Copyright ©2009 Progressive Business Publications 1 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Copyright ©2009 Progressive Business Publications 2 Workplace Hazards and PPE PPE: Your last line of defense Consequences of lax PPE use: –Loss of hearing or vision, amputation, concussions, respiratory diseases –Death You and this site are not immune!
Copyright ©2009 Progressive Business Publications 3 Common PPE Excuses “I didn’t know we needed it for this job.” “I was only working for a few minutes.” “I was just about to put it on.” “I don’t like the way it fits.”
Copyright ©2009 Progressive Business Publications 4 Maintaining PPE PPE must be well-maintained and fit properly Employers are required to provide most PPE Employers must also regularly replace PPE If your PPE doesn’t fit properly or is making it harder to do your job, tell someone!
Copyright ©2009 Progressive Business Publications 5 Protecting Your Eyes and Face Eye and face PPE is essential in protecting you from: –Dirt and debris –Chemical splashes –Falling or swinging objects –Radiant energy Eye and face PPE should not restrict vision or movement
Copyright ©2009 Progressive Business Publications 6 Types of eyewear PPE Safety glasses Safety goggles Face shields
Copyright ©2009 Progressive Business Publications 7 Fall Protection PPE Fall protection is required for any work at a height of over six feet Essential in protecting: –Elevated workers from tripping or falling –Anyone below the work area who could be injured by falling objects Inspect PPE before every use and make sure you wear it correctly!
Copyright ©2009 Progressive Business Publications 8 Elements of Fall Protection Harness or lifeline –Harness attached to lanyard, which is attached to anchor Anchor point –Sturdy, anchored location to attach harness Guardrails –Rails that protect against falling over the edge Toeboards –Raised area on the edge of platforms to keep tools or supplies from falling
Copyright ©2009 Progressive Business Publications 9 Use your head: Hard hats Class A hard hat –Impact and penetration protection with limited voltage resistance Class B hard hat –Highest level of voltage protection with impact and penetration protection Class C hard hat –Impact protection, but no voltage resistance
Copyright ©2009 Progressive Business Publications 10 Hand and Arm Protection Leather gloves Fabric gloves Chemical resistant gloves Wear gloves that fit and inspect them regularly!
Copyright ©2009 Progressive Business Publications 11 Foot and Leg Protection Foot and leg PPE protect against: –Heavy or sharp objects –Slippery surfaces –High temperatures and electricity Kinds of foot and leg PPE –Safety shoes –Leggings –Toe guards
Copyright ©2009 Progressive Business Publications 12 Breathing Protection Respirators will protect you from: –Hazardous particles in the air that can cause long-term injury or death –Often you cannot see or smell these particles! Kinds of respirators: –Air purifying –Supplied air Perform qualitative fit testing for each staffer
Copyright ©2009 Progressive Business Publications 13 Hearing Protection Hearing PPE required for exposure to 90+ dB (lawn mower) for 8 or more hours Kinds of hearing PPE: –Single-use earplugs –Pre-formed earplugs –Earmuffs
Copyright ©2009 Progressive Business Publications 14 Who’s Responsible for PPE? We’re all responsible for PPE Inspect PPE before every use and make sure coworker’s gear looks right Make sure PPE fits well and is comfortable Speak with your supervisor if you have any questions or problems
Copyright ©2009 Progressive Business Publications 15 Summary PPE is your last line of defense. An accident could happen at any time Kinds of PPE PPE is everyone’s responsibility Inspect it every time you use it and make sure it is comfortable