Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Is clothing and equipment worn by employees, students, contractors or visitors to protect or shield their
bodies from workplace hazards.

• Section 19 of the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984 sets out the obligation of an
employer 'where it is not practicable to avoid the presence of hazards at the workplace, provide
the employees with, or otherwise provide for the employees to have, such adequate personal
protective clothing and equipment as is practicable to protect them against those hazards,
without any cost to the employees'.

• In the hierarchy of controls (elimination, substitution, engineering, administration and PPE),

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT is considered the least satisfactory method in the
prevention of work-related injury or illness and is only to be used when other measures are not
feasible or cannot be implemented immediately. PPE should be used, however, to supplement
or augment other means of hazard control, to further minimise the risk of injury.

Issues affecting use of PPE include

1. Discomfort and inconvenience, and

2. Inappropriate or poorly maintained equipment

Protecting Employees from Workplace Hazards

Employers must protect employees from workplace hazards and dangerous work procedures that can
cause injury, illness and fatalities.

Employers must:

Use all feasible engineering and work practice controls to eliminate and reduce hazards

Then use appropriate PPE if these controls do not eliminate hazards

Remember: PPE is the last control

TYPES OF PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

PPE can be considered in the following categories, based on the type of protection afforded by the
equipment:
 • Eyes and Face protection

• Head protection

• Hand protection

• Hearing protection

• Foot protection

• Body protection

EYES AND FACE PROTECTION

 Appropriate hazard specific eye protection shall be provided for all people where a risk of eye
injury exists.

 Typical hazards might include flying particles, dust, splashing substances, harmful gases,
vapours, aerosols, and high intensity radiation from welding operations, lasers, transilluminators
and strong heat sources.

The following should be considered:

• Nature of risk to eyes. For example, radiation, impact, dust / abrasive particles, liquid /
chemical splash or spray

• Conditions under which the person is working

• Visual requirements of the task

• Personal preference/comfort of wearer. This may include appearance, weight,

ventilation and unrestricted vision.

• Condition of person’s eyesight.

Types Of Eye And Face Personal Protective Equipment

Safety glasses

 Much stronger and more resistant to impact

and heat than regular
 Equipped with side shields that give you protection
from hazards that may not be directly in front of you
 Should fit comfortable on face through all job tasks.
Ensure that glasses are not too big or too tight
Limitation

 Does not seal around eyes, could allow small droplets to come in contact with eyes

Goggles

 Surround the eye area, they give you more protection in

situations where you might encounter splashing liquids,
fumes, vapors, powders, dusts, and mists
 Must indicate that they are chemical splash goggles to be
worn for that purpose

Limitation

 Uncomfortable to wear with other head gear like helmet, ear

muffs or respirator

Face shields

 Full face protection

 Used around operations which expose you to molten metal,
chemical splashes, or flying particles
 Can be used simultaneously as a hard hat

Limitations

 Are not considered eye protection, will need to wear

goggles or glasses underneath
 Can fog up if working in poorly ventilated area

Welding helmets

 Provide both face and eye protection

 Use special absorptive lenses that filter the intense light
and radiant energy that is produced during welding
operations
Limitations

 Heavy and hot, fog up

 Must wear safety glasses or goggles underneath helmet

Absorptive Lenses

 Additional protection if you must work where there

is bright light or glare.

Limitations

 Must be used in conjunction with safety glasses or

goggles

Safety Tip

 Contact lenses

 Wear your contacts with caution if you work in areas where you might be exposed
to fumes, dusts, powders, vapors, chemical splashes, molten metals, or intense
heat, light or glare

 Some chemicals can react with contacts and cause permanent injury

Care of Eye Protection Equipment

• Clean your eye protection equipment. You can usually use mild soap and water

• Never use abrasive soaps, rough paper, or cloth towels

• Keep PPE in good working condition

• If damaged, replace as soon as possible

• Store your eye protection equipment in a sanitary, cool, dry area away from
moisture

• Read the manufacturer's directions and warnings before using any eye protection
equipment
 • If you have any questions concerning your eye protection equipment, talk with your
supervisor or safety manager

HEAD PROTECTION
 Safety helmets protect against falling objects, bumps and electrical hazards. Hats
are provided for sun and rain protection.

Why is Head Protection Important?

In and around your head are:

Your eyes, with which you see
Your ears, with which you hear
Your nose, with which you smell
Your mouth, with which you eat and speak
Your brain, with which you think

“Injuries to the head are very serious. For this reason, head protection and safety are very
important “.

The following should be considered:

• Nature and location of the work

• Extent of adjustment for comfort

• Accessories must be compatible with the make of helmet used

• Sweat bands

• White helmets will provide better heat reflection and are easily seen in poor
lighting conditions.

Accessories

A wide range of accessories can be fitted to helmets to make them more suitable for variable
working conditions. Examples include:

• A retaining strap worn under the chin or at the nape of the neck

• A bracket and cable clip for the attachment of a lamp

 • An eye shield, face shield or welding shield

• A wide brim for additional shade in hot climates

• Neck flaps for protection against weather, molten metal splash, hot substances
and similar

• A lining for cold conditions

• Ear muffs

Potential incidences of head hazards

 Impact
 Falling or flying objects
 Falling or walking into hard objects
 Injuries include neck sprains, concussions, and skull fractures
 Electric shock
 Live exposed electric wires
 Injuries include electrical shocks and burns
 Drips
 Toxic liquids such as acids, caustics, and molten metals can irritate
and burn the head/scalp. B

Types Of Head Personal Protective Equipment

Hard hats

• A rigid shell that resists and deflects blows to the

head
• A suspension system inside the hat that 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 hard hats can be modified so you can add face
shields, goggles, hoods, or hearing protection to them
Class A Hard Hats

• Protect you from falling objects

• Protect you from electrical shocks up to 2,200 volts

Class B Hard Hats

• Protect you from falling objects

• Protect you from electrical shocks up to 20,000 volts

Class C Hard Hats

• Protect you from falling objects

Bump Caps

• Bump caps are made from lightweight plastic and are designed to protect you from
bumping your head on protruding objects .

Proper use and care of hard hat

• Always wear your hard hat while you are working in areas where there are potential
head hazards

• Adjust the suspension inside your hard hat so that the hat sits comfortably, but securely
on your head

• Inspect the shell of your hard hat for cracks, gouges, and dents. Inspect the suspension
system for frayed or broken straps. If your hard hat needs to be repaired, have it
repaired immediately or ask your employer for a new one

• Place plastic (non-metal) reflective tape on hat if working at night

• Never paint, scratch or drill "air holes" in your hard hat

• Never carry personal belongings such as cigarettes, lighters, or pens in your hard hat
HAND PROTECTION
Why is hand protection important?

• It has been estimated that almost 20% of all disabling accidents on the job involve the
hands

• Without your fingers or hands, your ability to work would be greatly reduced

Potential Incidences of Hand Hazards

Traumatic Injuries

 Tools and machines with a sharp edges can cut your hands.

• Staples, screwdrivers, nails, chisels, and stiff wire can

puncture your hands.

• Getting your hands caught in machinery can sprain, crush,

or remove your hands and fingers

Contact Injuries

 Coming into contact with caustic or toxic chemicals, biological substances,

electrical sources, or extremely cold or hot objects can irritate or burn your
hands

WARNING: Toxic substances are poisonous substances that can be absorbed through your skin
and enter your body.

Repetitive Motion Injuries

 Whenever you repeat the same hand movement over a long period of time, you
run the risk of repetitive motion problems

• Repetitive motion problems often appear as a numbness or

tingling sensation accompanied by pain and the loss of gripping
power in your hands
Types of Hand Personal Protective Equipment

Gloves

• Metal mesh gloves

-Resist sharp edges and prevent cuts

• Leather gloves
-Shield your hands from rough surfaces

• Vinyl and neoprene gloves

-Protect your hands against toxic chemicals

• Rubber gloves
-Protect you when working around electricity

• Padded cloth gloves

-Protect your hands from sharp edges, slivers, dirt, and vibration

• Heat resistant gloves

-Protect your hands from heat and flames

• Latex disposable gloves

-Used to protect your hands from germs and bacteria

• Lead-lined gloves
-Used to protect your hands from radiation sources

Proper fit and use of PPE

 Select and use the right kind of glove for the job you are going to be performing
 Check fit, always use correct size
 Make sure chemical resistant to chemical being used
 Inspect your gloves before you use them
 Remove any rings, watches, or bracelets that might cut or tear
your gloves
 Look for holes and cracks that might leak
 Replace gloves that are worn or torn
 Never wear gloves around powered rotating equipment - drills, lathes, etc
HEARINGPROTECTION
Employers have a statutory obligation to provide personal hearing protection as
necessary for any person working in, or near, a noisy environment.

Selection

The following factors must be considered:

 Requirement for the device to attenuate noise to a level not greater than 85 dB(A)
 Weight
 Clamping force of earmuffs, and ear canal caps
 Suitability for use with other personal protection equipment such as helmets or goggles
 Acceptability to the wearer.

Types of hearing protection

The following hearing protection devices are commonly available:

• Disposable hearing protection device - a hearing protection device formed by

packing a suitable material into or around the ear canal. Disposable hearing
protection devices are discarded after a single wearing

• Earplug - a hearing protection device, other than disposable hearing protection

devices, that is inserted into the ear canal

• Ear canal cap - a hearing protection device that covers the ear canal entrance
and is held in place by a headband
• Earmuff - a hearing protection device that covers the entire ear and is held in
place by a suspension system
• Helmet - a hearing protection device that covers the ears and an appreciable
part of the head
• Suspension system - a device that holds the hearing protection device in proper
position on the wearer's head. A suspension system may be a headband, a
neckband or a safety helmet.
FOOT PROTECTION
Potential Incidences Of Foot Hazards

Impact injuries

• At work, heavy objects can fall on your feet. If you work around sharp objects, you can
step on something sharp and puncture your foot

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

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

Electrical Shocks

• Accidents involving electricity can cause severe shocks and burns

Extremes in Cold, Heat, and Moisture

• If not protected, your feet can suffer from frostbite if you must work in an
extremely cold environment. Extreme heat, on the other hand, can blister and
burn your feet. Finally, extreme moisture in your shoes or boots can lead to
fungal infections.

Slipping

• Oil, water, soaps, wax, and other chemicals can cause you to slip and fall

Types of Foot PPE

Steel toe footwear

- Protects your toes from falling objects and from being crushed

Metatarsal footwear

- Special guards that run from your ankle to your toes and protect your entire foot
Reinforced sole footwear

- Metal reinforcement that protects your foot from punctures

Latex/rubber footwear

- Resists chemicals and provides extra traction on slippery surfaces

PVC footwear

- Protects your feet against moisture and improves traction

Butyl footwear

- Protects against most ketones, aldehydes, alcohols, acids, salts, and alkalies

Vinyl footwear

- Resists solvents, acids, alkalies, salts, water, grease, and blood

Nitrile footwear

- Resists animal fats, oils, and chemicals

Electrostatic dissipating footwear

Conducts static electricity to floors that are grounded

Electrical hazard footwear

Insulated with tough rubber to prevent shocks and burns from electricity

Disposable footwear

Includes shower slippers, clear polyethylene and non-woven booties used in dust free work
areas

BODY PROTECTION
Why is body protection important?

 The skin acts as a natural barrier to the elements

 Chemicals can break down the skin barrier and allow secondary infections to
manifest
Potential Incidences of Body Hazards

 Temperature stress
o Exposure to heat (hot metals) or cold (dry ice) which results in burns
 Chemical Contact
o Chemical splash
o Contact with potentially infectious materials
 Radiation

Proper Fit and Use of Body PPE

 Select and use the right kind of body protection for the job you are going to be
performing

• Make sure chemical resistant to what working with

• Inspect your aprons/body shields before you use them

 Store body protection in a clean, cool, dry, ventilated area

Types of Body PPE

 Insulated Coats and Pants

• Fire resistant

• Heat resistant

• Cold resistant

 Sleeves and Aprons

• Work well when pouring or manipulating chemical to reduce splash

• Make sure the sleeves and aprons are appropriate for the chemical
 Coveralls

• Tyvek use for particulate filtering such as asbestos

• Chemical rated

 Full body suit

• Hazardous materials handling

• Carbon filtering for emergency response