“E n viro n m e n ta l P la n n in g & D isa ste r M a n a g e m e n t” Disaster Management Institute, Bhopal

(26th – 28th July 2006) (Housing and Environment. Deptt., Govt. of M.P.)

KNOW YOUR PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

1.0 INTRODUCTION

Personal Protection implies the provisions and use of various types of Personal
Protective Equipment (PPE), such as safety boots, ear protectors, aprons,
gloves. As such it may be consider as either last resort, when all other methods
of protection have failed or purely as an interim form of protection until the hazard
ca n b e e lim in a te d a t so u rce o r co n tro lle d b y so m e fo rm o f „sa fe p la ce ‟ stra te g y,
such as machinery guarding or the installation and use of local exhaust
ventilation system. Personal Protective Equipment includes a wide range of
equipment worn and used by people at work to protect then form both general
and specific hazards. As such, it includes:

 Head Protection: Safety Helmets, Bumps caps, Caps and Hair nets.
 Eye Protection: Goggles, Safety Spectacles, visors, Hand held or
freestanding screens
 Face Protection: Face shields, which can be hand held, fixed to helmet or
strapped to head.
 Respiratory Protection: General-Purpose Dust Respirators, Positive
Pressure Powered Dust Respirators, Helmet Contained Positive Pressure
Respirators, Gas Respirators, Emergency Escape Respirators, Airline
Breathing Apparatus, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus
 Hearing Protection: Ear Plugs, Ear Defenders, Muffs and Pads, Ear Valves,
Acoustic Wool.
 Skin Protection: Barrier Creams
 Body Protection: One Piece and Two Piece Overalls, Donkey Jackets,
Aprons, Warehouse Coats, Body Warmers, Oilskin Over Clothing, Chemical
Clothing.
 Hand & Arm Protection: General Purpose Fibre Gloves, PVC Fabric
Gauntlets, Gloves, Sleeves, Chain Mail Hand and Arm Protectors.
 Leg & Foot Protection: Safety Boots, Shoes, and Wellingtons, Gaiters and
Anklets.

2.0 HEAD PROTECTION

There are four widely used types of head protection:

 Crash Helmets; protect against impact with moving objects

 Industrial Safety Helmets; protect against falling objects or impact with fixed
objects
 Bump Caps; protect against scalping or entanglement

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“E n viro n m e n ta l P la n n in g & D isa ste r M a n a g e m e n t” Disaster Management Institute, Bhopal
(26th – 28th July 2006) (Housing and Environment. Deptt., Govt. of M.P.)

 Caps & Hair nets; protect scalping or entanglement

Much will depend upon type and form of the risk an individual is exposed to in
terms of head protection required. For head protection to be suitable, it must fit
the wearer properly, be of an appropriate size and have an easily adjustable
headband, nape and chin strap. An ideal head protection does not hinder the
work being done, and has compatibility with other PPE, such as ear and eye
protectors, being worn at the same time. The sizes in which industrial helmets
are available in the market:

Type Head Band Size

Small 500-540 mm
Medium 540-590 mm
Large 590-640 mm
Caps have adjustable lace arrangement.

(a) Helmet (b) Cap

3.0 EYE & FACE PROTECTION

Eye protection serves to guard against the hazards of impacts, splashes from
chemicals or molten metal, liquid droplets (chemical mists and sprays), dusts,
gases welding arcs, non-ionising radiation and the light from lasers. There are
four principal forms of eye protection:

 Safety Spectacles, which may incorporate optional shields, with lenses

manufactures in tough optical plastic, such as polycarbonate, and available
with standard or prescription lenses
 Eye shields designed with frameless one-piece moulded lens.
 Safety goggles manufactured with toughened glass lenses or wide vision
plastic lenses, with flexible plastic frame and elastic head band.
 Face shields, which are fitted with and adjustable head harness, and provide
protection to the face as well as the eyes.

These lenses of eye protectors must be kept clean as dirty lenses restrict vision
can cause fatigue and may be contributing feature in accident.

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“E n viro n m e n ta l P la n n in g & D isa ste r M a n a g e m e n t” Disaster Management Institute, Bhopal
(26th – 28th July 2006) (Housing and Environment. Deptt., Govt. of M.P.)

(a) Side shield type, net type, fitted with blue lenses (b) Panorama, Leather
mask, Gas cutting goggles (c) Asbestos hood, Aluminised hood (d) Plastic
face shield, welding head shield, welding hand shield

4.0 HEARING PROTECTION

The hearting protection must be in use; where exposure to noise level of 90dbA
or above exists. Before use it must be ensured that the form of hearing protection
chosen would produce the necessary attenuation (Sound Pressure Reduction) at
o p e ra to r‟s e a r.

4.1 Ear Plugs

These are manufactured in plastic, rubber, glass down or combination of these

materials and are fitted in to the auditory canal. If fitted properly the may
attenuate the noise reaching ear by25-30dBA. They may be of the permanent or
disposable type. Training for method of insertion in to ear canal is must. These
provide ample protection in the work environment with noise level of 155-
120dBA. Recent development is polymer foam which gives effective fitment
without any pain or strain in the ear.

4.2 Ear defenders, muffs and pads

These cover whole ear and can reduce exposure by up to 50dBA at certain
frequencies. They can be uncomfortable in hot conditions and may be difficult to
wear with safety spectacles or goggles. These provide ample protection against
sound level of 130-135dBA.

4.3 Ear valves

These are inserted in to auditory canal, in theory allow ordinary conversation to

takes place while preventing harmful noise reaching ear.

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“E n viro n m e n ta l P la n n in g & D isa ste r M a n a g e m e n t” Disaster Management Institute, Bhopal
(26th – 28th July 2006) (Housing and Environment. Deptt., Govt. of M.P.)

(a) Ear muff, Ear plugs (b) Aluminised Jerkin & Pant (c) Barrier Cream (d)
Leather Apron

5.0 SKIN PROTECTION

There are many chemical substances which cause dermatitis and are more
commonly used in the work lace. These include strong acids and alkalis,
chromates and dichromate, formaldehyde, organic solvents, resins, certain
adhesives, suds, degreasing compounds and lubricants. Paraffin and
trichloroethylene removes the natural fats from the skin and render it vulnerable
to damage from other substances.
A range of barrier creams is available to meet varying work conditions. The
selection shall be based upon the chemical to be handled. They provide skin
protection in wet conditions, and for workers handling acids, alkalis and other
potentially hazardous substances. The barrier creams must be applied before
commencement of work.

6.0 BODY PROTECTION

A wide range of protective clothing for the body is available, including:

 Coverall, Aprons; protects against chemicals & hazardous substances

 Outfits to protect against cold, heat and bad weather
 Specific clothing to protect against machinery, such as chain saws
 High Visibility clothing
 Life jackets and buoyancy aids

In the selection of body protection, the following factors are relevant;

 The degree of personal contamination from the task or process e.g. dust, Oil,
General Soiling, Chemicals and other hazardous substances etc.
 The ease, cost or washing or dry cleaning
 The degree of exposure to temperature and humidity variations
 Possible discomfort etc.

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“E n viro n m e n ta l P la n n in g & D isa ste r M a n a g e m e n t” Disaster Management Institute, Bhopal
(26th – 28th July 2006) (Housing and Environment. Deptt., Govt. of M.P.)

6.1 Leather Apron

These provide protection against the sharp objects, hot chips, oil spillages and
abrasion by rough surface or objects. These are generally supplied with tapes
and buckles for proper tying.

6.2 Asbestos Apron

It is used to protect body from heat. These may have lint lining or leather lining,
depending upon the nature of work for which they are to be used.

6.3 PVC Apron

It is used to protect from the chemical spillages, Acid splashes, Paints and
coolants.

6.4 Lead Apron

It provides protection from the Ionising radiations e.g. X-rays, gamma rays, etc.

6.5 Safety Belt and Harness

Person working at the height of 10ft (02m) or above must use safety belt. It
provides protection against fall from height.

6.6 Suspension Belts

For application where it is not possible to work from a fixed surface and the
worker must be totally supported by suspension harness e.g. Shipboard painting,
stack maintenance etc.

7.0 HAND & ARM PROTECTION

Damage to hands and arms can arise through the use of machinery and hand
tools and in manual handling operations; resulting in cuts and abrasions, through
skin irritation, contact with hazardous substances and as a result of exposure to
adverse weather conditions. A wide variety of hand and arm protection is
available including gloves and gauntlets made of leather, chain mail, PVC fabric
and man-made fibres. The gloves should not be used while working with moving
machinery such as drills, saws, grinders etc. These machines may catch the
gloves, pull it or with hand of worker in to the hazardous area.

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“E n viro n m e n ta l P la n n in g & D isa ste r M a n a g e m e n t” Disaster Management Institute, Bhopal
(26th – 28th July 2006) (Housing and Environment. Deptt., Govt. of M.P.)

7.1 Leather Gloves

These protect the hands from cuts, bruises and abrasions. Fit for handling sharp
edged materials.

7.2 Asbestos Gloves

These provide protection to the hands from heat thereby avoid burn injuries.
These gloves are provided with double-padded lining inside. These may
withstand with temperature as high as 1000 0C.

7.3 Acid & Alkali Proof Gloves

These have the black cover. These protect the workers only against the harmful
effects of Acid & Alkali materials.

7.4 Electrical Resistant Gloves

The colour of these gloves is Red. These protect against the electric shock.
These must be purchased along with their inspection/test certificates.

7.5 Canvas Gloves

These provide protection against oil, grease and other dirt.

7.6 Lead Gloves

These provide protection against ionising radiations like X-rays and gamma rays.

7.7 Hand Sleeves

These are designed to give protection to the full length of hand (from shoulder to
arm) of the wearer. Mainly used by the welders for protection against slag and
metal spatters while doing position welding.

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“E n viro n m e n ta l P la n n in g & D isa ste r M a n a g e m e n t” Disaster Management Institute, Bhopal
(26th – 28th July 2006) (Housing and Environment. Deptt., Govt. of M.P.)

(a) Canvas Gloves, Acid & Alkali proof rubber gloves, Leather Gloves, Asbestos
Gloves (b) Aluminised gloves, Crust Leather Gloves (Front & Back View) (c)
Safety Belt-Body harness & Life line

8.0 LEG AND FOOT PROTECTION

Safety footwear used in many industries and occupations e.g. construction,

mechanical and manual handling activities, for work in cold and wet conditions,
foundry work and forestry.

8.1 Safety Boots and Shoes

These are the most common type of safety footwear and commonly incorporate a
steel toe cap. They can also have other safety features, such as slip resistant
soles, steel insoles and insulation against extreme temperatures etc.

8.2 Asbestos Safety Boots

Used for heat radiation area. The upper part is made of asbestos; the remaining
part of this boot is made of Asbestos, the remaining parts, material and
construction are same as Safety boots.

8.3 Clog

Wooden clogs, frequently fitted with steel toe caps, are traditionally used in
number of industries.

8.4 Foundry Boots

These incorporate steel toe caps, are heat resistant and designed to protect the
foot against molten metal splashes and spillages. They are designed without
external features such as laces which trap molten and commonly have
elasticised sides for quick removal.

8.5 Wellington Boots

These protect against water and wet conditions and are useful in occupations
where footwear needs to be washed and disinfected for hygienic reasons, such
as with food industry workers. They are manufactured in rubber, polyurethane
and PVC, and may feature corrosion-resistant steel toe caps, rot-proof insoles,
and steel mid soles, ankle bone padding and cotton linings.

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“E n viro n m e n ta l P la n n in g & D isa ste r M a n a g e m e n t” Disaster Management Institute, Bhopal
(26th – 28th July 2006) (Housing and Environment. Deptt., Govt. of M.P.)

8.6 Gaiters

These are commonly used in foundries to provide protection to the ankles from
splashes of molten metal. They are manufactured in leather and compositions of
leather, Hessian and other fibrous materials.

8.7 Anti-static Footwear

These prevent the build up of static electricity on the wearer. They reduce the
danger of igniting a flammable atmosphere and give some protection against
electric shock.

8.8 Conductive Footwear

This type of footwear also prevents the build up of static electricity, and is
particularly suitable for handling sensitive components or substances e.g.
Explosive Detonators. It gives no protection against electric shock.

8.9 Leg Guard

These are recommended for use by welders and also to avoid the entering of
sparks inside the safety boot.

8.10 Slip-in-type Safety Boots

This is a combination of safety boots and leg guards; gives full protection to
welders.

Aluminised Safety Boot Asbestos Safety Boot, Gum Boot, Leg Guard, Leather
Safety Boot

9.0 RESPIRATOR PROTECTION

The use of respiratory protective equipment (RPE) is essential wherever workers

are exposed to dangerous concentrations of toxic or fibrogenic dusts, fumes or
where they may be working in un-ventilated or poorly ventilated areas. The

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“E n viro n m e n ta l P la n n in g & D isa ste r M a n a g e m e n t” Disaster Management Institute, Bhopal
(26th – 28th July 2006) (Housing and Environment. Deptt., Govt. of M.P.)

correct selection and use of RPE is absolutely vital. For instance, the use of face
masks is definitely not recommended against anything other than low
concentrations of nuisance particulate matter or atomised liquids.

9.1 Nominal Protection Factor

BS4275 refers to the selection of RPE and lists nominal protection factor (NPF)
for different form of equipment. The NPF measures the theoretical capability of
RPE and is calculated thus:

NPF= Concentration of contaminant in atmosphere / Concentration of

contaminant in face piece

a) Typical Half Mask Respirator, Typical Quarter Mask Respirator b) Detailed

View of Heavy Cartridge Respirator and Dust Respirator c) Front and Back
Mounted Canister Gas Mask

9.2 Forms of Respiratory Protection Equipment

9.2.1 Face Masks

These are simple devices for holding filtering media against the nose and mouth
to remove coarse nuisance dust particles or non-toxic paint sprays. They should
not be used as a means of protection against hazardous or toxic substances.

9.2.2 General Purpose Dust Respirator

They take the form of an ori-nasal face mask which has a particulate filter to trap
the finely divided solids or liquid particles.

9.2.3 Positive Pressure Powered Dust Respirator

These comprise an ori-nasal face mask fitted to a power-driven pack carried on

individual and connected by a flexible hose. They are more effective than the
simple form of dust respirator as they utilise a much more efficient filtering
medium and operate with positive pressure in the face-piece.

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“E n viro n m e n ta l P la n n in g & D isa ste r M a n a g e m e n t” Disaster Management Institute, Bhopal
(26th – 28th July 2006) (Housing and Environment. Deptt., Govt. of M.P.)

a) Continuous Flow Air Line Respirator b) Hose Mask Respirator c) SCBA

9.2.4 Helmet-contained Positive Pressure Respirator

This form of device provides head, face, eyes and lung protection together with
high degree of comfort. It incorporates a helmet and visor with high efficiency
axial fan mounted on the rear of the helmet, which draws the dust laden air
through a coarse filter. The partially filtered air is then passed through a fine filter
bag. The filtered air provides a cool pleasant air stream over the entire facial
area, and is finally exhausted at bottom visor at a flow rate sufficient to prevent
dust entering the mouth or nose. The low-voltage electric power is supplied by a
light weight rechargeable battery pack, connected to the helmet by means of
flexible cable. This portable battery pack may be clipped to a belt or carried in
overall pocket.

9.2.5 Gas Respirator

The respirator takes the two forms, cartridge and canister. The cartridge
respirator is similar to dust respirator. It uses a chemical cartridge filter and is
effective against relatively low concentration of no-toxic gases or vapours which
have and acceptable level of concentration exceeding 100ppm. Canister
Respirators on the other hand are normally of full piece type, the exhaust
valves, incorporating goggles and visor. They are connected to chemical filter for
protecting against low concentrations of designated toxic gases or vapours. The
m a n u fa ctu re r‟s in stru ctio n o n a vo id a n ce o f ca rtrid g e /ca n iste r sa tu ra tio n ,
maximum period of use in relation to gas concentration in air, shelf-life etc. must,
in all cases be carefully followed. They are effective against toxic gases and
vapours in limited concentrations. A particulate filter can be incorporated to
remove dust particles.

9.2.6 Emergency Escape Respirator

These are especially designed respirators using a chemical filter which will
enable people to escape from dangerous atmospheres in an emergency. They
are intended for very short term use and should never be used for normal
protection.

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“E n viro n m e n ta l P la n n in g & D isa ste r M a n a g e m e n t” Disaster Management Institute, Bhopal
(26th – 28th July 2006) (Housing and Environment. Deptt., Govt. of M.P.)

9.2.7 Air-line Breathing Apparatus

This apparatus consists of a full mask or half mask connected by flexible hose
either to a source of uncontaminated air (short distance) or to a compressed
airline via a filter and demand valve. This apparatus is usually safe for use in
any contaminated atmosphere but is limited to length of airline, which also places
some restriction on movement. When using a fresh air hose a pump is necessary
for lengths over 10 meters.

9.2.8 Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA)

Limitation of the hose mask/ airline type breathing equipment is the trailing hose
which may result in entanglement and the wearer must return by retracing his
route in the contaminated atmosphere. The SCBA is self sufficient breathing
equipment that permits freedom of movement as the wearer carries the supply of
breathable air. The following three types are available:

1. Demand type compressed oxygen or Compressed Air Breathing Apparatus

2. Compressed Oxygen recirculation breathing apparatus
3. Oxygen generating type breathing apparatus

This device can be of the open or closed circuit type. The open circuit type
supplies air by lung-governed demand valves or pressure reduces connected to
a full face-piece via a hose supply. The hose is connected to its own compressed
air or oxygen supply which is carried by wearer in his harness. The closed circuit
type incorporates a purifier to absorb exhaled carbon dioxide. The purified air is
fed back to respirator after missing with pure oxygen. Both of these devices are
used in dangerous atmospheres or where there is a deficiency of oxygen, or for
rescue purposes from confined spaces.

9.3 Noteworthy point for Respiratory Protective Equipment

 Use air purifying apparatus only if the contaminant level is in the air is less
than 2% by volume. Use chemical cartridge only if contaminant level is less
than 0.1%.
 Use canister only on knowing the colour codification, nature of contaminant
and its shelf life. Use only for 02hrs. Maintain records for usage.
 Check for any physical damage before use e.g. punctures in hose, filter, etc.
 Use hose mask if pure atmosphere is within the reach of 20ft and the area is
free from any hurdle or heat that has the potential to damage hose/air line.
 RPE shall be used with a standby person or helper present in the work area.
 Develop a system and implement effectively to ensure timely cleaning and
disinfection of RPE. Follow the manufacturer recommendation for cleaning.
The following procedures may also be followed:

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“E n viro n m e n ta l P la n n in g & D isa ste r M a n a g e m e n t” Disaster Management Institute, Bhopal
(26th – 28th July 2006) (Housing and Environment. Deptt., Govt. of M.P.)

- Remove all filters, cartridges, canisters, etc.

- Scrub and clean the face piece components with soap and warm water
to remove grease, a hand brush may be used if required.
- Immerse the face piece in warm water for 05minutes and rinse it to
clean.
- Immerse the face piece in solution of Formalin (01 part of 40% of
formaldehyde and 09 parts of water) or in solution of Sodium hypo
chloride (01 parts of it in 09 parts of water) for 05 minutes.
- Again rinse the face piece with clod water and air dry them in a clean
place.

10.0 LIMITATIONS OF PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

The use of PPE shall serve the purpose only when it is used with knowledge of
its limitations. Especially the limitations of RPE must be known by the person
who is going to use it. In any hazardous environment the use of PPE should be
considered only as the last line of defence.

PPE does not help in anyway in removing or reducing the prevailing hazard
conditions in environment; but it only provides limited and time bound protection.
It is because of this reason PPE is not considered as a PANACEA for the
hazards; it the last line of defence. The best way of ensuring full protection can
only be achieved by eliminating the hazards by proper engineering and
administrative control measures.

*****

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