World Health & Safety at Work Day

When it comes to completing a successful project, equipping yourself with health and safety gear is just as vital as having the right tools. World Health and Safety Day at Work is an initiative to promote healthy, safe working. It acts as a reminder about the importance of staying safe at work, as well as at home in the workshop. When working with wood, it’s important to ensure adequate safety measures are in place to protect yourself and prevent accidents so you can enjoy woodworking safely. To help you out, we’ve highlighted some essential safety gear to keep in mind.

Respirators

Respirators are vital for protecting you from harmful substances like dust. They filter contaminants from the air, helping to prevent respiratory issues and long-term health problems. When selecting respiratory protection, there are four main things to consider:

1. Type of substance: Ensure that the respirator is appropriate for the specific contaminants you are exposed to.
2. Protection class: Verify that the respirator meets the required protection class for your environment.
3. Compatibility: If additional PPE is needed, ensure it is compatible with the respirator and fits comfortably.
4. Facial Hair: Be aware that facial hair, such as beards, can affect the seal of tight-fitting RPE. You are required to be clean-shaven to ensure a proper fit and seal. For further information, please see HSE Guidance Document INDG 479.

We offer a variety of respirators, from full-face to fold-flat respirators for different applications.

JSP Springfit™ Fold Flat Valved Respirator (PKT 10)

Available in both FFP2 and FFP3, these masks are perfect for a range of tasks. With the unique endoskeleton structure, they ensure for a secure and comfortable fit. The Typhoon™ valve reduces breathing resistance, heat and moisture build-up, making it effective even in low temperatures. The adjustable straps, foam strip and welded nose piece allow for a better seal and improved fit around the top. Choosing between FFP2 and FFP3 masks depends on the level of protection needed. FFP2 masks filter 94% of particles and are suitable for moderate-risk environments, while FFP3 masks filter 99% of particles and are ideal for high-risk settings. Ensure you pick the correct FFP protection class for the environment you're in. FFP3 masks are to be used in workplaces; the HSE states a rating of FFP3 minimum for wood dust. 

EN149:2009.

Shop FFP2    Shop FFP3

“Good quality mask that fits really well and stays in place.”

Hand protection

Protective gloves are a fundamental part of personal protective equipment (PPE), safeguarding you from cuts, abrasions, tears, puncture injuries, chemicals, and more. It is crucial to select the right glove for your specific task to ensure maximum protection and performance.

1. Type of protection: Different hazards and tasks require different types of protection, such as abrasion resistance, blade cut resistance, tear resistance, and puncture resistance. Ensure you choose gloves that meet the specific demands of your work environment.
2. Coatings: Coatings provide various benefits depending on the task and circumstances. For example, foam coatings enhance grip in oily environments, while repellent coatings are suitable for wet conditions. A coating can also improve grip, reducing the effort required by the wearer.
3. Comfort and breathability: Heat and sweat inside a glove can affect individual well-being. Look for gloves with breathable liners and coatings, and those that have been dermatologically approved to help prevent conditions like dermatitis and eczema.
4. Protection symbols: Pay attention to the symbols and corresponding numbers on the back of the glove, which indicate the glove's protection levels. The hammer symbol, for instance, signifies mechanical protection.
5. Application-specific selection: Ensure you are choosing the correct glove for the application you are using them for. Refer to our hand protection guide for detailed information.

uvex Unilite 7700 Nitrile PU Work Gloves

With the highest abrasion level of 4, these gloves are perfect for precision mechanical work, fine assembly and sorting. The seamless, ultra soft,15-gauge nylon liner provides comfort and flexibility, while the NBR polyurethane coating on the palm and fingertips ensures excellent grip. The open-back design enhances airflow and breathability, helping to keep hands cool and reduce sweating, making them ideal for warmer environments. They also offer wet and oil protection, great for handling oil-coated metal surfaces and various damp or dry.

EN 388:2016 levels 4-1-3-1.

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uvex Uniper 6639 Work Gloves

These lightweight, sensitive, and dirt-resistant PU safety gloves are perfect for fine assembly, precision, and inspection work. The robust PU coating offers high abrasion resistance while ensuring a comfortable fit. Featuring palm coating, a knitted cuff, and an open back for airflow, they are ideal for dry or lightly moist conditions.

EN 388:2016 levels 4-1-3-1.

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“I’ve been using these for a number of years and bought them originally for use when servicing the lawnmower (I’m one of those people who skins their knuckles the moment they encounter a bolt). Since then these have become my standard glove when doing general DIY/work around the house, in the garden and in the workshop. They are comfortable and allow a reasonable level of sensation.”

Eye protection

Safety glasses and goggles are essential for protecting your eyes from flying debris, projectiles, dust, chemical particles, chemical splashes, and more. They come in various forms, such as goggles, spectacles, visors, and face guards, each designed to provide different levels of protection from impact and other hazards. Here are some things to consider when choosing your eye protection:

1. Type of protection: Safety glasses offer lower impact protection and are suitable for shielding against wood chips, sawdust, and other particles. Features such as a brow guard or lip can enhance fit and protection against dust. Goggles and face guards are better suited for use with power tools, such as grinding, drilling, and cutting, which produce fast-moving projectiles, or when handling liquids.
2. Misting issues: Foggy glasses or goggles can be frustrating and unsafe for wearers. Traditional hydrophobic coatings initially repel water but wear off over time, making the eyewear ineffective.
3. Adequate UV protection: Inadequate UV protection can lead to serious long-term eye damage, including corneal injuries and cataracts.
4. Proper fitting: Ill-fitting safety eyewear can compromise protection, cause discomfort, and lead to distractions. Ensure your eye protection fits suitably.
5. Accommodating prescription glasses: It's important to note that regular prescription glasses do not offer the same impact protection as safety eyewear conforming to EN166 standards. There are a number of solutions available for prescription wearers. The easiest is either an overspec or goggle designed to go over prescription glasses. The other is to invest in a pair of safety prescription glasses from a reputable manufacturer.

uvex Pheos Safety Spec – Standard size

These standard-sized, stylishly designed safety spectacles feature uvex's permanent supravision anti-fog coating on the inside of the lens and an extremely scratch-resistant and chemical-resistant coating on the outside. The side arms offer a non-slip, comfortable fit, ensuring compatibility with other forms of PPE. They provide 100% UVA and UVB protection up to 400 nm.

EN166:2001.

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“These specs are comfortable and fit well. Seem to be robust and should last”

uvex Super OTG Safety Over Spectacles

Perfect for wearing over your prescription glasses, these over spectacles offer low-level impact protection with a secure fit. The side arms gently grip the side of your head, while the strong lenses have anti-scratch and anti-fog coatings for performance and durability. The clear lens provides optical clarity and 100% UVA and UVB protection up to 400 nm.

EN166:2001 - lens: 2C-1,2 W 1 FTKN - frame: W 166 F CE.

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“The item appears well made. Quality materials, no hinges, a firm fit which I found keeps them in place over my glasses. Used extensively since they’ve arrived and often I forget I’m wearing them as they are optically extremely good. Would highly recommend.”

JSP Galactus™ Premiershield Clear Safety Spectacles

Ultra light and comfortable, these spectacles offer a high level of eye protection. The adaptable floating nose bridge with cushioned pads improves comfort, perfect for when wearing for extended periods of time. The Premiershield polycarbonate lens improves field of vision and all round safety. The lens is Grade 1F impact resistant, with K-rated (anti-scratch) and N-rated (anti-mist) properties.

EN166:2001 - lens: 2C-1.2 1.FT.K.N - frame: EN166 1.FT

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Hearing protection

Crucial to safeguard against harmful noise levels that can lead to hearing loss, hearing protection is not to be overlooked. Hearing loss is progressive and undetectable until it is too late. Environments like construction sites and workshops, where loud machinery and power tools are used, can significantly contribute to noise exposure. Here are some important factors to consider when choosing your hearing protection:

1. Reducing exposure: Noise above 85 dB is harmful to health and it is mandatory to provide hearing protection if at or above this level. It is vital to reduce exposure where the noise is above this level in order to prevent long-term hearing damage and maintain overall health and well-being.
2. Options: There are various options available when it comes to hearing protection, including ear muffs (over the ear) and plugs (in ear), which can either be ‘rolled down’ or pre-formed – often reusable. Size, comfort, fit and convenience are all factors to take into consideration when selecting hearing protection.
3. Fit: Considering the size of the ear canal (yes, our ear canals are different sizes) can help increase protection and comfort levels. Earplugs that are too big won’t sit far enough down into the ear canal, resulting in inadequate protection and discomfort. Earplugs that are too small could result in noise leakage, inadequate protection and noise-induced hearing loss.
4. Compatibility: Wearing hearing protection in conjunction with other PPE should also be factored in to keep you safe. If you wear eyewear, plugs are the best as the sidearms break the cup seal of a muff, reducing the effectiveness of the protection. This means you won’t achieve the intended maximum protection. If you wear a helmet, helmet-mounted ear muffs might enhance comfort, freedom of movement and protection levels.
5. Suitability for task: Thinking about your tasks before selecting your hearing protection is vital. Corded earplugs pose an entanglement risk putting yourself and others at risk.
6. Overprotection: Don’t forget, it’s important not to overprotect! Being able to hear alarms and other warning signals is essential. Overprotection can also result in feelings of isolation. Therefore, having a noise test can help identify the noise levels in the workshop and ensure you identify the right level of protection.

JSP Sonis® High Protection Ear Defenders SNR 37

With a rating of SNR of 37 dB(A), these ear defenders protect against extreme industrial noise. Suitable for in situations such as heavy engineering, quarrying and aircraft environments. The over moulded headband provides comfort with ventilation to help reduce heat build-up, and the sealing ring surface area works well for a good fit and maximum protection.

EN352-1:2001 - SNR: 37dB

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“I should have bought ear defenders years ago. What a difference it makes to my hearing when using DIY tools. Best item I’ve bought for years.”

uvex K2 ear muffs

With an SNR of 32 making them suitable for high noise areas and are easy to fit, lightweight, comfortable and offer a great level of protection. They feature a soft, padded metal headband and extra soft memory foam cushions to adapt to your head shape. Perfect for medium noise levels.

EN352-1:2001 - SNR: 32dB for medium noise areas.

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“Great upgrade from my basic ear defenders, nice comfortable fit. Good noise reduction.”

uvex Xact-fit Reuseable Ear Plugs

With an SNR of 26, these earplugs have an oval, tapered ‘ear canal’ shape which mimics the anatomy of your ear canal for a low-pressure fit. Small thumb tabs with left and right markings help aid correct insertion. Supplied with an adjustable neck cord, handy for if you’re in intermittent noise environments, these plugs can be washed with soapy water and stored, giving a sustainable and cost-effective solution.

EN 352-2:2002 - SNR: 26dB

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Better than the disposable plugs and, dangling around my neck, means these are handy, hence I tend to use them – even for that one quick cut. No brainer for me.”

Dust extraction

Dust extraction systems are essential in spaces where dust is generated. These systems effectively remove dust particles from the air, preventing them from settling on surfaces or being inhaled. This not only helps to avoid health issues, but also significantly improves air quality and enhances the cleanliness of your space and follows the hierarchy of control by reducing the contaminant as after all, PPE is the last line of defence. At Axminster Tools, we supply a range of dust extraction systems. From air filters, to fine dust extractors, you can choose the correct system for your workspace. For more information on dust extraction, take a look at our blog.

By understanding and incorporating health and safety measures into your woodworking routines, you can create a safer and healthier environment for all involved.

If you have any questions regarding any of our products to support your health and safety, please contact our Customer Services team.