Personal protective equipment (PPE) helps prevent injuries and is necessary in many types of jobs. Employers are responsible for eliminating workplace hazards. However, when a hazard can't be eliminated, appropriate PPE must be provided. It's your job to not only use PPE, but to maintain and to store it as well.
When selecting a pair of gloves, make sure you've got the right type for the job you're doing. Make sure they fit properly and are in good condition, There's a glove for every type of job. For example:
- General purpose work gloves protect against dirt, scrapes, slivers and low to moderate heat.
- Rubber or plastic gloves generally are used for chemical protection.
- Antivibration gloves provide hand and wrist support while absorbing shock and vibrations that could lead to injuries.
- Disposable gloves made of latex, vinyl, etc. protect against blood and potentially infectious body fluids, chemicals and other hazards.
- Metal mesh gloves protect against cuts, rough materials and blows from tools.
Proper fitting shoes are important for comfort and safety. Inspect footwear for cracks, holes or tears, and be sure to replace or repair shoes if necessary. The safety shoe has protective features that are needed to do your job safely:
- Ankle guards to prevent sparks from getting into the shoe.
- Insulation to protect against heat and cold.
- Instep protection made of aluminum, steel, fiber or plastic.
- Steel toe or metal toe boxes for impact and compression hazards.
- Puncture protection.
Protective helmets can keep you safe from impact, spills, splashes and other hazards. Hard hats have five parts: the shell, the suspension or inner straps, the brim, a liner for cold weather and sometimes a chin strap.
- Adjust the fit properly.
- Store the helmet away from dirt and chemicals.
- Never carry anything inside the helmet's suspension.
- Inspect the helmet often for dents, cracks and signs of wear.
If you work where there is airborne dust or grit, danger of flying particles or splashing chemicals, you need eye protection. Choose the protective eyeware best suited for your job.
- Glasses with impact resistant lenses that have side shields provide adequate protection for most types of work.
- Flexible fitting or cushion-fitting goggles fit easily over prescription glasses and provide front and side protection.
- Special purpose eyeware, such as chemical or chipping goggles, provides maximum protection from fumes and flying debris.
- Full face shields may be worn in addition to protective eyeware for maximum facial protection.
Personal protective equipment must be worn, fitted properly and kept in good condition to be effective. Check with you department manager when choosing the appropriate PPE for your job. For more information go to www.copperpoint.com.
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