factor in what the coveralls are protecting a person from.
For example welders should have 100% cotton because in case there is too much flame that starts to burn the cotton will burn whereas the polyester/cotton blend can melt and burn right into a person’s skin causing a much more severe injury.
As for the choice of the front closure again it depends on the job. Zippers are great for helping to keep out debris that can enter the coveralls through openings such as between the buttons.
Snaps are a good option for being able to quickly get the front of the coverall open and off if something like a spark or hot metals enters the inside or results in the coverall starting on fire.
In the case of more severe dangers such as an electric arc flash or flash fire the choice of coveralls would have to be rated for the possible electric arc exposure and or flame resistant fabric to protect in case there is an flash fire.
– Sizing and Comfort – When choosing the size of coveralls it is very important to ensure the coveralls do not fit too tight which inhibits the freedom of movement or too loose making them baggy and a possible hazard as they could get caught in moving machinery.
Coverall Selections Available
There are many different styles of coveralls and depending on the job and use following are some examples of what you can take into consideration when purchasing.
– 100% Cotton Coveralls
These are great for welding and are quite comfortable with the feeling of cotton as opposed to synthetic fabric.
– Polyester/cotton Coveralls
Great for mechanics and industries where a more durable lightweight fabric is required.
– High Visibility Coveralls
When visibility safety is a concern as in moving traffic or low light conditions high visibility coveralls are required that have safety striping attached to them. Depending on the level of high visibility required these are available in various colours to fit the requirements.
– Flame Resistant Coveralls
Certain industries that deal with highly flammable substances such as the oil and gas require flame resistant coveralls that are rated for protection against flash fire.
– Arc Flash Coveralls
The electrical industry needs coveralls that protect against an arc flash explosion. These type of coveralls are assigned an Arc Thermal Protective Value (ATPV) which refers to the maximum incident energy (in calories per centimeter squared) that protective equipment can be exposed to and prevent the onset of a second-degree burn.
This is achieved by exposing the coveralls to an electric arc to a point where the fabric breaks open and the assigned ATPV rating would be lower then at the breakopen point.
Purchasing Coveralls
Coveralls can be purchased from many different suppliers although it is very important to find a distributor that has good knowledge in the different types of coveralls so you are buying the correct coverall for the job.
It is also very important to establish a working relationship with suppliers who carry a good quantity of inventory so you can receive the coveralls quickly and not having to wait weeks to get your protective gear.
If any of these products are of interest to you they can be viewed and purchased at the following web pages.
Terry Smeader
Safety Protection Warehouse
Ph: 888-440-4668
www.coverallsale.ca
Terry Smeader
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Tags: cotton coveralls, flame resistant coveralls, high visibility coveralls
