Personal Protective Equipment PPE plays an important role in the creation of a safe workplace. As a HSE professional it is important for you to have a complete understanding about PPE's, their types, standards and uses to ensure the safety of worker at a workplace.
Understanding Personal Protective Equipment's (PPE):
PPE's are worn to protect employees from potential hazards of site. It is the last line of defence from hazards from the hierarchy of controls. After implementing engineering and administrative controls, the use of ppe must be considered in order to mitigate the risk. Therefore, the correct selection, maintenance and use of PPE is essential to get effective results of the PPE.
Understanding to Standards of PPE's:
Some of the standards are:
- ANSI: American National Standards Institute.
- OSHA: Occupational Safety and Health Administration
- EN: European Norm
- CSA: Canadian Standards Association
Selecting and Using PPE
Hazard assessment: Identify the specific hazards present in the workplace.
PPE compatibility: Ensure PPE is compatible with other PPE and work tasks.
Employee comfort: Select PPE that is comfortable to wear for extended periods.
Training: Provide employees with training on the proper use, care, and limitations of PPE.
Fit testing: For respiratory protection, conduct fit testing to ensure a proper seal.
Inspection and maintenance: Regularly inspect PPE for damage and replace as needed.
PPE's, Types, Standards and Use
Safety Helmets / Hard Hat (Head Protection)
Available Types:
- Type I (top impact)
- Type II (top and lateral impact)
- Class E (electrical)
- Class G (general)
Standards:
- ANSI Z89.1-2014
- OSHA 1910.135
Protection:
- Protects the head from falling objects and impact.
Earplugs / Ear Bands / Earmuffs (Hearing Protection)
Available Types:
- Foam earplugs
- Silicone earplugs
- Earmuffs
- Electronic earmuffs
Standards:
- ANSI S3.19-1974
- OSHA 1910.95
Protection:
- Reduces exposure to high levels of noise, preventing hearing damage.
Face Shields (Face Protection)
Available Types:
- Face shields
- Welding face shields
- Chemical splash shields
Standards:
- ANSI Z87.1-2015
- OSHA 1910.133
Protection:
- Protects the face from splashes, sprays, and infectious materials.
Safety Footwear (Foot Protection)
Available Types:
- Steel-toed boots
- Composite-toed boots
- Metatarsal guard boots (covering the instep)
- Chemical-resistant boots
- Long safety shoes
Standards:
- ANSI Z41 (replaced by ASTM F2413)
- OSHA 1910.136
Protection:
- Guards against heavy objects, electrical hazards, and other workplace dangers.
Safety Glasses (Eye Protection)
Available Types:
- Safety glasses (dark and clear)
- Welding helmets with filters
Standards:
- ANSI Z87.1-2015
- OSHA 1910.133
Protection:
- Shields the eyes from debris, chemicals, and other hazards that can harm your eye.
Safety Goggles (Eye Protection)
Available Types:
- Safety goggles
- Welding goggles
- Chemical-resistant goggles
Standards:
- ANSI Z87.1-2015
- OSHA 1910.133
Protection:
- Shields the eyes from debris, chemicals, and other hazards.
Safety Gloves (Hand Protection)
Available Types:
- Latex
- Nitrile
- Leather
- Cut-resistant
- Chemical-resistant
- Impact-resistant
- Thermal gloves
Standards:
- ANSI/ISEA 105-2016
- OSHA 1910.138
Protection:
- Prevents exposure to biological hazards, chemicals, and infectious materials.
Gown
Available Types
- Disposable
- Reusable
- Isolation
- Chemical-resistant
Standards
- NOT SPECIFIED
Protection
- Shields clothing and skin from contamination during medical procedures.
High-Visibility Clothing
Available Types
- Vests
- Jackets
- Shirts
- Pants
- Coveralls
- Rain wear
Standards
- ANSI/ISEA 107-2020
Protection
- Enhances visibility of workers, reducing the risk of accidents.
Chemical Resistant Suits
Available Types
- Full-body
- Encapsulating
- Blast
Standards
- NOT SPECIFIED
Protection
- Protects the entire body from exposure to hazardous chemicals.
Masks/Respirators
Available Types
- FFP
- KN95
- N95
- Surgical
- Full-face
- APRs (air purification)
- PAPRs (powered air-purifying)
Standards
- ANSI Z88.2-2015
- OSHA 1910.134
Protection
- Filters out airborne particles, bacteria, and viruses, protecting the respiratory system.
Breathing Apparatus
Available Types
- Open-circuit SCBA
- Closed-circuit SCBA
- SCUBA
- Airline
Standards
- ANSI/ISEA Z88.2-2015
- OSHA 1910.134
Protection
- Provides a clean air supply for users in environments with low oxygen levels or high concentrations of toxic substances.
Emergency Escape Breathing Apparatus
Available Types
- ELSA (Emergency Life Support Apparatus)
- EEBD (Emergency Escape Breathing devices)
Standards
- ANSI/ISEA Z88.2-2015
- OSHA 1910.134
Protection
- Provides a quick and safe escape from environments with respiratory hazards.
Welding Gear (Welding Protection)
Available Types
- Welding helmets
- Welding gloves
- Flame-resistant clothing
Standards
- ANSI Z87.1-2015
- ANSI Z49.1-2012
- OSHA 1910.252
Protection
- Shields the eyes and skin from the intense light, sparks, and heat generated during welding work.
Fall Arrest / Restraint Systems (Fall Protection)
Available Types
- Full Body Safety Harness with Shock Absorber and Double Lanyard
- Fall Restraint System (retractable lifelines)
- Anchor points
Standards
- ANSI/ASSE Z359.1-2016
- OSHA 1926 Subpart
Protection
- Prevents falls and reduces the impact of falls when working at heights, such as scaffolding.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) plays a vital role in ensuring workplace safety. Understanding the various types of PPE, including head, eye, ear, face, hand, foot, and respiratory protection, is crucial for effective hazard mitigation. Adherence to international standards and regulations, such as ANSI, OSHA, and EN, ensures the quality and effectiveness of PPE. Proper selection, use, maintenance, and training on PPE are essential for optimal protection. By prioritizing PPE, employers can significantly reduce the risk of workplace injuries and illnesses, creating a safer environment for employees. Remember, PPE is the last line of defense against workplace hazards, making it a critical component of a comprehensive safety program.
