‘All equipment (including clothing affording protection against the weather) which is intended to be worn or held by a person at work and which protects him against one or more risks to his health or safety’
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT INDUCTION
What is PPE?
This can include:
Safety helmets
Gloves
Eye protection
High visibility clothing
Safety footwear
Safety harnesses
Hearing Protection
Regulations require that PPE:
is properly assessed before use to ensure it is suitable
is maintained and stored properly
is provided with instructions on how to use it safely
is used correctly by employees
Consider the following when selecting PPE…
Is it appropriate for the risk involved and the conditions?
Does it prevent or control the risks involved?
Can it be adjusted to fit the wearer properly?
What are the needs of the job and the demands it places on the wearer?
If more than 1 item of PPE is required, are they compatible?
Eye Protection:
Hazards:
Chemical Splash
Metal Splash
Dust
Projectiles
Gas & Vapour
Radiation
Options:
Safety Spectacles
Goggles
Face shields
Visors
Head Protection:
Hazards:
Impact from falling or flying objects
Risk of head bumping
Hair entanglement
Options:
Hard Hats
Hard Caps
Bump Caps
Breathing Protection:
Hazards:
Dust
Vapour
Gas
Oxygen deficient atmospheres
Options:
Disposable filtering respirator
Half or full face respirators
Air-fed helmets
Breathing apparatus
Body Protection:
Hazards:
Adverse weather
Impact
Penetration
Extreme Temperatures
Contaminated dust
Excessive wear
Entanglement of own clothing
Chemical/metal splash
Options:
Conventional overalls
Disposable overalls
Boiler suits
Specialist clothing (e.g. chainmail aprons, hi-vis clothing)
Hand/Arm Protection:
Hazards:
Abrasion
Cuts & punctures
Impact
Contamination
Disease
Skin infection
Electric shock
Chemicals
Options:
Gloves
Gauntlets
Mitts
Armlets
Wrist cuffs
Foot Protection:
Hazards:
Wet
Slipping
Cuts and punctures
Electrostatic build-up
Abrasion
Chemical splash
Metal splash
Falling objects
Options:
Safety boots and shoes
Protective toe caps
Penetration resistant mid-sole
Spats
Gaiters
Leggings
Hearing Protection:
Hazards:
Intrusive noise
Noisy power tools
Noisy machinery
Explosive sources (such as cartridge-operated tools)
Noise from impact (e.g. hammering)
Options:
Ear Plugs
Ear Muffs
Ear Canal Caps
Employee Responsibilities:
You should ensure PPE is:
well looked after
properly stored when it is not being used
kept clean and in good repair following the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule
is always readily available
PPE should only be used in conjunction with the training you have received
Select the appropriate piece of equipment for the job/task
Not to tamper with any piece of equipment provided to you for safety
An employer cannot ask for money from an employee for PPE, whether it is returnable or not
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