Personal Protective Equipment - Whats it all about?Written by: Gene HerbestMade available by www.nationalsafetyinc.com

REFERENCESAR 385 SeriesAR 11-34TB Med SeriesDA Pam 385-129 CFR 1910ANSI Z41-1991

Personal Protective EquipmentDefinition: Devices used to protect workers from injury or illness resulting from contact with chemical , radiological, physical, electrical, mechanical, or other workplace hazards (AR 385 Series & OSHA)The need for PPE and the type of PPE used is based on hazard present; each situation must be evaluated independently (Risk Assessment)

Some CaveatsPPE 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

Back to the caveats...The use of PPE signals that the hazard still exists in the workplaceUnprotected workers in the same area will be exposedFailure of PPE means that the worker will be exposedPPE 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 ProtectionGrindingDrillingChemical HazardsParts washerSpray PaintingRadiation Protectionwelders goggleslaser gogglesUVInfrared

Eye Protection - SelectionSafety 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 arms length, you are likely near 90dBAAll hearing protection devices should have a Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) = # of decibels they will reduce noise levelsBe conservative when using NRRs

A couple examplesExample 1Ear plugs with NRR of 25 dBAexposure = 105 dBA105 minus 25 = 80 dB therefore okayExample 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 workers are wearing themEar Muffs - more expensive, more durable, typically higher NRRs than plugs, more obviousCan 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 hazardsGloves have a finite lifespan and must be periodically replacedWhen donning gloves, examine them for signs of tears, cracks, holes and dry rotHands 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 All safety footwear shall comply with ANSI Z41-1991 Rubber boots are often used to protect feet from exposure to liquidsChaps or leggings are used in certain applications (i.e., using a chainsaw)

Other Protective Clothing

Other Protective ClothingUsed to protect the work uniform from hazards in the workplaceOften hazard specificTo be considered effective, protective clothing must prevent the contaminant from reaching the clothing or skin of the worker!

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

RespiratorsDoes not include:surgical masksdust masksN-95 respirators are a special class of respiratory protection primarily used in the health care field

Respirators - A Big Caveat!!!workers 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 wearerworkers 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 hairThe respirator cannot form a tight seal against the cheeks and chin, resulting in air leaks which can allow airborne contaminants to be inhaledSpecially designed PAPR hoods can be used for workers with facial hair small amounts of facial hair that fit inside of the respirator facepiece are acceptable

PPE UsagePPE that is required to safely conduct work should be purchased/ordered by the work section and/or unitEmployers are responsible for ensuring that PPE is available and wornworkers are responsible for wearing & maintaining PPE, and reporting worn or defective PPE to their Employer

RecapPPE is hazard specific; the hazards of each workplace and task must be evaluated (risk assessment)PPE is used as a last resort when the hazard cannot be controlled by other methodsEmployers are responsible to ensure it is available and worn; workers must wear and maintain their PPE

Recap

PPE is only considered effective if it prevents the contaminant from reaching the workerRespirators should not be worn by workers unless they have been medically cleared to do so

Dressed for Success!

For additional information on PPE...

Contact your Employer

Or contact National Safety, Inc. directly

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