PPE: The Last Line of Defence

?Hi there,

Today we’re discussing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at work and the important role this plays in protecting workers health and safety.

Hierarchy of Controls

PPE should be the last resort to protect against risks. Consider controls in the following order, with elimination being the most effective and PPE being the least effective:

1. Elimination – physically remove the hazard.
2. Substitution – replace the hazard.
3. Engineering controls – isolate people from the hazard.
4. Administrative controls – change the way people work.
5. PPE – protect the worker with equipment.

PPE Critical Factors

When to use PPE

• If breathing in dust, mist, gas or fumes.
• To prevent flying particles or splashes of corrosive liquids getting into people’s eyes.
• If skin contact with corrosive materials.?
• Where there is excessive noise.
• In extremes of heat or cold.

Selecting PPE

Before selecting PPE consider;

• Who is exposed.
• What they are exposed to.
• How long are they exposed for.
• How much are they exposed to.

Using PPE

• If a risk assessment shows PPE is needed for a task, it should always be used, even for jobs that 'only take a few minutes'.
• Instruct & train people how to use PPE effectively.
• If more than one item of PPE is worn at the same time, make sure they can be used together.

Common Types of PPE Workers May Have to Wear

• Safety helmets.
• Gloves.
• Eye or hearing protection.
• High-visibility clothing.
• Safety footwear.
• Harnesses.

Employers' Responsibilities

• Where a risk assessment finds PPE to be necessary, employers have a duty to provide it free of charge.?
• Ensure PPE is properly assessed before use to make sure it is fit for purpose.
• Maintain and store PPE correctly.
• Provide instructions & training on how to use PPE safely.
• Ensure equipment is used correctly by workers.

Act Now

Promote a culture of safety where using PPE is second nature. Take action by:

1. Conducting a thorough risk assessment.
2. Implementing PPE where hazards still remain despite other control measures.
3. Providing proper training.

CQMS' Personal Protective Equipment Awareness Course?includes details of a wide range of PPE options, examines the legislation and regulations and also covers the role risk assessment plays in the selection and use of PPE.

??Book Your PPE Awareness Course Now??

Stay safe,

The CQMS Team