A Guide to… Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

A Guide to… Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Definition What is PPE? “all equipment which is intended to be worn or held by a person at work and which protects him against one or more risks to his health and safety”

Regulations Employers have basic duties concerning the provision and use of PPE equipment at work. This guide explains what you need to do to meet the requirements of the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 (as amended).

Types of PPE PPE includes… • Hi-Vis Clothing • Safety Footwear • Safety Harnesses • Eye Protection • Gloves • Safety Helmets • Hearing Protection

Regulations Hearing protection and respiratory protective equipment for most work situations are not covered by these regulations because other regulations apply.

Regulation Requirements Regulations require that PPE: • Is assessed before use to ensure it’s suitable • Is maintained and stored properly • Is provided with instructions on how to use it safely • Is used correctly by employees

Assessing the Hazards To choose the right PPE, carefully consider the different hazards in the workplace and assess which types of PPE are suitable to protect against the hazard

Assessing Suitable PPE Consider the following when selecting PPE… • Is it appropriate for the risk involved and the conditions? • Does it prevent or control the risks involved? • Can it be adjusted to fit the wearer properly? • What are the needs of the job and the demands it places on the wearer? • If more than 1 item of PPE is required, are they compatible?

Eye Protection • Hazards: • Chemical Splash • Metal Splash • Dust • Projectiles • Gas & Vapour • Radiation • Options: • Safety Spectacles • Goggles • Faceshields • Visors

Head Protection • Hazards: • Impact from falling or flying objects • Risk of bumping head • Hair Entanglement • Gas & Vapour • Radiation • Options: • Hard Hats • Hard Caps • Bump Caps

Protecting the Body • Hazards: • Adverse weather • Impact • Penetration • Contaminated dust • Excessive wear • Entanglement of own clothing • Chemical/metal splash • Extreme Temperatures • Options: • Conventional overalls • Disposable overalls • Boiler suits • Specialist clothing (e.g. chainmail aprons, hi-vis clothing)

Hand & Arm Protection • Hazards: • Abrasion • Cuts & punctures • Impact • Chemicals • Electric shock • Skin infection • Disease • Contamination • Options: • Gloves • Gauntlets • Mitts • Wristcuffs • Armlets

Foot & Leg Protection • Hazards: • Wet • Slipping • Cuts and punctures • Falling objects • Metal splash • Chemical splash • Abrasion • Electrostatic build-up • Options: • Safety boots and shoes • Protective toe caps • Penetration resistant mid-sole • Gaiters • Leggings • Spats

Hearing Protection • Hazards: • Intrusive noise • Noisy power tools • Noisy machinery • Noise from impact (e.g. hammering) • Explosive sources (such as cartridge-operated tools) • Options: • Ear plugs • Ear muffs • Semi inserts/caps

Breathing Protection • Hazards: • Dust • Vapour • Gas • Oxygen deficient atmospheres • Options: • Disposable filtering respirators • Half or full face respirators • Air-fed helmets • Breathing apparatus

Can I be charged for PPE? No! An employer cannot ask for money from an employee for PPE, whether it is returnable or not.

Training PPE users should be aware of: • Why PPE is needed • When it should be used • When it should be repaired or replaced • Its limitations

Training Managers or supervisors should: • Train and instruct people how to use it properly • Check regularly that PPE is being used • Investigate if PPE is not being used correctly • Position safety signs as a useful reminder

Maintenance Make sure equipment is: • Well looked after and properly stored after use • Kept clean and in good repair • Always readily available

CE Marking Ensure any PPE you buy is ‘CE’ Marked and complies with the requirements of the Personal Protective Equipment Regulations 2002

Other Regulations • The Control of Lead at Work Regulations 2002 • The Ionising Radiations Regulations 1999 • The Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 2002 • The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (as amended) • The Noise at Work Regulations 1989 • The Construction (Head Protection) Regulations 1989

Key Points to Remember Check that… • PPE is provided • It offers adequate protection for its intended use • Those using it are trained in its safe use • It is properly maintained and defects are reported • It is returned to its proper storage after use

Questions 1. Give 5 examples of PPE equipment 2. Which 2 types of equipment are not covered by the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at Work Regulations 1992? 3. What mark should all PPE carry to ensure it complies with regulations? 4. To select the correct PPE what do you need to consider and assess? 5. Give 3 examples of PPE that will protect the eyes from hazards.

Further Information This presentation contains notes on good practice which are not compulsory but which you may find helpful in considering what you need to do. Source: HSE

A Guide to… Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)