As a mechanic, working with various tools and machinery on a daily basis can be a hazardous job.
The last thing you want to worry about while you are trying to fix a vehicle is a cut or injury to your hands. This is why it is important to wear safety gloves while working as a mechanic.
In this blog, we will discuss the hazards that mechanics face and the type of gloves they should use to keep themselves safe.
Hazards Faced by Mechanics
Mechanics face a range of hazards while working on vehicles. Some of the most common hazards include cuts from sharp edges, burns from hot engine parts, and chemical exposure from fuels and oils. Additionally, mechanics are also at risk of suffering from repetitive stress injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome and other hand and wrist conditions.
The Importance of Safety Gloves
Safety gloves for mechanics, they provide a barrier between your skin and the hazards that you may encounter while working. Safety gloves are designed to protect your hands from cuts, punctures, and abrasions while allowing you to maintain dexterity and grip. They also provide insulation against heat and cold, which is important when working on hot engine parts or handling cold tools.
Types of Safety Gloves
There are several types of safety gloves for mechanics to choose from. It is important to choose the right type of gloves for the specific task you will be performing. Some of the most common types of gloves for mechanics include:
Cut resistant gloves –
These gloves are designed to protect against cuts from sharp edges. They are made from high performance materials such as kevlar or stainless steel that provide excellent cut resistance.
Heat resistant gloves –
These gloves are designed to protect against burns from hot engine parts and other hot surfaces. They are made from materials such as leather or aluminized fabrics that provide heat resistance up to 500°F.
Chemical resistant gloves –
These gloves are designed to protect against chemical exposure from fuels and oils. They are made from materials such as nitrile or neoprene that provide chemical resistance.
Impact resistant gloves –
These gloves are designed to protect against impacts and vibrations. They are made from materials such as polyurethane or thermoplastic rubber that provide shock resistance.
Statistics for hand injuries in the UK automotive industry
Hand injuries are unfortunately common in the automotive industry in the UK. This is because workers in this industry often work with heavy machinery and sharp tools, and are required to perform repetitive tasks that can lead to strain and injury over time.
According to a report by the Health and Safety Executive, the manufacturing industry, which includes the automotive sector, had the highest number of reported non-fatal injuries to employees in 2020/21, with 55,000 cases reported.
In the automotive industry specifically, hand injuries can occur when workers are using tools and machinery such as drills, grinders, and welding equipment. Hand injuries can also occur during assembly and finishing tasks, such as the use of hand-held tools or the handling of sharp or heavy components.
To prevent hand injuries in the automotive industry, employers should provide adequate training to their workers on how to safely operate machinery and tools. Employers should also PPE such as gloves and safety glasses, and implement ergonomic workstations to reduce the risk of MSDs.
It's also important for workers to take breaks and stretch regularly to avoid repetitive strain injuries, and report any safety concerns or injuries to their employer immediately.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is important for mechanics to wear safety gloves while working to protect themselves from the hazards they face. By choosing the right type of gloves for the task they will be performing, they can keep themselves safe and avoid unnecessary injuries. So, the next time you're in the garage, make sure you have the right gloves to keep your hands protected.
OAKEYS Safety are able to provide lots of variations of safety gloves including the mentioned gloves above, cut resistant, heat resistant, chemical resistant and impact resistant gloves. Below is a link to the safety gloves range here at OAKEYS, take a look!
Safety Gloves
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