PPE

Importance

According to the hierarchy of controls by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), PPE (sometimes also referred to as PPE equipment)—is recommended to be the last level of defense to prevent occupational injuries, illnesses, and fatalities, but some businesses combined it with other control measures to ensure a safe and healthy environment for their workers. Here are some benefits of using PPEs:

• prevent unnecessary injury in the workplace;
• protect employees from excessive chemical exposure;
• prevent the spread of germs and infectious diseases including COVID-19;
• help businesses comply with regulatory requirements(e.g., The Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 that’s recently been extended to limb workers); and
• improve employee productivity and efficiency.

The 4 Basic Types of PPE and Their Examples

However, even the strictest controls will not necessarily eliminate all the risks associated with most job tasks and this is where the need for PPE must be evaluated. A hazard assessment can help identify which specialized PPE will be required. There are numerous types of workplace safety equipment available depending on the hazard exposure and work conditions. The following are basic PPE that can help protect employees:

Face and Eye Protection

PPE includes safety goggles and face shields and should be used for tasks that can cause eye damage or loss of vision, sprays of toxic liquids, splashes, and burns.

Safety Tips:

• Check if safety glasses comply with the ANSI Z87.1 eye protection standard.
• Ensure that there are no cracks or deformities on the lenses.
• Ensure the strap is in good working condition and is firmly sealed to the cheek and forehead.
• Clean and disinfect after use.

Respiratory Protection

PPE includes full-face respirators, self-contained breathing apparatus, gas masks, N95 respirators, and surgical masks are used for a task that can cause inhalation of harmful materials to enter the body. This includes harmful gas, chemicals, large-particle droplets, sprays, splashes, or splatter that may contain viruses and bacteria such as COVID-19, viral infections, and more.

Safety Tips:

• Ensure that the equipment is fit-tested and the employee has undergone proper training before wearing one.
• Carefully read the instructions to determine if it is designed to help protect against the hazards you may face.
• Change filters on half-mask or full-mask respirators frequently.
• Replace disposable respirators with every use.
• Surgical masks are not to be shared with anyone.
• Avoid touching the surgical mask after wearing it.
• Change surgical mask timely and should be disposed of after use.
• Replace the mask immediately if it is damaged or soiled.

Skin and Body Protection

PPE includes the following categories to protect employees from physical hazards:

Head Protection

PPE includes hard hats and headgears and should be required for tasks that can cause any force or object falling to the head.

Safety Tips:

• Ensure that there are no dents or deformities on the shell and connections are tightened inside.
• Do not store in direct sunlight as extreme heat can cause damage.
• Choose appropriate cleaning agents as it can weaken the shells of hard hats and may eliminate electrical resistance.
• Always replace a hard hat if it was used for any kind of impact, even if the damage is unnoticeable.

Body Protection

PPE includes safety vests and suits that can be used for tasks that can cause body injuries from extreme temperatures, flames and sparks, toxic chemicals, insect bites and radiation.

Safety Tips:

• Ensure that they are clean and free from cuts and burns.
• Always get a good fit to ensure full body protection.
• Ensure bodysuit is heat-resistant clothing when working with high-temperature hazards.

Hands Protection

PPE includes safety gloves and should be used for tasks that can cause hand and skin burns, absorption of harmful substances, cuts, fractures or amputations.

Safety Tips:

• Ensure hand protection fits perfectly with no spaces and is free from cuts, burns, and chemical residue.
• Always replace them if any sign of contamination was observed.
• Use rubber gloves when working with heat and electricity to reduce the risk of burn or electrical shock.

Foot Protection

PPE includes knee pads and safety boots and should be used for tasks that can cause serious foot and leg injuries from falling or rolling objects, hot substances, electrical hazards, and slippery surfaces.

Safety Tips:

• Ensure boots have slip-resistant soles that can protect against compression and impact.
• Ensure the sole plate is in good condition to prevent punctures.

Fall Protection

PPE includes safety harnesses and lanyards and should be strictly used for tasks that can cause falling from heights and serious injury or death.

Safety Tips:

• Ensure that the straps are free from tears, deformities, and burn marks.
• Check the buckles if connected securely and tightly.
• Dispose of the equipment if used after a falling incident.

Hearing Protection

PPE includes ear muffs and plugs and should be used for tasks that can cause hearing problems and loss of hearing.

Safety Tips:

• Ensure the equipment fit the ear canal perfectly.
• It is recommended to use formable earplugs to fit different sizes of ear canals.
• Use protectors that reduce noise exposure to an acceptable level to have room for communication.
• Ensure earplugs are clean and in good condition.

Learn more about hearing protection.

Other examples of PPE include:

• safety glasses or goggles
• safety shoes
• high-visibility clothing or vests
• heat-resistant gloves
• anti-vibration gloves 
• welding helmets
• chemical-resistant suits or aprons
• safety harnesses and lanyards

COVID-19 Prevention and Control

The global COVID-19 pandemic widely affects the economy, businesses, and living standards around the world. The implementation of using PPE such as face mask and face shield while in public areas are mandatory in different countries to prevent and control the spread of COVID-19. This protocol, however, doesn’t guarantee that the ongoing risks have materially changed.

The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) set forth guidelines on the proper way of wearing face masks to protect oneself from acquiring or spreading the virus. Here are the Do’s and Don’ts of wearing masks.

Do’s

Don’ts

Wash or sanitize hands before wearing the mask Check the mask for damages Ensure the colored-side faces outwards Cover the mouth, nose, and chin and adjust accordingly without leaving gaps on the side Ensure you can breathe properly while wearing a mask Avoid touching the mask while using it Wash or sanitize hands before removing the mask Remove the mask by the strap behind the ears Wash the mask preferably with soap and hot water at least once a day Dispose of the mask properly after use

Use the mask if damaged, wet, or dirty Wear a loose mask Wear the mask under the nose Wear a mask that is difficult to breathe through Touch the mask while using it Remove the mask when talking to other people Share used masks to other people Reuse disposable masks

The battle against the global pandemic requires frontliners including doctors and nurses to wear isolation gowns to protect them from acquiring the virus. This would help lessen the chance of getting sick even if they always interact with COVID-19 patients. Below are CDC guidelines they should follow in using PPE:

• All health workers should take comprehensive training about PPE including its appropriate usage, proper don (put on) and doff (take off) procedures, limitations, maintenance, and disposal.
• Ensure the choice of gown size is appropriate to the body size.
• Perform hand hygiene prior to donning the isolation gown.
• Put on NIOSH-approved N95 filtering facepiece respirator or higher. Use a facemask if a respirator is not available.
• Respirator straps should be placed on the crown of the head (top strap) and the base of the neck (bottom strap).
• Perform a user seal check each time you wear a respirator.
• Face mask ties should be secured on the crown of the head (top tie) and the base of the neck (bottom tie). If the face mask has loops, hook them appropriately around the ears.
• Select the proper eye protection such as a face shield or goggles.
• Ensure the correct position of eye protection. It should not affect the seal of the respirator.
• Wear gloves, which should cover the cuff (wrist) of the gown.
• Prior to entering the patient area including the isolation room, PPE must be donned appropriately.
• While on duty, PPE must remain in place and be worn correctly, especially in potentially contaminated areas.
• When attending to patients, do not adjust the PPE. For example, retying the gown or adjusting the respirator or facemask.
• PPE must be removed slowly and deliberately in a sequence to prevent self-contamination.
• Ensure glove removal does not cause additional contamination of hands.
• Gloves can be removed using the glove-in-glove or bird beak technique.
• When removing the gown, carefully reach up to the shoulders and pull the gown down and away from the body.
• After removing the gown, always perform hand hygiene.
• When removing eye protection, do not touch the front of the face shield or goggles.
• When removing respirators or face masks, do not touch the front of the respirator or facemask.
• Dispose of face masks properly.

Toolbox Talk

Workplace safety should begin with a hazard assessment. Once the hazards and risks have been identified, a plan can be put forward to prioritize and reduce the risk of injury. Useful systems and tools to perform hazard assessments include performing a risk assessment and a Job Safety Analysis (JSA).

The hierarchy of controls is a proven safety approach that helps protect employees. If elimination, substitution, engineering, and administrative controls are not enough to eliminate the risk, it is vital to choose the appropriate PPE carefully. Ensure employees are properly trained to use the safety equipment and be able to detect and report any damages before commencing work.

A toolbox talk about PPE is recommended to discuss the different kinds of PPE that can be used to minimize the likelihood and mitigate the effects of hazards. With a toolbox talk template, it can help in assessing the sufficiency and availability of safety equipment for all employees. 

PPE Safety Requirements

Safety Officers can promote safety in the workplace by following PPE safety requirements: 

• Check work sites regularly for the need of PPE.
• If PPE is needed, provide employees with properly-fitted PPE.
• Train employees on OSHA PPE standards.
• Provide protective goggles or face shields when there is a danger of flying particles or corrosive materials.
• Require that safety glasses are worn at all times in worksites that pose risk of eye punctures, abrasions, contusions, or burns.
• Provide and require protective gloves in situations where employees could be cut or possibly exposed to corrosive liquids, chemicals, blood, and other potentially infectious materials.
• Require the use of foot protection when there is risk of foot injury from hot, corrosive, or poisonous substances, and falling objects.
• Inspect hard hats periodically for damage to the shell and suspension system.
• Maintain PPE in sanitary and ready-to-use conditions.
• Ensure that eyewash facilities and quick drench showers are easily accessible for employees when they are accidentally exposed to corrosive materials.
• Establish safe work procedures for disposing of or decontaminating PPE after hazardous exposures.

SafetyCulture Marketplace: Your One-Stop Work Gear & Equipment Shop

Improve safety in your workplace with SafetyCulture Marketplace as your one-stop shop for all work gear and equipment needs. Get on-demand access to top quality and specialized work gear from trusted equipment brands in the industry—all in one centralized location. Raise the bar of safety and efficiency by empowering employees to request what they need with just a few taps, anytime and anywhere!

PPE Safety Examples

These examples of PPE safety are based on a free PPE checklist provided by SafetyCulture for anyone to download and use for free. 

Nature of work: Laboratory (Chemical Handling)

Potential hazards at work: Eye hazards – Handling/dispensing chemicals and ingredients; working around UV lights; chipping, sanding, grinding, welding, metal working; tasks that generate dust Risk/s – Chemical exposure, dust particulates, flying debris Description of hazard – Corrosive chemicals which are harmful when they explode PPE required – Safety glasses with side shields, chemical splash goggles Does equipment undergo testing and in a good condition? Goggles are in good working condition. Lenses are clean without any dirt or debris Does the equipment fit perfectly? They fit perfectly on cheeks and forehead. Head/Neck/Face hazards – Handling/dispensing chemicals and ingredients, chipping, sanding or grinding metal or wood; working on energized equipment, working in confined spaces Risk/s – Chemical exposure, dust particulates, flying debris, UV/IR radiation Description of hazard – Dispensing chemicals and spills PPE required – Full face shields Does equipment undergo testing and in a good condition? Face shields have no dents and marks. Respiratory hazards – Handling/using highly hazardous chemicals; tasks that generate dust and/or fumes; cutting, brazing on certain metals (stainless steel) Risk/s – Chemical exposure, dust particulates, flying debris Description of hazard – Exposure to dangerous vapors PPE required – Respirators Does the equipment fit perfectly? It fits perfectly. Straps are tight.

To give you a better idea, we’ve created a sample pdf report below: 

Guarantee proper usage of PPE with PPE courses

Giving personal protective equipment (PPE) for your workers alone is not enough to protect them from hazards, injuries, and accidents. This is especially true for industries such as construction, manufacturing, and healthcare. To make sure that their PPEs fully serve their functions, it’s crucial that your workers understand their proper use, maintenance, and disposal to protect themselves and the people around them. Thankfully, training now is made easy and convenient for you with online PPE courses that your workers can take anytime and anywhere.

Here, you can use highly recommended premade courses that will cover the different types of PPE and demonstrate when and how to use them properly. Reinforcing PPE training will not only keep your workers safe from hazards but also boost productivity without any threat of unwanted incidents. Try Training, a mobile feature available on the SafetyCulture platform.

All Training courses can be customized to fit the needs of your organization and be shared to your team in minutes. Workers can access the lessons in these course even offline.

 Try out Training now!

PPE Safety Software

SafetyCulture (formerly iAuditor) provides a digital space for safety officers and employees to work towards PPE safety. SafetyCulture helps teams perform hazard assessments to determine if enforcing PPE use is the best control measure for the task. It also allows employees to maintain PPE with ease.

Using the SafetyCulture app, employees can take pictures of PPE defects and even annotate photos to show where the damage is. Tracking the number of usable PPE is easier for safety officers as well and they are better equipped to provide what their employees need to get the job done.

Learn more about SafetyCulture features for PPE safety.

PPE Inspections with SafetyCulture

By using SafetyCulture for PPE inspections, safety officers are able to protect employees from the hazards of the job by ensuring that their PPEs are always in good condition.

With SafetyCulture , conducting regular PPE inspections is easy with convenient access to inspection data automatically stored in the cloud. Safety officers can also generate PPE inspection reports instantly with just one tap, anytime, and anywhere. 

Beyond PPE inspections, SafetyCulture can also be used to develop an organization’s health and safety program by enabling safety officers to do the following:

• Enforce standardized safety protocols across teams and different sites
• Mitigate risks with a wide variety of free risk assessment templates
• Plan corrective actions immediately to prevent incidents from occurring 

Discover a better, faster, and easier way to empower teams in the workplace. 

Ensuring Safety and Protecting Employees

PPE Safety is the practice of ensuring a safe, working environment for employees and visitors through the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Safety is paramount to all businesses across industries. Using PPEs, paired with inspections such as workplace and restaurant inspections, assessments like health and safety risk assessments, and analysis such as gap analysis—is essential to protect employees from risks and hazards.

Here are the frequently asked questions regarding PPE.

PPE Safety Checklist List