Personal protective equipment (PPE) is equipment designed to minimize the exposure to serious work injuries or diseases. The injuries and illnesses can be a result of contact with any electrical, physical, chemical, radiological or other workplace hazards. PPE includes a large selection of clothing and safety equipment such as: face masks, boots, hard hats, respirators, vests, full body suits, ear plugs, gloves, safety harnesses, etc.
How To Ensure Proper Use Of Personal Protective Equipment?
Any type of personal protective equipment should be safely designed and properly maintained. It should fit the person using it, be safe and comfortable to wear. If the personal protective equipment does not fit properly, it can expose the user to danger instead of protecting him/her from it. When there is no other or insufficient protection, employers must provide employees with personal protective equipment and ensure proper use. Employers should also train and teach each worker about:
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When it is necessary to use PPE
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What kind of PPE is necessary
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How to properly put, adjust, wear and take off a PPE
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The limitations of the equipment
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Proper care, maintenance and disposal of the equipment
If personal protective equipment must be used, there should be a PPE program. This program should emphasize the possible hazards, maintenance, and the use of PPE and the employee training.
How To Choose The Right PPE?
When choosing the right PPE for work, the selection process must include:
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Consultation with users
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Risk evaluation and performance requirements for the personal protective equipment
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Compatibility of all PPE items
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Consultation with the supplier to ensure PPE is suitable for precise work conditions
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Ensuring the PPE complies with the relevant Australian Standard
Maintenance of Personal Protective Equipment
Personal protective equipment (PPE) must be maintained, repaired or replaced in order to minimize the risks workers are or may be exposed to. Before using it, one must ensure the equipment is:
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Clean and hygienic
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In good working order
What Is The Worker’s Duty When Using Personal Protective Equipment?
A worker using personal protective equipment (PPE) must:
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Wear the PPE as the training program indicates
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Not intentionally damage the PPE
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Indicate the person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) of any defect, damage or need to clean the PPE
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Tell the manager if the PPE is uncomfortable or if it does not fit properly
If a worker refuses to wear the PPE, the PCBU can take action against the worker.
