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Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

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Purpose of PPE

To protect employees from hazards not eliminated from the workplace

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Protective Equipment

Personal protective equipment– Eyes– Face– Head– Extremities

Protective clothing Respiratory devices Protective shields and barriers

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Design and Condition

Safe design and construction for work performed

Sanitary and reliable condition

– Provided– Used– Maintained

Laundered Repaired Replaced

Defective and damaged equipment shall not be used

Must properly fit users

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Purchase of PPE

The employer is normally responsible for the cost of personal protective equipment.

PPE used by trades may be an exception

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Protect Against Hazards

Hazards – Physical– Chemical– Biological/Infectious

Capable of causing injury or impairment in the function of any part of the body through (routes of entry)

– Inhalation– Skin absorption– Ingestion– Contact with skin and/or

eyes

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Required Implementation

Engineering Control– Ventilation– Isolation– Selected Equipment– Redesign process or

procedure

Administrative Control– Personal Hygiene– Maintenance– Hand washing– Scheduled breaks– Assignment schedules

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Certified Hazard Assessment

Prepared by– Consultant– VA Personnel

Insert - date of written hazard assessment

Insert - how to obtain a copy of the written hazard assessment

Required by 29 CFR 1910.132d

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Overview of Hazard Assessment

Bloodborne pathogens– Latex gloves– Gown– Safety glasses– Hand washing

Handling trash– Rubber gloves– Safety shoes

Shops– Safety glasses– Safety shoes– Hearing protection

Facilities– Rubber gloves– Non-slip shoes– Safety glasses (when

mixing detergents)

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Reassessment of Hazards

Facility safety officer is responsible to reassess workplace hazards as necessary by:– Identifying and evaluating new equipment and

processes– Reviewing accident records– Re-evaluating the suitability of previously

selected PPE

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Personal Protective Equipment Program

Defined by insert appropriate facility policy– Ordering– Repair– Maintenance– Other requirements

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Occupational Safety and Health Administration (29 CFR 1910)

General Requirements -- 132 Eye and Face Protection -- 133 Respiratory Protection -- 134 Head Protection -- 135 Foot Protection -- 136 Electrical Protection -- 137 Hand Protection -- 138 Hearing Protection -- 95 Specialized Standards -- e.g., 1030

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Eye and Face Protection(29 CFR 1910.133)

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Hazards to Eyes/Face

Physical– Flying Particles– Molten Metal– Potentially Injurious

Light Radiation– Ultraviolet (UV) light

Chemical– Gases or Vapors– Liquids– Acids or Caustics

Biological/Infectious– Blood– Saliva– Semen– Body Tissue– Wastes– Animal Tissue– Potentially Infectious

Materials

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Safety Glasses

Can be used with side shields (Required if flying objects are present)

Plastic– Can fit over corrective lenses– Can be worn alone

Can accommodate most types of prescriptive lenses

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Goggles

Should fit face snugly (sealing entire eye area)

Specially-coated lenses or ventilation holes may prevent fogging

Anti-fogging materials can be used When removing goggles, tilt head down

so that debris on top of goggles does not fall into eyes

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Other Eye and Face Protection

Face Shields– Worn for extremely

hazardous jobs– Worn with safety glasses or

goggles– Do not completely protect

face Hoods

– Protect entire head and face

– Can be worn with respirators

Sunglasses– Provide protection against

sun– Should filter 99 to 100

percent UV– Provide no protection

against flying objects– Can reduce chances of

cataracts

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Inspection and Maintenance of Eye and Face Protection

Must be kept clean Must be free of scratches and other defects that

may obstruct vision Must be disinfected

– Periodically, if used by same person– After each use, if shared

Headband should be replaced when slack, worn, or dirty

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Eye Safety

Review Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) for chemicals used– Identify eye protection required– Become familiar with emergency response procedures

Contact Lenses– Do NOT provide protection– Should NOT be worn around chemicals or chemical

vapors

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Laser Eye Safety

Follow guidance of laser manufacturer Wear safety glasses with filters that

protect against the wavelength of light for the laser being used

Partial reflections from Class IV lasers can cause permanent eye damage

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Head Protection(29 CFR 1910.135)

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Hazards to Head

Falling or flying objects Electrical conductors Contamination from bloodborne

pathogens Sunburn and sunstroke Cold temperatures

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Types and Classes of Head Protection

Types of protective hats– Type 1, Helmets - full brim (at least 1.25”)– Type 2, Brimless helmets with peak extending

forward from the crown Classes of industrial head protection

– Class A, General service - limited voltage protection– Class B, Utility service - high voltage protection– Class C, Special service - no voltage protection

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Hard Hats (Class A)

Hard exterior shell Shock-absorbing lining

– Headband– Crown straps

Protects against impact hazards Used in construction

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Electrical Bump Hats (Class B)

Protects against impact and penetration AND against high-voltage shock or burn

Can be used where there is a possibility of bumping against a fixed object

Used by electrical workers Sometimes used in construction

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Other Head Protection

Safety Hat or Cap (Class C)– Protects against

impacts– Provides lightweight

comfort– Provides no electrical

protection

Hat or Cap– Protects against

exposure to sun (4 inch brim)

– Protects against exposure to cold (ear flaps)

– Generally not considered PPE

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Specialized Head Protection

Hairnets– Food service employees– Sanitation and cleanliness

Hoods– Can be used in extremely

hazardous situations– Can be used with

respirators– Can provide eye and face

protection

Surgical Caps– Infection control and

cleanliness– Worn during medical

procedures that involve large amounts of blood

Autopsies Orthopedic surgery

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Inspection and Maintenance of Head Protection

Damage– Dents– Cracks– Penetration– Abuse– Mutilation– Other damage that might

reduce the degree of protection provided

Visually inspect daily Clean periodically May adversely affect

protection provided– Paint– Sunlight– Extreme temperatures

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Foot Protection(29 CFR 1910.136)

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Foot Hazards and Protection

Hazards to Feet– Falling or rolling

objects– Objects that pierce the

sole– Electrical exposures– Slipping

Foot Protection– Safety Shoes– Slip Resistant Soles– Shoe Covers– Rubber or Synthetic

Boots– Leather Work Boots

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Safety Shoes

Steel-reinforced toe (protects foot from being pierced or crushed)

Puncture-resistant or heat-resistant soles (optional)

Metal-free non-conductive materials (working around exposed electrical conductors)

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Other Foot Protection

Boots– Rubber/Synthetic

May be required when working around chemicals

Autopsies– Leather

Recommended for outdoor maintenance activities

Avoid wearing around chemicals

Shoe Covers– May be required for

some medical procedures

Slip-resistant Soles– OSHA recommends– Will reduce the

number of injuries resulting from slips, trips, or falls

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Electrical Protection(29 CFR 1910.137)

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Electrical Protective Equipment (Insulated Rubber)

Required when exposed to electrical hazards

– Blankets– Matting– Covers– Line hose– Gloves– Sleeves

Maintained in a safe and reliable condition

Cleaned as needed Requires periodic

electrical testing

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Inspections

Before each day’s use Following any incident

that caused damage Insulating properties

cannot be degraded Insulating equipment

failing to pass inspections or electrical tests may not be used unless specific requirements are met

Cannot use equipment with:

– Hole, tear, puncture, or cut– Ozone cutting or ozone

checking– Embedded foreign objects– Swelling, softening,

hardening, stickiness, or inelasticity

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Storage

Location and manner of storage must protect from:

– Light– Temperature extremes– Excessive humidity– Ozone– Other injurious substances

and conditions

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Hand Protection(29 CFR 1910.138)

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Hand Protection

Provided to protect against

– Absorption of harmful substances

– Severe cuts or lacerations– Severe abrasions– Punctures– Chemical or thermal burns– Harmful temperature

extremes

Types of hand protection– Machine guards– Electric eyes– Push sticks– Controls requiring two

hands– Gloves

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Glove Selection Criteria

Selection based on evaluation of performance characteristics

– Task(s) to be performed– Conditions present– Duration of use– Hazards and potential

hazards identified

Selection based on individual characteristics

– Grip– Dexterity– Flexibility– Hand size– Glove length

Too tight - may rip Too loose - affects grip

and comfort

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General Purpose Gloves

Cotton– Can be specially

coated– Allows handling of

delicate components– Absorbs oil

Leather– Rough surfaces– Heat– Sparks

Protect against– Abrasion– Cuts– Punctures– Snags– Temperature extremes

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Cut-resistant Gloves

Designed for use with sharp knives and blades

May contain– Cut-resistant yarns– Composite materials– Metal mesh (Required

of most meatcutting and de-boning operations)

Protect against– Cuts– Abrasion

Some may protect against punctures

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Special Purpose Gloves

Surgical Examination Firefighters Smelters Welders Clean rooms

Protect against specific hazards– HIV/Hepatitis– Heat and burns– Patient protection

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Latex Gloves

Natural– Required for surgery– Can be used for

examinations– Label NOT required– Hypoallergenic gloves

NOT tested for natural rubber proteins (source of latex allergies)

Synthetic– Cannot be used for

surgery– Can be used for

examinations– Label NOT required

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Chemical-resistant Gloves

Must be selected for the specific chemical used (Consult manufacturer’s guidance)

Non-porous Selection based on

– Potential toxic effects of chemicals used

– Likely routes of entry– Degree of hazard

Protect against– Dermatitis– Chemical burns– Cancer

Resist– Penetration– Permeation– Degradation

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Penetration

Natural rubber– Protects against

liquids that mix with water

– Provides no protection against petroleum or oil-based solvents

Synthetic rubber resists– Oils– Greases– Acids– Caustics– Many petroleum

products

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Permeation

Must consult manufacturer’s technical data for specific chemical used

No protective barrier provides permeation protection for all chemicals

Often coated with– Polyvinyl chloride

(PVC)– Nitrile– Neoprene– Latex

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Degradation

Signs of degradation– Stiffer– More brittle– Softer– Weaker

Major indication that gloves should be replaced

Inspect before each use– Rips– Holes– Weak seams– Imperfections

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Hand Safety

Do NOT wear gloves that are damaged Clean off contaminants before you remove gloves Remove gloves safely Properly decontaminate and store gloves Monitor the condition of your gloves as you work Follow manufacturer’s guidance for maintenance and

storage Dispose of gloves properly

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Skin Protection

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Hazards to Skin

Hazards– Sunburn– Skin Cancer– Dermatitis– Poison ivy, oak, sumac– Insect and animal

bites

Protections available– Protective clothing– Sunscreen– Insect repellent– Scheduling of work– Ointments

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Prevention of Sun Damage

Avoid the sun’s strongest rays (10 a.m. - 4 p.m.)

Wear protective clothing– Broad-brimmed hats– Long pants– Long-sleeved shirts

Wear sunglasses (99 - 100% UV ray protection)

Always wear a sunscreeen with SPF of 15 or more

Avoid sunlamps, tanning beds, and tanning parlors

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Torso Protection

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Hazards to Torso

Hazards– Heat– Splashes from hot

metals and liquids– Impacts– Cuts– Acids– Radiation

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Types of Protection

Options– Vests– Jackets– Aprons– Coveralls– Full body suits– Lead lined coverings– Gowns

Materials– Fire retardant wool– Specially treated

cotton– Leather– Rubberized fabrics– Disposable suits

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Lifting or Back Belts

Must follow manufacturer’s guidance

Back belts can be obtained by contacting

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Appropriate PPE for Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens

Does NOT permit blood or other potentially infectious materials to pass through to– Employee’s work

clothes– Employee’s street

clothes– Undergarments

Under normal conditions of use

Does NOT permit blood or other potentially infectious materials to reach– Skin– Eyes– Mouth– Other mucous

membranes For the duration of time

to be used

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PPE for Bloodborne Pathogens

Gloves Gowns or aprons Laboratory coats Face shields or

masks and eye protection

Goggles or glasses with side shields

Mouthpieces

Surgical caps or hoods Shoe covers or boots Clinic jackets Resuscitation bags Pocket masks Other ventilation

devices

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Gloves Required for Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens

When reasonably anticipated that employee may have hand contact with– Blood– Other potentially infectious materials– Mucous membranes– Non-intact skin

When performing vascular access procedures When handling or touching contaminated items

or surfaces

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Hearing Protection(29 CFR 1910.95)

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Hearing Protectors

If exposed to 85 dB or greater for eight-hour TWA:

– Hearing protection must be available

– Hearing protection must be worn if

No baseline audiogram has been established

Hearing threshold has changed an average of 10 dB or more at 2000, 3000, or 4000 hertz in either ear

Must be worn if: Duration Sound Level

(hours per day) (dBA)

8 906 924 95

3 972 1001.5 1021 1050.5 1100.25 or less 115

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Locations Requiring Noise Protection

Building #– Room ###– Mechanical room– Penthouse

Building #– Room ###– Shop area

Building #– Insert appropriate

locations

Building #– Insert appropriate

locations

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Types of Hearing Protectors

Earplugs– Lightweight– Comfortable for long

periods of time– Made of soft fibers or foam

(self-forming)– Disposable or reusable– Performed, pre-molded, or

custom molded

Earmuffs– Easily put on or removed– Require entire ear to fit

inside cup (seal)– May interfere with glasses

or goggles– Can be designed for use

with hard hats

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General Considerations

Proper initial fit required Must be used correctly Must receive training in the use and care of

hearing protectors provided Must be allowed to select hearing protectors

from a variety of suitable hearing protectors provided by employer

Must be replaced as necessary

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Hearing Safety

If you have to shout to talk to someone within 2 or 3 feet - Wear hearing protection

Off-the-job activities (woodworking, shooting, etc.) can hurt your hearing - Hearing protection is recommended

Never remove hearing protection in high noise areas

Do NOT share hearing protection with others

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Respiratory Protection(29 CFR 1910.134)

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Hazards Requiring Respirators

Protect against breathing air contaminated with harmful:

– Dusts– Fogs– Fumes– Mists– Gases– Smokes– Sprays– Vapors– Infectious biological agents

Healthcare-related exposures that may require respirators:

– Tuberculosis– Ethylene oxide– Some chemicals used for

disinfection or preservation (morgues)

– Animal fecal matter Other related exposures

– Asbestos– Paint fumes

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Respirators

Types of Facepieces– Half-face– Full-face– Hoods

Types of Respirators– Air Purifying

N95 (Tuberculosis) Dust, fume, mist Powered air purifying

– Air Supplied Self-contained

breathing apparatus Air Line

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General Considerations

Written program required

Medical examination in accordance with ANSI Z88.6

Annual follow-up

Certification by NIOSH Selection in accordance

with ANSI Z88.2 Fit testing required in

accordance with ANSI Z88.10

Cleaning and disinfection

Proper storage

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Emergency Response(29 CFR 1910.120)

Facility Emergency Response Plan addresses PPE if:

– An industrial facility intends to use the medical center, if there is an emergency

– Medical center provides support during responses to natural phenomenon

Level A - Encapsulating chemical protective suit

Level B - Respiratory protection

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Summary

PPE must – Protect against the hazard– Protect the route of entry– Be maintained in a safe

and sanitary condition– Be used properly

PPE is available by contacting

– Your supervisor– Facility safety office

personnel

If you have questions concerning PPE provided contact

– Your supervisor– Facility safety personnel

If you have questions concerning the health effects associated with PPE contact employee health personnel