Protective clothing is essential for anyone working as a plasterer by trade. There are risks involved when working on large-scale projects and commercial buildings. As such, contractors comply with strict health and safety standards to ensure for the protection of each employee. For plasterers these are the most common risks associated with the trade:
- Threats present in the air. It is not easy to assess the risks associated with hazardous airborne particles and chemicals. Symptoms may only manifest after prolonged exposure.
- The risks associated with working at heights. Plastering exposes workers to the risk of falling down ladders and from high places.
- The risks associated with working with other tradespeople. Proximity to hazardous working conditions such as exposed electrical wires makes a plasterer’s job more dangerous. In addition to this, safety issues are paramount where there are many tradespeople working simultaneously.
At the least, contractors should take into consideration employing strict safety measures and standards for all employees. Another critical step to mitigating work-related incidents is to provide durable plastering workwear.
Plastering apparel
Plasterers need to wear proper clothing for comfort and protection. Contractors often provide work uniforms such as plastering overalls. If this is not available, a plasterer can purchase overalls from a construction supply store. If plastering overalls are not available, decorators overalls or decorators trousers will work just as well.
Protective gloves
Plasterers need to protect their hands while working. However, you can’t use a regular glove for plastering. When choosing a safety glove for plastering, look for one with a latex palm to provide you with a good grip when holding tools and equipment. A plasterer’s glove should not puncture easily and should perform well in wet and dry conditions.
Goggles and other eye protection
Construction sites expose workers to flying debris and small particles that can puncture the eyes. A plasterer also needs eye protection against plaster splashes. Plaster contains hazardous chemicals that may cause long-term eye damage. Plastering goggles should be lightweight but at the same time prevent moisture build-up. Look for versatile eye protection which you can wear over prescription glasses, if necessary. Lastly, look for eye shields with side guards for maximum eye protection.
Work boots
Proper work wear for plastering should be from head to toe. Work boots are the preferred footwear in most construction sites. Choose one with a steel toe to protect your feet from falling debris. There are a variety of work boots available in the market today. You can choose a pair of work boots according to your personal preference as long as the specifications comply with the standards required in your workplace.
Accessories and other apparel
Depending on the job site, a plasterer may need to wear additional accessories such as a helmet. They may also be required to wear trousers and shirts instead of plastering overalls. Regardless of what the contractor requires, the vital part of work safety is to comply with the rules and regulations intended to avoid accidents. Contractors are always adamant that employees conform to maintain excellent working conditions and produce quality results.
