Popular Mechanics (South Africa)
Work safety
Hands, eyes, toes, ears, lungs – if you care about a body part, you’ll want to protect it while you’re working.
WHERE YOU ARE In the garden WHAT YOU MIGHT BE DOING Mowing, gardening, chopping, running the chainsaw A/
Hearing protection doesn’t have to be bulky or expensive. Clicks’s house-brand corded ear plugs are washable and fit in your shirt pocket. R27.99
B/
Fine dust can be a real danger to your lungs. The RZ M2 mask has replaceable carbon filters and a Velcro strap, so it’s simple to put on and take off. Plus, it’s actually comfortable. R550
C/
Mechanix Wear’s ORHD Knit CR3A3 gloves have an industrial A3 cut-resistance rating, as well as thermoplastic shields on the knuckles, fingers and thumb. They’re comfortable, too. R330
D/
Whether you’re using your drill or driving a nail, you need safety glasses. Tork Craft Safety Eyewear glasses are super light and comfortable, if you don’t mind looking like a cyclist from 1997. They also have a non-slip cushioned nosepiece that improves their fit. R100
E/
Splitting firewood or prying up rocks can get you a mashed foot – unless you have safety-toe boots. The Timberland Pro Helix 6-inch composite-toe boots are waterproof and slip-resistant, even in oil. R2 250
F/
Boonie hats are a lot like your grandpa’s old fishing hat, but with a stiffer brim that offers more protection than a peak cap, but without the bulk of a full-on sun hat. DZI’S Basic Boonie checks all the boxes, and comes in 11 colours. R120
G/
Tru-spec’s BDU (battle dress uniform) rip-stop pants have lots of pockets and, true to Uncle Sam-issued garments, drawstring leg ties to tighten over your boots, a helpful feature to keep out ticks and fleas. R800
WHERE YOU ARE On the work site WHAT YOU MIGHT BE DOING Construction, demolition, grinding H/
Carhartt’s double-front work pants are constructed out of 660 gsm cotton duck canvas and securely riveted together. You’ll never need to replace them. R900
I/
Your shirt should be almost as tough as your pants – and a little easier to move in. Dickies 330 gsm cotton wrinkle-resistant twill is tear-resistant and actually comfortable. R500
J/
Elvex Go-specs fill the void between big clumsy goggles and sleek safety glasses. The foam padding keeps out dust particles and the pivoting temples let you customise the fit. R350
K/
3M particulate respirators are lung savers, with a vent to decrease heat build-up and humidity. R595 (box of 10)
L/
Mechanix Wear Utility work gloves are thick enough to protect your hands, but not so thick as to cost you dexterity. The mesh back provides much-needed ventilation. R500
M/
You never know what’s going to fall on your foot on a demo job, and if it doesn’t hit the box of your steel-toe boots, you’re going to be in some pain. Keen’s Mt Vernon Met 6-inch boots have steel toes and leather-covered metatarsal guards, too. $210 (import)
N/
Crawling on your belly through a gravel-covered crawl space can leave your elbows raw. Allegro 7104 deluxe elbow pads fit tight and comfortable, and won’t chafe your skin. R150
O/
Same goes for your knees if you’re doing work like laying stone. Don’t skimp on knee protection. The cheap stuff has very little padding, won’t hold in place, and can cut into your skin. Ridgid’s Pro Hinge knee pads are plush. Using them is almost more comfortable than being on your feet. $40 (import)
P/
Not only do 3M’s Worktunes wireless hearing protectors block out 24 db, they let you tune into digital AM/FM radio or listen to music on your phone via Bluetooth. R750