Eyes
Hazards: chemical or metal splash, dust, projectiles, gas and vapour, radiation.
Options: safety spectacles, goggles, faceshields, visors.
Head
Hazards: impact from falling or flying objects, risk of head bumping, hair entanglement.
Options: a range of helmets and bump caps.
Breathing
Hazards: dust, vapour, gas, oxygen-deficient atmospheres.
Options: disposable filtering facepiece or respirator, half- or full-face respirators,air-fed helmets, breathing apparatus.
Protecting the body
Hazards: temperature extremes, adverse weather, chemical or metal splash, spray from pressure leaks or spray guns, impact or penetration, contaminated dust,excessive wear or entanglement of own clothing.
Options: conventional or disposable overalls, boiler suits, specialist protective clothing.
Hands and arms
Hazards: abrasion, temperature extremes, cuts and punctures, impact, chemicals, electric shock, skin infection, disease or contamination.
Options: gloves, gauntlets, mitts, wristcuffs, armlets.
Feet and legs
Hazards: wet, electrostatic build-up, slipping, cuts and punctures, falling objects, metal and chemical splash, abrasion.
Options: safety boots and shoes with protective toe caps and penetration-resistant mid-sole, gaiters, leggings, spats.
Training
Make sure anyone using PPE is aware of why it is needed, when it is to be used, repaired or replaced and its limitations. Train and instruct people how to use it properly and make sure they are doingn this. Because PPE is the last resort after other methods of protection have been considered, it is important that users wear it all the time they are exposed to the risk. Never allow exemptions for those jobs which take ‘just a few minutes’. Check regularly that PPE is being used and investigate fully any reasons why it is not. Safety signs can be useful reminders to wear PPE.
Maintenance
Make sure equipment is: well looked after and properly stored when it is not being used.kept clean and in good repair - follow the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule (including recommended replacement periods and shelf lives). Make sure suitable replacement PPE is always readily available.
CE marking
Ensure any PPE you buy is ‘CE’ marked and complies with the requirements of thePersonal Protective Equipment Regulations 2002. The CE marking signifies that the PPE satisfies certain basic safety requirements and in some cases will have beentested and certified by an independent body.
Other regulations
The PPE at Work Regulations do not apply where the following six sets of regulations require the provision and use of PPE against these hazards. Forexample, gloves used to prevent dangerous chemicals penetrating the skin would be covered by the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002
(as amended). The regulations are:
The Control of Lead at Work Regulations 2002.
The Ionising Radiations Regulations 1999.
The Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 2002.
The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (as amended).
The Noise at Work Regulations 1989.
The Construction (Head Protection) Regulations 1989.
Key points to remember
Are there ways (other than PPE) in which the risk can be adequately controlled,
e.g. engineering controls? If not, check that:
PPE is provided;
it offers adequate protection for its intended use;
those using it are adequately trained in its safe use;
it is properly maintained and any defects are reported; it is returned to its proper storage after use.
