TM 9-243
SAFETY EQUIPMENT - Continued
EYE PROTECTION
Proper eye protection is of the highest importance for all
personnel. Eye protection is necessary because of
hazards caused by infrared and ultraviolet radiation, or
by flying objects such as sparks, globules of molten
metal, or chipped concrete and wood, etc. These
hazards are always present during welding, cutting, sol-
dering, chipping, grinding, and a variety of other opera-
tions. It is absolutely necessary for you to use eye pro-
tection devices such as helmets, handshields, and gog-
gles during eye-hazard operations. Appropriate use of
goggles will limit eye hazards. Some goggles have plas-
tic windows which resist shattering upon impact. Others
are designed to limit harmful infrared and ultraviolet
radiation from arcs or flames by the use of appropriate
filter lenses. Remember, eye damage can be extremely
painful. Protect your eyes.
HELMETS
Protective helmets (hard hats) come in a variety of
shapes. They may be made of tough polyethylene or
polycarbonate, one of the toughest hat materials yet
developed. When falling objects strike the hats, the
shock-absorbing suspension capabilities minimize
injuries.
Regular hard hats must be insulated so that personnel
may be protected from accidental head contacts with
electrical circuits and equipment at comparatively low
voltages (less than 2200 volts).
Electrical workers requiring head protection necessary
to their duties or to the working environment, must wear
insulating safety helmets or all-purpose protective hel-
mets which must be capable of withstanding 20,000 volt
minimum proof-tests.
GLOVES
Use gloves whenever you are required to handle rough,
scaly, or splintery objects. Two types are shown above.
Special flameproof gloves are designed for gas and
electric welding in order to limit danger and damage
from sparks and other hot, flying objects. Personnel
working with electricity are usually required to wear
insulating rubber gloves.
Be sure to follow all regulations prescribed for the use of
gloves. Gloves must not be worn around rotating
machinery unless sharp or rough material is being
handled. If such is the case, extreme care should be
used to prevent the gloves from being caught in the
machinery.
SAFETY BELTS AND SAFETY STRAPS
The safety belt and safety strap are a must when work-
ing in high places. The safety belt, strapped around the
waist, contains pockets for small tools. It also has two
D-rings used to attach the safety strap. The safety strap
is a nylon-reinforced leather belt that is placed around
the item to be climbed. It is then attached to the two
D-rings on the safety belt. Detailed use of the safety belt
and safety strap is described in chapter 49 of this
manual.
EAR PROTECTION
Proper hearing protection is a must when working with
or around certain types of power tools. Some tools are
capable of producing dangerously high noise levels
which, if ignored, can result in serious hearing loss or
injury. Use the hearing protection regularly.
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