US&A (v. 2/07)

Personal Personal Protective Protective EquipmentEquipment

Personal Protective EquipmentDefinition: Devices used to protect an

employees from injury or illness resulting from contact with chemical , radiological, physical, electrical, mechanical, or other workplace hazards (OSHA)

The need for PPE and the type of PPE used is based on hazard present; each situation must be evaluated independently

Some CaveatsPPE is used as a last resortThe use of PPE signifies that the hazard could

not be controlled by other methods, such as:administrative controls (i.e., shift rotation)engineering or industrial hygiene controls

Back to the caveats...The use of PPE signals that the hazard still

exists in the workplaceUnprotected individuals in the same area will

be exposedFailure of PPE means that the worker will be

exposedPPE can be combined with other controls

US&A (v. 2/07)

Topics of DiscussionTopics of Discussion

What is Included?HeadEyeFaceHearingRespiratory

ProtectionHandsFootClothing

So, what is it???

Head Protection

Hard Hats work by dissipating force

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HardhatsHelmets

Head ProtectionHead Protection

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How Hard Hats Protect YouHow Hard Hats Protect YouA rigid shell that resists and

deflects blows to the head;  Suspension system inside

acts as a shock absorberSome hats serve as an

insulator against  electrical shocks

Shields your scalp, face, neck, and shoulders against splashes, spills, and drips

Some can be modified so you can add face shields, goggles, hoods or hearing protection

US&A (v. 2/07)

US&A (v. 2/07)

PPE for Impact PPE for Impact HazardsHazards

Safety Glasses: Primary protectors intended to shield the eyes from a variety of impact hazards

Goggles: Primary protectors intended to shield the eyes against flying fragments, objects, large chips, and particles.

Face Shields: Secondary protectors intended to protect the entire face against exposure to impact hazards

Eye ProtectionCommon Uses:

Impact ProtectionChemical HazardsRadiation Protection

welder’s goggles laser goggles UV Infrared

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Eyes: Goggles and GlassesEyes: Goggles and GlassesGoggles

Chemical Splash Impact

Safety glasses

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FaceshieldsFaceshieldsDO NOT use any faceshield unless you

also wear suitable primary eye protection devices (spectacles or goggles).

Faceshields are heavier & bulkier than other types of eye protector but are comfortable if fitted with an adjustable head harness.

Faceshields protect the face but do not fully enclose the eyes and therefore do not protect against dusts, mist or gases Transparent face shields must be

replaced when warped, scratched or brittle with age

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Hearing Protection BasicsNoise induced hearing loss can occur with

exposures >90 dBAA hearing conservation program becomes a

requirement at exposures >85dBAHigher levels of noise exposure have shorter

allowable exposure times

Hearing ProtectionRule of Thumb - if you cannot carry on a

conversation in a normal tone of voice with someone at arm’s length, you are likely near 90dBA

All hearing protection devices should have a Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) = # of decibels they will reduce noise levels

Be conservative when using NRRs

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Respiratory ProtectionProtects users by removing harmful materials

that may enter the body via the lungsInhalation is one of the quickest, most

efficient ways to introduce lethal levels of hazardous materials into the body

Respirators - typesAir Purifying Respirators (APR)

Half-faceFull Face

Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPR)Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA)

Respirators - A Big Caveat!!!Employees should not wear a respirator

unless they have been medically cleared to do so!

This clearance may take the form of a questionnaire, physical examination, pulmonary function testing, chest X-Ray, or a combination of the above

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US&A (v. 2/07)

Why It’s ImportantWhy It’s ImportantIt has been estimated that almost 20%

of all disabling accidents on the job involve the hands

Some examples of traumatic injuries to your hands:  Cuts: Tools and machines with a sharp

edges Punctures: Staples, screwdrivers, nails,

chisels and stiff  wireSprains, Crushing Injuries: Getting your

hands caught in machinery

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Hand ProtectionHand Protection

GlovesCottonLeatherLatexVitonButylNeoprenePVCNitrileOther

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Disposable VinylDisposable VinylDeliver comfort,

flexibility, sensitivityTranslucent white, 5-mil

vinylNon-allergenic

alternative to latexLightly-powdered or

powder-free

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Coated GlovesCoated GlovesProvide cut,

puncture and abrasion-resistance

Latex coating on palm, fingertips and thumb

Crinkle finish for superior grip in wet and dry applications

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Coated GlovesCoated GlovesTacky nitrile coating

for sure gripLight nylon shell for

dexterityOffers better fit and

grip than uncoated cotton or string knit gloves

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Reusable LatexReusable LatexVersatile, reusable Latex18-mil, 100% natural

latex – excellent tensile strength and sensitivity; good grip

Resists detergents, acids, salts, caustics, fats and alcohol

Cotton lining for ease of donning

12” length protects wrists and forearm

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Disposable LatexDisposable Latex

Strong, comfortable and economical

Textured fingertips for secure grip

Available lightly powdered or powder-free

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Latex + NeopreneLatex + NeopreneComfort of latex plus the

chemical protection of neoprene

Provides excellent chemical resistance against acids, oils, grease, salts, animal fats and battery acid

Resist puncture, tears and abrasion

Ideal for auto and battery manufacturing, chemical plants, cleaning printing presses and wiping down machinery

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ButylButylOffers greater

resistance to gas and water vapors than Neoprene

Provides greater safety when handling toxic substances like ketones, esters, etc

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PVC/Nitrile GlovesPVC/Nitrile Gloves

Gloves are PVC with nitrile-reinforced coating

Textured to improve wet grip

Cotton interlock liner for comfort

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Reusable NitrileReusable NitrileExcellent resistance

to a variety of solvents and petroleum products

Resist most liquidsResist cuts, snags,

punctures, swelling and degradation by organic solvents and hydrocarbons

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Glove SelectionGlove Selection

Be sure you know which glove is appropriate for the chemical you are using

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Why It’s ImportantWhy It’s ImportantCompression Injuries Heavy

machinery, equipment, and other objects can roll over your feet. The result of these types of accidents is often broken or crushed bones.

Injuries from Spills and Splashes Liquids such as acids, caustics, and molten metals can spill into your shoes and boots. These hazardous materials can cause chemical and heat burns.

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Foot ProtectionFoot ProtectionWhat kind of shoe

should electricians wear? Shoes with non-

conductive soles meeting the requirements of ANSI Z41 PT9l (M/F) I-75 C-75 EH.  "EH" represents the "electrical hazard" designation.

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Types of Foot Types of Foot ProtectionProtection

Work shoesBootsSteel-toed shoes & boots

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Foot ProtectionFoot ProtectionOther options in

steel-toed shoes

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UniformsDisposable clothingVests

CoolingVisibility

Cold weather protection

Protective Clothing and VestsProtective Clothing and Vests