The preferred method is to eliminate any potentially hazardous situation. However, this is not always a feasible solution because of a lack of technology or cost-effectiveness.
Many people believe an inherently hostile environment exists in today's steel mills and melt shops.
Employees often face impact, thermal, chemical, physical and electrical hazards. An effective method for gaining employee acceptance of the selection and use of equipment is discussed. In addition, some materials found to be effective in a production-driven minimill environment are reviewed. The key behind an effective and proactive personal protective equipment program is in the realization that this is the point at which human beings interact with engineered systems. Human factors consist of attitude, preference, habits and physical attributes, and may be in conflict with, or enhanced by, equipment design, comfort, aesthetic appearance and functionality.