SPM-Personal Safety Policy Manualmhisafety.ca/PDF/Safety Policy Manual/10. Personal Protective Equip… · Safety Policy Manual Personal Protective Equipment – Appendix Page 1 of

Safety Policy Manual Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Page 1 of 3 SPM-Personal Protective Equipment-1000 Issue Date: July 4, 2019 Revision Date: May 1, 2020 Revision Number: 1

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Purpose:

The Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure (MHI) is committed to a Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Program that meets the requirements of The Occupational Health and Safety Regulations – Part VII. Employees must use suitable personal protective equipment when other risk control methods are not suitable. PPE is the last line of defense. Definitions:

Approved: (“To accept as satisfactory”) a method, equipment, procedure and practice tool which is good or satisfactory for a particular use or purpose by a person or organization that has authorized to render such an approval or judgment; CSA: Canadian Standards Association

MOHC: Ministry (meaning Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure) Occupational Health and Safety

Committee, the safety committee with a membership consisting of union and management members

from all the Regional Occupational Health Committees;

LOHC: Local Occupational Health and Safety Committee

Employee: A person employed by Ministry Highways and Infrastructure;

Encloses: Surrounded by a case, cage, cab or fence, which will protect the contained equipment and/or

personnel to prevent accidental contact/ejection of a person with live parts;

Hazard: All chemicals, biological contaminants, physical agents, substances, objects or situations that

would be dangerous to employees;

May: “Has the ability or permission”. No Requirement for design or application is intended;

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Including but not limited to: hearing protection, safety glasses,

boots, hard hats, respirators, coveralls, rubber ware, gloves, gas detectors, oxygen indicators, heat

reflective clothing, ventilating equipment, rescue equipment, radiation indicators and bug spray;

Safety: The quality or condition of being safe, or those activities involved in minimizing levels of risk in

the employee’s occupation, freedom from danger, injury or damage;

Shall: When the word “shall” appears in the wording of a rule, policy, practice, guideline or procedure,

the rule is too be followed obediently as written (mandatory condition);

Supervisor: Anyone who supervises an employee, who is thoroughly trained and knowledgeable of

safety rules and regulations, whether or not they are, titled Supervisor.

Responsibilities:

Manager/Supervisor Shall:

Will ensure employees have access to and use required PPE;


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Will make required PPE available.

Employee Shall:

Ensure PPE fits properly;

Wear, maintain and inspect appropriate PPE;

Replace PPE as required;

Participate in education and training.

Occupational Health Committee Shall:

Occupational Health Committee will advise in the evaluation of PPE.

Safety Branch Shall:

Research and select appropriate PPE;

Develop PPE training including proper use and maintenance;

Coordinate and conduct PPE training.

Purchaser Shall:

Will only purchase PPE that meets the requirements of “3.2 PPE Selection Criteria”;

Will ensure PPE is approved by a named agency.

Personal Protective Equipment Program:

Program Elements

The major elements of the PPE Program are:

Documentation and communication of roles and responsibilities;

Worker education and training;

Record keeping;

Program audit, review and improvement.

PPE General Selection Criteria

a) Footwear - CSA (Green Triangle) approved having a safety toe, puncture resistant soles with

material that completely encloses the entire foot area. Boot height appropriate to the work to

be performed. A yearly allowance of $125.00 is available.

b) Headwear – CSA Z94 high visibility orange, Type I (impact and penetration protection for

crown), Class C (impact protection w/o dielectric protection). Includes screen printed “Mission:

Zero”.

c) Eye/Face Protection – CSA Class 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, Type A, B, C as appropriate. Prescription safety

eyewear allowance is available.

d) Hand Wear – must match the hazard or type of work being performed.


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e) High Visibility Clothing – CSA Z96; Vests/Bib Overalls Class 2, Coveralls Class 3, Pants or Bib

Overalls not meeting Class 2 must be worn with a Vest that meets Class 2.

f) Hearing Protection – ear plugs or ear muffs.

g) Respiratory Protection – must be appropriate for the type of work being performed.

h) Fall Protection – must be appropriate for the type of work being performed.

i) Protection Against Drowning – must be appropriate for the type of work being performed.

j) Dress Code for Frontline – in addition to required PPE, wear clothing appropriate to the risks

associated with the place of employment and occupation. Coveralls or long pants and sleeved

shirts shall be worn as body protection from the work environment. Shirts shall have sleeves not

less than 76 mm (3 inches) long measured down from the shoulder.

k) Lower Body Protection – must be appropriate for the type of work being performed - typically

safety pants or chaps.

For shared shop locations a risk assessment shall be developed in consultation with all

LOHC groups represented at the location and must be approved by the Director for each

group. If an agreement cannot be reached MOHC shall make final approval. For

unshared shop locations the Regional Operations Director shall approve all risk

assessments.

Saskatchewan Highway Patrol will follow its own individual PPE policy outside of this

document.

PPE Application

Care and maintenance guidelines can be found in the PPE series of Tool Box Topics.

Usage guidelines can be found in the PPE Matrix and applicable Safe Operating Procedure’s.

Monitoring and Measurement

Throughout the year, the Occupational Health Committee and the Safety Branch will audit various

components of the Personal Protective Equipment Program.

This will include an audit of:

a) Compliance status with program elements;

b) The management of various controls used for hazardous conditions by supervisors;

c) The status of worker training;

d) Annually, will review and may improve the program in consultation with MOHC.

Safety Policy Manual Personal Protective Equipment – Appendix

Page 1 of 11 SPM – Personal Protective Equipment – 1000 – Appendix Issue Date: April 8, 2015 Revision Date: May 1, 2020 Revision Number: 2

SPM – Personal Protective Equipment – 1000 – Appendix

0. Not applicable.

1. Must be worn at all times – excludes designated safe areas as defined by a risk assessment.

2. Must be worn where there is a possibility of flying or falling debris or there are established requirements for use (ie. Highway Traffic)

3. Worn to protect where there is a possibility of flying or falling debris.

4. Worn to protect against severe cuts & lacerations, burns caused by heat and flame or chemical burns.

5. Used if noise levels equal or exceed eight-hour time-weighted average (TWA) sound limit of 85 dBA. (As determined by Safety Branch facilitated noise survey assessments).

6. Used if exposed to dust, fumes, gas, mist, aerosol, vapor or any airborne contaminant that may

be present in any amounts that are harmful or offensive to the worker or (i.e. paint booth),

where a hazardous confined space cannot be purged and ventilated (i.e. paint tanks, oil

distributor tank, oil storage tank) or, it is not reasonably practicable to reduce a worker’s

personal exposure to a chemical substance or biological substance to accepted contamination

limits (Table 21 OH&S Regulations).

7. Used if working at a height of 3 m or more or if there is a possibility of injury at a height less than 3 m.

8. Used for field work or where there are established requirements for the type of work performed.

9. Used where a person can fall and drown.

10. Safety pants/chaps required if there is risk of cut/puncture/irritation/abrasion – chainsaw meets this requirement.

11. Media Events – applicable PPE to be worn as advised by onsite supervisor.

12. As defined by LOU or applicable signing authority.

*Approved Hi-Vis clothing dependent on type of work.



Protection from Drowning General:

1. Where there is a hazard of drowning every person will use;

a. A life jacket or buoyancy device that is approved by; i. Transport Canada or

ii. Canadian Coast Guard or iii. Fisheries and Oceans Canada or

b. A safety net or a fall-protection system.

2. Where there is a hazard of drowning;

a. rescue equipment shall be provided and held in readiness;

i. a life buoy with 15 meters of line ii. a boat hook

iii. if appropriate, a boat b. a person who is qualified to operate the rescue equipment; c. written rescue and emergency procedures shall be prepared containing;

i. a full description of the procedures to be followed and the responsibilities of all persons granted access to the work place, and

ii. the location of any emergency equipment. Care and Use:

1. Lifesaving equipment should never be kneeled on or sat on. Follow these tips:

a. Check its buoyancy regularly in a pool or by wading out to waist-deep water and bending your knees to see how well you float.

b. Ensure that straps, buckles and zippers are clean and in good working order. c. Tug on straps to ensure they are well attached and there is no sign of wear. d. Dry your device in open air and avoid direct heat sources. e. Store it in a dry, well-ventilated, easily accessible place. f. Do not dry clean. Use mild soap and running water to clean.



Fall Protection Must be used if working at a height of 3 m or more or if there is a possibility of injury at a height less than 3 m.

Inspect equipment before each use. Replace defective equipment. If there is any doubt about the safety of the

equipment, do not use it and refer questionable defects to your supervisor. Replace any equipment, including ropes, involved in a fall. Refer any

questionable defects to your supervisor or check with the manufacturer. Every piece of fall arrest equipment should be inspected and certified at least

yearly or more often by a trained and competent person. Keep written records of inspections and approvals.

It is advisable to use energy absorbers if the arresting forces of the lanyard alone can cause injury. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions about:

o the purpose of the device, o hazard warnings, o instructions and limitations on use, o the stretch distance of the harness, o instructions for fitting and adjusting, o recommendations for care (cleaning, maintenance, and storage) and inspection, o the purpose and function of the fall arrest indicator, o a warning if a fall occurs or inspection reveals an unsafe condition that the

device be taken out of service until it has been determined safe for use or destroyed, and

o instructions for proper application, use, and connecting to full body harness of any evacuation device.

Use the right equipment for the job. Refer to the series of Canadian Standards Association (CSA) Standards Z259, including:

o Z259.1-05 (R2010) "Body belts and saddles for work positioning and travel restraint", o Z259.2.3-12 "Descent devices", o Z259.10-12 "Full Body Harnesses", o Z259.11-05 (R2010) "Energy absorbers and lanyards", o Z259.12-01 (R2011) "Connecting components for personal fall arrest systems (PFAS)",

o And any other standards or legislation that may apply. How do you inspect the webbing (body of belt, harness or lanyard)?

Inspect the entire surface of webbing for damage. Beginning at one end, bend the webbing in an inverted "U." Holding the body side of the belt toward you, grasp the belt with your hands six to eight inches apart.

Watch for frayed edges, broken fibers, pulled stitches, cuts or chemical damage. Broken webbing strands generally appear as tufts on the webbing surface.

Replace according to manufacturers' guidelines. How do you inspect the buckle?

Inspect for loose, distorted or broken grommets. Do not cut or punch additional holes in waist strap or strength members.



Check belt without grommets for torn or elongated holes that could cause the buckle tongue to slip.

Inspect the buckle for distortion and sharp edges. The outer and center bars must be straight. Carefully check corners and attachment points of the center bar. They should overlap the buckle frame and move freely back and forth in their sockets. The roller should turn freely on the frame.

Check that rivets are tight and cannot be moved. The body side of the rivet base and outside rivet burr should be flat against the material. Make sure the rivets are not bent.

Inspect for pitted or cracked rivets that show signs of chemical corrosion.

How do you inspect the rope? Rotate the rope lanyard and inspect from end to end for fuzzy, worn, broken or

cut fibers. Weakened areas have noticeable changes in the original rope diameter.

Replace when the rope diameter is not uniform throughout, following a short break-in period. The older a rope is and the more use it gets, the more important testing and inspection become.

What should you know about hardware (forged steel snaps, "D" rings)?

Inspect hardware for cracks, dents, bends, rust, signs of deformation, or other defects. Replace the belt if the "D" ring is not at a 90 degree angle and does not move vertically independent of the body pad or "D" saddle.

Make sure that any hardware is not cutting into or damaging the belt or harness. Inspect tool loops and belt sewing for broken or stretched loops. Check bag rings and knife snaps to see that they are secure and working properly.

Check tool loop rivets. Check for thread separation or rotting, both inside and outside the body pad belt.

Inspect snaps for hook and eye distortions, cracks, corrosion, or pitted surfaces. The keeper (latch) should be seated into the snap nose without binding and should not be distorted or obstructed. The keeper spring should exert sufficient force to close the keeper firmly.

What should you look for during the safety strap inspection?

Inspect for cut fibers or damaged stitches inch by inch by flexing the strap in an inverted "U." Note cuts, frayed areas or corrosion damage.

Check friction buckle for slippage and sharp buckle edges. Replace when tongue buckle holes are excessively worn or elongated.

How do I clean my equipment? Basic care prolongs the life of the unit and contributes to its performance.

Wipe off all surface dirt with a sponge dampened in plain water. Rinse the sponge and squeeze it dry. Dip the sponge in a mild solution of water and commercial soap or detergent. Work up a thick lather with a vigorous back and forth motion.

Rinse the webbing in clean water. Wipe the belt dry with a clean cloth. Hang freely to dry. Dry the belt and other equipment away from direct heat, and out of long periods of sunlight. Store in a clean, dry area, free of fumes, sunlight, corrosive materials, sharp

edges, or vibration and in such a way that it does not warp or distort the belt.



Respiratory Protection General

Respiratory hazards can include airborne contaminants such as biological contaminants, dusts, mists, fumes, and gases, or oxygen-deficient atmospheres – there can be more than one respiratory hazard present.

Air-purifying respirators (APRs): particulate respirators (previously called dust, fume, and mist respirators or masks), chemical cartridge respirators that can have a combination of chemical cartridges,

along with a dust prefilter: this combination provides protection against different kinds of contaminants in the air

gas masks (contain more adsorbent than cartridge-type respirators and can provide a higher level of protection than chemical cartridge respirators)

powered air-purifying respirators (PAPRs).

Supplied-air respirators (SARs): self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), airline supplied-air respirators, protective suits that totally encapsulate the wearer's body and incorporate a life-support system.

There are 9 classes of particulate filters, depending on the particulate material. They are also classified based on levels of oil resistance and filter efficiency. Oil can break down certain types of filters which means it is important to know the materials you are working with at all times and always select the right cartridge for your respirator.

The main categories are: N series (Not resistant to oil) - May be used in any atmosphere where there is no oil particulate. R series (Resistant to oil) - May be used in any atmosphere where there is no oil

particulate, or up to one shift where there is oil particulate present. "One shift" means eight hours of continuous or intermittent use.

P series (Oil-Proof) - May be used in any atmosphere, including those with oil particulates, for more than one shift. If the filter is used in atmospheres with oil particulates, contact the manufacturer to find out the service life of the filter.

Workers must be physically fit to carry out the work while wearing respiratory equipment. They must also be psychologically comfortable (e.g., not claustrophobic) about wearing respirators.

Workers with beards, long sideburns, or even a two-day stubble may not wear respirators because the hair breaks the seal between the skin and the respirator mask. Wearing eyeglasses would also break the respirator seal. This break means that the respirator mask will "leak" and will not provide the needed respiratory protection. Also, if a worker has facial scars or an acne problem, the facial skin may not be able to form a good seal with a respirator mask.

Filters are made of material that is designed to trap particles as you breathe. Cartridges contain a material that absorbs gases and vapours. It is very important to make sure you are using the right filter or cartridge for the chemicals or substances present in the workplace.



Since filters capture particles, caution must be exercised to always check that these filters are not clogged as it makes it harder for air to pass through and increase the likelihood of contaminated air entering the mask.

Cartridges can also become "full" or saturated. It will stop working and "breakthrough" will occur – this term means that the gases or vapours will leak through the cartridge. Both cartridges and filters must be replaced on a regular basis by using the manufacturer’s recommendations (usually determined by using warning properties or end-of-service indicators).

Choosing a respirator is a complicated matter. Experienced safety professionals or occupational hygienists, who are familiar with the actual workplace environment, are the staff who should select the proper respirator. They can choose a suitable respirator only after they have evaluated all relevant factors. This includes considering the limitations of each class of respirator.

Use the MSDS/SDS for guidance on requirements of the particular respiratory hazard. The CSA Standard Selection, Use and Care of Respirators Z94.4-11 outlines a respirator selection decision logic model in more detail.

Hearing Protection: General:

Hearing protectors reduce the noise exposure level and the risk of hearing loss. Wear a hearing protector if the noise or sound level at the workplace exceeds 85

dB(A). If sound level exceeds 100 dB(a), double hearing protection is required. The effectiveness of hearing protection is reduced greatly if they do not fit properly

or if they are worn only part time during periods of noise exposure. To maintain their effectiveness, they should not be modified. Ear protectors must be used ALL THE TIME to get full benefit. To determine noise reduction using Earmuffs - Subtract 25% from the manufacturer's labeled NRR To determine noise reduction using Formable earplugs - Subtract 50% from the manufacturer's

labeled NRR To determine noise reduction for all other earplugs - Subtract 70% from the manufacturers labeled

NRR Fit:

Follow manufacturers' instructions. With ear plugs, for example, the ear should be pulled outward and upward with the opposite hand to enlarge and straighten the ear canal, and insert the plug with clean hands.

Ensure the hearing protector tightly seals within the ear canal or against the side of the head. Hair and clothing should not be in the way.

Care:

Follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Check hearing protection regularly for wear and tear. Replace ear cushions or plugs that are no longer pliable.



Replace a unit when head bands are so stretched that they do not keep ear cushions snugly against the head.

Disassemble ear muffs to clean. Wash ear muffs with a mild liquid detergent in warm water, and then rinse in clear

warm water. Ensure that sound-attenuating material inside the ear cushions does not get wet.

Use a soft brush to remove skin oil and dirt that can harden ear cushions. Squeeze excess moisture from the plugs or cushions and then place them on a clean surface to air

dry. (Check the manufacturer's recommendations first to find out if the ear plugs are washable.)

Ear Plugs Ear Muffs

Advantages:

-small and easily carried -convenient to use with other personal protection equipment (can be worn with ear muffs) -more comfortable for long-term wear in hot, humid work areas -convenient for use in confined work areas

Advantages:

-less attenuation variability among users -designed so that one size fits most head sizes -easily seen at a distance to assist in the monitoring of their use -not easily misplaced or lost -may be worn with minor ear infections

Disadvantages:

-requires more time to fit -more difficult to insert and remove -require good hygiene practices -may irritate the ear canal -easily misplaced -more difficult to see and monitor usage

Disadvantages:

-less portable and heavier -more inconvenient for use with other personal protective equipment. -more uncomfortable in hot, humid work area -more inconvenient for use in confined work areas -may interfere with the wearing of safety or prescription glasses: wearing glasses results in breaking the seal between the ear muff and the skin and results in decreased hearing protection.

High Visibility Clothing

High-visibility clothing is worn to alert drivers and other vehicle operators of a worker's presence

Garments should be fitted to the person. Consider the clothing that might be worn underneath the garments, and how the garment should be worn (i.e., done up properly around the body with no loose or dangling components). The garments should sit correctly on your body and stay in place during your work.

Should be lightweight and comfortable to wear; the parts of the apparel that come into direct contact with the worker should not be rough, have sharp edges, or projections that could cause excessive irritation or injuries.

Garments should be selected and worn so that no other clothing or equipment covers the high-visibility materials (e.g., glove gauntlets, equipment belts, and high-cut boots).

Keep your high-visibility apparel clean and well-maintained. Contaminated or dirty retro reflective materials provide lower visibility.

Replace garments that show signs of wear and tear, soiling, or contamination as it will no longer be able to provide acceptable levels of visibility.

Purchasers of HVSA should get proof that the materials used and the design of the garment meet the requirements of the CSA Z96 Standard.



Safety Hand Wear General:

Gloves are the last line of defense; ensure adequate protection is actually being provided. Consider flexibility and touch sensitivity needed for the task. Consider the requirement for textured or non-slip surfaces to improve grip. When working with chemicals refer to the MSDS for the type of glove to be used.

Care and Use:

Inspect gloves for defects before using Do not use worn or torn gloves. Ensure gloves fit properly. Ensure all exposed skin is covered by gloves. Do not wear gloves with metal parts near electrical equipment. Clean gloves as instructed by the supplier. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for care, decontamination, and maintenance of gloves.

Guide to the Selection of Skin Protection

Hazard Degree of Hazard Protective Material

Abrasion Severe Reinforced heavy rubber, staple-reinforced heavy leather

Less Severe Rubber, plastic, leather, polyester, nylon, cotton

Sharp Edges Severe Metal mesh, staple-reinforced heavy leather, Kevlar® aramid-steel mesh

Less Severe Leather, terry cloth (aramid fiber)

Mild with delicate work Lightweight leather, polyester, nylon, cotton

Chemicals and fluids

Risk varies according to the chemical, its concentration, and time of contact among other factors. Refer to the manufacturer, or product MSDS.

Dependent on chemical. Examples include: Natural rubber, neoprene, nitrile rubber, butyl rubber, PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), Teflon®, Vitom®, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl alcohol, Saranex™, 4H®, Chemrel®, Responder®, Trellchem®

Cold

Leather, insulated plastic or rubber, wool, cotton

Heat High temperatures (over 350 deg C) Asbestos, Zetex®

Medium high (up to 350 deg C) Nomex®, Kevlar®, neoprene-coated asbestos, heat-resistant leather with linings

Warm (up to 200 deg C) Nomex®, Kevlar®, heat-resistant leather, terry cloth (aramid fiber)

Less warm (up to 100 deg C) Chrome-tanned leather, terry cloth

General Duty

Cotton, terry cloth, leather

Product Contamination

Thin-film plastic, lightweight leather, cotton, polyester, nylon

Radiation

Lead-lined rubber, plastic or leather

http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/prevention/ppe/trade_name.html%23Kevlar

http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/prevention/ppe/trade_name.html%23Teflon

http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/prevention/ppe/trade_name.html%23Teflon

http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/prevention/ppe/trade_name.html%23Saranex

http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/prevention/ppe/trade_name.html%23Saranex

http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/prevention/ppe/trade_name.html%23Chemrel

http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/prevention/ppe/trade_name.html%23Chemrel

http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/prevention/ppe/trade_name.html%23Trellchem

http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/prevention/ppe/trade_name.html%23Zetex

http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/prevention/ppe/trade_name.html%23Nomex






Safety Eyewear Lenses:

The Canadian Standards Association (CSA) certified safety glasses have plastic polycarbonate lenses. They are stronger than regular lenses, are impact-resistant, and come in prescription and non-prescription (plano or zero-power lens) forms.

Lenses can be clear, tinted, photochromic or polarized. Each type offers various levels of ultraviolet protection, including no protection (even when coloured). Do not be fooled by the colour of the lenses.

Markings on safety glasses:

The manufacturer or supplier logo is marked (or etched) on all approved safety lenses, frames (front and temple), removable side shields, and other parts of the glasses, goggles, or helmets.

Frames:

Safety frames are stronger than street-wear frames and are often heat resistant. They are also designed to prevent lenses from being pushed into the eyes.

Fit

Ensure your safety glasses fit properly. Eye size, bridge size and temple length all vary. Safety glasses should be individually assigned and fitted.

Wear safety glasses so that the temples fit comfortably over the ears. The frame should be as close to the face as possible and adequately supported by the bridge of the nose.

Care

Clean your safety glasses daily. Follow the manufacturer's instructions. Avoid rough handling that can scratch lenses.

Scratches impair vision and can weaken lenses. Store your safety glasses in a clean, dry place where they cannot fall or be stepped on. Keep them

in a case when they are not being worn. Replace scratched, pitted, broken, bent or ill-fitting glasses. Damaged glasses interfere with vision

and do not provide protection. Replace damaged parts only with identical parts from the original manufacturer to ensure the

same safety rating. Prescription Eyewear Prescription safety eyewear benefits for full time and seasonal workers are as follows:

$200.00 for single vision eyewear or $300.00 for prescriptions requiring Multi-focal lenses. This would be paid by the Ministry for every 2 year time limit.

Safety eyewear and face protection will be supplied with industrial eye and face protectors, as needed.

Casual and student workers will be supplied with industrial eyewear and face protection to be worn over their prescription eyewear.

Original payment receipt must be provided to the PO Distributor for payment. Tracking of eligibility for employee benefits will be the responsibility of the specific branch or

region.



Headwear General

Headwear consists of a shell and the suspension.

The shell is rigid and light, and is shaped to deflect falling objects.

The suspension system holds the shell away from the head and acts as a shock-absorber. It also holds the shell in place on the head and allows air to flow freely.

Do not transport headwear in rear windows of vehicles. Heat and UV light can damage the material, making it brittle and less protective.

Inspect headwear before each use.

Always check with the manufacturer when adding or using accessories (non-metallic stickers, tape, bandanas, hankerchiefs, etc.).

Winter liners should be inspected to ensure they do not interfere with fit of headwear.

Do not draw the chin strap over the brim or peak of the headwear.

Do not wear baseball style hats under the headwear as it interferes with the suspension.

Only wear the hard hat with the peak at the back, if the suspension has been adjusted so the nape strap remains at the back of the head. Check with the manufacturer to ensure the headwear was designed to be worn this way.

Shell

Inspect and replace if there are signs of wear, scratches or gouges.

Shells exposed to heat, sunlight and chemicals can become stiff or brittle.

A visible pattern of tiny cracks may develop. Over time, weathered hats can become dull in colour or have a chalky appearance.

Replace when any of the above signs of wear start to appear.

Replace if struck, even if no damage is visible.

Remove and destroy if its protective abilities are in doubt.

Do not drill holes, alter or modify the shell. Alterations may reduce the protection provided by the

headwear.

Do not paint the plastic shell.

Do not use winter liners that contain metal or electrically conductive material under Class G or E headwear.

Do not use metal labels on Class G or E headwear.

Adjust headband size so that headwear will stay on when the wearer is bending over, but not so tight that it leaves a mark on the forehead

Suspension Ensure that the suspension is in good condition. The main purpose of the suspension is to absorb energy. Look closely for cracked or torn adjustment slots, frayed material or other signs of wear.

Check the suspension lugs carefully. Long periods of normal use can damage the suspension. Perspiration and hair oils can speed up the deterioration of suspension materials.

Replace the suspension if it has torn or broken threads.

Do not put anything between the suspension and the shell. There must be a clearance inside the headwear while it is being worn. In case of a blow to the head, that space helps absorb the shock.

Do not use a suspension made by one manufacturer with products made by another manufacturer.

Do not change or alter any of the suspension, liner or shell.

The care and maintenance of headwear are needed if the headwear is to protect as designed. Its lifespan is affected by normal use and by heat, cold, chemicals and ultraviolet rays.

Clean the suspension and shell regularly according to the manufacturers' instructions.



Safety Footwear

1. The Green CSA triangle is our approved level of protective footwear;

• having sole puncture protection

• grade 1 protective toe

• withstands impact up to 125 joules or 90 ft./lbs.

2. Safety footwear is designed to protect feet against a wide variety of injuries such as; • Impact

• Compression

• Puncture

3. Use of metatarsal protection is recommended when there is a potential for injury to the top of the foot. (between the toes and ankle)

4. High-cut boots help provide support against ankle injury

Note

For winter weather, wear shoes or boots that provide traction on snow and ice such as

rubber and neoprene composite. Avoid plastic and leather soles. Winter cleats can be used

in addition to your work boot to further provide protection against slips.

Fit

walk in new footwear to ensure it is comfortable

boots should have ample toe room (toes should be about 12.5 mm from the front)

make allowances for extra socks or special arch supports when buying boots

boots should fit snug around the heel and ankle when laced

lace up boots fully

Care

use a protective coating to make footwear water-resistant

inspect footwear regularly for damage

repair or replace worn or defective footwear

electric shock resistance of footwear is reduced by wet conditions and with wear$125 PER YEAR IS AVAILABLE TO ALL EMPLOYEES WHO ARE REQUIRED TO WEAR SAFETY FOOTWEAR

AND CARRYOVER OF UP TO 3 YEARS IS PERMITTED

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