Selection of PPE – Risk Assessment

Final Draft
Guideline

OMV-EP Guidelines

Selection of PPE – Risk Assessment

HSEQ-HQ-04-04-00

Prepared by: Date 6 May 2005

Peter E Neal, Senior HSEQ Advisor

Approved by: Date 6 May 2005

Rod Ritchie, Head EP-HSEQ

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1 Scope and Application

This guideline applies to all Exploration and Production activities of OMV.

The purpose of this guideline is to define general principles for selection of personal
protective equipment (PPE) and provide a risk assessment protocol (refer Appendix A).

This guideline supplements the minimum standard for PPE defined in OMV document
number HSEQ-HQ-06-11 latest revision, Personal Protective Equipment.

Items not considered as PPE for the purpose of this guideline are:
• Work or uniform clothing without specific protective properties
• PPE used by armed security forces
• PPE for self-defence (e.g. aerosol canisters, deterrent weapons)
• Some PPE for private use (e.g. headgear, winter and rainwear, footwear, umbrellas,
dish-washing gloves, oven gloves)
• PPE for protection or rescue on vessels and aircraft.

PPE shall only be used if the risks cannot be eliminated or sufficiently reduced by engineered
protection devices or by organisational measures, methods or processes.

PPE are considered to be the lowest form of risk control, only to be used to protect against
the residual risk after implementation of other measures.

This guideline applies to all OMV operated or controlled worksites, for all employees,
contractors and visitors.

2 Cross-references
PPE designed and manufactured to European Standards (EN – Européen Normalisation)
issued by CEN (Comité Européen de Normalisation – European Committee for
Standardisation) should be used. Other standards are acceptable provided they are equal to,
or exceed the EN standards and requirements. The main EN standards that apply when
selecting PPE are as follows:
- EN166 Personal eye protection
- EN345-1 Safety footwear for professional use
- EN352-1 Hearing protectors - Ear muffs
- EN352-2 Hearing protectors - Ear plugs
- EN-352-3 Hearing Protectors – Ear muffs attached to a safety helmet
- EN 361 PPE against falls from height – full body harness
- EN397 Industrial safety helmets
- EN420 General requirements for gloves
- EN471 High visibility warning clothing
- EN531 Protective clothing for industrial workers exposed to heat (excluding
fire-fighters’ and welders’ clothing)
- EN 813 PPE against falls from height – sit harness

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- EN1149-3 Protective clothing – electrostatic properties – Part 3: test methods

for measurement of charge decay
- EN11092 Textiles. Determination of physiological properties. Measurement of
thermal and water-vapour resistance under steady-state conditions

The above EN standards are the main ones that are likely to be used. A full listing of all
available standards can be found by reference to the CEN website www.cenorm.be

OMV document number HSEQ-HQ-06-11 latest revision; Personal Protective Equipment

Standard defines the minimum PPE requirements.

3 Management responsibilities
Line managers are responsible for implementing this standard.

4 Definitions
Worksites (or Workplace)
Any hazardous facility and typically these can be: -
• Oil and gas processing facility
• Tanker loading areas
• Well sites
• Construction sites
• Metering stations
• Oil gas pumping stations
• Port facilities
• Storage areas (e.g. tank farms, bulk chemical storage, warehouses)

Definition of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE)

PPE is any equipment worn or held by a person to protect him/her against one or more
health or safety risks at the worksite, including all complementary equipment or accessories
that can contribute to this purpose.

This definition excludes:

• Normal work wear and uniforms not specifically intended to protect safety and health
• Equipment of first aid and rescue services
• PPE for armed security forces
• PPE used in road vehicles (e.g. safety belts in cars)
• Underwater diving equipment
• Sports equipment
• Personal self-defence, deterrent materials or warning devices

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5 Procedure
5.1 General Principles
To be effective PPE must: -
• Be appropriate for the hazard faced
• Be of a material that will resist the hazard
• Be suitable for the person wearing it (e.g. users of breathing apparatus shall have
lung function tests)
• Not interfere with the person performing his/her function
• Be of robust construction
• Be compatible with other PPE being worn at the same time (e.g. ear defenders and
face masks)
• Not increase the risks to the wearer (e.g. the use of ear defenders may prevent the
wearer from hearing warnings and additional methods of communication may be
required)

PPE shall be: -

• Provided free of charge
• Personal issue or be given suitable hygiene treatment between uses
• Used only for its intended purpose
• Maintained and kept in good condition
• Repaired to original specification if damaged
• Replaced if it can not be repaired to original specification
• Kept in suitable storage when not in use
• Available in sufficient quantities to cover for foreseeable events (e.g. peak
maintenance/construction periods, visitors, wear out and degradation)

Persons who use PPE shall be: -

• Informed of the hazards faced
• Instructed in the preventative measures being taken
• Trained in the proper use of the equipment
• Consulted and allowed a choice of PPE subject to its suitability
• Taught how to maintain the equipment and keep it in good order
• Instructed to report any deterioration or damage

OMV employees and contractors visiting worksites from their head office or project office
shall have personal issue minimum standard PPE (as specified in OMV document number
HSEQ-HQ-06-11 latest revision) provided by their line managers before they visit the facility.

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5.2 Hazard Identification and PPE

A thorough identification of the hazards that can occur during any activity, including abnormal
and emergency conditions, is an essential pre-requisite of risk assessment. Appendix A gives
more information on how to conduct a PPE risk assessment.

Conditions of Use
The conditions of use of PPE, in particular the duration of use, shall be determined in relation
with the following factors: -
• Level of risk
• Frequency of exposure to the risk
• Conditions at each individual workplace
• Efficiency of the PPE

Evaluation of PPE
Prior to the selection of a PPE the employer shall make an evaluation that includes the
following steps: -
1. Analysis and assessment of hazards to ensure that risks can not be avoided by other
means
2. Description of the characteristics of the PPE to counter the risks determined in the
first step, taking into account the possibility of risks introduced by the PPE itself
3. Evaluation of the characteristics of the PPE available, compared with the product
specification determined in the second step
4. Identification of any training needs
5. Consultation with the users of the PPE to verify agreement with the previous steps
6. Ensure that suppliers and repairers of PPE can verify compliance with the technical
standards and requirements (e.g. through certification, accredited marking of
products).

The evaluation shall be repeated when the PPE is modified or the user conditions change.

Personal Factors
Personal factors can impact the effectiveness of PPE or be a hazard in their own right.
Typically these are as follows: -
• Rings, arm bangles, jewellery or similar ornaments shall not be worn.
• Low profile ‘sleeper’ ear studs (one per ear) are acceptable
• Body piercing jewellery is generally not permitted and if in doubt individuals shall
consult their line manager
• Watches shall be low profile and close fitted to the wrist
• Long hair shall be tied back or enclosed in a hair net
• Persons who use breathing apparatus or face-fitting respiratory protection devices
shall not have beards and be clean shaven at start of shift. Moustaches that are
neatly trimmed and do not interfere with correct functioning of respiratory PPE are
permitted.

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The above list is not exhaustive and there may be other personal factors that should be taken
into account on an individual basis. Some disabilities or impairments may have to be treated
sensitively and in confidence.

Allowance may have to be made for local cultural or religious beliefs.

5.3 Special PPE Requirements

Certain activities and worksites will have hazards that require specialised PPE. The PPE may
be defined by permit to work procedures, workplace safety assessments or using industry
codes of practice.

Special Hazard Activities

• Working in atmospheres or with processes where there is a high risk of static
electrical discharges initiating a fire or explosion
• Radiography using X-rays or radioactive isotopes
• Fusion welding or cutting
• Drilling, grinding, wire brushing, needle guns
• Machining including bending machines and presses
• Handling chemicals
• Working with micro-organisms
• Working with toxic fumes, dusts, irritants
• Confined space entry
• Jetting - water, air, sand
• Working at heights
• Working over water
• Steam cleaning
• Sandblasting
• Working with lasers
• Working with explosives
• Travel in helicopters
• Travel in marine vessels (including transfers)

Sites
• Offshore rigs
• Geophysical sites
• Laboratories
• Medical treatment areas
• Kitchens – food preparation, storage
• Pipelines (during construction, maintenance, inspection, testing, repair)
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• Marine environment (e.g. supply vessels, diving support vessel, heavy lift vessel,
accommodation barges/rigs, tugs, water taxi, transfer vessels, well service vessels,
anchor handling vessels)
• Geographic location: climatic factors – extreme heat or cold

6 Record of Revisions
None.

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APPENDIX A

A. Selection of PPE – Risk Assessment Guidelines

The sections below give guidance for applying a semi-quantitative risk assessment when
selecting PPE. No methodology can be guaranteed to apply for every circumstance and
caution shall be exercised when using the risk matrix and checklists. End users shall always
be involved during the selection process for PPE. In all cases, before final selection is made,
the relevant European Standard (EN) should be consulted together with manufacturers data.

It is emphasised that PPE is the last resort as a method of reducing risks. All other options
shall be considered before PPE is specified.

B. Parts of the Body

Parts of the body to be protected, typical hazards and possible PPE is listed in the following
table: -

Part of the Body Hazard PPE

Head Falling objects Safety helmets
Confined spaces Bump caps
Hair entanglement Caps, hair net, haircut

Hearing Excessive noise Ear defenders, ear plugs

Eyes Dust, grit, flying particles Safety glasses, goggles, face

shields

Radiations, lasers, arc welding Special goggles or face shields

Lungs Dust Face masks, respirators

Fumes Respirator with absorbent filter
(limited effectiveness)

Toxic gases and oxygen deficient Breathing apparatus

atmosphere

Hand Sharp edges, splinters and burrs Protective gloves

Corrosive chemicals Resistant gloves
Low/high temperatures Insulating gloves

Feet Slipping, sharp items on floor, falling Safety shoes

objects
Liquid or metal splashes Gaiters and safety shoes

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Part of the Body Hazard PPE

Skin Dirt and mild corrosives Barrier cream
Strong corrosives and solvents Impermeable barriers such as
gloves and apron

Trunk and body Solvents, moisture Aprons, overalls

Whole body Hostile atmosphere (e.g. toxic fumes, Pressurised suits

radioactive dusts, fibres/particulates)
Falls Fall arrestors/harnesses
Moving vehicles/loads High visibility clothing
High temperatures Heat resistant clothing
Inclement weather All weather clothing

C. Risk Matrix
The risk matrix to determine the combined effect of consequence and probability (= risk) is
shown in the table below: -

C = Consequence P = Probability
0: No effect 0: Zero probability
1: Only nuisance 1: Very unlikely event
2: May lead, when unprotected, to small 2: May happen in emergency situations
injuries which require treatment
3: May lead, when unprotected, to injuries 3: May happen in normal circumstances
with temporary incapacity
4: May lead, when unprotected, to 4: Frequent exposure
irreversible damage of health or
permanent injury
5: May cause death, when unprotected 5: Permanent exposure

Action required when risk score C x P is equal to four or greater

The above risk matrix shall be used in conjunction with the checklists in Section D below to
guide and document the selection process for PPE.

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D. Checklists
D1 Mechanical Risks
Action required when risk score C x P is equal to four or greater

Hazard C P CxP Alternative to PPE PPE

Caught by moving machine parts
Contact with abrasive or cutting tools
Crushing (e.g. hands or limbs)
Abrasive grains (e.g. blasting, sand)
Airborne particles (e.g. grinding, wire brushing, drilling)
Hit by air, liquid or particulates jet (e.g. high pressure)
Cutting, piercing, perforation
Struck by blunt object
Hit by falling object
Vibrations
Loss of grip (hands)
Impairment of dexterity
Sliding on rough surfaces
Slipping on smooth surface
Caught by moving vehicle
Falling from height

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D2 Thermal Risks
Action required when risk score C x P is equal to four or greater

Hazard C P CxP Alternative to PPE PPE

Contact with open flame – specify duration(s)
Contact with hot surfaces: -
ƒ Temperature
ƒ Duration
ƒ Pressure
Steam jet
Thermal radiation – temperature or flux
Molten or incandescent material: -
ƒ Identify material (e.g. steel, copper, aluminium)
ƒ Quantities
ƒ Type
o Droplets
o Spray
o Splashes

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D3 Chemical Risks
Action required when risk score C x P is equal to four or greater

Hazard C P CxP Alternative to PPE PPE

Name of chemical(s)
Nature of chemical
ƒ Acid
ƒ Alkali
ƒ Solvent
ƒ Other
Type of health hazard
ƒ Toxic, caustic, irritant
ƒ Carcinogenic, teratogenic, radioactive
ƒ Allergic
Routes of entry
ƒ Ingestion
ƒ Inhalation
ƒ Absorption
ƒ Direct via needles, cuts or wounds
Physical factors
ƒ Splashes or showers
ƒ Under pressure
ƒ Flammability – fire or explosion potential
ƒ Ignition from electrostatic sources
ƒ High or low temperature
ƒ Liquid, gas or vapour
ƒ Solid, sludge, dust, airborne particles
ƒ Concentration

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D4 Climatic/Visibility Risks
Action required when risk score C x P is equal to four or greater

Hazard C P CxP Alternative to PPE PPE

Weather conditions: -
ƒ Rain
ƒ Snow
ƒ Fog, mist
ƒ Wind
ƒ Rapidly changing conditions
Very low temperature: -
ƒ Ambient air, wind-chill factor
ƒ Permafrost
ƒ Cold storage room
ƒ Handling cryogenic liquids and solids
Visibility: -
In daylight
In the dark
During twilight, for or mist
Hot climatic conditions – risk of heat stroke due to combination
of PPE and work stress

D5 Electrical Risks
Action required when risk score C x P is equal to four or greater

Hazard C P CxP Alternative to PPE PPE

Electrical shock: -
ƒ Voltage (AC or DC)
ƒ Current
Accumulation of static charges leading to:
ƒ Ignition of flammable substances
ƒ Damage to electronic components

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D6 Infective Agents and Biological Risks

Action required when risk score C x P is equal to four or greater

Hazard C P CxP Alternative to PPE PPE

Type of infective agent: -
ƒ Bacteria
ƒ Fungi
ƒ Virus
Proliferation of contamination
Source of contaminant: -
Liquids (e.g. blood, urine, water, sludge)
Solids (e.g. contaminated clothes, faeces, carrions)
Aerosols, pressurised containers
Contaminated dust

D7 Radiation Risks
Action required when risk score C x P is equal to four or greater

Hazard C P CxP Alternative to PPE PPE

Ionising radiation: -
ƒ Radioactive particles (e.g. alpha, beta, gamma …)
ƒ X-rays
Microwave radiation
UV radiation
IR radiation
Low specific activity radiation
Arc welding, fusion processes, flame cutting
Laser beam – type, intensity, wavelength

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D8 Water Risks
Action required when risk score C x P is equal to four or greater

Hazard C P CxP Alternative to PPE PPE

Drowning
Hypothermia
ƒ Duration of stay in water
ƒ Temperature

D9 Ergonomics

Feature Comment
Sizing
ƒ What is the available size range
ƒ Are all individuals covered by this size range
ƒ Is it possible to adjust equipment to an individual’s
needs

Weight
ƒ What is the weight of the PPE
o No problem
o Too heavy
o Difficult to wear
o Impossible to work with

Intended wearing time

ƒ All shift
ƒ Part of the shift
ƒ Occasionally
ƒ Only in emergencies

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Feature Comment
Hindrance to movement
ƒ No hindrance
ƒ Slight hindrance
ƒ Serious hindrance
ƒ Makes efficient work impossible
ƒ For gloves
o Dexterity
o Good fit – too big/small, twisted fingers
o Grip (wet/dry/chemicals)

Comfort (thermo-physiological balance)

ƒ Under normal conditions
o Comfortable
o Slight discomfort
o Difficult to wear
o Very uncomfortable
ƒ Under extreme conditions
o Can continue to work
o Uncomfortable
o Could lead to heat stroke

Rubbing or pressure points

ƒ Indicate where

Putting on/taking off

ƒ Easy to put on and take off
ƒ Complicated to put on and take off
ƒ Easily put on or taken off in an emergency

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D10 Durability

Feature Comment
Cleaning and maintenance
ƒ Does the supplier have a recommended maintenance
procedure available
ƒ Is the procedure efficient and appropriate for the
specific site/activity
ƒ What is the durability of the safety characteristics after
cleaning
ƒ How many cleaning cycles will the safety properties
last
ƒ Dimensional stability – shrinkage/size change
potential after industrial cleaning
ƒ Colour fastness after cleaning
ƒ Susceptibility to UV degradation when exposed to
daylight
ƒ Degradation during storage
ƒ Spare parts available

Decontamination, disinfection
ƒ Is a procedure available and is it practical
ƒ Can the procedure be performed on the site or does it
have to be carried out externally
ƒ Are special or hazardous chemicals involved in the
procedure
ƒ Are safety procedures for the cleaning personnel
available
ƒ What are the environmental consequences of the
procedure (e.g. waste disposal)

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D11 Design Features

Feature Comment
Colours
ƒ Specification of colours available
ƒ Company preferred colours available
ƒ Colour fastness
o Weathering
o Cleaning, bleaching
o Perspiration
Compatibility of colours
ƒ Bleeding
ƒ Differences in colour fastness

Markings and logos

ƒ Durability
ƒ Effect on safety

Accessories
ƒ List of available accessories
ƒ Effect on safety

Compatibility with other PPE

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D12 Information and Marking

Feature Comment
Is the PPE clearly marked and labelled

Date of manufacture (where relevant)

Is the relevant technical standard identified (e.g. with CE or

ISO/EN number)

Size symbol

Care labelling (washing, cleaning, etc)

Pictograms, performance levels, reference to information

leaflets

Is the marking durable and legible

D13 Service

Feature Comment
Does the supplier provide, if needed, the following services: -
ƒ Collection of dirty PPE and replacing with clean items
ƒ Repair of damaged PPE
ƒ Modifications of PPE to suit individuals body
dimensions or characteristics
ƒ Training sessions
ƒ Periodic preventative maintenance
ƒ Short delivery times for small quantities
ƒ Samples for wear trials

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