As a field service engineer, you face various hazards and risks on the job, from electrical shocks to falls to chemical exposure. That's why choosing the right safety gear is crucial to protect yourself and prevent accidents. But how do you know what kind of equipment you need for each task? Here are some tips to help you make the best decision.
Before you start any work, you should identify the potential hazards and risks involved. You can use a job hazard analysis (JHA) or a risk assessment matrix (RAM) to evaluate the severity and likelihood of different scenarios. For example, if you are working on a high-voltage circuit, you should consider the possibility of arc flash, electrocution, fire, and burns. Based on your assessment, you can determine the level of protection you need and the appropriate safety gear.
In my work experience, the proper reporting of any unsafe incidents is an essential procedure to avoid the risk while servicing at the customer sites.
1- Legally approved, 2- Must know about operational usage, 3- Limitations of safety gear, 4- Intrinsically safe and user friendly, 5- it's maintained under laid down procedure, 6- proper size role of users, 7- contingency action while using.
The key to chosing the right gear is thorough risk assesment of the hazards involved.Always be be wary of the environment in which the work is perfomed and take note of the changes that can happen to the environment.This assessement will determine th extend of protection required
Always wear standerdized protective gears like Helmets, Shoes, Gloves,Masks(if working on dusty environment like a Plwood manufacturing unit) etc., And always carry a small piece of wire with shoved ends, if u r working in electrical panels, so that u can discharge any remaining charge left in the panel's loose wire ends.
When selecting the appropriate safety gear for a job, begin by identifying job-specific hazards and ensuring compliance with safety regulations, prioritize quality and fit, consider comfort and compatibility, provide maintenance and training for proper use, and maintain accessibility for workers while encouraging regular inspections to sustain its effectiveness.
Depending on the industry and the location, there may be specific standards and regulations that govern the use of safety gear. For example, if you are working in the construction sector, you should follow the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards for personal protective equipment (PPE). These standards specify the minimum requirements for head, eye, face, hand, foot, and respiratory protection. You should also check the local codes and laws that apply to your work site and comply with them.
Further standards and resources are issued by The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). All employees must be appropriately trained on the hazards they may reasonably be exposed to and the control measures to safely perform their work.
local and international standards stand as guidelines in regulating the correct type of safety gear needed and the situations needed.The standards also define the design specifications and minimum quality of the protective gear to be used.
Another important factor to consider when choosing safety gear is the fit and comfort. You want to make sure that your equipment is not too loose or too tight, and that it does not interfere with your mobility or vision. For example, if you are wearing a safety helmet, you should adjust the straps and the suspension system to ensure a snug and secure fit. You should also avoid wearing any jewelry, accessories, or clothing that could get caught or tangled in your gear.
Other things to consider are improperly worn PPE may not provide the intended protection. Tight fitting gear can restrict movement and circulation, and loose fitting gear can get caught in moving equipment and tools. The quality of the equipment is also very important. I like to involve employees in selecting PPE brands and types to increase ownership and the chance of it being worn.
Do not use a "One size fits all" approach with safety gear.always ensure thaecha and every employee is comfortable in their gear and that the neccesary adjustments can be done with ease.Protective gear should not be an impediment to the work that is being done.
Once you have chosen the right safety gear for your job, you should also take care of it and keep it in good condition. You should inspect your equipment regularly and look for any signs of damage, wear, or tear. You should also clean and disinfect your gear after each use and store it properly. If you notice any defects or malfunctions in your gear, you should report them and replace them as soon as possible.
The best source of information on how to properly maintain your gear is in the manufacturer’s manual. There you can find how to clean, use, inspect and store your gear.
Always follow the guidlines provided in the manual on the correct cleaning and maintanence of protective gear.Regular inspection of the gear is also required.
Finally, you should also educate yourself on how to use your safety gear correctly and safely. You should read the instructions and labels carefully and follow them. You should also attend any training sessions or workshops that are offered by your employer or the manufacturer of your gear. You should also stay updated on the latest trends and innovations in safety gear and learn how to incorporate them into your work.
Choosing the right safety gear for any job is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It requires careful planning, research, and evaluation. By following these tips, you can ensure that you have the best protection for your field service engineering tasks.
Continous orientation on the use of gear is a requisite approach to ensure employees stay educated.Management commitment is key in ensureing the training sessions are a success
Although PPE is extremely important, hazards should be controlled in respect to the hierarchy of controls. In order of effectiveness: - Eliminate the hazard - Substitute something less hazardous - Apply engineering controls - Post warnings/barricades - Administrative controls - PPE Notice PPE is the least effective of all the hazard controls.
In workplace safety, leading by example is vital for fostering a culture of safety. We must promptly halt work when safety rules aren't followed. Peer accountability is our strongest defense. Regular hazard reassessment, using tools like the Hazard Assessment Form, ensures safety gear aligns with the evolving workplace and follows Material Safety Data Sheet and Standardized Hazard Report recommendations. Safety gear is an ongoing choice, reinforced by leading by example and continuous hazard assessment, making safety a collective responsibility that protects our work community.