General PPE – Safety Checklist

PREAMBLE

There are different types of PPE available depending on the type of job or the type of hazards. PPE offers protection against injury or illness resulting from contact with physical, chemical, radiological. Mechanical, and electrical hazards. The use of PPE is the last line of protection and indicates that the hazards cannot be controlled through engineering, design, or administrative controls.

Common Personal Protection Equipment 

  • eye and face protection
  • foot and leg protection
  • head protection
  • hearing protection
  • arm and hand protection
  • protective clothing

OSHA does not mandate specific PPE for specific circumstances OSHA does require that:

  • employees identify hazards that require PPW
  • select the appropriate safety equipment; and
  • train workers on their proper use.

Causes of PPE Failures

  • Inadequate assessment by the employer – Failure of the employer to properly assess hazards can lead to workplace injuries, ranging from head trauma to chemical exposures.
  • Poorly fitted PPE – in order for PPE to work properly, it should fit properly, It is particularly important when working with hazards such as heat, respiratory irritants, and chemicals.
  • Improper PPE usage – Eye protection can be aggravating and gloves can limit dexterity. Workers often find respiratory protective equipment uncomfortable and fell that it interferes with vision and communication. However, it is important to understand that the proper usage of PPE is essential for worker safety and well-being. 
  • Insufficient worker training – employers often fail to provide detailed training to workers on the proper use of PPE. The training should include:
  1. How to inspect PPE
  2. When to use PPE
  3. How to wear and adjust PPE
  4. Limitations of PPE
  5. How to remove, maintain, and store PPE safely
  6. Identifying and replacing damaged and worn PPE

Precautions about the use PPE

PPE programs are often plagued by the belief that once a piece of equipment is put on, the worker is totally protected. This is a false sense of security. Basic safety principles, such as housekeeping and engineering controls, must not be ignored.

PPE is designed to meet criteria which is only an approximation of real working conditions. PPE should not be used when hazards are greater than those for which that specific piece of equipment is designed. When it comes to the evaluation of potential hazards, uncertainties need to be taken into account. Unfortunately, PPE design criteria cannot cover all eventualities.

Wearing PPE should not in itself create a greater danger. For example, gloves prevent skin damage while working with moving equipment, but can create an entanglement hazard when working with a drill press or metal lathe.

Most regulatory agencies require that PPE not be used unless the employer has taken all the necessary measures in terms of engineering controls, work practices, administrative controls, and hygiene to control the hazard…