Hazards and Different Types of PPE
- 1. HAZARDS AND DIFFERENT TYPES OF PPE
- 2. ➲ The provisions for and the use of Personal Protection equipment or PPE are covered under the Personal Protection Equipment at Work Regulations 1992. ➲ PPE has been defined in the regulations as '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'. ➲ The hazards that a person can face in an industrial setting and the different types of PPE that can protect his person from them are mentioned below.
- 3. Why is PPE important ➲ To make the workplace safe, you have to provide instructions, training, supervision and procedures. This will encourage people to work responsibly and safely. ➲ Even after applying engineering controls and safety systems some hazards still remain. To reduce this risk, PPE equipment is important.
- 4. Hazards ➲ The Lungs: Breathing in contamined air, oxygen deficient atmosphere, dust. ➲ The Eyes: Splashes of corrosive liquids, molten metals, gas and vapour, dust, radiation. ➲ The Head: Risks from head bumping, flying or falling objects, hair entanglement.
- 5. Hazards continued.. ➲ The Body: Adverse weather, temperature extremes, sprays from pressure guns and pressure leaks, contaminated dust, metal or chemical splash, impact or penetration. ➲ Hands and arms: Temperature extremes, impact, electric shock, disease or contamination, abrasion, skin infection, punctures and cuts. Use hand sanitiser to protect from this. ➲ Feet and legs: Electro static build up, falling objects, abrasion, slipping due to wetness.
- 6. Types of PPE ➲ For the Lungs Full face or half face respirators, breathing apparatus, air fed helmets, disposable filtering respirator or facepiece will protect the lungs. It should fit properly, the respirator's limitations should be known and the person should know how to wear it. ➲ For the Eyes Each employee in the work area shall wear appropriate face and eye protection when exposed to hazards. PPE for the eyes include goggles, faceshields, safety spectacles and visors.
- 7. Types of PPE continued.. ➲ For the Head A protective hard hat(helmet) should be worn in areas where the possibility of contact with exposed and highly energised electrical conductors is high. This also includes danger from falling objects. Bump Caps should be worn where there are protruding pipes and objects. ➲ For the Body If there is a possibility of chemical contamination, splashes of metal/chemicals, etc then work safety gloves or equipment such as boiler suits, overalls, high visibility clothing, aprons made from chain mail, plastic, rubber should be used. If working around flammable materials, fire resistant clothing should be used.
- 8. Types of PPE continued.. ➲ For the Hands and Arms Skin absorption of harmful materials such as radioactive materials, biological agents and other injuries can be prevented by gauntlets, wristcuffs, gloves, mitts, armlets. ➲ For the Feet and Legs Potential foot injuries can be prevented by using PPE for foot protection. Examples for such PPE are shoes and safety boots with toe caps, gaiters, spats, leggings and penetration resistant mid soles.
- 9. Visit a PPE supplier today ➲ PPE equipment suppliers can guide you on the PPE to purchase to suit your needs best. ➲ Always purchase PPE supplies of the highest quality and confirming to the latest safety standards, so that you and your employees are safe from untoward accidents.