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Hand and Eye PPE Machinists Rely On | PK Safety

Machinists drilling while wearing PPE.

Analisa Harangozo |

Machining environments are inherently dangerous, with workers often surrounded by heavy machinery, sharp objects, and hazardous substances. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, contact with objects and equipment and exposure to harmful substances were among the leading causes of Days Away from Work, Job Restriction, or Transfer (DART) over 2021-2022 (NSC, n.d.).

Below, we delve into the essential personal protective equipment (PPE) every machinist needs and recommend specialized gear for specific applications and work hazards.

Why PPE Matters for Machinists

Machinists are exposed to a diverse range of hazards daily. Sharp edges and moving parts can cause cuts and lacerations; flying debris and sparks can lead to eye injuries and burns; and various chemicals and toxic substances can cause skin irritation and respiratory issues. In these environments, PPE acts as the final layer of protection, stepping in when engineering controls and safe work practices alone aren’t enough to prevent serious, potentially life-altering injuries.

However, even the best PPE is only as adequate as the hazards they were designed to protect against. Whether it's gloves that resist cuts, safety glasses that shield against flying debris, or masks that filter out harmful particulates, the correct PPE should be tailored to the specific hazards of your workplace and the tasks performed. Selecting appropriate, high-quality PPE is not just a matter of compliance—it’s vital to ensuring your safety on the job.

Essential Eye Protection: Choosing the Right Safety Glasses for Machinists

Eye protection is a non-negotiable in machining, as the eyes are vulnerable to injuries from flying metal chips, dust, and other particles and exposure to intense light or hazardous liquids. Look for safety glasses that meet the ANSI Z87.1-2020 certification. This standard sets the criteria for the design, performance, testing, and use of safety glasses, goggles, face shields, and other eye and face protection devices to minimize the risk of injuries from impact, non-ionizing radiation, and liquid splash exposures (ANSI, 2020).

Here are some safety glasses recommendations:

  • MCR Memphis UV-AF Anti-Fog Safety Glasses: These versatile safety glasses are suitable for most machining applications. They feature polycarbonate lenses that block 99.9% UVA, UVB, and UVC rays and a wrap-around design for an unobstructed view and outstanding coverage. They also provide three times greater anti-fog performance than generic safety glasses.
  • MCR Hydroblast HB4 Goggle and Face Shield: For those who require more comprehensive protection, this MCR offering features a four-position ratcheting face shield for impact and splash protection, a super soft TPR goggle seal for better and more comfortable fit, and an indirect vented shield for increased breathability.
  • MCR Swagger SR2 Black Frame Safety Glasses: For more casual applications, the SR2 combines a chic retro design with modern features for blended industrial safety and everyday living. These include decentered, polycarbonate lenses for sharp, distortion-free vision, 99.9% UV resistance, and side shields for enhanced protection. Despite its casual styling, the SR2 meets the ANSI/ISEA Z87.1 2020 standard.

Contact our worker safety specialists today for more information on thetypes of safety eyewear and guidance on selecting the appropriate protection for your applications.

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Hand Protection: The Best Machinist Gloves for Every Job

Machinists need qualitysafety gloves to protect their hands from work-related hazards, including cuts, burns, and chemical exposure, while having the freedom of movement required to perform tasks.

Here are some recommendations:

  • MCR Safety Nitrishield Stealth Extra Gloves: Despite being only 6mm thick, these disposable gloves offer quality protection against various chemicals and three times greater puncture resistance than standard rubber gloves. Coupled with their excellent tactile sensitivity, they’re popular among customers working in food and chemical processing and those handling biohazards. If you need something biodegradable, MCR offers the Nitrishield Green 8-Mil Unlined Biodegradable Gloves.
  • MCR Memphis Ninja Flex Gloves: Featuring a unique shell and polymer combination for better dexterity, sense of touch, and safety protection, these gloves are a popular option for those working in dry-grip applications including agriculture, durable goods assembly, recycling plants, and warehouses.
  • MCR Safety Blue ForceFlex Multi-Task Gloves: These gloves offer the ultimate back-of-hand protection with full flexibility and range of motion. They have ergonomically designed synthetic leather palms with rough grip palm pads, tough thermal plastic rubber (TPR) padding on the back of hand and fingers for full dorsal metacarpal protection, and extra tacky fingertips for a sure grip. A favorite among machine workers in a variety of industries including automotive assembly, carpentry, construction, and warehousing.
  • MCR Mustang HiDex Unlined Leather Driver: These premium utility work gloves are made with honey gold grain goatskin, providing strength and durability while remaining soft and comfortable during hot and sweaty work conditions. Meanwhile, the strategically positioned second layers of premium goatskin in the palm, fingertips, thumb crotch, index finger, and knuckles provide additional protection without sacrificing dexterity.

For more information on choosing the appropriate hand protection, check out our blog onHow to Select Safety Gloves.

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Respiratory Safety: Selecting the Right Machinist Mask

While often overlooked, respiratory protection may be as critical as eye and hand protection, especially in environments consistently exposed to dust, fumes, and chemical vapors. Without the proper mask, machinists risk inhaling harmful substances that can lead to long-term health issues. Here are some general guidelines:

  • Dust Masks: Particulate respirators, such as N95 masks, are suitable for protecting against non-toxic dust particles. They come in disposable and reusable options.
  • Cartridge Respirators: These offer better protection against various contaminants, including organic vapors, acid gases, and particulate matter.
  • Full-Face Respirators: Full-face respirators provide complete respiratory and facial protection for tasks involving highly hazardous substances or toxic gases.

PK Safety offers a range of respiratory PPE to meet the requirements of diverse industrial applications. Contact us for assistance with selecting the appropriate PPE. We’re always happy to help.

Complete Safety: Machinist Clothing for Full Body Protection

Here’s an overview of essential protective clothing for machinists:

  • Flame-Resistant Clothing: We recommend this type of PPE for environments where workers are exposed to potential fire hazards, electrical arcs, or high temperatures. Flame-resistant clothing is made from materials that resist ignition and self-extinguish when exposed to flames.
  • Chemical-Resistant Garments: Chemical-resistant clothing, such as aprons or jackets, is essential in environments where workers handle or are exposed to toxic, corrosive, or otherwise harmful chemicals. These garments are made from materials that resist permeation, degradation, and penetration by various chemical substances, ensuring that the chemicals do not come into direct contact with the skin.

Workwear should be properly fitted to ensure loose material won’t get caught in rotating machinery.

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Finally, don’t overlook the importance of hearing protection. Machinists frequently work with equipment and machinery that generate significant noise levels exceeding 85 decibels (dB), the limit set by OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) for prolonged exposure without risking hearing damage. For any other inquiries on worker safety and protection, contact us today.

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