Copyright ©2009 Progressive Business Publications1

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Copyright ©2009 Progressive Business Publications2

Workplace Hazards and PPE

PPE: Your last line of defense

Consequences of lax PPE use:

– Loss of hearing or vision, amputation, concussions, respiratory diseases

– Death

You and this site are not immune!

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Common PPE Excuses

“I didn’t know we needed it for this job.”

“I was only working for a few minutes.”

“I was just about to put it on.”

“I don’t like the way it fits.”

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Maintaining PPE

PPE must be well-maintained and fit properly

Employers are required to provide most PPE

Employers must also regularly replace PPE

If your PPE doesn’t fit properly or is making it harder to do your job, tell someone!

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Protecting Your Eyes and Face

Eye and face PPE is essential in protecting you from:

– Dirt and debris

– Chemical splashes

– Falling or swinging objects

– Radiant energy

Eye and face PPE should not restrict vision or movement

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Types of eyewear PPE

Safety glasses

Safety goggles

Face shields

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Fall Protection PPE

Fall protection is required for any work at a height of over six feet

Essential in protecting:– Elevated workers from tripping or falling– Anyone below the work area who could be

injured by falling objects Inspect PPE before every use and make sure

you wear it correctly!

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Elements of Fall Protection

Harness or lifeline– Harness attached to lanyard, which is attached to

anchor Anchor point

– Sturdy, anchored location to attach harness Guardrails

– Rails that protect against falling over the edge Toeboards

– Raised area on the edge of platforms to keep tools or supplies from falling

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Use your head: Hard hats

Class A hard hat

– Impact and penetration protection with limited voltage resistance

Class B hard hat

– Highest level of voltage protection with impact and penetration protection

Class C hard hat– Impact protection, but no voltage resistance

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Hand and Arm Protection

Leather gloves

Fabric gloves

Chemical resistant gloves

Wear gloves that fit and inspect them regularly!

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Foot and Leg Protection

Foot and leg PPE protect against:

– Heavy or sharp objects

– Slippery surfaces

– High temperatures and electricity

Kinds of foot and leg PPE

– Safety shoes

– Leggings

– Toe guards

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Breathing Protection

Respirators will protect you from:– Hazardous particles in the air that can cause

long-term injury or death– Often you cannot see or smell these particles!

Kinds of respirators:– Air purifying– Supplied air

Perform qualitative fit testing for each staffer

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Hearing Protection

Hearing PPE required for exposure to 90+ dB (lawn mower) for 8 or more hours

Kinds of hearing PPE:

– Single-use earplugs

– Pre-formed earplugs

– Earmuffs

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Who’s Responsible for PPE?

We’re all responsible for PPE

Inspect PPE before every use and make sure coworker’s gear looks right

Make sure PPE fits well and is comfortable

Speak with your supervisor if you have any questions or problems

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Summary

PPE is your last line of defense. An accident could happen at any time

Kinds of PPE

PPE is everyone’s responsibility

Inspect it every time you use it and make sure it is comfortable