(Part 2) Reddit mentions: The best protective safety workwear

Fellow male SoCal transplant here! First, get some flexible measuring tape, the kind used by tailors. Use this to measure your neck, chest, inseam, etc. Do this several times to make sure that you have a good set of measurements. Accurate measurements are key, since looser clothing means more heat leaving your body.

These measurements will make online shopping a hell of a lot easier. Winter clothes are expensive, so Amazon is your friend. I'll post a few of the things that I rely on for the coldest days below, all of which have been godsends. I have terrible circulation in my hands, feet, and ears so your mileage may vary, but you'd be surprised how much cold wind hurts your ears. My east coast native friends make fun of some of these things, but I'll take non-misery over judgment when it's ten degrees.

Carhartt makes some of the warmest, and cheapest, winter items. They're not fashionable, but they're durable and affordable. This hat is $8 and it's been warm enough to keep my ears and scalp toasty during walks to work. The Carhartt scarf is also a godsend. If you're anything like me, you never realized that a scarf actually served a functional purpose, but it'll make any coat significantly warmer by preventing heat loss. Carhartt and others sell wool socks that you'll be glad to have if you walk to work.

This next item is the dorkiest by far: an electric jacket. Just like an electric blanket with some added shame. There are some more high-end versions, but a few power tool companies make them for affordable prices. They're waterproof (ie snowproof), carry a charge for hours, and have different heat settings. [This Bosch one is $150] (http://www.amazon.com/Bosch-PSJ120L-12-Volt-Lithium-Ion-Softshell/dp/B00E1RWH72/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1413778229&sr=8-1&keywords=electric+jacket) and has good reviews. Milwaukee sells a newer model that also includes an in-pocket USB charger, which I recently saw at a Home Depot around here. The big advantage of the electric jacket is the heat settings: because it can be off or on low/medium/high, you're essentially carrying around four jackets. I never would have made it through Inauguration without this jacket.

Also important: gloves! Don't skimp on these. You'll want a pair that are waterproof but pliable enough that they won't make it impossible to
tie your shoes or pull out your metro card. I highly recommend these smartphone gloves. The fingertips are lined with silver threads for conductivity, so you'll be able to use your phone/trackpad in the cold. These are a great value, but they'll be the least forgiving of poor measurements so be careful to get this right!

Lastly, long underwear. I've never met a suit that kept my legs warm, so these merino wool underwear are amazing. A good pair of these will keep you warm on the coldest days but be breathable and soft enough to keep on under your slacks all day (or you can remove them at work, of course).

Most of these things are for the coldest days. You won't need anything like them most of the time, but you'll be glad when you have them. You'll also want an overcoat somewhat like this, some more stylish scarves, etc. For dress shoes, just be vigilant about cleaning the salt off! I'd never run into road salt before moving here, but there will be months where it's on all the sidewalks and it just ruins leather. Get some leather conditioner (I like this stuff) and apply it to your shoes regularly to keep them in good condition. Dry leather becomes cracked leather which becomes useless leather.

I hope this helps!

The implementation might be terrible (i'd like something that hits the side of my head where I drip sweat), but a well designed fan hat could make working in the heat much more tolerable. I'd love some kind of belt buckle which could blow air across the sex machine, maybe something that blows through a front pocket?

Makita fan jacket

cheaper

Something around your neck which blows air on your carotid artery might be the most effective.

I've had to work hauling chain motors shoulder to shoulder with a bunch of sweaty dudes in a 110 degree grid on a humid day before. If it was something I'd do regularly I would absolutely swallow my pride & buy fan clothes. There are few feelings better than taking a skinny compressed air nozzle & blowing cold air it into your work boots (and work pants) on a hot day, you can also blow between the cheeks for an infinite fart.

5.11 (https://www.511tactical.com/) is a bit uniform shop, but you may also want to consider going to a local uniform store and figuring out what options you have there. Your local fire fighters and cops are buying their stuff locally and having patches put on, so see what's there and what can be ordered in. Usually uniform shops have lots of catalogs about too. 5.11 carries some of the most common stuff out there, like the EMT taclite pants: https://www.amazon.com/5-11-Taclite-Mens-Pant-32-32/dp/B004DT0NQ0/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1510084402&sr=8-5&keywords=emt+pants

For non-winter helmets look at the petzl vertex, it's got lots of accessories and is pretty popular. For winter, get a ski/board helmet with ear covers that you can drop helmet speakers into. If you'll be on snowmobiles, consider if you need special helmets for those as well.

For "medical gear" you should have someone with formal emergency medical training that can stock that for you, and the training should follow along with the equipment. A lot of people buy stuff that they've never really used before. Figure out how you'll treat traumatic bleeding, then buy that gear, train on it, and put it in the bag. Don't put stuff in because it might work someday someway.

With outer clothing (goretex stuff, etc) it can be tricky to figure out because it's super expensive and custom. If buying $800 worth of snow pants/jackets per person with $100 of customization for each one is in the cards than do it, but because of that price tag often teams on a budget will simply say "wear a red jacket and black pants" which is a little easier for people to follow. You can keep names and insignias on helmets.

You can also just require something standard like "black or dark blue pants, and a red top", and then have people toss a vest on like this: https://www.amazon.com/KwikSafety-Presidential-Reinforced-Reflective-Construction/dp/B071JR8W4G/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1510084754&sr=8-2&keywords=class+2+work+vest

Personally I prefer to pick my own base layers and just wear a vest or over-shirt (non winter). I'd much rather wear my own personal wool base layers, and women often find clothing fits pretty difficult.

Yeah, I just quit my job at Walmart doing that very thing, and that's how I was interviewed, but they both interviewed me one right after the other, and I was hired on the spot.

Good luck. It's tough job. Wear sunscreen. Stay hydrated. The dress code at my store was relaxed for the cart-pushers (khaki shorts instead of pants, hats, sunglasses were all allowed). They also allowed us to wear shirts like this instead of the polo and safety vest.

Also, be ready to find some disgusting things people left in the carts (I've found such treasures as diapers and spoiled cottage cheese).

The major risk is the meter blowing up, so that's what you protect for. One of the utility guidelines is 4 calorie PPE for 240V meters and 20cal for 480V meters.

So if we figure 4cal for house meters then 70E would want:

• Arc-rated long-sleeve shirt and pants or arc-rated
  coverall
  
  
• Arc-rated face shield (see Note 2) or arc flash suit
  hood
  
  
• Hard hat
  
  
• Safety glasses
  
  
• Hearing protection
  
  
• Heavy duty leather gloves
  
  
• Leather footwear
  
  I'm a firm believer in simple PPE, because the more steps and bullshit the less likely guys are to use it. I would do it so you're putting on 3 things:
  
  

1. Get an arc-rated long-coat.
   Super easy to put on, no screwing around with pants and suspenders. Look around you can probably find it for below $150. This 12 calorie on Amazon is a steal, this is normally a $500 coat.
   
   
2. Get a face shield & hardhat combo.
   It stays on it's own hardhat, so again: Easy to put on and off. That 10 calorie model is probably about as cheap as you're gonna find. If you want more protection or one that isn't tinted green they get more expensive from there.
   
   
3. Get a class 0 insulated glove kit and Youtube the proper use and care.
   Your hands are almost always gonna be the closest point to any arc flash, and there's a good chance they will need much more than 4 calorie protection. We know the insulated glove & leather protector combination is fantastic arc-flash protection, even though it doesn't have an official rating. You also get the added benefit of shock protection through 1000V.
   
   If you don't want to deal with the extra care necessary for insulated rubbers, I'd go with arc rated leather gloves. But be aware: Those offer zero voltage protection.

I suppose it's better than nothing, unless you get this and think you've got it all covered. As others have pointed out, the shovel is not what you need to dig out snow, there's no jumper cables, fleece is great for fall but not winter. I think this is a nice gift to give those that won't prep anything for themselves. When I look at this I see it being useful if you went to work on a sunny warm day and came out to your car in the parking lot covered with snow and plowed in, not for going off a country road and digging out.

Consider adding a safety vest I think it's important to have both colors AND reflective tape on it, prices range from 5 dollars to 30 dollars.

If local laws permit, the 319 bridge over the river looks like a safer bet than the 153 due to its much wider shoulder. I didn't see any signs on the onramp prohibiting bikes on the highway, but check with the Department of Highways (or whatever its called in Tennessee) to be sure.

I suggest picking up front and rear lights ($25-30 should get you a basic set), and some sort of high visibility vest (like this or this). If you're riding after dark, some reflective tape on the bike would make you stand out in headlights.

Good luck, and stay safe.

I have a packable Columbia rain coat that is pretty nice, I can't really call it BIFL though because I've only had it a year and I think it's discontinued. I got stuck in a storm on an 18' fishing boat on Lake Erie and it kept my torso dry. Everything else was soaked. It's not really fashionable but my friend used my 3m raincoat. That thing is definitely BIFL. I've had it since 2012, have used it for work, and it lives balled up in the back of my truck but had never leaked. I got it from an old employer so I can't give you a brand or anything, but this is the closest I could find on Amazon. It's nice too because the hood stows away in the collar.

Occunomix LUX-TJR-YM Occulux Premium Breathable Rain Jacket, Medium, Yellow https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004QNZL5G/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_1ovLybXSBRR4D

I don't wear anything to cover my clothes in my home kitchen (I'm usually in ratty tshirts & leggings), but in my kitchen at work,
I wear these things!!

Since I work in a test kitchen/office, I also take meeting with vendors, & can't wear "kitchen clothes" all the time. These things are relatively cheap & the keep grease off my nice clothes. I wear them 3-4 times then toss 'em.

Bonus: When I wear them, I look like I can give a mean dental cleaning! ;)

Get a hi-visibility vest. I always ride with an ANSI Class II vest, and I think I'm more visible at night because of it.

You can also get some 3M reflective tape to put on your fenders, frame, helmet, etc. It helps to increase your general visibility. Especially put some on your sides— many cyclists do great about having lights front and rear, but from the side are pretty dark. You don't need lights going sideways, but having reflectors on your sides will help to keep cars pulling out of side streets from running over you.

Absolutely do not buy this apron for smithing. The features you want in a blacksmith apron are:

Leather, leather, leather...anything else will simply not last and may, as in the case of this apron, be dangerous.

Because leather, even split cowhide, is pretty heavy, do not buy an apron where the upper support goes around your neck. You want an over the shoulders strap system, not around the neck like this one. I am sorry to say that the apron offered to you by BeastmanCaravan is also an around the neck support system.

In the U.S. you can buy a split cowhide (suede) apron in a knee length with shoulder straps for under $40.00. A smooth leather apron will cost at least three times that, often more. The thickness of a leather apron will also vary quite a bit by manufacturer, and sometimes even within the offerings from a single manufacturer. For that reason alone it is best to buy one where you can handle the apron first. It is also sometimes difficult to tell from the ad on amazon exactly what kind of support system an apron uses. This one, for instance, does not show the strap system:

http://www.amazon.com/3836-Apron-Leather-24X36Dark-Brown/dp/B003GMDJ2A/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1459023581&sr=8-4&keywords=leather+apron

However, if you read the description it says:

cotton crossed back straps for comfort.

which means it is shoulder supported, not neck supported.

You have welding supply places all over England. Go shopping.

Depending on what you already own and how crafty you are, reflective ribbon could be a good choice. Sewing on the inside on pant cuffs and shirt cuffs isn't too hard.

Dritz 652 Iron-On Reflective Ribbon Combo, Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001B9G09O/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_UqYlybDK7NF5A

I also have a vest similar to this. Folds very small and super visible.

Travelwey Safety Gear Reflective Vest High Visibility Day And Night, Large https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00YNFFDN2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_ttYlybDV8CJ7B

I have on of these. Works pretty good for short distances. Dries out in about 20 minutes wearing a mesh jacket, and one hour or more with a ventilated textile jacket.

I also have one of these, which works a lot better. Lasts for hours, and does not drip water down into your belt line.

Hey, if you are looking for a cheap safety vest, look for an "ANSI 3" or "ANSI 2" safety vest. These are standards in the US for safety and visibility. These are what highway workers and cops wear. I plan on wearing mine on top of my jacket.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000765XNG/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_3?pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B003M0EG32&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=0A55V4JDG4D74VTDAD0D

You do not need pants. I just use jeans, and the the apron over a jacket. Here is what I use:

Get one of these for sure.
http://www.amazon.com/3M-Face-piece-Reusable-Respirator-Assembly/dp/B000FTEDMM/ref=pd_bxgy_hi_img_y
+
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00328IAO0/ref=oh_details_o03_s02_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Gloves - I bought a few pairs. You will use them up at first, till you learn what not to hold on to :) http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000MRQAJG/ref=oh_details_o08_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Jacket has some options. Sleeves and an apron:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002AKIRIA/ref=oh_details_o06_s00_i01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
+
http://www.amazon.com/Welding-Sleeves-Leather-Elastic-Resistant/dp/B002GI9A3C/ref=pd_sim_hi_48

or a plain jacket, but look around. This price on amazon seems high. You might be able to find something like this locally for less.
http://www.amazon.com/Hobart-770488-Leather-Welding-Jacket/dp/B002VECL3W/ref=pd_sim_hi_42

And I use this :http://www.amazon.com/Miller-Genuine-Leather-Indura-Welding/dp/B003IL2RCM/ref=sr_1_10?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1382001569&sr=1-10&keywords=miller+jacket

I’m a small woman 5’1 90lbs and my company bought these for us and it’s nice and warm. The small fits perfectly.

Oh man I love sploofs. Thanks for the tip on the PVC! Much better than cardboard. Let me share a few tips I've learned myself. I recently made an upgraded sploof with a carbon pre-filter in order to effectively remove smell:
http://www.amazon.com/Carbon-Filter-Activated-Xytronic-Absorber/dp/B005C5HUI8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1317798917&sr=8-1

Before the air hits my carbon pre-filter, I have a particle filter before it:
http://www.amazon.com/Pre-Filter-Hakko-HJ3100-5pk/dp/B005CKLJV2/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1317798917&sr=8-2

I also stuff a few dryer sheets in there to prolong the life of my more expensive filters.

The result is very little smoke (if you take a big hit blow through slowly, it absorbs better) and an unrecognizable smell. The worst smell now comes from the bowl, not the hit itself. It's amazing, if you have the cash to drop for it. It's basically 5 smoke buddies for the price of one!

I currently use a cardboard roll (thicker than a TP one) but will probably upgrade to the PVC one that you showed me!

The best advice is stay at home, tape up vents and windows and listen to emergency broadcasts. If you have a bath fill it with water before the radiation cloud hits your area to have an emergency supply. Stick to bottled water when possible.

The cheapest option is to grab some Potassium Iodate tablets.

The next option is getting some full body protective gear and a gas mask. Ideally practice donning and removing the protective gear plus keep a spare. Depending on how spendy you want to go it can range from a few dollars and an industrial filter to hundreds (basic millitary NBC clothing and gas mask - don't forget spare cartridges) to thousands/hundreds of thousands (dedicated gear for professionals, nutcases and rich drunks on a shopping spree [Try not to be the latter]).

I have this cheap-o vest and I wear a headlamp.

I think me being aware of my surroundings contributes more to my safety than reflective gear does. I assume cars cannot see me and do not take any chances.

I recently started teaching myself to MIG weld in my garage, and went with these products:

• Gloves
  
• Helmet
  
• Jacket
  
  I can attest to them being quality products, especially considering their price. I didn't get a cap, because I didn't really know that was a thing... but I just wear a baseball cap backwards and it seems to work fine.

If you could say what you're cleaning up, I could look for the appropriate PPE a bit better. Here's the 3M website: http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3M/en_US/3M-PPE-Safety-Solutions/Personal-Protective-Equipment/Products/Product-Catalog/?N=5022681+3294529207+8690968&rt=r3

This is on Amazon, but it only goes to 1 micron: http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0008F4HNS/ref=mp_s_a_1_fkmr0_1?qid=1406979997&sr=8-1-fkmr0&pi=AC_SX110_SY165_QL70

Welding wear should be your friend... Like so: http://www.amazon.com/Welding-Jacket-Navy-Cotton-Nylon/dp/B00374IBC0

Not sure what you mean by green sleeves, last time I was freshly tattooed and welding I just wore my cotton welding jacket and tried to make sure it wasn't getting too dried out by the cotton rubbing on it.

No, annoyingly you have to add all of the parts to an amazon list...


500 Cable Zip Ties 12 Inch Nylon Black

TRM Manufacturing 79126 Weather All Plastic Drop Cloth, 9' x 12' x 0.7 mil (Pack of 6)

Durex Variety Fish Bowl, Assorted Premium Lubricated Condoms, 144 Count - 25% off Coupon!

TAC FORCE Spring Assisted Open POLICE Black Bottle Opener Tactical Pocket Knife

DuPont TY127S Tyvek Protective Coverall with Hood with Safety Instructions, Elastic Cuff, L/XL, White

Duck Brand 280723 Metallic Color Duct Tape, Gold, 1.88 Inches x 10 Yards, Case of 6 Rolls

Faux Leather Full Gimp Hood Mask Padded Locking Eyes Blindfold Bondage

They have tyvek coveralls on Amazon for pretty cheap.

I can't attest to any of this, being new, but I am getting a pair for me, my wife, and my kids. That way, I can assess my comfort level before shelling out ~$100 for the full ventilated suit. I am not sure how much I am going to need it since I am a hobbyist. If I am in it, get stung, and am scared, then I'll run and buy one locally. If not, I'll probably just wear long-sleeves and deal with the sting potential.

Don't forget one of these
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0008F4HNS/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1521667126&sr=8-4&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=nuclear+suit

http://www.amazon.com/3836-Apron-Leather-24X36Dark-Brown/dp/B003GMDJ2A/ref=pd_cp_hi_2

Here is the desktop version of your link

Got a reflective vest. For a "unisex" item it runs a bit snug despite not being fitted. 11 dollars, with a zip pocket.

Reflective Vest for Running or Cycling (Women and Men, with Pocket, Gear for Jogging, Biking, Motorcycle, Walking)(Medium) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00X6J18BC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apap_lU2sKKV98UEDo

Here is the mobile version of your link

I own one of these. I have some booties that go along with it. I'm not making the same mistake twice.

http://www.amazon.com/DuPont-Protective-Coverall-Disposable-X-Large/dp/B0008F4HNS/ref=sr_1_4?s=industrial&ie=UTF8&qid=1397484277&sr=1-4&keywords=tyvek+suit

Never tell him/her where you work if possible, but leave subtle hints by "accidentally" leaving work things out. Maybe a booklet or a bottle of odd pills.

Continue this subtle play for months until one day something big happens. You always come home at the exact same time, but this night you don't come home. Instead, you come home the next morning (sweaty, tired, possibly with something splattered across your front) wearing strange garb.

State: "I need a new job". Avoid answering any questions. Go straight to bed.