Safety is paramount in the world of electrical contracting. While professionals in this field face numerous hazards daily, one of the most underestimated yet critical areas of concern is eye and face protection – and the quality of the equipment is absolutely essential to its effectiveness.
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What are the risks to the eyes and face?

Electrical contracting is a profession fraught with dangers, including but not limited to:

  • Particles: One of the most common risks in this industry is exposure to flying particles. These can result from various activities, such as cutting, drilling, or grinding materials. Safety glasses are an essential piece of equipment to protect against these hazards. They are designed to shield the eyes from flying debris and are made from impact-resistant materials. However, safety glasses alone may not provide sufficient protection against larger or more hazardous particles. In such cases, goggles or face shields may be necessary.
  • Molten Metal: Molten metal is another significant risk in electrical contracting. When metal is heated to its melting point during processes like welding or soldering, it can splatter and cause severe burns to the skin and eyes. Welding helmets that are sold by NECA are specifically designed to protect against this risk. They not only shield the eyes and face from molten metal but also filter out harmful ultraviolet and infrared radiation produced during welding.
  • Chemicals: Exposure to harmful chemicals is another concern in this industry. Whether it’s liquid chemicals used in cleaning processes or chemical gases and vapours produced during operations, these substances can cause severe eye and skin injuries. Goggles and full-face respirators can provide effective protection against these hazards.
  • Arc Flashes: Electrical arcs are a unique risk in the electrical contracting industry. These can occur during electrical faults and can produce intense heat, causing severe burns. Specialised face shields and arc flash suits are designed to protect against this risk.

In all these cases, the risk isn’t just the hazard itself, but also how severe the hazard is. Everyday protection isn’t enough, and many struggle to understand how to meet the minimum standards for safety gear for the eyes and face.

How to choose the right protective equipment

NECA is unwavering in its commitment to safety within the electrical contracting industry. We fully support the total diversity of jobs and associated risks in this field and, as a result, offer a range of protective equipment tailored to meet the unique needs of electrical contractors.

This equipment lineup includes safety glasses, which provide general eye protection, goggles designed for a secure fit and increased protection, face shields offering full-face coverage, welding helmets specifically created to protect against harmful radiation and sparks, and respirators aimed at safeguarding workers from harmful dust and noxious fumes. NECA’s dedication to providing a comprehensive range of safety equipment underscores our commitment to the well-being of electrical contractors.

Why quality matters

When it comes to personal protective equipment, the quality is paramount. It might be tempting to cut corners and opt for cheaper, low-quality alternatives, but doing so can introduce unnecessary risks into the work environment. High-quality equipment, such as that offered by NECA, is designed to meet and exceed rigorous safety standards. These products are constructed from durable materials capable of withstanding the rigours of a worksite while providing reliable protection.

In contrast, low-quality alternatives may not meet the same stringent safety standards. They may be made from inferior materials that cannot withstand the impact or resist penetration, leaving workers exposed to potential hazards. Ill-fitting equipment can create gaps that expose employees to risks, and they may not be as durable, necessitating frequent replacement. Ultimately, opting for high-quality eye and face protection equipment is not just a matter of adhering to safety regulations; it is a commitment to the well-being of electrical contractors

A full eight per cent of all workplace injuries happen to the eyes, and those that work in electrical fields have a disproportionate level of risk of being exposed. A worker that experiences an eye injury could be out of work for months, if not permanently, and so protecting their eyes isn’t just good for the business. It is a moral and ethical imperative.

If you’re not sure about what kind of protective gear is right for a particular project, contact the team at NECA. We have the expertise and will be able to help find the right solution for your people.