PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (P.P.E)

What is it ?  All P.P.E has to meet he requirements of the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations  PPE is defined as “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”.

EXAMPLES  Hard Hats.  Must be worn at all times on site.  Entry to site will be refused unless you have a hard hat.  Hard hats should be adjusted to fit the head.

injuries  16 deaths in 2006/7 were from moving or falling objects.  There were 649 reports of being hit by moving / falling objects.  17% of all accident reports were due to being hit by falling objects.

STEEL TOE CAP BOOTS  All boots worn on site should have steel toe caps.  They should ideally have a steel shank in the sole.  This is to prevent puncture wounds if stepping on a nail.

EYE PROTECTION  Eye goggles.  Should be used whenever handling chemicals, grinding or sanding.  Construction workers have one of the highest eye injury rates.  Dust from wood, cement or plaster can scratch the eye.

DUST MASK  Protects the worker from dangerous or harmful substances that are present in the form of dust, mist or fume.  Concrete dust contains high levels of silica, this gives an increased risk of chest complaint.

OVERALLS  Used to protect the worker from splashes and dirt.  Some substances such as concrete and cement can burn the skin if left on too long.  Normally made from Denim, Cotton or Nylon.

HIGH VIZ VEST  Are mandatory on building sites.  High viz vests must be worn at all times on site.  649 accident reports are from being hit by a moving or falling object.

HEARING PROTECTION  Hearing protection has to be provided if an employee requests it.  Ear defenders aim to keep the noise level down to 85db.  Prolonged exposure to excessive noise can lead to Tinnitus (ringing in the ears).