US&A (v. 2/07) Personal Protective Equipment Department of University Safety & Assurances
US&A (v. 2/07) Why PPE is Important Personal protective equipment (PPE) is designed to prevent or lessen the severity of injuries to workers. The employer must assess the workplace and determine what hazards may necessitate the use of PPE before assigning PPE to workers.
US&A (v. 2/07) Topics of Discussion What is Included? –Head –Eye –Face –Hearing –Respiratory Protection –Hands –Foot –Clothing
US&A (v. 2/07) Hardhats Helmets Head Protection
US&A (v. 2/07) How Hard Hats Protect You A rigid shell that resists and deflects blows to the head; Suspension system inside acts as a shock absorber Some hats serve as an insulator against electrical shocks Shields your scalp, face, neck, and shoulders against splashes, spills, and drips Some can be modified so you can add face shields, goggles, hoods or hearing protection
US&A (v. 2/07) Shells should be inspected for dents, cracks, gouges & any damage from impact, penetration, abrasions, rough treatment or wear. Degradation of thermoplastic material may be apparent when the shell becomes stiff, brittle, faded, dull in color or chalky in appearance. Replace at the first sign of any of these conditions Hardhat Inspection
US&A (v. 2/07)
PPE for Impact Hazards Safety Glasses: Primary protectors intended to shield the eyes from a variety of impact hazards Goggles: Primary protectors intended to shield the eyes against flying fragments, objects, large chips, and particles. Face Shields: Secondary protectors intended to protect the entire face against exposure to impact hazards
US&A (v. 2/07)Eyewear Some models have molded-in side shields and brow-guard for extra protection above and around eyes
US&A (v. 2/07) Eyes: Goggles and Glasses Goggles –Chemical Splash –Impact Safety glasses
US&A (v. 2/07) Ventilated Goggles Direct ventilation goggles: –Where strenuous work is done in hot conditions, 'direct ventilation' goggles may be more suitable. However these are unsuitable for protection against chemicals, gases and dust Ventilated goggles allow air circulation while providing protection against airborne particles, dust, liquids or light. Available with either Direct or Indirect ventilation
US&A (v. 2/07) Indirect Ventilation Indirect ventilation Goggles: 'Indirect ventilation' goggles are not perforated, but are fitted with baffled ventilators to prevent liquids and dust from entering. Indirect ventilation goggles will not protect against gas or vapor.
US&A (v. 2/07) Non-Ventilated Goggles Non-Ventilated Goggles: –Do not allow the passage of air into the goggle –Prevent splash entry –May fog and require frequent lens cleaning
US&A (v. 2/07)Faceshields DO NOT use any faceshield unless you also wear suitable primary eye protection devices (spectacles or goggles). Faceshields are heavier & bulkier than other types of eye protector but are comfortable if fitted with an adjustable head harness. Faceshields protect the face but do not fully enclose the eyes and therefore do not protect against dusts, mist or gases –Transparent face shields must be replaced when warped, scratched or brittle with age
US&A (v. 2/07) An Eye Saved by Safety Glasses While applying siding with an air powered staple gun, a staple hit a metal plate behind the siding, ricocheted back and one leg of the staple penetrated the wearers safety glasses' lens
US&A (v. 2/07)
EPA and ANSI EPA is responsible for determining adequacy of hearing protector attenuation (NRR). EPA adopts ANSIs protocol for making the determination ANSI has issued a new protocol for the labeling regulation for hearing protectors that has yet to be adopted by EPA EPA is collecting information on revising their labeling regulation
US&A (v. 2/07) Hearing Protection Ear plugs Ear muffs Audiometric testing More information provided in training on hearing conservation
US&A (v. 2/07)
Respirators A hazardous task assessment may be done to determine if you need to wear a respirator If you are required to wear a respirator you will be included in our respiratory protection program You must be medically cleared to wear a respirator
US&A (v. 2/07) Respirator Selection
US&A (v. 2/07)Respirators In addition to the initial fit-test, wearers must check the seal of their respirators every time they put them on User seal checks are necessary to ensure that the respirator has been put on correctly
US&A (v. 2/07) Dust Masks Only suitable for non-hazardous, non-respirable nuisance dusts. If your employer provides respirators for your voluntary use, or if you provide your own respirator, you need to take certain precautions to be sure that the respirator itself does not present a hazard.
US&A (v. 2/07) Respirator Ratings N if they are not resistant to oil R if somewhat resistant to oil, and P if strongly resistant (oil proof). Many different types available
US&A (v. 2/07) Hood Respirators Helmet or hood respirators can be effective in protecting workers with facial hair, or in other applications where conventional respirators do not provide adequate fit, comfort or protection. HEPA filtered powered air purifying respirator (PAPR)
US&A (v. 2/07)
Why Its Important It has been estimated that almost 20% of all disabling accidents on the job involve the hands Some examples of traumatic injuries to your hands: –Cuts: Tools and machines with a sharp edges –Punctures: Staples, screwdrivers, nails, chisels and stiff wire –Sprains, Crushing Injuries: Getting your hands caught in machinery
US&A (v. 2/07) Hand Protection Gloves –Cotton –Leather –Latex –Viton –Butyl –Neoprene –PVC –Nitrile –Other
US&A (v. 2/07) Disposable Vinyl Deliver comfort, flexibility, sensitivity Translucent white, 5-mil vinyl Non-allergenic alternative to latex Lightly-powdered or powder-free
US&A (v. 2/07) Coated Gloves Provide cut, puncture and abrasion- resistance Latex coating on palm, fingertips and thumb Crinkle finish for superior grip in wet and dry applications
US&A (v. 2/07) Coated Gloves Tacky nitrile coating for sure grip Light nylon shell for dexterity Offers better fit and grip than uncoated cotton or string knit gloves
US&A (v. 2/07) Reusable Latex Versatile, reusable Latex 18-mil, 100% natural latex – excellent tensile strength and sensitivity; good grip Resists detergents, acids, salts, caustics, fats and alcohol Cotton lining for ease of donning 12 length protects wrists and forearm
US&A (v. 2/07) Disposable Latex Strong, comfortable and economical Textured fingertips for secure grip Available lightly powdered or powder-free
US&A (v. 2/07) Latex + Neoprene Comfort of latex plus the chemical protection of neoprene Provides excellent chemical resistance against acids, oils, grease, salts, animal fats and battery acid Resist puncture, tears and abrasion Ideal for auto and battery manufacturing, chemical plants, cleaning printing presses and wiping down machinery
US&A (v. 2/07)Butyl Offers greater resistance to gas and water vapors than Neoprene Provides greater safety when handling toxic substances like ketones, esters, etc
US&A (v. 2/07) PVC/Nitrile Gloves Gloves are PVC with nitrile- reinforced coating Textured to improve wet grip Cotton interlock liner for comfort
US&A (v. 2/07) Reusable Nitrile Excellent resistance to a variety of solvents and petroleum products Resist most liquids Resist cuts, snags, punctures, swelling and degradation by organic solvents and hydrocarbons
US&A (v. 2/07) Glove Selection Be sure you know which glove is appropriate for the chemical you are using
US&A (v. 2/07)
Why Its Important Compression Injuries Heavy machinery, equipment, and other objects can roll over your feet. The result of these types of accidents is often broken or crushed bones. Injuries from Spills and Splashes Liquids such as acids, caustics, and molten metals can spill into your shoes and boots. These hazardous materials can cause chemical and heat burns.
US&A (v. 2/07) Foot Protection What kind of shoe should electricians wear? –Shoes with non- conductive soles meeting the requirements of ANSI Z41 PT9l (M/F) I-75 C-75 EH. "EH" represents the "electrical hazard" designation.
US&A (v. 2/07) Types of Foot Protection Work shoes Boots Steel-toed shoes & boots
US&A (v. 2/07) Foot Protection Other options in steel-toed shoes
US&A (v. 2/07) Uniforms Disposable clothing Vests –Cooling –Visibility Cold weather protection Protective Clothing and Vests