Protective equipment in plastic, epoxy and asbestos work
To choose gloves, respiratory protection and suit according to the task
Personal protective equipment is the last barrier between the worker and hazards that could not be removed in any other way. They only work if they are chosen correctly, fit, are used correctly and are maintained. Incorrect protective equipment can give false confidence that is more dangerous than no protection.
§Protective equipment chosen based on the task
There is no one protective equipment that fits everything. The choice depends on what substance you are exposed to and how: skin contact vapours spray mist or dust each requires its own protection. For chemical products the correct choice is in the safety data sheet; for asbestos and dusty work it is determined by how many fibres or how much dust is released.
§Gloves
Gloves protect against skin contact, but not all gloves protect against everything. With epoxy and isocyanates, the glove material must be chemically resistant to that specific product — the wrong material can be penetrated without you noticing it. Contaminated gloves are removed without touching the clean outside, and you do not touch your face, phone or handles with them on.
§Respiratory protection
Respiratory protection protects the airways against fumes, spray mist and dust. The key is that the filter fits the hazard: a filter against organic vapors doesn't protect against fibers, and a dust filter doesn't protect against gas. For asbestos, use respiratory protection with filter suited for fibers. The protection must fit tightly — if it's loose, you draw contaminated air in beside the filter.
§Suit, glasses and other protection
- 01Protective suit — disposable suit for asbestos and dusty work chemical suit for spraying
- 02Safety glasses or visor — against chemical splashes and against dust and particles
- 03Correct footwear and possibly head protection according to workplace requirements
§Maintenance and correct removal
Protective equipment must be clean and intact to work. Reusable protection is cleaned and stored after use, filters are changed as needed, and damaged equipment is discarded. It is equally important to remove protective equipment in a controlled manner — especially with asbestos and chemical work — so you don't carry fibres or contamination into clean air or to others.