Last Updated on March 24, 2024 by Ossian Muscad
When it comes to personal protective equipment (PPE), there are a lot of myths and misconceptions. For example, some people think that PPE is only necessary for certain jobs. Others might think they don’t need to wear PPE because they’re not working with dangerous materials. The truth is everyone who goes to work should be wearing personal protective equipment. This article will discuss personal protective equipment and PPE Safety, why it’s essential, and how to choose the right type for your job.
What is Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)?
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) refers to the wearable devices or clothing workers use to protect themselves from hazards in their work environment. These hazards may include, but are not limited to physical, chemical, and biological contaminants. PPE ranges from simple items like gloves and safety glasses to more complex equipment such as respirators and full-body suits.
The primary aim of PPE is to reduce the risk of injury or infection by acting as a barrier between the worker and the hazard. It’s crucial to note that PPE is the last line of defense when engineering and administrative controls cannot eliminate the risk.
What is PPE Safety?
PPE Safety refers to the correct use and maintenance of Personal Protective Equipment to ensure its maximum effectiveness in protecting the user. This includes understanding when and where PPE should be worn, the proper way to wear it, how to maintain and replace it effectively, and the importance of regular training and reinforcement of these practices among workers.
PPE Safety also entails selecting the right kind of equipment for specific tasks, understanding its limitations, and adhering to regulations and standards set by safety organizations. Remember, while PPE provides a necessary defense against workplace hazards, it’s most effective when workers are well-informed and adhere strictly to safety protocols.
Why is PPE Safety Important?
PPE is necessary because it protects workers from serious injuries and illnesses. In addition, wearing PPE can help prevent contact with harmful substances, including dust, chemicals, and infectious diseases. PPE can also protect against electrical hazards, heat exposure, and noise pollution.
Reviewing the “hierarchy of controls” by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), PPE is considered the last level of defense to prevent workplace incidents such as injuries, illnesses, and fatalities.
In some cases, businesses combine PPE with other control measures to maximize the safety of their workers. The advantages of using PPE at the workplace include the following:
- Prevents unnecessary workplace injuries.
- Protects employees from exposure to hazardous materials such as lethal chemicals.
- Prevent the spread of infectious diseases—including COVID-19.
- It helps businesses comply with safety regulations.
- Reduces workers’ compensation claims and costs.
- It improves morale and reduces stress levels among employees.
9 Basic Types of PPE Safety
Even the most comprehensive controls will not necessarily eliminate potential risks associated with workplace tasks. That’s why there is a need for PPE evaluation. There are various specialized PPEs, and a hazard assessment will help identify which one to use. Different types of safety equipment are available depending on the work conditions and hazard exposure. The following are nine of the most basic PPE that can help protect workers on the worksite:
Face & Eye Protection
PPE includes devices such as safety glasses, face shields, and full-face respirators that help protect workers’ eyes and faces from injuries. These PPEs should be used for tasks that can cause vision loss or eye damage, sprays of toxic liquid onto the face that can cause infection, burns from flying particles or hot liquids, and exposure to harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays.
Recommended Safety Tips:
- The safety glasses should comply with the eye protection standard (ANSI Z87.1).
- Check for the lenses for any cracks or damages.
- Check if the strap is firm and in good condition; the strap should seal the cheek and forehead.
- Clean and disinfect face and eye-protective equipment after use.
- Change the lenses if they have scratches, cracks, or are cloudy.
- Immediately replace damaged or malfunctioning equipment.
- Ensure the correct type of face and eye PPE is used for each task.
- Ensure proper training on how to wear and maintain face and eye PPE is provided.
Respiratory Protection
This type of PPE helps protect workers’ lungs from harmful airborne particles and gasses that may contain bacteria and viruses. It includes different varieties of respirators, gas masks, and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Selecting the right type of respiratory protection should depend on a worker’s exposure to hazardous substances, including concentration levels and duration of exposure.
Recommended Safety Tips:
- The respirator should have a tight seal on the worker’s face to be effective.
- The filters used in the respirator should be properly installed and appropriate for the type of hazard.
- Replace any damaged or wet parts of the respirator.
- Change filters on half or full-mask respirators regularly.
- Do not share surgical masks or N95-filtering facepiece respirators.
- Replace disposable respirators after every use.
- Dispose of surgical masks properly.
- Do not touch the surgical mask after wearing it.
- Clean and disinfect reusable respiratory protection equipment after use.
- Store respirators in a clean and dry place.
- Make sure the workers are medically fit to use respiratory protection.
Skin & Body Protection
Skin and body protection PPE encompasses a wide range of equipment designed to protect the wearer’s entire body or parts of it from various hazards. These hazards might include chemicals, extreme temperatures, abrasions, and sharp objects. To safeguard against these risks, the type of body protection required can vary from simple lab coats and aprons to more comprehensive protective clothing such as chemical-resistant suits, high-visibility clothing, and thermal suits for extreme heat or cold conditions.
Recommended Safety Tips:
- Ensure the protective clothing fits the wearer comfortably to not impede their movement, which could lead to accidents.
- Select materials that are suitable for the specific hazards of the workplace, such as chemical-resistant fabrics or flame-retardant materials.
- Inspect the protective clothing regularly for signs of wear and tear or damage and replace it as necessary.
- Be aware of the limitations of each type of protective clothing and ensure employees are trained on these limitations.
- Clean and maintain protective clothing according to the manufacturer’s instructions to preserve its protective qualities.
- Store protective clothing in a clean and dry area to prevent contamination before use.
- Discard and replace any protective clothing that has been contaminated with hazardous substances.
- Always wear protective clothing when performing tasks that could potentially expose one’s skin to hazardous substances or conditions.
Head Protection
Keeping the head safe with protective coverings can help protect against hazards such as falls, bumps, and lacerations. Personal Protective Equipment features headgear such as hard hats required for tasks that can cause injuries to the head due to force or objects falling from above.
Recommended Safety Tips:
- Make sure there are no deformities on the headgear shell.
- Avoid storing headgear in direct sunlight, as extreme heat can cause unnecessary wear and tear.
- If used for any impact, replace hard hats, even if the damage is unnoticeable.
- Clean hard hats regularly to prevent the spread of bacteria and contaminants.
- Use a chinstrap to keep hard hats in place, especially when working at heights.
- Wear hard hats correctly and securely fastened to the head.
- Do not alter or modify hard hats, as this can compromise their effectiveness.
- Do not wear anything under a hard hat that could impact its fit or comfort.
Body Protection
This type of PPE includes protective suits and safety vests suitable for tasks that can cause body-related injuries from extreme temperatures, toxic chemicals, flames, radiation, and insect bites. Certain jobs that involve construction, welding, and handling hazardous materials require full-body protective clothing to ensure the worker’s safety.
Recommended Safety Tips:
- Make sure body protection is clean and free from damages such as cuts and burns,
- Get a good fit for the wearer to ensure maximum effectiveness in providing full body protection.
- When working with high-temperature hazards, ensure the bodysuit is made from heat-resistant clothing.
- Wear cut-resistant gloves when working with sharp objects to prevent cuts and lacerations.
- Regularly inspect the protective suit for any signs of wear or damage, especially after use in hazardous conditions.
- Always follow manufacturer instructions when cleaning and maintaining the body protection equipment.
- Do not share personal protective clothing with others to avoid cross-contamination.
- Store body protection in a clean and dry area, away from direct sunlight and other hazards.
Hands Protection
The hands are among the most exposed body parts to workplace hazards. Personal Protective Equipment features different types of gloves, such as latex, rubber, and nitrile gloves, for hand protection in various industries, including healthcare, food processing, construction, and chemical handling.
Recommended Safety Tips:
- Ensure hand protection fits snugly and there are no gaps between the glove and wrist.
- Do not use gloves that are too tight, as they can restrict blood flow.
- Replace gloves when they show signs of wear and tear, such as holes, rips, or tears.
- Change gloves if they become contaminated with chemicals or other hazardous substances.
- Clean and disinfect (or dispose of) gloves after every use.
- Do not touch your face or other body parts while wearing gloves.
- Always wash hands after removing gloves to prevent the spread of bacteria and contaminants.
- Properly dispose of used gloves according to the workplace guidelines and regulations.
Foot Protection
The feet are a vital part of the body, and keeping them safe is essential for performing daily tasks. This type of PPE includes safety shoes and boots used for tasks that can cause injuries to the feet, such as punctures, cuts, crush injuries, and slips.
Recommended Safety Tips:
- Make sure shoes and boots fit perfectly.
- Do not use shoes that are too tight, as they can cause foot injuries and restrict blood flow.
- Replace shoes if they show signs of significant wear and tear.
- Clean and disinfect shoes after every use.
- Wear the appropriate type of shoes for the specific task, such as slip-resistant shoes for tasks that involve slippery surfaces.
- Regularly inspect safety shoes for any signs of damage or wear and tear after use in hazardous conditions.
- Do not share personal protective footwear with others to avoid cross-contamination.
- Store safety shoes in a dry and clean area, away from direct sunlight and other hazards.
Fall Protection
Working at heights is a common hazard in various industries. That’s why fall protection is an essential part of Personal Protective Equipment. This type of PPE includes fall arrest systems used for tasks performed at heights to prevent injuries from falls.
Recommended Safety Tips:
- Inspect fall protection equipment before each use.
- Do not use damaged or worn-out fall protection equipment.
- Ensure the harness fits the wearer’s body perfectly.
- Change harnesses if they show visible signs of damage or wear.
- Replace fall protection equipment regularly, depending on the workplace guidelines and regulations.
- Do not alter or modify fall protection equipment.
- Regularly inspect anchor points for any signs of wear or damage before use.
- Always follow manufacturer instructions when using fall protection equipment.
Hearing Protection
Jobs that expose workers to high levels of noise can cause permanent hearing loss and other hearing-related injuries. That’s why Personal Protective Equipment provides different types of earplugs, earmuffs, and other protective gear to protect workers’ ears from loud noises.
Recommended PPE Safety Tips:
- Inspect hearing protection devices before each use.
- Do not use damaged or worn-out hearing protection devices.
- Ensure earplugs are the right fit.
- Replace earplugs when they show signs of damage.
- Clean and disinfect ear plugs after every use.
- Wear earmuffs or earplugs when operating loud machinery or working in noisy environments.
- Avoid exposure to high levels of noise without proper hearing protection.
- Store hearing protection devices in a clean and dry area away from direct sunlight.
PPE Safety Do’s and Don’ts for COVID-19 Prevention
While the world has slowly recovered, there’s no denying that the COVID-19 pandemic is still ongoing. As such, taking the necessary precautions to prevent its spread is essential. Here are some personal protective equipment (PPE) dos and don’ts to help keep you safe:
DOs:
- Thoroughly wash and sanitize your hands before wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to prevent potential contamination of the equipment.
- Carefully inspect all PPE equipment for any signs of damage or wear before use.
- When wearing a face mask, ensure the colored side faces outward to maximize filtration efficiency.
- Properly position the face mask to cover your mouth, nose, and chin completely, making necessary adjustments to eliminate side gaps.
- Prior to removing PPE, wash and sanitize your hands to minimize the risk of transferring any contaminants.
- After each use, sanitize all PPE equipment following the recommended guidelines.
- Dispose of single-use PPE equipment properly, considering the appropriate waste disposal procedures.
- Familiarize yourself with and strictly adhere to the correct procedures for donning (putting on) and doffing (taking off) PPE.
- When removing PPE, always start from the back to avoid any contact with the front portion that may have been exposed to contaminants.
- Even when wearing PPE, it is essential to maintain a safe distance from others. PPE is just one component of a comprehensive set of protective measures, including practicing social distancing and frequently washing or sanitizing your hands.
DON’Ts:
- Do not share personal protective equipment (PPE) with others. Each individual should have their own.
- Avoid touching the front of the face mask while wearing it to prevent contamination.
- Do not wear a face mask that is too loose or too tight. It should fit comfortably and securely.
- Do not wear a wet or damp face mask, which can reduce effectiveness.
- Don’t reuse single-use PPE. Dispose of it properly after each use.
- Avoid touching your face, nose, mouth, and eyes while wearing PPE to minimize the risk of contamination.
- Do not touch surfaces or objects after removing PPE before washing/sanitizing hands to prevent cross-contamination.
- Do not forget to sanitize commonly touched surfaces and objects such as doorknobs, keyboards, and phones to maintain cleanliness.
- Do not ignore proper hand hygiene practices, including washing hands frequently with soap and water or using hand sanitizer.
- Do not neglect to maintain physical distancing measures to reduce the spread of germs and viruses.
PPE is essential to keeping yourself and others safe from the spread of COVID-19. Be sure to follow the do’s and don’ts above to help keep you and those around you healthy and safe. Stay strong, stay healthy!
The Importance of Toolbox Talks on PPE Safety
Toolbox talks are brief discussions or meetings focused on specific safety issues, crucial for reinforcing the importance of wearing appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and adhering to PPE safety practices. These conversations serve as effective platforms for educating workers about the potential hazards associated with their job tasks and the critical role PPE plays in mitigating these risks. They promote a culture of safety, ensuring that personnel are consistently reminded of best practices and are updated on any new PPE protocols or equipment.Â
Furthermore, toolbox talks facilitate open communication between workers and management concerning PPE, allowing for the clarification of doubts, sharing of experiences, and immediate addressing of any observed non-compliance or malpractices. This proactive approach helps ensure that safety protocols are not merely understood but are actively practiced, significantly reducing the risk of workplace injuries and illnesses.
Tips to Enforce PPE Safety in the Workplace
Ensuring Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) compliance in the workplace is fundamental to creating a safe working environment for all employees. Effective enforcement of PPE policies not only minimizes the risk of workplace injuries and illnesses but also demonstrates a company’s commitment to the health and safety of its workforce. Here are five notable tips to help enforce PPE safety in the workplace:
Conduct Regular PPE Training Sessions
Regular PPE training sessions help ensure that all employees are aware of the correct usage, maintenance, and limitations of personal protective equipment. These sessions should cover the types of PPE required for different tasks, how to don and doff equipment properly, and the importance of regular inspections for wear and tear.
Implement a PPE Compliance Monitoring System
A PPE compliance monitoring system can include regular checks and audits to ensure that all employees are wearing the necessary PPE for their specific roles. This system holds individuals accountable and highlights areas where additional training or resources may be needed.
Provide Easy Access to Personal Protective Equipment
Easy access to PPE ensures that no employee has an excuse for not using it. Employers should maintain a well-stocked and conveniently located PPE station, clearly label all equipment, and ensure that items are available in various sizes to accommodate all employees.
Involve Employees in PPE Selection
Involving employees in the PPE selection process can increase compliance, as they are more likely to use equipment that is comfortable and suits their needs. Employee feedback can also provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of the PPE being used and highlight areas for improvement.
Foster a Safety Culture That Values PPE Use
Creating a safety culture that emphasizes the importance of PPE usage can significantly enhance compliance. Recognizing and rewarding employees who consistently adhere to PPE guidelines can motivate others to follow suit while also demonstrating the company’s commitment to safety.
Streamline PPE Safety with DATAMYTE
DATAMYTE is a quality management platform with low-code capabilities. Our Digital Clipboard, in particular, is low-code workflow automation software that features a workflow, checklist, and smart form builder. This tool lets you streamline PPE safety protocols and workflows, such as conducting daily PPE checks and audits, tracking compliance, and generating reports. With DATAMYTE, you can customize your own checklists to ensure that all necessary PPE is being used correctly and track the results in real-time.
DATAMYTE also lets you conduct layered process audits, a high-frequency evaluation of critical process steps, focusing on areas with the highest failure risk or non-compliance. Conducting LPA with DATAMYTE lets you effectively identify and correct potential defects before they become major quality issues.
With DATAMYTE, you have an all-in-one solution for enhancing PPE safety protocols, ensuring compliance, and promoting a culture of safety in your workplace. Experience the power of low-code automation with DATAMYTE today! Book a demo now to learn more.
Conclusion
Safety can never be too emphasized when it comes to protecting the workforce and ensuring a secure working environment. The implementation of PPE safety protocols, regular training, and the cultivation of a safety-focused culture are fundamental steps toward mitigating risks and safeguarding the health of every employee. Through consistent education, monitoring, and engagement of employees in safety practices, businesses can achieve a high level of PPE compliance, thereby reducing incidents of workplace injuries and illnesses.
Encouraging a proactive approach to safety and making PPE accessible and straightforward to use ensures that safety is not just a regulation but a value deeply embedded in the organization’s operations. In the end, valuing safety protects not just the individual but the collective well-being and productivity of the entire workforce.
