subject: Top Five Safety Tiling Tools [print this page] Tiling the floors and walls of houses, offices and other structures may appear safe and easy for passers-by. Appearances, as we all know too well, can deceive because tiling can be a potentially dangerous activity. The dangers come from the use of sharp tools and electric equipment as well as in the particulates coming from the tiles being worked on.
With such potential dangers, tile installation professionals must use safety gear to protect their hands, eyes and ears, among other body parts. In this article, the top five safety gear will be discussed in greater detail. Keep in mind that, when you are laying down the tiles on the floor or wall, you are well-advised to wear all of these safety gears for your own protection even when the job seems simple.
Safety Gloves:
Your hands must be sufficiently protected from possible contact with abrasive chemicals, sharp edges and other potentially harmful objects while you are working with tiles. Latex gloves used for washing dishes, doing the laundry and performing garden chores simply will not do because of their thin materials.
The best safety gloves for tiling are made from sufficiently thick knitted cloth with plastic coating for better water resistance. The materials should be of the right thickness so that your entire hands are protected and yet you can still have full use of your fingers. Think maximum protection balanced by optimum dexterity.
Ear Defenders:
According to safety experts, hearing protectors must be worn by individuals working in an environment with sound levels exceeding 85 decibels. This way, exposure to the potentially harmful effects of noise pollution can be significantly lessened. Common sense tells us that the longer time you are exposed to high noise levels, the higher your risks for hearing loss.
The best ear protectors for tiling jobs are made with the soft PVC-covered foam rings mounted on adjustable plastic headbands. These ear protectors can then sit comfortably on the head while also providing for all-around noise protection. Wear ear defenders especially when you are using electric tiling tools with high noise levels once in operation.
Goggles:
The eyes should also be protected from the dust, debris and other particulates that can severely irritate these sensitive organs. Eyeglasses and sunglasses are not appropriate eye-wear on a tiling job because the eyes are still exposed at the sides.
The best goggles should have plastic polycarbonate lenses, safety frames and proper fit. When the goggles are worn, be sure that the frame is as close to the face as possible and is sufficiently supported by the nose's bridge. Wear goggles especially when you are using tiling tools that result in small flying debris.
Large Hi Vis Waistcoat:
High-visibility safety apparel improves the wearer's visibility in the workplace where his co-workers are concerned. The waistcoat is of particular use in low light and dark working conditions.
Respirator Mask:
Professional tile workers are at higher risk for respiratory disorders because of their exposure to the dust, debris and particulates coming from the tiles as well as the chemicals used in their installation. You can lessen your own risk by wearing the right respirator mask.
The safety gear you wear is as important as your knowledge in handling tiling tools. Wear your safety gloves, goggles, ear protectors and respirator mask whenever you are installing or disassembling tiles and, in so doing, protect your health.
