2. ➲ The provisions for and the use of Personal Protection
equipment or PPE are covered under the Personal
Protection Equipment at Work Regulations 1992.
➲ PPE has been defined in the regulations as 'all
equipment (including clothing affording protection
against the weather) which is intended to be worn or
held by a person at work and which protects him
against one or more risks to his health or safety'.
➲ The hazards that a person can face in an industrial
setting and the different types of PPE that can protect
his person from them are mentioned below.
3. Why is PPE important
➲ To make the workplace safe, you have to provide
instructions, training, supervision and procedures.
This will encourage people to work responsibly and
safely.
➲ Even after applying engineering controls and safety
systems some hazards still remain. To reduce this
risk, PPE equipment is important.
4. Hazards
➲ The Lungs: Breathing in contamined air, oxygen
deficient atmosphere, dust.
➲ The Eyes: Splashes of corrosive liquids, molten
metals, gas and vapour, dust, radiation.
➲ The Head: Risks from head bumping, flying or falling
objects, hair entanglement.
5. Hazards continued..
➲ The Body: Adverse weather, temperature
extremes, sprays from pressure guns and
pressure leaks, contaminated dust, metal or
chemical splash, impact or penetration.
➲ Hands and arms: Temperature extremes, impact,
electric shock, disease or contamination,
abrasion, skin infection, punctures and cuts. Use
hand sanitiser to protect from this.
➲ Feet and legs: Electro static build up, falling
objects, abrasion, slipping due to wetness.
6. Types of PPE
➲ For the Lungs
Full face or half face respirators, breathing apparatus,
air fed helmets, disposable filtering respirator or
facepiece will protect the lungs. It should fit properly,
the respirator's limitations should be known and the
person should know how to wear it.
➲ For the Eyes
Each employee in the work area shall wear
appropriate face and eye protection when exposed to
hazards. PPE for the eyes include goggles,
faceshields, safety spectacles and visors.
7. Types of PPE continued..
➲ For the Head
A protective hard hat(helmet) should be worn in areas
where the possibility of contact with exposed and
highly energised electrical conductors is high. This
also includes danger from falling objects.
Bump Caps should be worn where there are
protruding pipes and objects.
➲ For the Body
If there is a possibility of chemical contamination,
splashes of metal/chemicals, etc then
work safety gloves or equipment such as boiler suits,
overalls, high visibility clothing, aprons made from
chain mail, plastic, rubber should be used.
If working around flammable materials, fire resistant
clothing should be used.
8. Types of PPE continued..
➲ For the Hands and Arms
Skin absorption of harmful materials such as
radioactive materials, biological agents and other
injuries can be prevented by gauntlets, wristcuffs,
gloves, mitts, armlets.
➲ For the Feet and Legs
Potential foot injuries can be prevented by using PPE
for foot protection. Examples for such PPE are shoes
and safety boots with toe caps, gaiters, spats,
leggings and penetration resistant mid soles.
9. Visit a PPE supplier today
➲ PPE equipment suppliers can guide you on the
PPE to purchase to suit your needs best.
➲ Always purchase PPE supplies of the highest
quality and confirming to the latest safety
standards, so that you and your employees are
safe from untoward accidents.
