Leg protection

Always wear required PPE (e.g. gauntlets, apron, leg protection and boots). 

A major use of Kevlar is in rigid and soft body armour protective applications. Kevlar fabric is bullet and fragment resistant, lightweight, flexible and comfortable, has excellent thermal properties, is resistant to cuts and chemicals and is flame resistant and self-extinguishing. The uses include bulletproof vests, chainsaw leg protection and military uses for helmets and armoured vehicles, cargo containers, armour shields and cockpit doors. 

Leggings and Leg Protection There are leg protective panels and chaps for loggers and others who work with chainsaws, piked poles or axes. The protection may also cover the sides and tops of feet and sides of the lower legs. The fabrics may have metal mesh, ballistic nylon or other materials. 

The employer must provide foot aud leg protection if a workplace hazard assessment reveals potential dangers to these parts of the body. Some of the potential hazards that might be identified include the following ... 

The type of foot and leg protection provided to employees will depend on the specific workplace hazards identified and the specific parts of the feet or legs exposed to potential injury. Safety footwear must meet minimum compression and impact performance standards and testing requirements established by ANSI. Protective footwear purchased after July 5,1994, mustmeet the requirements of ANSI Z41-1991. Protective footwear bought before that date must comply with ANSI Z41-1967. There are many forms of foot and leg protection to choose from (see Figure 24.6). 

FIGURE 24.6 Examples of foot and leg protection. (Courtesy of United States Department of Energy.)... 

Leggings protect the lower leg and feet from molten metal or welding sparks. Safety snaps permit their rapid removal. 

Know what types of foot anof leg protection are available, along with their applications, such as ... 

For protection of feet and legs from falling or rolling objects, sharp objects, molten metal, hot surfaces, and wet slippery surfaces workers should use appropriate footguards, safety shoes, or boots and leggings. Leggings protect the lower leg and feet from molten metal or welding sparks. Safety snaps permit their rapid removal. 

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