Unit – 2

Lesson 3 – Personal Protective Equipment

1. How to select and maintain the respiratory system?

1. Selection of respiratory protection equipment

The selection of right type of respiratory protection equipment is based on the following factors:-

a. Type of hazard
b. Nature of the hazard
c. Severity of the hazard
d. Type of contaminant
e. Concentration of contaminant
f. Period for which respirator protection must be provided

2. Maintenance of respiratory protection equipment

• Proper maintenance is essential to ensure the RPE works correctly and provides the
appropriate level of protection.
• Maintenance should include cleaning, disinfection, examination, repair, testing and
record keeping.
• Following the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and disinfecting using
recommended cleaning agents and procedures.
• Reusable respirators should be cleaned after each use, except disposable respirators or
dust filter masks.
• Discard disposable respirators or dust filter masks after one use.
• Inspect the parts. Replace damaged or worn parts.
• Air-dry the parts that have been cleaned and must be completely dry before storage.
• A competent person should only carry out maintenance of RPE.
• RPE should be stored under suitable conditions, complying with the manufacturer’s
instructions, to prevent damage or contamination.

2. Explain about respiratory supporting PPEs types?

Air-purifying respirators (APRs) work by removing gases, vapors, aerosols (droplets and solid
particles), or a combination of contaminants from the air through the use of filters, cartridges, or
canisters. These respirators do not supply oxygen and therefore cannot be used in an
atmosphere that is oxygen-deficient or immediately dangerous to life or health.
a. Canister Gas masks
This type of mask consists of a canister, containing appropriate chemical, a full face piece or
mask and straps to hold the face piece to the head of wearer.
Air is drawn through the canister by the wearer and during its passage through the chemical in
the canister, the contaminant present in the incoming air is absorbed or is neutralized. The

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canisters are designed for specific gases and it is very important that the appropriate type is
used.
The canister gas masks cannot used in atmosphere deficient in oxygen and not containing more
than 2% by volume of most toxic gases. Also, the life of the canister will depend upon the type
of canister, the concentration of gas and the activity of the wearer.
b. Chemical Cartridge Respirator
This consists of both, half mask or full face piece attached to one or two cartridges. Like
canisters, the cartridges are filled with appropriate chemicals to absorb gases or vapor drawn
through them.
Like canister gas mask, chemical cartridge respirator provides respiratory protection for a period
that depends on the type of cartridges used, the concentration of the gas or vapor, and the
wearer's activity.
This respirator is a non-emergency gas respirator and it should not be used in an atmosphere
deficient in oxygen. It is recommended for low concentration gases and vapor (max.of 0.1 % of
organic vapor).
c. Self-rescue type Respirators
This is designed to provide the greatest possible respiratory protection consistent with the
practicability of carrying the device at all times so that it is always available for use during
escape. It consists of small filter element, a mouth piece, nose clip and strap for tying it
conveniently on the body. The extent of protection afforded is between that provided by canister
gas mask and chemical cartridge respirator.
d. Mechanical Filter Respirators
These remove particulate matter from the incoming air which passes through the filter. The filter
may be of the single use or reusable type. If these respirators are used in heavy concentrations
of particulate matter, the filter will be clogged with dust particles too quickly and they may have
to be replaced every time. Micro filters are special filter, designed to arrest ultra-microscopic
size of dust particles and these are used where extremely fine dusts are encountered.
e. Combination of Chemical and Mechanical Filter Respirators
These remove toxic gases and vapor and particulate matter from inspired air. They are
commonly used in spray painting work.
The life of the canister will depend upon; the location of the contaminated area with respect to a
source; Expected activity of the wearer; Operating Characteristic and limitations of the available
respirator.

3. Explain about non-respiratory supporting PPEs?

1. Head Protection

Head protection is necessary for all employees working in areas where there is risk of head
injury from impact, falling or flying objects, risk of banging the head, hair getting tangled in

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machinery, extreme temperatures, electrical shock or burns. Some protective helmets are
designed to absorb the shock of a blow and resist penetration by falling or flying objects.

Typical Forms: Helmets, hard hats, bump caps, guards

Usually Required For: Construction workers, engineers, miners

3. Eye and Face Protection

Eye and face protection is necessary for all employees those who are exposed to eye or face
hazards from liquid chemicals, acids, chemical gases, molten metal, light radiation, and flying
particles.

Common activities that require eye and face protection include welding, working with lasers,
heavy cutting, the use of gas under pressure, and the handling of hazardous substances etc.

 Typical Forms: safety glasses and goggles, Welding helmets, Face shields

 Usually Required For: Welders, machinists, construction workers, laboratory workers

3. Hearing Protection

Hearing protection is necessary for all employees those who are working in an environment with
high-sound levels where it’s not feasible to reduce the level of noise or duration of exposure.

Employees should wear hearing protectors when engaged in work that exposes a noise level
that equals or exceeds 85 dBA for a period of 8-hour.

 Typical Forms: Earplugs, Earmuffs

 Usually Required For: Airport runway workers, mechanics, machinists, music venue
employees

4. Respiratory Protection

Respiratory protection is necessary for workers those who are working in an environment with
large amounts of harmful dusts, fogs, mists, fumes, vapors, powders, or gases. The goal is to
protect the health of your employees by preventing atmospheric contamination.

 Typical Forms: face masks, Respirator masks, detectors.

 Usually Required For: Miners, demolition workers, healthcare workers, factory workers

5. Hand Protection

Hand protection is necessary to protect workers against cuts, lacerations, punctures, abrasions,
chemical burns, thermal burns, and harmful temperature extremes.

Common activities that may require hand protection include working in hot or cold
environments, manually handling sharp objects, and working with hazardous chemicals etc.

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  Typical Forms: leather gloves, Insulated gloves, impact-resistant gloves, cut resistant
gloves
 Usually Required For: Almost every type of manual labor

6. Foot and Leg Protection

Foot and leg protection is required when working in areas where there is a danger of foot
injuries due to falling or rolling objects, or objects that may pierce the sole of the shoe or where
an employee's feet are exposed to electrical hazards. 

 Typical Forms: Reinforced boots, insulated boots, insulated pants, welder’s spats
 Usually Required For: Almost every type of manual labor

7. Body Protection

Entire body protection is necessary for workers those who are working in extreme hot or cold
temperatures, exposed to chemical, radioactive materials, arc flash, infectious materials, sparks
or flames, falls and sharp objects.

 Typical Forms: Laboratory coats, Long pants, Coveralls, High Visibility jackets, aprons,
molten metal suits, disposable body suits.
 Usually Required For: Roofers, electricians, laboratory workers, steel and ironworkers

4. Write Requirements of the PPE?

 Adequate protection against the hazards to which the worker will be exposed.
 Maximum comfort and minimum weight compatible with protective efficiency.
 No restriction of essential movements.
 Durability and susceptibility of maintenance on the premises where, is used.
 Construction in accordance with the accepted standards for performance.

5. How to Select the PPE?

PPE shall be selected based on the flowing factors:-

1. Work place hazard

PPE should be selected appropriate for the specific hazards to which users are exposed and
perceived level of risk. Risk assessment shall be conducted to categorize the hazard and
selection of PPE.
E.g. If an employee works in wet conditions, safety boots must be waterproof.

2. Proper Fit

PPE should be correct fit, allow employees to move freely without causing difficulties, and
complete their work tasks.

3. Weight

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Heavy PPE will put employees at risk of work fatigue, which will affect their overall productivity
and performance in the workplace. For that reason, lightweight PPE to be selected and ensure
that the materials are strong enough to withstand damage.

4. Comfort

PPE has a comfortable fit and offers sufficient airflow to avoid heat stress. This is especially
important during hot or humid months or where employees are exposed to high heat
environments. If the PPE is uncomfortable to wear, then it is likely to distract employees from
their work tasks and may result in injuries.

5. Design

PPE should be well designed, appropriate for the workplace and nature of work. Also made
from quality materials.

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