Coveralls for the Safe Everyday Man
Always dress for the occasion. That is the cardinal rule for
work. If you are a businessman, you'll be going to work in a
suit. If you're a carpenter, a plumber, or a farmer you go to
work in your overalls.
But if you work in a factory, or in some labor intensive area
that requires you to be adequately protected, you're going to
need a good pair of coveralls.
Coveralls, unlike overalls, cover the entire body excluding the
head, and the hands, and are the gear of choice for factory
workers, mechanics, firemen, and those in contact with
industrial chemicals.
The coverall is also known as a boilersuit. It is a full-length,
one-piece suit that looks like the jumpsuits pilots use, except
that they are lighter, and they are looser.
They are usually zipped up, fastened up front and not from
behind using zippers, buttons, Velcro or studs. These suits
present excellent protection for the wearer's chosen field. The
suit must not have lapels and usually has a long pocket on its
right thigh to hold needed equipment.
Coveralls are a sturdy bunch. They may be made out of various
materials; however, these materials must be sturdy enough to
endure the wear and tear of a person's job. It also must protect
the wearer from stains, chemicals and other hazards present in
that person's job.
Some coveralls are made of nomex, which is a flame retardant.
These suits are used in jobs that require a person to enter an
environment with fire hazards. Some are made to protect the
wearer against environmental factors such as wind, snow, water,
etc.
The main concern of coveralls is safety. Overalls on the other
hand, have made the leap from workman's clothing to fashion
statement. The same probably won't happen in the case of
coveralls as they are primarily protective gear. That is, of
course, unless it is Halloween.
Aside from just wearing coveralls, those wearing coveralls are
also equipped with safety gear and devices that pertain to their
chosen field. For example, if the job requires protection for
the person's hands, gloves are issued. Helmets are also issued
if protection for the head is required.
Coveralls are not only used by the labor force. In fact, even
the military uses coveralls as standard uniform. For example the
French police unit known as the CRS uses coveralls for uniform.
The US Navy also adopted the use of navy blue coveralls as their
prescribed work suit. In the case of the US Navy, the coveralls
bear the owner's name and the words "US Navy." It also bears the
owners rank and insignia.
Coveralls also have their place in history. In World War II,
when the working force dipped to lows due to the absence of the
men who were sent to battle.
In their place, the Army hired women into the factories to make
up for the lost labor force. These women were issued military
coveralls as prescribed uniform. This was a first in the history
of military conflict.
We are always urged to dress for success. Coveralls might not be
glamorous or even flattering. However, if one truly is to dress
for success, he or she must dress appropriately for his or her
line of work, considering safety and practicality in every
aspect.