Personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential for environmental services (ES) workers who are exposed to various hazards, such as infectious agents, chemicals, and sharp objects. PPE can help prevent injuries and illnesses, but only if you use it correctly and consistently. Here are some tips on how to use PPE effectively in your ES role.
Different types of PPE are designed to protect different parts of your body and against different hazards. For example, gloves can protect your hands from contact with blood, body fluids, or chemicals, while goggles can protect your eyes from splashes or flying debris. You should know what PPE you need for each task and how to wear it properly. Follow the instructions and guidelines provided by your employer, manufacturer, or regulatory agency.
Before you use any PPE, you should inspect it for any damage, wear, or defects that could compromise its effectiveness. For example, check for holes, tears, cracks, or stains on your gloves, masks, gowns, or aprons. If you find any problems, discard the PPE and get a new one. Do not use PPE that is dirty, contaminated, or expired.
Donning and doffing are the terms used to describe putting on and taking off your PPE. You should follow a specific sequence and technique to avoid contaminating yourself or others. Generally, you should don your PPE before entering a potentially hazardous area and doff it after leaving. You should also wash your hands before and after donning and doffing. Dispose of your used PPE in designated containers or bags and wash or sanitize any reusable PPE according to the instructions.
Your PPE should fit you comfortably and securely, without interfering with your vision, breathing, or movement. You should adjust your PPE to ensure that it covers the intended areas and does not leave any gaps or openings. For example, you should make sure that your mask covers your nose and mouth, your goggles fit snugly around your eyes, and your gown or apron ties securely at the back. You should also avoid touching or adjusting your PPE unnecessarily while wearing it.
Another example is your hard hat needs to fit snug as to where if you bend over it will not fall off. Always check the date of your Hard Hat manufactorers recommend changing after 5 years due to exposure of environmental hazards sun or chemicals, depending on material as well as any kind of impacts or signs of aging maybe a Crack. If the inside support loses its elasticity it will no longer be affective in what it's designed to do. Always inspect your hat and replace the inner support if it starts becoming loose and loses its integrity. Head protection as well as eye protection play the most viable safety gear used today. Making sure it's in proper working order free from cracks or weathered or use over time will help in keeping you safer.
Your PPE should be stored and maintained in a clean, dry, and accessible place. You should follow the cleaning, disinfecting, or sterilizing procedures for your PPE as recommended by the manufacturer or your employer. You should also check the expiry dates and replace any PPE that is past its shelf life. You should never share your PPE with other workers or reuse disposable PPE.
I stress the importance of the expiry date. The review of the PPE consists of checking its integrity, if it has any damage, defect, odour..., but sometimes the expiry date is ignored, as the PPE is apparently perfect. Time passes very quickly and the expiry date unfortunately arrives soon. It is very important not to forget this aspect. Expired PPE is very dangerous. We think we are protected, but we are not.
FR clothing has strict guidelines to follow in maintaining its proper use. Washing and drying instructions as well as what not to add to clothing such as any flammable chemicals or material such as perfumes colognes starches for ironing to name a few. Nothing should be added that will take away its general purpose. There is proper ways to maintain the life of FR clothing. And always check the label for instructions on proper care and shelf life cause the more you wash it will lose its integrity.q
Your PPE is only as effective as your knowledge and skills on how to use it. You should educate yourself on the benefits, limitations, and risks of using PPE in your ES role. You should also participate in any training, orientation, or refresher courses on PPE offered by your employer or organization. You should ask questions, seek feedback, and report any issues or concerns related to PPE to your supervisor or manager.
Considering the different areas of exposure, fire protection and flame resistant clothing ARC Flash rated clothing are a major PPE that people tend to take very likely too considering there knowledge of its purpose. You have different FR rated clothing which it's purpose is to protect you from a short amount of heat or thermal exposure for a limited amount of time helping to protect as you can hopefully get out harms way. The longer your in the area the materials will eventually burn or catch fire as well. ARC Flash is to protect you from intense heat and energy generated during electric ARC Flash usually while working on live equipment. Education is the key to safety and safety is the key to going home safely everyday to your family.