1 Landscaping PPE

2 Related Work Activities Creating sharp flying debris Using a chainsaw Cutting or chipping concrete Using loud machinery Handling harmful chemicals Applying pesticides and other harmful chemicals

3 Potential Outcomes Hearing damage Eye puncture and damage Skin irritation Nose and throat irritation Lung disease Amputations

4 Personal Protective Equipment Examples of PPE: –Eye (safety goggles, glasses) –Face (safety shields) –Head (hard hat) –Feet (safety shoes) –Hands and arms (gloves) –Hearing (earplugs, muffs) –Respiratory (respirators)

5 Eye Protection Wear goggles or face shield around: –Flying chips or particles; –Electrical sparks; –Chemical gases or vapors; –Harmful light; –Fertilizer solutions, acids, pesticides, etc; –Dust –Swinging objects like ropes or chains

6 Safety Goggles Protect the eyes from impacts, dust, and splashes.

7 Eye Protection Goggles only provide eye protection, however face shields protect the whole face. Be certain the protective eyewear is approved against the hazard for which it is being used.

8 Keeping Eyewear Clean Eyewear should be clean and defogged Clean lenses thoroughly with soap and water Disinfect eyewear that has been exposed to a hazardous substance or worn by someone else Store and clean eye wear in a closed, dustproof case (plastic bags). Discard pitted or scratched eyewear

9 Head Protection Hard hats protect the head on overhead objects and from falling or flying objects: –Working below other workers or machinery, such as a bucket lift. –Working in or under trees with work overhead –Working around or under conveyor belts –Working around exposed energized conductors

10 Levels of Hard Hat Protection ClassLevel of Protection AResists impact and penetration Provides limited resistance to electricity BResists impact and penetration Provides high resistance to electricity CResists impact and penetration only No resistance to electricity

11 Hard Hat Inspection Inspect the hard hat before use –Look for: Headband stretched or worn Headband fits comfortably Shell is dented, cracked, or visibly damaged –Check hard hat after use, if damaged, discard it –Wash the shell frequently with hot soapy water –Store hats in a cool, dry place

12 Protecting Legs and Feet Legs and feet injuries: –Cuts from cutting equipment –Heavy objects that might fall on feet –Sharp objects such as nails or spikes –Hot or wet surfaces –Slippery surfaces

13 Leg Protection Chainsaw chaps –Protect legs from injury when using tools such as chainsaws.

14 Foot Protection Safety shoes should be impact resistance with steel toes. Safety-toe shoes are nonconductive and prevent your feet from completing a circuit Shoes with good tread provide traction on slippery surfaces

15 Hand Protection Gloves can protect hands and forearms from cuts, abrasions, burns, punctures, contact with hazardous chemicals, and electric shock

16 Using Gloves Choosing the right glove for the job is important –Example: Choosing a cotton glove to work with chemicals is a bad choice. Some situations are not appropriate for gloves such as working with moving machinery

17 Levels of Glove Protection Type of Glove Level of Protection Metal mesh/ Kevlar Prevents cuts from sharp objects like blades, cutter bars. LeatherHandling stones or wood chips, sparks, moderate heat Cotton fabricDirt, splinters and abrasion; not for working with sharp materials Rubber, vinyl neoprene Protects from chemical being used or handled.

18 Noise Noise in the workplace interferes with communication and disrupts concentration Sound is measured in decibels Noises of 85 decibels or greater affects your hearing if you work around it for eight hours a day.

19 Noisy Workplaces NoiseDecibels Conversational voices60 Idling tractor80 Conveyor80 Diesel truck90-95 Power lawn mower90-95 One leaf blower Power tools100 Chain saws110

20 Hearing Protection When noise exposure cannot be controlled by either engineering controls, use hearing protection. Earmuffs and earplugs can reduce noise levels if used properly. It is a good idea to use hearing protection when average noise levels exceed 80 dB.

21 Hearing Protection Devices Formable earplugs: –Spongy, soft compressed, or shaped prior to insertion –Disposable-not for reuse Pre-molded ear plugs –Molded to fit ear Earmuffs –Adjustable headband with soft cups that seal around the ear

22 Types of Respirators Three types of respirators for normal work activity: –Particulate respirator Use a filter to trap solid particles like dust or mold –Gas/vapor respirators Use a cartridge to absorb gases and vapors –Combination respirators Have a filter for particles and a cartridge for gas and vapor

23 Selecting a Respirator Particulate respirators –Type 95 = 95 % efficient; appropriate for most dust, mold, or mist –Type 97 = 97% efficient; higher level of protection –Type 100 or HEPA = 99.7% efficient; used with highly toxic substances Gas/Vapor respirators –White = Acid gas –Black = Organic vapors –Green = Ammonia gas –Yellow = Acid gas and organic vapor –Olive Green = Multi- gas combinations

24 Dust Masks NIOSH approval info This “dust mask” is not approved for respiratory protection.

25 Fit Testing Positive pressure test –Block off the exhalation valve with the palm of your hand, –Gently exhale, then hold it for 10 seconds, –Smile, then open your mouth. –A slight bulge and no air leaks is a proper fit. Negative pressure test –Place the palms of your hands over the cartridge openings, and gently inhale, holding your breath for 10 seconds. –Smile, then open your mouth. If the face- piece is collapsing slightly and you don't detect any air leaks, you have a proper fit.

26 Cleaning and Storing Respirators Respirators should be cleaned after each use except disposable respirators or dust filter masks. Wash reusable face pieces and the inhalation and exhalation valves with a mild disinfecting soap. They should be rinsed and air dried before storing. Store clean, dry respirators in a zip-sealed plastic bag in a cool, dry cabinet specifically designated for storage.

27 Training Employees required to use PPE must be trained to know at least the following: When PPE is necessary; What type of PPE is necessary; How to properly put on, take off, adjust, and wear; Limitations of the PPE; Proper care, maintenance, useful life and disposal.