PREPARED BYBERNARD ELLIOTT2010GENERAL CONSTRUCTION INSTRUCTORPERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT - WHATS IT ALL ABOUT?

Personal Protective EquipmentDefinition: 1. Devices used to protect an employees from injury or illness resulting from contact with chemical, physical, electrical, mechanical, or other workplace hazards (OSHA)2. all clothing and other work accessories designed to create a barrier against workplace hazards.

Some CaveatsThe need for PPE and the type of PPE used is based on hazard present; each situation must be evaluated independentlyThe use of PPE signifies that the hazard could not be controlled by other methods, such as:administrative controls (i.e., shift rotation)engineering or industrial hygiene controls

The use of PPE signals that the hazard still exists in the workplaceUnprotected individuals in the same area will be exposedFailure of PPE means that the worker will be exposedPPE can be combined with other controls

So, what is it???

PPEHead protectionEye and Face protectionHearing protectionRespiratory protectionArm and Hand protectionFoot and Leg protectionBody protection

Head Protection

Hard Hats work by dissipating force It protects the head fromFlying or falling objects Hitting against exposed beams, machine parts and PipesExposed electrical conductors/high voltagesShocksBurns

Eye Protection

Eye ProtectionCommon Uses:Impact ProtectionDust or flying particles protectionChemical splashes/HazardsIntense light / heat protectionHazardous liquids protectionChemicals and other toxic materials protection

Eye Protection - SelectionSafety glasses are used to protect the eyes from flying objects (no face protection)Chemical splash goggles protect against fluids by sealing tightly against the faceFace shield forms a barrier against flying wood chips and other projectilesProtective eyewear shields eyes from dust, fumes, mists and vapours

Face Shield - the highest level of face protection

Hearing Protection

Hearing Protection - TypesEar Plugs - less expensive, disposable, good ones have fairly high Noise Reduction Ratings - sometimes difficult to tell if employees are wearing themEar Muffs - more expensive, more durable, typically higher Noise Reduction Ratings than plugs, more obviousCan be used together in very high noise areasEar muffs and ear plugs protect against intermittent, sudden or prolonged loud noises

Arm and Hand Protection

Gloves - Typical UsesWork gloves made of durable material such as leather are needed to protect hands from BurnsExposure to chemical substancesAbrasions or cutsFriction or bruisesExtremes of heat and cold.Injury from working with tools eg. puncturesExposure to electrical wiring or components

Gloves - more caveatsNo glove is good against all hazards.Gloves have a finite lifespan and must be periodically replaced.When donning gloves, examine them for signs of tears, cracks, holes and dry rotHands should always be washed after removing glovesGloves must fit securely on to the hand, as improper fit will impede your ability to manipulate the tools as you work.

Handwashing and gloves

Foot and Leg Protection

Protective FootwearSteel-toed boots, preferably with metatarsal guards, is used to protect feet from crushing injuries caused by falling tools, heavy materials and sharp objectsRubber boots are often used to protect feet from exposure to liquids, water, electric shocks and slippery surfaces.

Other Protective Clothing

Other Protective ClothingUsed to protect from hazards in the workplace such as exposure to dust, toxic material or chemical splashesIntense heat Splashes of hot metals and other hot liquids Impacts from tools, machinery, and materials Cuts Hazardous chemicals Radiation

Respiratory Protection

Respiratory ProtectionProtects users by removing harmful/hazardous materials that may enter the body via the lungsRespirators reduce exposure to certain harmful airborne substancesDust mask must fit comfortably over nose and mouth to accomplish useful protection

Respiratory System

Respirators - typesAir Purifying Respirators (APR)Half-faceFull FacePowered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPR)Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA)

RespiratorsDoes not include:surgical masksdust masks

Respirators - A Big Caveat!!!Employees should not wear a respirator unless they have been medically cleared to do so!

Why?Respirators put additional resistance against the respiratory system of the wearerPersons with undiagnosed respiratory system or cardiovascular problems could trigger a serious medical problem (respiratory distress, asthma, heart attack, etc.) by using a respirator

Back brace/ Waist braceProtection against strain from lifting heavy objects

Knee PadUse to protect the knees from injury when carrying out tiling job

Correctly Fitting PPEWhen selecting PPE you should always keep the idea of a comfortable fit in the forefront of your mind. If PPE does not fit properly it will be ineffective in protecting you against potential hazards that you will encounter on the job.The best way to guarantee proper fit is to fit the PPE and make the adjustments to fit your face or body.

PPE UsageSupervisors are responsible for ensuring that PPE is available and wornEmployees are responsible for wearing & maintaining PPE, and reporting worn or defective PPE to their supervisor

RecapPPE is hazard specific; the hazards of each workplace and task must be evaluatedPPE is used as a last resort when the hazard cannot be controlled by other methodsSupervisors are responsible to ensure it is available and worn; Employees must wear and maintain their PPE

RecapRespirators should not be worn by employees unless they have been medically cleared to do soTo be considered effective, protective clothing must prevent the contaminant from reaching the clothing or skin of the wearer!

Dressed for Success!

CHECKPOINTWhen is PPE necessary?Explain the limitations of some PPE.Describe how you would maintain and store three (3) of the PPE used on the job.What are the possible defects that certain PPE may have?What are your responsibilities regarding the use of PPE?

ACTIVITYWork with a group of your colleagues and plan a role-play on the consequences of failing to properly equip yourself with appropriate PPE.Use the role-play as a basis for a group discussion on the importance of wearing appropriate PPE to reduce or eliminate safety hazards

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