Choose personal protective equipment and tools which have a third-party certificate mark,
e.g. the BSI Kitemark, for added safety. The shop staff should be able to advise you on this.
CHAINSAWS
You will be better protected using models which have a chain brake.
This stops the saw instantly if the blade kicks back and significantly decreases the chance of serious injury.
Other safety features to look for are:
- a lock-off switch to prevent it being started accidentally
- a chain catcher (to stop a broken chain whipping into your face)
- a tip guard low profile blades - the smaller teeth reduce the chance of a kickback.
Also look for handles spaced at least 9 inches apart to give good control.
Use a visor or goggles, ear defenders, helmet, ballistic trousers/leggings,ankle protectors/gaiters,
ballistic gloves, boots with steel toecaps.
An RCD for machines fed directly from the mains i.e. not through a transformer.
OTHER SAWS
Use goggles, gloves, dust mask and ear defenders. An RCD for machines fed
directly from the mains i.e. not through a transformer.
HEDGETRIMMERS
The safer models have two-handed controls, a blade-stopping time of less
than 0.5 seconds and blade extensions (these reduce the risk of fingers getting trapped between the blades).
Use goggles, strong gloves, ear defenders, an RCD for machines fed directly from the mains i.e. not through a transformer.
WALLPAPER STRIPPER
Make sure the cable is in good condition and that neither the hose nor the tank
are leaking. The wheels/castors should be securely fitted and run smoothly.
Use heavy duty gloves.
An RCD for machines fed directly from the mains i.e. not through a transformer.
FLOOR SANDER
Use gloves, ear defenders, goggles, dust mask. An RCD for machines fed directly
from the mains i.e. not through a transformer.
DEMOLITION DRILLS AND BREAKING EQUIPMENT
Use goggles, gloves, dust mask and ear defenders in all cases.
An RCD for machines fed directly from the mains i.e. not through a transformer.
OTHER DRILLING EQUIPMENT
Half inch percussion drills, electric or cordless drills, electric engineers
drills, and electro-pneumatic drills - always use an RCD with mains equipment
and protect your eyes with safety goggles. If dust is likely to be a problem,
e.g. when drilling brick, wear a dust mask as well.
WELDING EQUIPMENT
Gloves and dust masks should always be used. Helmets should be used except
with portapack gas welding kit. Welding goggles or welding face shield should
be used except with a spot welder or a MIG welding unit. Ear defenders should
be used with a petrol welding unit. An RCD for machines fed directly from the
mains i.e. not through a transformer.
SCAFFOLDING
Erect only on firm ground, using the adjustable feet to make sure that the
scaffold is vertical. Tie in to building if more than 3.25m high for a 1.3m
x 1.3m base. Always use a helmet and gloves.
LADDERS
Get help when putting up a large ladder. Don't lean the ladder on a guttering
or other narrow or plastic features. (Hire a stand-off and fit to ladder
before putting up ladder). Position with the base 1m out from every 4m of
height. Wear stout shoes with a good grip.
BRUSH CUTTERS
You will be better protected by choosing a brush-cutter with heavy duty nylon
line, rather than a metal blade. You will also be better protected using
models with a throttle lock-off switch, wide guarding to protect the user/bystanders
from flying debris, a clutch,, and good balance (as provided by a lower handle,
for example). Use gloves and safety goggles or visor with all models, ear
defenders with petrol-driven models and an RCD for machines fed directly from
the mains i.e. not through a transformer.
COMPOSITE SHREDDER
Use goggles, gloves, dust mask and ear defenders.
THE PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT YOU NEED WILL DEPEND ON WHAT YOU HIRE.
THE TOOL HIRE SHOP WILL ADVISE YOU.
