PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

1. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

2. Introduction • Hard hats, goggles, face shields, steel-toed shoes, respirators, aprons, gloves, and full body suits are all forms of personal protective equipment (PPE). • PPE includes all clothing and other work accessories designed to create a barrier against workplace hazards. • PPE should not be used as a substitute for engineering, work practice, and/or administrative controls. © 2003 Seton Identification Products

3. Introduction • It is used in conjunction with these controls to provide for employee safety and health in the workplace. • The key to a successful management program for PPE is an in-depth evaluation of the workplace hazards and the equipment needed to protect against the identified hazards. © 2003 Seton Identification Products

4. Introduction • Management dedicated to the safety and health of employees should also use the evaluation to: • Set a standard operating procedure for personnel • Train employees on the protective limitations of PPE and on its proper use and maintenance. © 2003 Seton Identification Products

5. Introduction • When using personal protective equipment, employees must be aware of the hazards and be trained to use the appropriate personal protective equipment. • Employees must be aware that the equipment does not eliminate the hazard. If the equipment fails, exposure occurs. • To reduce the possibility of failure, equipment must be properly fitted and maintained in a clean and serviceable condition. © 2003 Seton Identification Products

6. Introduction • Selecting the right tool and right personal protective equipment for the job is critical. It is necessary that employers and employees understand the equipment's purpose and limitations. • With such understanding, hopefully, employees will not alter or remove equipment because it is uncomfortable. • Sometimes equipment may be made more comfortable simply by adjusting the fit. © 2003 Seton Identification Products

7. Introduction • This module covers the following sections: • General Requirements • Eye and Face Protection • Hearing Protection • Respirator Protection • Occupational Head Protection • Occupational Foot Protection • Hand Protection • Electrical Protective Devices • Safety Management. © 2003 Seton Identification Products

8. Objectives • At the end of this Personal Protective Equipment module, you should be able to: • Understand employer and employee responsibilities regarding personal protective equipment • Understand factors influencing selection, use, and care of personal protective equipment • Understand potential injuries caused by not wearing personal protective equipment. © 2003 Seton Identification Products

9. General Requirements • General Requirements "29 CFR 1910.132" `requires employers to ensure that personal protective equipment be "provided, used, and maintained in a sanitary and reliable condition wherever it is necessary..." to prevent injury. • This includes protection for any part of the body from hazards through absorption, inhalation, or physical contact. © 2003 Seton Identification Products

10. General Requirements • For example, many hazards can threaten the torso: heat, splashes from hot metals and liquids, impacts, cuts, acids, and radiation. • A variety of protective clothing is available: vests, jackets, aprons, coveralls, and full body suits. © 2003 Seton Identification Products

11. General Requirements • Click on the term below to learn about the materials used to make PPE. • It is important to refer to the manufacturer's selection guides for effectiveness of specific materials against specific chemicals. • PPE Materials © 2003 Seton Identification Products

12. General Requirements • Although employers are required to provide protective equipment to protect against the level of the existing hazard, employees can choose to provide their own PPE. • When employees choose to provide their own equipment, the employer shall assure adequacy, including proper maintenance and sanitation. © 2003 Seton Identification Products

13. General Requirements • All personal protective equipment, regardless of who provides it, must be of safe design and construction for the work to be performed. • Any defective or damaged personal protective equipment shall not be used. © 2003 Seton Identification Products

14. General Requirements • A hazard assessment is conducted to determine the correct type and level of protective equipment. • Employers conduct the hazard assessment to determine if hazards requiring the use of PPE are present or could be present. • If hazards or the likelihood of hazards are found, employers must select suitable protection and have the employees use properly fitted PPE. © 2003 Seton Identification Products

15. General Requirements • Employers must certify in writing that a workplace hazard assessment has been performed. • They are also required to certify in writing that training has been carried out and that employees understand it. • Written training certification shall contain the name of each employee trained, the date(s) of training, and the subject certified. © 2003 Seton Identification Products

16. General Requirements • Before doing work requiring use of personal protective equipment, employees must be trained to know when personal protective equipment is necessary; what type is necessary; how to wear it; and what its limitations are. • Employees must also know the useful life of the PPE and how to care for, maintain, and dispose of it. © 2003 Seton Identification Products

17. Eye and Face Protection - Introduction • Use of eye and face protective equipment is required by 1910.133 when there is a reasonable probability of preventing injury. • Employers must provide and employees must use suitable protectors. • These requirements also apply to supervisors, management personnel, and visitors. © 2003 Seton Identification Products

18. Eye and Face Protection - Introduction • Suitable eye protectors must be provided where there is a potential for injury to the eyes or face from: • Flying particles • Molten metal • Liquid chemicals • Acids or caustic liquids • Chemical gases or vapors • Potentially injurious light radiation • Or a combination of these. • The Eye and Face Protection section discusses the topics listed to the left. © 2003 Seton Identification Products

19. General • Protectors for the eyes and face must: • Provide adequate protection against the particular hazard • Be reasonably comfortable when worn under the designated conditions • Fit snugly without interfering with the movements or vision • Be durable • Be capable of being disinfected • Be easily cleaned • Be kept clean and in good repair. . © 2003 Seton Identification Products

20. General • Every protector shall be distinctly marked to facilitate identification of the manufacturer. © 2003 Seton Identification Products

21. General • Sometimes it is hard to recognize injury from light radiation. It is an easily preventable hazard if it is identified. • Each affected employee shall use equipment with filter lenses that have a shade number appropriate for the work being performed to protect them from injurious light radiation. • 29 CFR 1910.133 includes a table that identifies the various shades and thickness of lenses for welding. © 2003 Seton Identification Products

22. General • Individuals who often fail to wear proper eye protection are most likely to injure their eyes. • When chemicals or other substances enter the eyes, immediate attention must focus on preventing further damage. • First-aid instructions should be posted close to potential danger spots since any delay to immediate aid or an early mistake in dealing with an eye injury can result in lasting damage. © 2003 Seton Identification Products

23. General • The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) specifically requires flushing facilities for the eyes when the eyes may be exposed to hazardous materials, and the National Society to Prevent Blindness recommends that emergency eyewashes be placed in all hazardous locations. © 2003 Seton Identification Products

24. Selection • Selection of PPE is an important part of preventing injuries. • Each eye, face, or face-and-eye protector is designed for a particular hazard. • The kind and degree of hazard should be the key factors used to select the protector. If a choice of PPE is given and degree of protection required is not an important issue, worker comfort may be a deciding factor. © 2003 Seton Identification Products

25. Selection • Many types and styles of eye and face protective equipment have been developed to protect employees from hazards. • Persons required to wear eye protection, including those who wear corrective spectacles, must wear one of the types listed. © 2003 Seton Identification Products

26. Selection • Click on each term for more information. • Face Shields • Goggles • Spectacles • Limitations or precautions indicated by the manufacturer, should be transmitted to the user and strictly observed. © 2003 Seton Identification Products

27. Selection • Design, construction, tests, and use of eye and face protection purchased prior to July 5, 1994, must be in accordance with ANSI Z87.1 - 1968, "USA Standard Practice for Occupational and Educational Eye and Face Protection". • Protective eye and face devices purchased after July 5, 1994, must comply with ANSI Z87.1 - 1989, "American National Standard Practice for Occupational and Educational Eye and Face Protection". © 2003 Seton Identification Products

28. Selection • Regardless of the choice of protective device or when it was purchased, the fitting of goggles and safety spectacles should be done by someone skilled in the procedure. Prescription safety spectacles should be fitted only by qualified optical personnel. © 2003 Seton Identification Products

29. Inspection and Maintenance • Once the proper eye and face protectors are selected, it is essential that the lenses of the eye protectors be kept clean. • Continually looking through dirty lenses can cause eye strain. • Eye strain is often used as an excuse for not wearing eye protection. • Daily inspection and cleaning of eye protectors with soap and hot water, or with a cleaning solution and tissue, is recommended. © 2003 Seton Identification Products

30. Inspection and Maintenance • Pitted lenses, like dirty lenses, can be a source of reduced vision. They should be replaced. • Deep scratches or excessively pitted lenses are also more apt to break. • Slack, worn-out, sweat-soaked, or twisted headbands do not hold the eye protector in proper position. • Visual inspection can determine when the headband elasticity is not functioning properly. © 2003 Seton Identification Products

31. Inspection and Maintenance • Goggles and spectacles should be kept in a case when not in use. • Spectacles, in particular, should be given the same care as one's own glasses, since rough usage can damage the frame, nose pads, and temples. © 2003 Seton Identification Products

32. Inspection and Maintenance • Proper maintenance of eye and face protectors includes disinfecting them periodically. • Personal protective equipment that has been previously used should be disinfected before being issued to another employee. • Also, when each employee is assigned protective equipment for extended periods, the equipment should be cleaned and disinfected regularly. © 2003 Seton Identification Products

33. Inspection and Maintenance • Several methods of disinfecting eye-protective equipment are acceptable. • The most effective method begins with disassembling the goggles or spectacles. • The process of disinfecting eye protective equipment actually consists of two steps. • Click on the appropriate term below for more information. • Cleaning • Disinfecting © 2003 Seton Identification Products

34. Quiz Question: • Employers must certify in writing that a hazard assessment was completed and that employees were trained. • True • False © 2003 Seton Identification Products

35. Quiz Question: • When eye and face protective equipment is necessary, the employee must provide it. • True • False © 2003 Seton Identification Products

36. Hearing Protection • Exposure to high noise levels can cause hearing loss and impairment as well as physical and psychological stress. • There is no cure for noise-induced hearing loss. Thus, the use of hearing protection is the only practical way to prevent damage or loss of hearing. • Specially designed protection is required, depending on the type of noise encountered. • Preformed or molded ear plugs should be individually fitted by a professional. © 2003 Seton Identification Products

37. Hearing Protection • Waxed cotton, foam, or fiberglass wool earplugs are self-forming. • When properly inserted, they work as well as most molded earplugs. • The use of plain cotton is ineffective protection against hazardous noise. • Some earplugs are disposable. Disposable earplugs should be used one time and then thrown away. • The non-disposable type should be cleaned after each use for proper protection. © 2003 Seton Identification Products

38. Hearing Protection • Earmuffs need to make a perfect seal around the ear to be effective. Glasses, long sideburns, long hair, and facial movements – such as chewing – can reduce protection. Special equipment is available for use with glasses or beards. • For extremely noisy situations, earplugs should be worn in addition to earmuffs. © 2003 Seton Identification Products

39. Hearing Protection • When used together, earplugs and earmuffs change the nature of sounds. All sounds are reduced including one's own voice, but other voices or warning devices are easier to hear. • For more specific information on a hearing conservation program, see OSHA standard 29 CFR 1910.95 - Occupational Noise Exposure. © 2003 Seton Identification Products

40. Respirator Protection - Introduction • The OSHA respiratory standard 29 CFR 1910.134 requires employers to establish and maintain a respiratory protective program whenever respirators are necessary to protect the health of employees. • The two topics of the Respirator Protection section are listed to the left. • The first topic is a brief review of the various types of available respirators. • The second topic covers the requirements of OSHA's respirator standard. © 2003 Seton Identification Products

41. Classes of Respirators • Respiratory protective devices are divided into three classes: • Class 1 - Air-Purifying • Class 2 - Air-Supplying • Class 3 - Combination • To learn more about each class of respiratory devices, click on the appropriate term above. © 2003 Seton Identification Products

42. Minimal Acceptable Respirator Program • The Respirator Regulation - 29 CFR 1910.134 (c)(1)(i) through (c)(1)(ix) requires that a minimal acceptable respirator program be implemented if respirators are used. • The standard also requires regular inspection and evaluation to determine the continued effectiveness of the respirator program (1910.134(c)(1)(ix) only). © 2003 Seton Identification Products

43. Minimal Acceptable Respirator Program • Many factors affect the employee's acceptance of respirators: comfort, ability to breathe without objectionable effort, adequate visibility under all conditions, provisions for wearing prescription glasses (if necessary), ability to communicate, ability to perform all tasks without undue interference, and confidence in the facepiece fit. © 2003 Seton Identification Products

44. Minimal Acceptable Respirator Program • Failure to consider the above factors will likely reduce cooperation of the users in promoting a satisfactory program. • Factors included in an acceptable respirator program include: • Proper selection • Training and fitting • Maintenance • Surveillance. © 2003 Seton Identification Products

45. Minimal Acceptable Respirator Program • When respirator use is required, the employer is responsible for providing approved (1910.134 (d)(1)(ii)) respirators and for developing written standard operating procedures for their selection, use, and care (1910.134 (c)(1)(i), (c)(1)(iv), (c)(1)(v)). • Respirators should be selected based on the hazards to which the worker is exposed (1910.134 (d)(1)(ii)). The respirator type is usually specified in the work procedures by a qualified individual supervising the respiratory protective program. • In selecting the correct respirator for a given circumstance, many factors must be taken into consideration, e.g., the nature of the hazard, location of the hazardous area, employee's health, work activity, and respirator characteristics, capabilities, and limitations. © 2003 Seton Identification Products

46. Minimal Acceptable Respirator Program • Although all of the above factors at the worksite must be considered, the first consideration in respirator selection must be to determine if an oxygen deficiency exists. • NIOSH approval for supplied-air and air-purifying respirators is valid only for atmospheres containing greater than 19.5 percent oxygen. • If oxygen deficiency is not an issue, then the contaminant(s) and their concentration(s) must be determined. • Click on the term below for an outline of the selection process based on oxygen content and contaminants. • Respiratory Selection for Routine Use of Respirators © 2003 Seton Identification Products

47. Minimal Acceptable Respirator Program • 29 CFR 1910.134 (c)(1)(viii) requires that users be instructed and trained in the selection, use, and maintenance of respirators. • All respirator users shall receive fitting instructions including demonstrations and practice on how a respirator: • Should be worn • Be adjusted • Should fit. © 2003 Seton Identification Products

48. Minimal Acceptable Respirator Program • Respirators used routinely should be inspected during cleaning (29 CFR 1910.134 (h)(4)). • Worn or deteriorated parts shall be replaced. • Respirators for emergency use, such as self-contained devices, shall be thoroughly inspected at least once a month and after each use. • Respirators must be regularly cleaned and disinfected (29 CFR 1910.134 (h)(1)). © 2003 Seton Identification Products

49. Minimal Acceptable Respirator Program • Those issued for the exclusive use of one worker should be cleaned after each day's use or more often if necessary. • Once cleaned and sanitized, respirators must be stored in a convenient, clean, and sanitary location (1910.134 (h)(2)(i)). • Care must be taken to ensure that respirators are stored in a manner that protects them from dust, harmful chemicals, sunlight, excessive heat or cold, and moisture. This ensures that the respirator will function properly when used. © 2003 Seton Identification Products

50. Minimal Acceptable Respirator Program • 29 CFR 1910.134 also requires surveillance of respirator use. This includes not only the identification of conditions at the work site, but appropriate medical evaluations of the employee’s physical condition. • The OSHA standard requires that appropriate surveillance of work area conditions and degree of employee exposure or stress be maintained (1910.134 (d)(1)(iii)). This includes identification of the contaminant, nature of the hazard, and concentration at the breathing zone. © 2003 Seton Identification Products