Proper Protection Will Help Ensure Safe Cleanup After Hurricane Damage, Says ISEA

ARLINGTON, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--It is a bitter irony that people survive the massive fury of a hurricane such as Irene only to get seriously injured, maimed or even killed while clearing debris in the storm’s aftermath.

“Victims of natural disasters want to clean up and put the storm behind them as fast as possible”

The International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA) urges homeowners and others performing clean-up activities in the wake of damaging storms to wear the necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) to reduce the risk of serious injuries.

“Victims of natural disasters want to clean up and put the storm behind them as fast as possible,” said ISEA President Daniel K. Shipp. “But people working to clear debris in a hurricane’s aftermath, especially when they’re using power tools, need to be aware of steps they can take to reduce the chance of being injured.”

Injuries can best be prevented by wearing the right PPE for the task at hand, including:

Safety goggles or safety glasses with sideshields;
Faceshield where needed;
Earplugs or muffs when using power equipment;
Heavy-duty, non-slip gloves;
Safety shoes or boots;
Trim-fitting clothes, with long-sleeve shirt and pants;
Hardhat if there is a chance of being struck from above; and
High-visibility reflective vest or other apparel.

Quality protective equipment is designed and built to meet rigorous performance standards. Purchasers of safety glasses, goggles and faceshields should check the packaging to see that the products meet ANSI/ISEA Z87.1. Hardhats should show ANSI/ISEA Z89.1 on the label. High-visibility apparel should meet ANSI/ISEA 107. For optimal hearing protection, earplugs or muffs should have a noise reduction rating (NRR) of at least 22dB.

Here are other tips to reduce the risk of injury:

Before you begin to clean up, analyze your surroundings. If there are downed power lines, you must call in professional utility workers. Do not go near such lines until you have verified that the power is off.
Make sure the area in which you are working is free of bystanders and animals.
If there are other people nearby, make sure they are protected against hazards like flying or falling objects, dust or noise.
When chain sawing, be sure that the chain does not touch foreign materials such as rocks, fences or nails. Such objects can be thrown off, cause the saw to kick back, or damage the saw chain. Ensure that others standing near the chainsaw operator have adequate hearing protection as well.
Have a first aid kit handy to treat cuts, scrapes and other minor injuries.

For additional information about safety and PPE or for assistance in selecting or buying the proper equipment, visit ISEA’s website, www.safetyequipment.org, or call 703-525-1695.

Arlington, Va.-based International Safety Equipment Association is the leading trade association for personal protective equipment and technologies. Established in 1933, ISEA supports its 80 member companies in manufacturing and marketing the highest-quality products to protect the safety and health of people who may be exposed to hazardous and potentially harmful environments while working on the job or at home.