Personal Protective Equipment Brownfields Safety Talk

Hazards Health-Related Safety-Related Electrocution Noise Falls Chemical Vapors Gases Lack of oxygen Air particulates Vibration Safety-Related Electrocution Falls Falling objects Flying objects Lifting Hot objects Crushing Trainer's Notes: Point out the two different types of hazards they face each day. Remind the group that health hazards can often be overlooked because they may be less obvious or less painful.

Why is PPE Often the Choice? Some jobs at work have hazards. Safer methods or products don’t exist. Engineering or administrative controls may not be practical. PPE is the last line of defense, but necessary at times. Trainer's Notes: Remind the participants that the very nature of construction work often leaves little choice but to use PPE. Explain that PPE doesn’t eliminate the hazard, it simply protects you from the hazard.

Types of Personal Protective Equipment Other Types Reflective clothes Tyvek suits Life vests Safety nets Lifelines Safety harnesses Lanyards Most Common Head Protection Foot and Leg Hearing Eye and Face Respiratory Torso Protection Trainer's Notes: Explain that PPE is usually categorized by the part of the body which it is designed to protect.

Use PPE As Intended What does the manufacturer say? Trainer's Notes: This may open a valuable discussion about hardhats and how we tend to get complacent about how we wear them. What does the manufacturer say?

Types of Hard Hats Class A: General service Most construction workers wear this type. Class B: Electrical service These protect from high voltage. Class C: Bump Caps, usually aluminum These are not acceptable for construction. Trainer's Notes:

Protecting Your Hearing Use plugs or muffs. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions. They must fit properly and be maintained. Remember, they only work if used. Do not use cotton or other home-made protection. Trainer's Notes: Show the participants examples of each type Choose a set of plugs and point out and read some of the instructions for use. Explain Noise Reduction Rating. Demonstrate how to insert a plug.

Types of Eye & Face Protection Safety Glasses- Protect eyes from front and side hazards as well as flying particles. Regular Vented Goggles- Protect your eyes from dust, sparks, and flying particles. Full Face Shield- Protects face from splashes, and flying particles. Must be used with safety glasses or goggles. Trainer's Notes: Hold up an example of each type as you discuss each one. Stress the fact that safety glasses alone will not protect a worker from a hefty chemical splash. Ask them what protection would be best?

Choosing Foot Protection Wear sturdy shoes with thick soles, steel toes & steel shanks. Trainer's Notes: This is the “cougar paw” work shoe made especially for roofers. Cougar Paws has a web site for these and other roofing specialty items (www.cougarpaws.com)