Personal protective Equipment Click to edit Master subtitle style

(PPE)

4/22/12

PPE Definition and Requirement:

Definition: Devices used to protect workers from injury or illness resulting from contact with chemical , radiological, physical, electrical, mechanical, or other workplace hazards The need for PPE and the type of PPE used is based on hazard present; each situation must be evaluated independently (Risk Assessment)
4/22/12

PPE Requirement:

The 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 4/22/12 Design (remove hazard from process)

PPE Requirement:

The use of PPE signals that the hazard still exists in the workplace Unprotected workers in the same area will be exposed Failure of PPE means that the worker will be exposed.

4/22/12

Example of PPE

Body Part Face Head Feet Hands and arms Bodies Eye Hearing 4/22/12

Protection face shields hard hats safety shoes gloves vests safety glasses, goggles earplugs, earmuffs

Example of PPE

4/22/12

Head Protection

4/22/12

Causes of Head Injuries

Falling objects such as tools Bumping head against objects, such as pipes or beams Contact with exposed electrical wiring or components
4/22/12

Eye Protection

4/22/12

Eye Protection

Common Uses: Impact Protection

Grinding Drilling Parts washer Spray Painting

Chemical Hazards

Radiation Protection

welders goggles laser goggles UV 4/22/12 Infrared

Hearing Protection

4/22/12

Hearing Protection

Noise induced hearing loss can occur with exposures >90 dBA A hearing conservation program becomes a requirement at exposures >85dBA Higher levels of noise exposure have shorter allowable exposure times 4/22/12

Noise levels versus Duration

Sound Level (dBA) 90 92 95 100 105 110 4/22/12 115
Exposure (hours) 8 6 4 2 1 0.5 0.25

Arm and Hand Protection

4/22/12

Gloves - more caveats

No glove is good against all hazards 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 4/22/12