The use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is to ensure that employees of various business types can carry out their functions safely and effectively by preventing and limiting exposure to various occupational safety hazards. Below is a look at the six major types of PPE.
As the name suggests, PPE for the face and eyes are concerned with protection above the neck. These areas can encounter chemicals such as organic solvents via splashing or with debris that may be travelling through the air.
In total, there are two kinds of goggles and two kinds of glasses that fall within this category, which are:
Goggles for chemical splash protection – These are for individuals that work with aggressive chemicals that can result in eye damage or irritation. In case of accidental splashing, these goggles provide a shield for the eyes.
Goggles for impact protection – These goggles are only concerned with protecting the eyes against physical impact such as that from flying debris.
Glasses for general safety – This is the basic type of eye-based PPE. It provides adequate protection against most splashes and debris. The specialized goggles are only required when the hazard is such a threat that it requires protection using custom built gear.
As stated before, these are various forms of gloves that offer protection to the hands. The choice of glove depends on the hazard present in the environment.
Chemical resistant gloves – There are three versions of chemical resistant gloves, which are light, light to heavy, and heavy (from weakest to strongest), which are selected based on the potency of the chemicals that a worker can be exposed to.
Insulated gloves – These gloves offer temperaturebased protection where employees could suffer burns, numbness, or freezing of the hands.
Light latex gloves – This is the most cost effective and basic type of hand PPE available and it is used for basic splash and biohazards.
Glasses for laser protection – The key concern here is that of radiation that can slowly damage the eyes and hamper their ability to function. Usually, employees are provided with sets that are just powerful enough to withstand the power of the lasers they work with.
When Is Full-Body Protection Needed?
Today, when everyday clothes can't protect your employees from workplace hazards, they, too, might need body protection on the job. Some jobs require full-body protection, while others require only special protective clothing for the parts of the body exposed to possible injury.
The protection has to match the hazard!Examples of workplace hazards that might require some type of body protection include Extreme heat or cold, Splashes from molten metals or other hot liquids, Flames and sparks, Impact from equipment and materials, Exposure to hazardous chemicals, Exposure to bloodborne pathogens & Exposure to radiation Fully encapsulating suits made of neoprene or butyl rubber complete with boots, hard hat, and an air supply--are generally required when employees face exposure to toxic vapors or gases. These suits must be completely sealed (including zippers and seams) so that they do not allow any penetration of toxic materials.
Flame-resistant cotton or duck for moderate heat or sparks
Flame-retardant and heat-resistant synthetic fabrics for working around open flames and hot liquids.
Tyvek® or NOMEX® suits for chemical hazards.
PVC, neoprene, rubber, and similar materials for more serious chemical hazards and bloodborne pathogens.
PPE for Prevention of Exposure to High Noise
Levels
People should wear a hearing protector if the noise or sound level at the workplace exceeds 85 decibels (A-weighted) or dBA. Hearing protectors reduce the noise exposure level and the risk of hearing loss.
If hearing protection is required, then a complete hearing conservation program should be implemented. A hearing conservation program includes noise assessment, hearing protector selection, employee training and education, audiometric testing, maintenance, inspection, record keeping, and program evaluation.
The effectiveness of hearing protection is reduced greatly if the hearing protectors do not fit properly, if they are worn only periodically, or if they are removed even for a short period of time. To maintain their effectiveness, the hearing protection should not be modified. Radio/music earphones or headsets are not substitutes for hearing protectors.
Select hearing protection that is Correct for the job. For Performance, Selection, Care and Use” contact the agency responsible for occupational health and safety legislation in your jurisdiction for more information.
Compatible with other required personal protective equipment, or communication devices.Comfortable enough to be accepted and worn.Appropriate for the temperature and humidity in the workplace
Able to provide adequate communication and audibility needs (e.g., the ability to hear alarms or warning sounds).
Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) is a particular type of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), used to protect the individual wearer against the inhalation of hazardous substances in the workplace air.
RPE should only be used where adequate control of exposure cannot be achieved by other means, in other words, as a last resort within the hierarchy of control measures: Elimination, Substitution, Engineering Controls, Administrative Controls, PPE.
Respirators and cartridges – These protect against inhalation of unsafe mists, fumes, etc. that are generated within an environment. They come in half-mask and full-face forms that offer varying degrees of protection. A respiratory cartridge is inserted that determines the type of protection offered. Evaluation and fit testing are required.
N-95 Respirators – These protect users against various airborne pathogens that are agents of known transmissible airborne diseases such as Covid19,tuberculosis and influenza. Evaluation and fit testing are required.
Surgical masks –These offer protection when working with live animals or protects samples from your contamination when working with infectious materials .
PPE for foot protection is intended to provide tailored protection for the feet based on the hazards
Electrical safety – These prevent electrical currents from running through the body using materials such as rubber.
Spinning blades – Foot protection from mauling by spinning blades such as those on a circular saw.
Falling objects –Falling objects – The cap that covers the toes in these boots is hardened to protect them from falling debris or objects.
Puncture resistance – Boots for environments that are riddled with sharps on the ground as the midsole contains steel plating.
Heavy machine and objects – These have full metal shielding as heavy items such as machines can roll on the feet.
Moisture resistance – These keep feet free from mold, bacteria, and moisture.
Explosion safe – Boots to protect against explosion hazards & static accumulation.
Slip resistance –Slip resistance – Work boots as a grip is used to prevent slipping on oil or smooth surfaces.
