Protective Clothing and Equipment

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Why you should read

Risk Assessments properly

“Surgery, we have a problem…”

• During the first half of 2002, routine maintenance was being carried out at concrete grout facility.

• Part of this work required deposits of dried grout to be chipped off various items of plant.

• During this process, a small piece of grout flew up and struck an operator’s eye.

“You’ll be OK… this time”

• The operator was given first aid by having his eye washed out.

• He was then taken to the site surgery who confirmed that there was no permanent damage.

• Fortunately, the operator suffered no more than a sore eye for a few days and he did not need to take any time off work.

“Idiot - he should have worn safety glasses”

• He did - that was part of the problem!

• The piece of grout flew up and passed underneath and behind his safety glasses.

• The Risk Assessment specified that safety goggles should be worn.

And the moral of this story…?

Don’t guess, and don’t interpret

• Where could we misinterpret PPE requirements?– In the example, goggles were specified but glasses

were worn.– If gloves are required, does that mean kevlar, cut-

resistant, puncture resistant, surgeons, light industrial…?

Be specific… if in doubt, ask!

Check!

Are you wearing

the correct PPE for the job?