PPE in Your Workplace: Using Personal Protective Equipment to Mitigate Risk & Promote Workplace Safety

Many workplaces require that their employees make use of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment.

Why is PPE such a vital component of safety training and workplace safety?

Jobs such as construction, working at heights, working on suspended platforms and many other roles entail a number of hazards that present risk potential for your workplace, job site, company and/or organization.

The Many Functions of PPE

Bodily protection – of the face, eyes, ears, head and extremities – is a very important aspect of using personal protective equipment (PPE).

Any worker should be well aware of the different types of PPE available and required for his or her work. It is vital that every employee be familiar with how to wear PPE properly.

There may also be some protective shields and barriers, protective clothing and respiratory devices, which need to be carefully maintained and inspected to ensure that they are in good working condition.

PPE Safety Training is thus an essential component of PPE in the workplace. It’s not enough to have the PPE on hand. It has to be the right kind of PPE; has to be up to date; and employees must be adequately trained in the proper use of their PPE.

The Different Types of PPE

PPE is really a catch-all for different types of personal protective equipment. Depending on the nature of the work and the workplace, your team members will require a variety of PPE.

PPE for the eyes and face

Protecting the eyes, ears and face is a crucial component of workplace safety.

• Goggles and face protection are needed when the risk is present for exposure to flying particles, chemicals, liquids, bright lights, etc.
• Eye protection must properly fit the individual or be adjustable
• Eye and face protection is in good working condition; if it isn’t, it should be replaced
• Ear protection – e.g. earplugs or noise-reducing ear muffs – must be worn whilst working in high-noise environments

In addition, workers should be well versed in how to wear their PPE for eyes and face

PPE for the head

Above the eyes and face, head protection is crucial.

• Hard hats must be worn at all times in hazardous areas
• Hard hat requirements extend to everyone in these areas, including visitors, management, et al
• You need to ensure that the suspension of the hard hat is in good condition, consisting of the headband and strapping so that it can effectively absorb impact

Hard hats plus face protection are two big steps in PPE safety. But there’s one more.

PPE for the feet and hands

Many roles involve risk exposure for feet, legs, arms, hands, digits and more.

• Employees need to wear tight fitting foot and hand protection to prevent hazardous items or substances from damaging hands and feet
• Workers must wear metal-free, non-conductive shoes, boots or gloves in environments with wires or connections
• Steel-toed shoes are to be worn in areas where there is no risk of electrical contact
• Staff should wear rubber or synthetic footwear or gloves to work around chemicals or hazardous liquids

These three components of essential PPE combine to form a safer workplace.

PPE Training for Workplace Safety

A safe workplace, complete with proper PPE, is crucial for your ongoing operations.

It is vital to ensure that you have the right safety procedures and policies for things such as working at heights, first aid CPR, confined space entry, etc. Taking the right WHMIS-GHS steps can create a great work environment that is safe and productive.

Ever since Advanced Consulting and Training Ltd.’s founding, our diverse team of certified health and safety professionals has taken great pride in our ability to deliver prompt, cost-effective and relevant workplace health and safety solutions.

As a CPO approved, TSSA accredited, and WSIB approved provider, we look forward to discussing how ACT can help with your company’s safety training needs & requirements.

Contact us today to find out more about enrolling your team members in our PPE courses. We can also conduct onsite PPE training at your job site or workplace.