PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)

1. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE) Bureau of Workers’ Comp PA Training for Health & Safety (PATHS) OSHA 29 CFR 1910.132-138 SUBPART I PPT-029-03

2. OSHA & PPE PPT-029-03

3. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Part of a series of protection controls: 1.Engineering (example: installation of an exhaust system over a machine producing hazardous vapors) 2. Administrative (example: rotating people through a certain job function) 3.PPE (example: leather gloves, safety shoes) PPT-029-03

4. PPE Requirements Must be kept in serviceable condition: - No rips/tears/cuts - Adjustment straps in place/usable - Viewing lenses not overly-scratched - Not deformed or misshaped • Training must be provided and documented (includes equipment-specific training). • Hazard assessment must be conducted and certified in writing. PPT-029-03

5. Hazard Assessment • Employers must assess the workplace to determine if hazards requiring PPE use are present or likely to be present. • If hazards requiring PPE are found or are likely, employers must: - Select and have affected employees use appropriate PPE, - Inform affected employees as to which PPE was selected, - Select PPE that properly fits each affected employee. PPT-029-03

6. Hazard Assessment Form Example of Hazard Assessment & Certification Form PPT-029-03

7. Types of PPE Eye (example: safety glasses) Face (example: face shield) Head (example: hard hat) Ear (example: ear plugs) Hand (example: rubber gloves) Foot (example: safety shoes) Body (example: rubber apron) Respiratory (example: respirator) PPT-029-03

8. Eye & Face Protection Safety Glasses Safety Goggles Face Shield PPT-029-03

9. Determining Eye/Face Protection If any objects can contact the eyes during the performance of the job, safety glasses WITH SIDE SHIELDS should be worn. Goggles should be used when working with chemicals or if vapors/mists are present and/or produced. Face shields (along with goggles) should be used when doing grinding operations. PPT-029-03

10. Head Protection Different classes/types of hard hats: Type 1 = helmets with a full brim not less than 1¼ inches wide Type 2 = brimless helmets with a peak extending forward from the crown Class A = general service, limited/low voltage protection Class B = utility service, high voltage protection Class C = special service, no voltage protection PPT-029-03

11. When to Use Head Protection • OSHA 29 CFR 1910.135(a)(1) states, "Each affected employee shall wear protective helmets when working in areas where there is a potential for injury to the head from falling objects." PPT-029-03

12. Wearing Hardhats Backwards • Is it OK to wear a hardhat backwards? Only if marked with a "reverse donning arrow;” it can be worn frontward or backward in accordance with the manufacturer's wearing instructions. Manufacturers do not recommend that workers wear standard hard hats backwards unless it is necessary for certain job applications, such as welding, where a mask is required.  OSHA clearly specifies that workers must wear their hats the way they were designed to be worn, unless the manufacturer states a hat can be worn backward. PPT-029-03

13. Hearing/Ear Protection Earplugs – come in a variety of sizes, shapes and materials. Must be prepared and inserted correctly. Earmuffs – Normally consist of rigid, molded plastic ear-cups that seal around the ear using foam or fluid-filled cushions and are held in place with metal or plastic headbands. PPT-029-03

14. More Hearing Protection Semi-Aural Devices – consist of pods or flexible tips attached to a lightweight headband. Provides a compromise between earmuffs and earplugs. Can be worn in close quarters, easily removed and replaced and conveniently carried when not in use. One size fits the majority of users. Fit is not compromised by safety glasses or hard hats. PPT-029-03

15. Is this Hearing Protection? NO! Using ear buds or ear phones does not count as wearing hearing protection! PPT-029-03

16. Noise • Weakest sound heard = 0 dB • Whisper-Quiet Library = 30 dB • Normal conversation (3-5ft) = 60-70 dB • Telephone dial tone = 80 dB • City Traffic (inside car) = 85 dB • Train whistle at 500ft, Truck Traffic = 90 dB • Subway train at 200ft = 95 dB (Level at which sustained exposure may result in hearing loss:90 – 95 dB) PPT-029-03

17. Noise • Power mower at 3ft = 107 dB • Snowmobile, motorcycle = 100 dB • Power saw at 3ft = 110 dB • Sandblasting, loud rock concert = 115 dB (Pain begins125 dB) • Pneumatic riveter at 4ft = 125 dB (Even short-term exposure can cause permanent damage. Loudest recommended exposure WITH hearing protection is140 dB) • Jet engine at 100ft, gun blast = 140 dB (Death of hearing tissue is 180 dB) • Loudest sound possible 194 dB PPT-029-03

18. Providing Hearing Protection Making a determination can be tricky. Employee exposure to excessive noise depends on several factors: - How loud is the noise (measured in decibels, or dBA)? - How long is each employee exposed to the noise? - Do employees move between separate work areas with different noise levels? - Is noise generated from one source or multiple sources? PPT-029-03

19. Using Hearing Protection Generally, the louder the noise, the shorter the exposure time before you have to use hearing protection. The requirements for noise reduction (including hearing protection) begin: - when noise exposures are at or above 85 dBA time-weighted average, or - there are impulse noise sound pressure levels of 140 decibels peak. PPT-029-03

20. Hearing Conservation Program If employees are exposed to occupational noise at or above 85 dBA averaged over an 8-hour time weighted average, or TWA: Employers must have hearing conservation program, including regular testing of employees’ hearing by qualified professionals. PPT-029-03

21. Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) Manufacturers put a noise reduction rating on their packaging (helps in determining type of hearing protection devices to use). NRR is basically a measurement of the level of noise that is filtered out (example: NRR of 10 would theoretically filter out 10 dBA of noise at the ear). NRR is best-case scenario; OSHA recommends subtracting seven (7) from overall rating when making a determination. Example: if workplace noise level reading is 90 dBA and NRR is 10 (10-7=3); employee would be exposed to 90-3=87 dBA. PPT-029-03

22. Using Hearing Protection Hearing protection must be made available to employees if they are exposed to noise between 85-90 dBAanytime during their work shift. Hearing protection MUST be used if the exposure level is 90 dBA or higher for any duration during their shift. PPT-029-03

23. Hand Protection Hand protection should be used when workers are at risk of injury to their hands or arms. Example: material handling, chemical use, welding, mechanical jobs, electrical work, cutting materials. PPT-029-03

24. Correct Gloves for Tasks Assigned Need to evaluate the job/task being done and provide the best protection. Cloth or leather gloves should not be used for protection against chemical hazards (use neoprene, nitrile, rubber, etc., depending upon chemical). Surgical gloves are not used on electrical jobs (use heavy duty rubber/insulated labeled for electrical use). Cloth gloves should not be used for material handling (use leather gloves). PPT-029-03

25. Assistance in Picking the Correct Glove Consult the manufacturer. Contact your safety department. Website for information about chemical protective gloves: http://www.labsafety.com/refinfo/ezfacts/ezf191.htm PPT-029-03

26. Foot Protection Typical foot injury is caused by object falling fewer than 4 feet; median weight of object is about 65 pounds. Wear appropriate foot guards, safety shoes or boots and leggings for protection from: - falling, rolling, sharp objects - hot, wet, slippery surfaces - molten metal PPT-029-03

27. Which is Safer for Work? These shoes are much safer! PPT-029-03

28. Safety Shoes Should be sturdy and have an impact-resistant toe. Some have puncture-resistive insoles to protect against puncture wounds. Some types have metatarsal guards. Come in a variety of styles and materials including leather or rubber boots and oxfords. Must comply with any of the following: ANSI Z41-1999, ANSI Z41-1991, ASTM F-2412-05, ASTM F-2413-05. PPT-029-03

29. Safety Shoes – Soles Steel-toed safety boots with oil-resistant soles PPT-029-03

30. Body Protection Should be used in the event of: chemical, hot metal or liquid splashes, cuts, acids, intense heat, cold and radiation. A variety of protective clothing is available including: vests, jackets, aprons, coveralls and full body suits. Consult manufacturer’s specifications for appropriate use. PPT-029-03

31. Respiratory Protection • Respirators shall be provided when necessary to protect the health of employees from breathable hazards (should be used as last choice, not first choice!). • Respirators shall be used in the following circumstances: ► Where exposure levels exceed the permissible exposure limit, or PEL, during the time period necessary to install or implement feasible engineering/work practice controls. ► In regulated areas. ► Where employer has implemented all feasible engineering and work practice controls and these are not sufficient to reduce exposures to or below the permissible exposure limit. PPT-029-03

32. Respiratory Hazards There are two main types of respiratory hazards: oxygen deficiency and airborne contaminants. Airborne contaminants include: Dusts (e.g., from sawing or grinding) Mists (e.g., from spray painting) Vapors (gaseous forms of a liquid) Fumes (e.g., from welding operations) Gases (e.g., nitrogen, methane) PPT-029-03

33. Types of Respiratory PPE Two general categories: Air-purifying respirators Remove contaminants from air through chemical or mechanical means. Atmosphere-supplying respirators Self-contained breathing apparatus, or SCBA, and airline equipment. PPT-029-03

34. Medical Evaluation Employee must first receive a medical evaluation from a physician or other licensed health care professional who will determine if they can wear a respirator. Immediate supervisor must obtain a written recommendation from a health care professional on whether or not the employee is medically able to use the respirator. PPT-029-03

35. Fitting the Respirator The fit of a respirator face piece to ensure a good seal is extremely important . A secure fit means the difference between life and death! Since most face pieces fit only a certain percentage of people, it is important that face pieces are tested for each potential user. PPT-029-03

36. Factors Affecting Fit Facial features such as beards, hollow temples, prominent cheekbones, dentures or missing teeth. Recent jaw surgery. Chewing of gum or tobacco. Under OSHA, could this guy wear a respirator? No, due to excess facial hair. PPT-029-03

37. Initial Fit Testing Employees must be fit tested before initial respirator use and then annually thereafter. Two types of tests: qualitative and quantitative. Qualitative – user determines if he/she can smell testing agent being used. Quantitative – instruments detect agent. PPT-029-03

38. Fit Test Before Each Use Before using a respirator during a work shift, the user must conduct either a positive or negative pressure test after putting on the respirator. Positive Pressure Test = User exhales into face piece while exhalation valves are closed off. If the face piece bulges a little and no air leaks out, the fit is good. Negative Pressure Test = User breathes in while inhalation valves are closed off and holds his/her breath for 10 seconds. The face piece should collapse against the face and stay collapsed. PPT-029-03

39. Written Respiratory Protection Program OSHA requires that employers establish a written respiratory program documenting each hazard, site by site, based on a work site survey and evaluation. Written program should spell out site-specific procedures that will be implemented to reduce dangers including: Procedures for selecting respirators Medical evaluation of employees required to wear respirators Fit-testing procedures Procedures for proper use of respirators in all situations Procedures and schedules for cleaning, disinfecting, storing, etc. Training Program evaluation procedures PPT-029-03

40. Respirators - Remember • Should not be the first choice. • Use engineering and/or administrative controls before using respirators. • Should be selected based on need and task (e.g., full face, half face, supplied air). • All users should have a medical evaluation and fit testing before use. PPT-029-03

41. Summary – PPE PPE should be used last in a series of protective measures, following engineering and administrative controls. PPE should not be arbitrarily issued; employees should be given the correct equipment that fits properly. PPE should be in serviceable condition and stored in an area where it cannot be damaged or exposed to the elements. Employees who are given/use PPE should receive appropriate training in the use of that equipment, and training should be documented. Hazard assessments should be performed and documented. PPT-029-03

42. Questions PPT-029-03