Personal protective equipment/safeguard
Personal protective equipment, or PPE, is designed to protect employees from serious
workplace injuries or illnesses resulting from contact with chemical, radiological, physical,electrical, mechanical, or other workplace hazards. Besides face shields, safety glasses,hard hats, and safety shoes, PPE includes a variety of devices and garments such as goggles,coveralls, gloves, vests, earplugs, and respirators.
OSHA’s primary PPE standards are in Title29 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR),
Part 1910 Subpart I, and equivalent regulationsin states with OSHA-approved state plans, butyou can find PPE requirements elsewhere in theGeneral Industry Standards. For example,29 CFR 1910.156, OSHA’s Fire BrigadesStandard, has requirements for firefighting gear.In addition, 29 CFR 1926.95-106 covers theconstruction industry. OSHA’s general PPErequirements mandate that employers conduct ahazard assessment of their workplaces todetermine what hazards are present that requirethe use of PPE, provide workers withappropriate PPE, and require them to use andmaintain it in sanitary and reliable condition.
Using PPE is often essential, but it is generally the last line of defense after engineering controls,work practices, and administrative controls.Engineering controls involve physically changing amachine or work environment. Administrativecontrols involve changing how or whenemployees do their jobs, such as scheduling workand rotating employees to reduce exposures.Work practices involve training workers how toperform tasks in ways that reduce their exposureto workplace hazards.
Employers must assess their workplaces to determine if hazards are presentthat require the use of PPE. If such hazards arepresent, they must select PPE and require employees to use it, communicate their PPE selection decisions to your employees, and select PPE that properly fits their workers.
It is employers’ obligation to train employees who are required to wear PPE on how do the following:
_ Use PPE properly,
_ Be aware of when PPE is necessary,
_ Know what kind of PPE is necessary,
_ Understand the limitations of PPE in protecting employees from injury,
_ Don, adjust, wear, and doff PPE, and Maintain PPE properly.
- Eye &face protection
The eye is a vulnerable organ and the avoidance of eye injury is particularly important. Thousands of people are blinded each year from work related eye injuries. Injuries that could have been prevented, if only people would have used eye or face protection.
The Factories Act 1961, Section 65, states that eyeprotection may be specified in certain processes, andeye protection has been covered by the Protection of theEyes Regulations 1974 which give a schedule ofprocesses for which appropriate eye protection isrequired. These processes include various cleaning andblasting operations using shot, water jets and compressedair, various operations involving particular tools,especially power tools, and various processes with hotmetal or molten salt.
There are main types of eye protection: spectacles, gogglesand face shields.The most appropriate eye protection depends, inprinciple, on the task. A view which is not only widelyheld but is also supported by successful companysystems is that the most effective approach is to issuesafety spectacles to all personnel who need eye protectionand to require their use. Although safety spectaclesdo not give total protection against all eye hazards theydo give perhaps 90% protection and are more likely to beworn than some other devices. In other words, aprotection which is worn is better than a superiorprotection which is not worn. The objective of thesystem based on safety spectacles is to achieve asituation where these are worn as naturally as prescriptionspectacles. This means that the spectacles should befitted individually.
The alternative approaches are systems based on eyeprotection areas, supervisor's orders or personal judgment.Whatever system is adopted, there are tasks for whicheye protection other than safety spectacles is required. Inparticular, some tasks require protection not only for theeyes but for the whole face. This applies especially to
Person’s handling corrosive chemicals or doing welding.
a.
b.
c.
Figure 1. Eye protection equipment: a. spectacles, b. goggle, c. face shield
- Respiratory Protection
- Respiratory protective equipment (REP)
Of several ways that hazardous materials can enter your body, inhalation is the most common route of exposure for most materials which are health hazards. This includes breathing in dust, fumes, oil mist, and vapors from solvents and various gases.
Respiratory protection is serious business. If your company deals with hazardous materials or concentration of materials that are harmful to life and health, you need to have those hazards professionally evaluated by competent individuals, and you also need a respiratory protection plan suitable for your worksite.
The Factories Act 1961, Section 20, and formerly theChemical Works Regulations 1922, Sections 6-8, requirethe use of approved breathing apparatus for work invessels and confined spaces where the atmosphere maycontain dangerous fumes or may lack oxygen. There arerequirements for the use of respiratory protectiveequipment in the Control of Lead at Work Regulations1980, the Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 1987
and the COSHH Regulations 1988.
There are two broad classes of respiratory protective equipment. One is the respirator, which takes in air from the workspace and filters or cleans it, removing noxious gases and vapors or dusts, before it is inhaled. It is not itself a source of air and is quite unsuitable for use where the bulk gas in the atmosphere is not breathable air but is an asphyxiating mixture.
The second class is air-supplied equipment which doeshave a source of clean air. This class may itself be subdivided into equipment to which air is supplied by a hose and breathing apparatus. Air for equipment supplied by hose may be compressed air or from a fresh air source. Breathing apparatus may be of the compressed air line or self-contained type.
Figure 2. Respiratory protective equipment a. respirator b. air-supplied equipment
Table 1 Types of respiratory protective equipment(after HSE, 1990 HS(G) 53)
- RPE selection
The procedure for the selection of a suitable RPE described in HS(G) 53 is a two-stage one. The first stage involves selection on the basis of the contaminant concentration and the second involves selection on the basis of work-related and personal factors.
The guide gives a set of charts formulated in terms of the maximum multiple of the occupational exposure limit for which a particular RPE is suitable. For example, the suitabilities of full face-mask respirators for dusts and other particulates are shown as multiple values of about 5, 13 and 800 for filter classifications P1, P2 and P3, respectively. There are separate charts for respirators for gases and vapors, respirators for dusts and other particulates, and for simple compressed air-supplied and fresh air hose equipment.
In selecting a respirator account should be taken ofthe suitability of the filter for the particular gas or vaporand of the time until `breakthrough', when the filterbecomes ineffective.
Work-related factors which need to be taken into account in the second stage of selection include the length of time for which the RPE is to be worn, the physical work rate, the needs for mobility, visibility and communication.
Personal factors include medical fitness, face shape and size, facial hair, and the use of spectacles. A worker should not be subjected to additional health risks by virtue of wearing an RPE. Persons with a respiratory disorder may find difficulty with respirators which relayon lung power to draw air through the filter.
Head protection
Figure 3. Helmet
Your head is a very delicate part of your body. In and around your head are:
- Your eyes, with which you see;
- Your ears, with which you hear;
- Your nose, with which you smell;
- Your mouth, with which you eat and speak; and
- Your brain, with which you think.
Injuries to the head are very serious. For this reason, head protection and safety are very important.
In worksites, there are various kinds of hazards which can cause serious injury to head:
- Impact to the Head
Falling or flying objects are a common cause of head injuries. Also, falling or walking into hard objects can cause head injuries. These injuries include neck sprains, concussions, and skull fractures.
- Electrical Shocks
Accidents involving electricity result in electrical shocks and burns.
- Splashes, Spills, and Drips
Toxic liquids such as acids, caustics, and molten metals can irritate and burn the eyes and skin.
It is an effective measure for head protection to require all persons entering the jobsite to wear appropriate helmets or hard hats. There are two basic types of protective helmets:
Type 1 helmets include those with a full brim not less than 1.25 inches wide
Type 2 helmets include those without brims but having a bill or peak in the front to help protect the eyes and face. This is the type of helmet generally preferred throughout the construction industry.
Beyond types, helmets are further described as belonging to one of four classes or groups:
Class A helmets are manufactured for general service and protection against impact hazards, and they also offer some defense against low-voltage electrical current.
Class B helmets combine impact-resistance with some high-voltages protection.
Class C helmets offer some impact protection but no voltage protection. They are usually made of aluminum. Helmets in this class should never be used when electrical contact is possible.
Class D helmets are fire-resistant and will not conduct electricity. They are made chiefly for firefighters.
Hearing protection
Noise
Figure 4. Hearing protection equipment
Noise is a common problem found in many workplaces. Research has shown that high levels of noise can damage your hearing. Losing your hearing is a gradual process, and is less noticeable than other types of workplace injuries. It is, however, a permanent handicap for those who are affected.
Damage to the delicate structures of your ears can result in the loss of your ability to hear. There are two types of hearing loss:
1. Conductive
Conductive hearing loss is caused by damage to or a malfunction of the outer and middle ear. It results in a decrease in your hearing, but you can still understand speech.
2. Sensory
Sensory hearing loss is a hearing loss caused by damage to or a malfunction of the inner ear, auditory nerve, or the brain. It makes it more difficult to understand speech, but it does not result in a decrease in loudness.
As you can see from the above list, hearing loss in the workplace would most likely be a sensory hearing loss.
The most commonly used hearing protection equipments are earmuffs, earplugs and canal cap protectors.
Hand protection
Human hands are unique. No other creature in the world has hands that can grasp, hold, move, and manipulate objects like human hands. They are one of people’s greatest assets. And, as such, must be protected and cared for.
It has been estimated that almost 20% of all disabling accidents on the job involve the hands. Without your fingers or hands, your ability to work would be greatly reduced.
There are several potential hazards which can cause serious injury to hands in worksites:
Traumatic Injuries:
You can suffer a traumatic injury to your hands in many ways.
- Tools and machines with sharp edges cancut your hands.
- Staples, screwdrivers, nails, chisels, and stiff wire can punctureyour hands.
- Getting your hands caught in machinery can sprain, crush, or remove your hands and fingers.
Contact Injuries:
Coming into contact with caustic or toxic chemicals, biological substances, electrical sources, or extremely cold or hot objects can irritate or burn your hands.
Repetitive Motion Injuries:
Whenever you repeat the same hand movement over a long period of time, you run the risk of repetitive motion problems. Repetitive motion problems often appear as numbness or tingling sensation accompanied by pain and the loss of gripping power in your hands.
If there is one universal piece of personal protective equipment for the hands, it has to be gloves. Most gloves fall into four categories or types:
- Chemical-resistant gloves. It is designed against a wide range of chemicals as well as from nuisance hand injuries.
- General-purpose gloves
- Product-protection or clean-room gloves. It is designed to provide a barrier between hands and product to help protect the worker from the product and/or the product from the worker.
- Special-purpose gloves. It is designed for applications where gloves are needed for hot and cold temperatures.
Foot protection
Scientists and engineers for centuries have marveled at the design and structure of the human foot. The human foot is rigid enough to support the weight of your entire body, and yet flexible enough to allow you to run, dance, play sports, and to take you anywhere you want to go. Without your feet and toes, your ability to work at your job would be greatly reduced.
There are several potential hazards which can cause serious injury to foot in worksites:
Impact Injuries:
If you have ever stubbed your toe, you know that impact injuries can hurt. At work, heavy objects can fall on your feet. If you work around sharp objects, you can step on something sharp and puncture your foot.
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.
Compression 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.
Electrical Shocks
Accidents involving electricity can cause severe shocks and burns.
Extremes in Cold, Heat, and Moisture
If not protected, your feet can suffer from frostbite if you must work in an extremely cold environment. Extreme heat, on the other hand, can blister and burn your feet. Finally, extreme moisture in your shoes or boots can lead to fungal infections.
Slipping
Oil, water, soaps, wax, and other chemicals can cause you to slip and fall.
If an employee’s work exposes the employee to injury from falling, rolling, or sharp objects, or slippery surfaces, he or she should used appropriate foot guards, safety shoes, or boots and leggings, pure and simple.
Reference:
Mannan, Sam Lees' Loss Prevention in the Process Industries, Volumes 1-3 (3rd Edition).. Elsevier.
Heberle, D., Construction safety manual. McGraw-Hill: 1998.
Quiz:
1. What is the difference between the respirator and air-supplied equipment?
a. respirator does not have clean air source, air-supplied equipment does not
b. respirator is cheaper
c. air-supplied equipment can fit the head better
d. air-supplied equipment can resist more hazardous materials
2. Hearing loss in the workplace more likely belongs to___?
a. conductive hearing loss
b. sensory hearing loss
c. both of them
d . none of them
3.which one of the following four hazards can lead to serious injury to head?
- Electrical shock
- Noise
- Dust
- Vapor