Which safety equipment is essential when working with sheet metal?

When working with sheet metal, safety goggles and gloves are essential pieces of protective equipment. Safety goggles protect the eyes from flying particles, sharp edges, and dust that can occur during cutting, shaping, or handling sheet metal. Since sheet metal work often involves cutting and grinding operations, there is a high risk of small metal shards or debris that could cause eye injuries.

Gloves are crucial for protecting hands from cuts, abrasions, and potential lacerations when handling sharp edges of the sheet metal. The surfaces of sheet metal can be very sharp, and a robust pair of gloves offers a layer of protection against these hazards.

The combination of these two items—safety goggles and gloves—creates a comprehensive approach to safeguarding against common injuries associated with sheet metal work. This emphasis on eye and hand protection is a standard practice in the industry to ensure worker safety.