Personal Protective EquipmentDefinition: Devices used to protect an

employees from injury or illness resulting from contact with chemical , radiological, physical, electrical, mechanical, or other workplace hazards (OSHA)

The need for PPE and the type of PPE used is based on hazard present; each situation must be evaluated independently

PPE is used as a last resortThe use of PPE signifies that the hazard could

not be controlled by other methods, such as:administrative controls (i.e., shift rotation)engineering or industrial hygiene controls

Engineering & IH ControlsDesign (remove hazard from process)Substitution (of less hazardous materials)Process modification (how and where)Isolate the process or the workerWet methods for dust reductionLocal exhaust ventilation (at source)Dilution ventilation (area)Good housekeeping

The use of PPE signals that the hazard still exists in the workplace

Unprotected individuals in the same area will be exposed

Failure of PPE means that the worker will be exposed

PPE can be combined with other controls

So, what is it???

PPEHead protectionEye and Face protectionHearing protectionRespiratory protectionArm and Hand protectionFoot and Leg protectionProtective clothing

Head Protection

Hard Hats work by dissipating force

Eye Protection

Eye ProtectionCommon Uses:

Impact ProtectionChemical HazardsRadiation Protection

welder’s goggles laser goggles UV Infrared

Eye Protection - SelectionVisitor specs are only appropriate for non-

employees with no true exposure to hazardsSafety glasses are used to protect the eyes

from flying objects (no face protection)Chemical splash goggles protect against

fluids by sealing tightly against the faceFace shields provide highest level of

protection

Face Shield - the highest level of face protection

Hearing Protection

Hearing Protection BasicsNoise induced hearing loss can occur with

exposures >90 dBAA hearing conservation program becomes a

requirement at exposures >85dBAHigher levels of noise exposure have shorter

allowable exposure times

Noise levels versus DurationSound Level (dBA)909295100105 110115

Exposure (hours)864210.50.25

Hearing ProtectionRule of Thumb - if you cannot carry on a

conversation in a normal tone of voice with someone at arm’s length, you are likely near 90dBA

All hearing protection devices should have a Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) = # of decibels they will reduce noise levels

Be conservative when using NRRs

A couple examplesExample 1

Ear plugs with NRR of 25 dBAexposure = 105 dBA105 minus 25 = 80 dB therefore okay

Example 2same plugsexposure = 125 dBA125 minus 25 = 100 dB not acceptable; must

be below 90 dB

Hearing Protection - TypesEar Plugs - less expensive, disposable, good

ones have fairly high NRRs - sometimes difficult to tell if employees are wearing them

Ear Muffs - more expensive, more durable, typically higher NRRs than plugs, more obvious

Can be used together in very high noise areas

Arm and Hand Protection

Gloves - Typical UsesChemical protectionBiohazard protectionAbrasion protectionFriction protectionProtection from extremes of heat and cold

Gloves - more caveatsNo glove is good against all hazards; consult

laboratory safety link on EHS web page for glove selection chart

Gloves have a finite lifespan and must be periodically replaced

When donning gloves, examine them for signs of tears, cracks, holes and dry rot

Hands should always be washed after removing gloves

Handwashing and gloves

Foot and Leg Protection

Protective FootwearSteel-toed footwear, preferably with

metatarsal guards, is used to protect feet from crushing injuries caused by heavy objects

Rubber boots are often used to protect feet from exposure to liquids

Chaps or leggings are used in certain applications (i.e., using a chainsaw)

Other Protective Clothing

Other Protective ClothingUsed to protect street clothes from hazards

in the workplaceOften hazard specificTo be considered effective, protective

clothing must prevent the contaminant from reaching the clothing or skin of the wearer!

Respiratory Protection

Respiratory ProtectionProtects users by removing harmful materials

that may enter the body via the lungsInhalation is one of the quickest, most

efficient ways to introduce lethal levels of hazardous materials into the body

Respiratory System

Respirators - typesAir Purifying Respirators (APR)

Half-faceFull Face

Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPR)Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA)

RespiratorsDoes not include:

surgical masksdust masks

N-95 respirators are a special class of respiratory protection primarily used in the health care field

Respirators - A Big Caveat!!!Employees should not wear a respirator

unless they have been medically cleared to do so!

This clearance may take the form of a questionnaire, physical examination, pulmonary function testing, chest X-Ray, or a combination of the above

Why?Respirators put additional resistance against

the respiratory system of the wearerPersons with undiagnosed respiratory system

or cardiovascular problems could trigger a serious medical problem (respiratory distress, asthma, heart attack, etc.) by using a respirator

Respirators are incompatible with facial hair

Facial hair…The respirator cannot form a tight seal

against the cheeks and chin, resulting in air leaks which can allow airborne contaminants to be inhaled

Specially designed PAPR hoods can be used for employees with facial hair

small amounts of facial hair that fit inside of the respirator facepiece are acceptable

PPE Acquisition & Replacement

• PPE is provided by Supervisor• If performing activity and you do not have

PPE, contact Supervisor for PPE prior to starting activity

• Employee may be responsible for lost or damaged PPE

• State Equipment Use Policy

EMPLOYEE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Employees must use PPE in accordance with training and instructions

• Most job activities require the use of PPE• PPE use is a requirement of the job• If the employee cannot use the PPE then

alternative PPE must be selected, the job must be modified to eliminate the hazard requiring PPE or the employee must change jobs

EMPLOYEE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Employee cannot sign waiver and accept risk of injury

• Would not remove liability• Unethical to knowingly place an employee

in an unprotected hazardous situation• PPE is provided to protect employee and is

not intended as an inconvenience

EMPLOYER RESPONSIBILITIES

• The employer SHALL ensure that employees are provided and use appropriate personal protective equipment when they are exposed to hazards requiring their use

• Use of PPE has been incorporated into employee work plans and will be enforced as any other key responsibility/dimension including disciplinary action and may affect workers’ compensation eligibility

BHS 3013-2/S 42 JULY 2012

Section 24 - Duties of employees

To take reasonable care for the safety and health of himself and of other persons…

To co-operate with his employer…

To wear or use at all times any protective equipment or clothing…

To comply with any instruction or measure on occupational safety and health…

Penalty: fine < RM1000 or prison < 3 months or both.

BHS 3013-2/S 43 JULY 2012

Section 26No employer shall levy any employee any charge of anything done…

RecapPPE is hazard specific; the hazards of each

workplace and task must be evaluatedPPE is used as a last resort when the hazard

cannot be controlled by other methodsSupervisors are responsible to ensure it is

available and worn; Employees must wear and maintain their PPE

RecapPPE is only considered effective if it prevents

the contaminant from reaching the wearerRespirators should not be worn by employees

unless they have been medically cleared to do so

Dressed for Success!

Emergency Washing EquipmentWhere emergency washing facilities are needed, they must be readily available andaccessible as follows:

Free from obstructions or obstacles

Can be reached in 10 seconds or less

Function properly

Note: The travel distance to the eyewash or shower should be no more than 50 ft.

Emergency EyewashesRequired where there is the potential

for an employee’s eyes to be exposed to corrosives, strong irritants, or toxic chemicals.

Eyewash must irrigate and flush botheyes simultaneously and allow the user to hold the eyes open with both hands.

On-off valve must be activated in one second and remain open.

Must deliver at least 0.4 gallons per minute for 15 minutes.

Emergency Showers

• Required if there is a potential for substantial portions of the body to come into contact with corrosives, strong irritants, or toxic chemicals.

• Must provide 20 gallons per minute for at least 15 minutes.

• A bathroom shower does not meet these water flow requirements.

Emergency washing equipment is rarely used since emergencies by definition are rare events.

On the rare occasion it is needed, a worker’s eyesight can be saved.

The employee with corrosive liquid splashed in the eye will often need help in finding the eyewash and in keeping his eyes open for 15 minutes.

A short training for all at-risk workers should be done – where equipment is located and how to use it.