Choosing the Right Rainwear for the Right Application

Rainwear is a category of PPE that is often put on the back burner in favor of other categories like eye and hearing protection. It is often overlooked simply because rain doesn't happen every day. But when it does, workers need to be properly protected.

Let's face it, there's nothing pleasant about getting soaked in the rain. A soaked worker is an uncomfortable worker. And an uncomfortable worker is one whose productivity and personal protection are majorly compromised.

While OSHA does not set specific standards for working in the rain, they do provide guidance for outdoor industries that may be affected by rainy conditions, including construction and logging.

What Rain Gear Do You Need?

The first step in establishing a rainwear safety program is conducting a comprehensive assessment of the worksite and worker requirements. Safety professionals must understand employee needs and the hazards they face before selecting gear to protect them.

Here are some basic questions you need to ask:

1.What tasks will employees perform in the rain?

2.How long will workers be affected by the rain?

3.Are there other hazards, such as chemical splash or risk of electric shock?

4.Are specific rainwear standards applicable to this job?

5.Does this application require breathable or non-breathable PPE?

6.What is the climate like?

Things to Consider When Addressing Job Hazards

Simply protecting your workers from getting wet is one thing. Ensuring they aren’t at risk for electrocution, burns, or jobsite accidents is quite another. Employers must identify and account for these hazards when choosing rainwear for their crews.

Here are some things to consider:

Waterproof Boots

Boots should be waterproof to protect workers'  feet and ensure comfort – no one is able to do their best work when water seeps into their boots and soaks their socks.

Make sure they also have strong traction to prevent slips and falls in wet conditions. This is especially important in the winter months when ladders are slick and puddles can turn to ice.

Rain Suit

Appropriate rain gear should include both a jacket and pants. Wool or synthetic materials are great choices for cold weather, as they insulate even when they're wet. Be sure the suit fits properly so it doesn’t interfere with movement.

Low Visibility

Inclement weather conditions and working outdoors in poorly lit locations can severely reduce visibility, putting workers at risk of being struck by vehicles and other dangers.

To ensure workers can always be seen, they should be provided with waterproof high-visibility jackets. High-visibility rain gear that has faded or become dull will do little to make workers noticeable and should be replaced immediately.

Getting the Right Kind of Waterproofing

Waterproof rainwear generally comes in two types: breathable and non-breathable. Let's look at the best applications for each.

Breathable Waterproof Materials

Rain gear made from breathable materials have an exterior that does not let outside elements penetrate through it, but allows perspiration to dissipate through the interior coating. This helps avoid the clammy feeling that results from sweat building up next to the skin.

The protective coating is generally either a liquid coating that is applied to the shell fabric (minimal breathability) or a film that is applied using an adhesive (good breathability).

Non-Breathable Waterproof Materials

Like the name suggests, non-breathable rainwear does not allow air to flow through. The material used is impermeable so as not to allow anything through the exterior coating and ensure complete protection for the user.

Since stitching can absorb chemicals, another potential hazard, these products are usually constructed using a heat-weld method to ensure the strength of seams without the need for stitching. This type of rainwear also has minimal features to reduce the risks of getting caught on equipment, tears, and, ultimately, exposure to dangerous chemicals.

It's important to conduct an assessment of the job application and potential hazards before selecting non-breathable gear. Check with the manufacturer to confirm that the material used will maintain its integrity when exposed to the chemicals used in your workplace.

Conclusion

Selecting the right rainwear for the right application isn't as easy as it sounds. An initial assessment of workplace needs and risks is critical to ensure that the rainwear you choose is sufficient to address the identified risk factors. It's not just about keeping workers dry – it's about keeping them safe.