Personal protective equipment - Safe Work Australia guidlines on using PPE.
When working in the Barn appropriate workwear includes: eye protection, hearing protection, leather gloves, long pants (jeans are fine or anything cotton), long sleeved shirts are preferable, steel capped or other work boots. Long hair must be tied back.
Blacksmiths and Mesothelioma - An American site dedicated to providing information on the effects of Asbestos. Though not usually found in workshops these days, some of our older members probably remember using asbestos gloves or sheets in their school or workplace. If exposed, Blacksmiths are at risk of developing mesothelioma, a rare cancer caused by asbestos exposure that can take 20-50 years to develop. Due to its heat-resistant properties, asbestos was used extensively in blacksmith gear as well as the tiles in the floor/ceiling around the forge and work area. Please take a look at some of the great information we have at https://www.asbestos.com/occupations/blacksmiths/ . Guide on asbestos in Australia https://www.asbestos.com/mesothelioma/australia/