Personal
Protective
Equipment (PPE)
Standard
purchase,
allocation
& usage
requirements
ISSUE 01 - FEB 2015
Safety HANDBOOK
Act with care
1
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Standard Personal Protective
Equipment & Clothing Index
1.1.Purpose
2
1.2.Responsibilities
3
1.3.General PPE rules
4
1.4.General principal
4
2.1.
PPE requirements for work outdoors
5
2.2.
PPE requirements for mobile plant with an enclosed cab and for truck operators
6
2.3.
PPE requirements for engineering & mechanical workshops
7
2.4.
PPE requirements for working with bitumen
8
2.5.
PPE requirements when handling asphalt
9
2.6.Gas PPE requirements
10
2.7. Visitors to site - minimum requirements
11
3.1.Hard hats
12
3.2.
12
Sun protection
3.3.Hearing protection
13
3.4.Eye protection
14
3.5.
Protective clothing - ‘ankle to wrist’ PPE coverage
15
3.6.
Wet weather gear
15
3.7.
Safety footwear
16
3.8.Gloves
16
3.9.Respiratory protection
17
3.10. Fall arrest, fall prevention, and rescue recovery equipment
17
3.11. Records
18
3.12. Monitoring requirements
18
3.14. SUMMARY TABLE - mandatory PPE requirements19
Safety HANDBOOK
1.1 Purpose
To provide information of
the Higgins Group standards
required for the purchase,
allocation, maintenance and
use of personal protective
equipment and clothing (PPE).
THE CEO’S STANDARD
All Higgins staff are skilled and professional
in what they do. Our professionalism is
also reflected in the correct use of PPE at
all times and the pride we take in way we
present ourselves.
Personal protective equipment and clothing is your last line
of defence if something goes wrong. Remember PPE is not
a substitute for eliminating or managing risks and hazards.
All staff will be issued with the following PPE items for their
protection. You must wear it; look after it; replace it when
needed and bring it to work every day.
• Hard hat
• Safety shoes
• Eye protection
• Gloves
• Hearing protection
• Ankle to wrist coverage
• Wet weather gear
DAVID GEOR - CEO
Act with care
3
1.2 Responsibilities
Business unit managers are responsible
for ensuring that:
•a
ll PPE purchased meets the requirements of this
standard and or the appropriate New Zealand or
international standards.
• t he required PPE is issued free of charge to employees.
• s ufficient amount of clothing is provided according to
need and risk to enable a clean and professional image to
be portrayed.
• t he issued PPE is appropriate to the tasks the employee
is required to undertake and complies with the relevant
regulations, codes of practice, industry best practice,
company procedures and task risk assessment.
•e
mployees are trained in the correct use and maintenance
of the issued PPE.
•a
ll personnel including employees, subcontractors,
contractors and visitors wear the specified PPE on all
Higgins controlled sites.
• t ask risk assessments are carried out to determine
additional PPE requirements.
• t he use of PPE is not used as a substitute for eliminating
or adequately managing risks or hazards.
Higgins staff, contractors and site visitors are required to
wear, use, and maintain the PPE in the correct manner and
have it replaced when it is worn or damaged.
Be safe
out there!
Safety HANDBOOK
1.3. General PPE rules
1.4.General principal
Any exemptions to these requirements
are to be documented on the Job
Safety Analysis (JSA) or Safe Operating
Procedure (SOP) and authorised by the
Group HSE Manager.
•T
he primary aim of this document is to ensure
we provide all employees with the same level of
protection while setting minimum standards that will
provide this and portray a professional look.
•N
o business unit can move away from the minimum
standard and intent of the document. They may
however provide a higher level of cover/look for their
business as long as it conforms to this document.
•N
o work shall be undertaken if the correct PPE is not
available.
•T
he minimum Higgins Group standard is:
• Work may not begin if the correct PPE is not available
or the PPE is not suitable for the task.
• All company issued protective clothing and equipment
remains the property of the company and must be
returned when a person finishes employment.
• The type and quantity of protective clothing and
equipment that a person receives is based on job
functional requirements and a task risk assessment.
• It is the responsibility of all employees to inspect their
gear before use.
• Contractors working under the direction or
supervision of Higgins must adhere to this PPE
standard.
• Each branch is responsible for identifying safety
equipment that requires on-going inspection and
maintenance. Such items include fire extinguishers,
fall protection equipment, atmospheres testers etc.
• Specialist training is required before staff are
permitted to carry out work requiring the use of
fall arrest, fall prevention, and rescue recovery
equipment and respiratory equipment
Ankle to wrist coverage and safety boots
•T
o be worn on all outdoor worksites, workshops,
mobile vehicle operations and by site visitors.
Hard hats
required on:
• NZTA construction & repair sites.
• General construction sites.
• Where specified by the client.
•A
nywhere else that your risk assessment
deems a hard hat is necessary.
•W
herever a hard hat is not worn a sun hat
must be worn.
•C
ompulsory to wear hard hats at all times
at aggregates sites.
Gloves
•T
o be worn for all manual handling activities unless
your JSA (Job Safety Plan) states gloves cannot be
used due to safety or operational requirements.
EYE PROTECTION
•W
earing eye protection is compulsory at all times.
Exceptions include offices, between depot offices and
in amenities or where the JSA states eye protection
should not be used due to safety/operational factors
•C
ompulsory to wear safety glasses at all times
at aggregates sites.
•S
pecific eye protection is required to meet high risk
tasks as per site/task specification as detailed in this
standard.
HIGGINS
SAFETY
STANDARDS
Look professional
Act professional
Set the standard
Be a safety ambassador
in the industry
Hearing protection
•M
inimum class 2 hearing protection to be carried and used where deemed necessary by the task/job JSA or:
- working on or around mobile plant or machinery.
- wherever specified in the activity risk register.
No personal clothing is to be worn on the outside
of work clothes.
Act with care
2.1. PPE
requirements for
work outdoors
Outdoor work protection is
all encompassing including
‘Ankle to Wrist’ PPE coverage
– and inclusive of Hi-Viz
requirements.
Exceptions to this requirement are not
permitted. Many of our contracts with our
clients are clear in that we must at all times
comply with these PPE requirements. They
expect us to lead the way with exemplary
safety protocols of which PPE is our front
window to our systems and procedures.
Staff must wear PPE garments compliant
with NZTA COPTTM - section B3 high
visibility garments.
All Hi-Viz clothing shall be regularly cleaned
to ensure that it remains highly visible
on site.
Hi-Viz vests should be tight fitting to
minimise the chances of snagging.
HARD HATS
as required.
HEARING PROTECTION
Class 2 minimum. Higher
class protection may be
required depending on task
risk assessment.
EYE PROTECTION
Worn at all times unless
excluded in the task JSA.
Hi-VIZ CLOTHING
Should form part of
the ankle to wrist PPE
coverage.
GLOVES
Must be carried at all
times and worn when
undertaking manual
handling tasks, unless
excluded in the task JSA.
ANKLE TO WRIST PPE
COVERAGE.
SAFETY FOOTWEAR
Steel cap ankle length boots
(gusseted ankle boots are
specifically prohibited).
5
Safety HANDBOOK
2.2. PPE
requirements
for mobile plant
with an enclosed
cab and for truck
operators.
When exiting equipment on
a work site operators must
ensure they wear the required
PPE for work outdoors.
Hearing protection must be worn unless
noise monitoring results indicate a safe
noise environment inside the vehicle.
Equipment requiring hearing protection
should be labelled with a hearing
protection warning sign.
Staff who are operating mobile plant
without an enclosed cab must wear
outdoor work PPE.
HARD HATS
No cab: As required,
worn when exiting cab.
HEARING PROTECTION
Minimum Class 2 unless
noise monitoring results
show safe exposure levels.
EYE PROTECTION
To be worn when exiting
cab, except where JSA
states they are not
required.
HI-VIZ CLOTHING
May form part of the ankle
to wrist PPE coverage or as
a separate garment.
GLOVES
Must be carried and used
for all manual handling
tasks other than machine
operations.
ANKLE TO WRIST
COVERAGE.
SAFETY FOOTWEAR
Steel cap ankle length boots
(gusseted ankle boots are
specifically prohibited).
Act with care
2.3. PPE
requirements
for engineering
& mechanical
workshops.
Additional PPE requirements
must be assessed as part of the
task risk assessment or JSA.
HARD HATS & HEARING
PROTECTION
As per task risk
assessment.
EYE PROTECTION
Tinted or clear depending
on light conditions. Both
types should be available
to staff.
Workshop staff working outside must use
full outdoors PPE.
Separate Hi-Viz vests should not be used
by engineering or mechanical workshop
staff. Use cotton Hi-Viz overalls to avoid
entanglement risks and fire risks
associated with synthetic garments.
ANKLE TO WRIST PPE
COVERAGE
Hi-Viz cotton overalls.
GLOVES
Worn at all times for
manual handling unless
specifically excluded in the
task JSA.
Hi-VIZ CLOTHING
Should form part of
the ankle to wrist PPE
coverage.
SAFETY FOOTWEAR
Steel cap ankle length boots
(gusseted ankle boots are
specifically prohibited).
7
Safety HANDBOOK
2.4.PPE
requirements
for working
with bitumen.
PROTECTIVE HEADGEAR
Heat resistant material
covering head and neck.
HEARING PROTECTION
As per task risk
assessment.
EYE PROTECTION
Full visor type eye & face
protection.
ANKLE TO WRIST PPE
COVERAGE
Hi-Viz 300gsm fire
retardant 100% cotton
overalls.
GLOVES
Worn at all times. Full heat
resistant gauntlet type
gloves. Wrist length gloves
are NOT permitted.
HI-VIZ CLOTHING
Part of the ankle to wrist
PPE coverage.
SAFETY FOOTWEAR
Bitumen sprayer operator
& hand sprayer operators.
Non lace up ankle length
boots with no exposed
steel fittings (Note: these
special bitumen boots are
not permitted on general
construction sites).
Act with care
2.5. PPE
REQUIREMENTS
WHEN HANDLING
ASPHALT.
HARD HATS
White and fitted with Class
2 hearing protection.
HEARING PROTECTION
Class 2 minimum, higher
class protection may be
required depending on task
risk assessment.
EYE PROTECTION
Worn at all times unless
excluded in the task JSA.
ANKLE TO WRIST PPE
COVERAGE
Hi-Viz 300gsm fire
retardant 100% cotton
overalls.
GLOVES
Gauntlet type gloves
to be worn at all times.
HI-VIZ CLOTHING
Should form part
of the ankle to wrist
PPE coverage.
SAFETY FOOTWEAR ASPHALT PAVINGBITUMEN
Flat soled asphalt paving
boots with steel cap toe.
(Note: these special bitumen
boots are not permitted on
general construction sites).
9
Safety HANDBOOK
2.6. Gas PPE
requirements.
This includes construction site
visits, inspections or safety
conversations.
Projects working under the requirements
of the NZTA “Code of Practice or
Temporary Traffic Management” (COPTTM)
need to account for the codes requirements
for visibility and garment design.
Staff involved with bitumen or gas lines
must wear a minimum of 300gsm fire
retardant 100% cotton overalls year round.
Any visitors to the site will also be required
to wear approved PPE unless they remain
in the office or in a vehicle during their visit.
HARD HATS
Worn at all times.
HEARING PROTECTION
Class 2 minimum, higher
class protection may be
required depending site
risk assessment.
EYE PROTECTION
Worn at all times - tinted
or clear depending on light
conditions.
ANKLE TO WRIST
Clothing cover.
GLOVES
Carried at all times - used
for any manual handling
activity.
Hi-Viz CLOTHING OR VEST
Hi-Viz to conform to NZTA
COPTTM requirements.
SAFETY FOOTWEAR
Safety boots or shoes with
steel cap toe.
Act with care
2.7. Visitors to
site - minimum
requirements.
This includes construction site
visits, inspections, or safety
conversations.
HARD HATS
Worn at all times.
HEARING PROTECTION
Class 2 minimum. Higher
class protection may be
required depending site
risk assessment.
EYE PROTECTION
Worn at all times. Tinted
or clear depending on light
conditions.
HI-VIZ CLOTHING OR VEST
To conform to NZTA
COPTTM requirements.
GLOVES
Carried at all times. Used
for any manual handling
activity.
ANKLE TO WRIST
Clothing cover.
SAFETY FOOTWEAR
Safety boots or shoes with
steel cap toe.
11
Safety HANDBOOK
3.1.Hard hats
3.2. Sun protection
Protective helmets (hard hats) must be
worn whenever the risk assessment
dictates or if specified as mandatory in
this document.
Sun screens - SPF ≥50 Broad Spectrum as
tested to AS/NZS 2604:2012.
No person is permitted to enter or be in an area designated
as a hard hat area unless they are wearing a hard hat.
Exemptions from the requirements (for example, open
days where overhead hazards have been eliminated)
must be documented in a JSA or safety plan approved the
Regional Manager or Group HSE Manager.
• Colour white – adjustable, fitted with Class 2 Hearing
Protection.
• Must comply with AS/NZS 1801:1997 (occupational safety
helmets).
• Selection, care and use will be in accordance with AS/NZS
1800.1:1998 (occupational safety helmets – selection,
care and use).
• No caps or hats may be worn under hard hats other than
thin merino beanies.
• Issue date must be recorded on a label inside the helmet.
• Helmets must be replaced following any significant
impact, or on expiry date as indicated by the
manufacturer’s specification.
HIGGINS SAFETY
STANDARDS
Prevent the damaging effects of
sun - use sun screen on exposed
skin when working outside.
• Sun screen is to be provided at each outdoor worksite.
•O
ptional neck flap and wide brim can be fitted to the hard
hat.
• I f no hard hat is worn, a sun hat must be worn in its place.
Act with care
3.3. Hearing protection
Noise monitoring results show that on
most busy sites, noise level peaks have
the potential to cause hearing loss.
Average exposure levels are very close
to the maximum permitted level (over 8
hours).
Class 2 hearing protection must be carried and worn where
specified in the JSA. This low level protection will remove
dangerous noise peaks and lower total noise exposure while
still allowing staff to hear what is going on around them.
Certain tasks require higher level protection. Where the risk
assessment indicates employees are exposed to noisy work
environments (for example circular saws, hammer drills,
compressed air, hydraulic breakers, piling hammers etc),
then hearing protection must be provided in the correct
grade.
This may include Class 5 ear plugs or ear muffs. Ear plugs
can be worn under class 2 helmet fitted hearing protection.
The plugs should be removed when the noisy activity is
completed to avoid becoming hearing isolated from the
worksite.
Stocks of hearing protection ear plugs or appropriate ear
muffs are required at each worksite.
SPECIFICATION
AS/NZS 1270-2002 - Specifies requirements
for the design, material and performance
of conventional hearing protectors.
Class Leq 8hz
Approved
Class 1 < 90dB Plugs/Muffs
Class 2 90 - <95dB Plugs/Muffs
Class 3 95 - <100dB Plugs/Muffs
Class 4 100 - <105 dB Plugs/Muffs
Class 5 105 - <110 dB Plugs/Muffs
HIGGINS SAFETY
STANDARDS
Tests show that most of our work
sites are noisy and fall just below
safe standards. However peak
noise events occur regularly and
these will damage your hearing
unless you use the hearing
protection provided.
13
Safety HANDBOOK
3.4.Eye protection.
To be worn at all times except where
the JSA specifically states it is not
needed.
A range of safety glasses will be available at each work
site with clear, amber and/or tinted lenses provided
for use in poor light conditions, night work or sunny
conditions. Eye protection complying with AS/NZS
1337.1:2010 must be worn. This includes all workers
contractors and visitors.
Loan glasses will be available to visitors.
Subcontractors must provide safety glasses for their
employees.
Safety glasses do not need to be worn inside the site
office, in smoko areas or in vehicles. Where safety
glasses are deemed a hazard (for example, during
periods of heavy rain that may compromise clear
vision), and a risk assessment indicates a low level risk
of eye injury then the decision to remove them will be
made by the foreman/supervisor and is to be recorded
on the JSA and/or Daily Toolbox sheet. Note: - any high
risk activity requiring eye protection cannot be carried
out during this period.
HIGGINS SAFETY
STANDARDS
A significant number of eye
injuries occur every year. These
can be prevented by using your
eye protection. Serious eye
injuries can result in loss of vision
which can’t be repaired.
FULL FACE VISORS
During any grinding or cutting process by mechanical
means, a full face shield shall be worn in addition to safety
glasses.
Any work with bitumen shall also require FULL face
protection.
PRESCRIPTION SAFETY GLASSES POLICY
Prescription safety glasses are available for those
permanent staff who require them.
Permanent staff who wear prescription eyewear may be
issued prescription safety glasses upon completion of a
“Purchase of Prescription Safety Glasses” application to the
Branch Manager.
The company will pay up to $500 incl GST for an eye
examination and a pair of safety glasses in line with AS/
NZS 1337 standards. For costs above this limit the employee
will pay the balance.
An employee is entitled to a new pair of glasses paid for
by the company up to a value of $500 (incl GST) every
two years. An authorisation is required from the Branch
Manager should an employee require additional glasses
within two years of receiving the first pair. If authorisation
is not given the additional glasses will be at the employees
cost.
Should an employee resign within six months of receiving
prescription safety glasses, the employee will refund the
cost to the company pro-rated to zero percent over 6
months after issue.
Each business unit will establish a preferred supplier for
provision of safety prescription glasses. Accounts will be
established to enable staff to use a manager supplied order
number with the supplier.
Act with care
3.5. Protective
clothing - ‘ankle to
wrist’ PPE coverage.
Higgins require that ‘ankle to wrist’
cover be worn by ALL employees and
contractors when working.
This requirement is aimed to help mitigate:
• the risk of developing skin cancer from prolonged
exposure to high UV levels
• reduce cuts and scrapes from construction materials
• reduce the risk caused by contact with chemicals, fuel and
concrete splashes.
Staff are required to wear the provided protective clothing.
Private clothing must not be worn on the outside or as a
substitute for the company provided clothing.
Additional layers of personal clothing may be worn under
the provided protective clothing for warmth or added
comfort if need be.
Any visitors to the site will also be required to wear
approved PPE, including long sleeve and trousers unless
they remain in the office or in a vehicle during their visit.
The use of hoodies on or in any work area is prohibited
as they can block vision. Hoodies also do not portray a
professional appearance.
Staff working outdoors in cold conditions will be provided
with a thin merino beanie to wear under their hard hat.
RECOMMENDED SUMMER CLOTHING UNIFORM
OPTION 1: LIGHT WEIGHT HIGH VISIBILITY
• COPTTM compliant 100% cotton shirt (150/160gm) and
• 100% cotton trousers.
OPTION 2: LIGHT WEIGHT HIGH VISIBILITY
• COPTTM compliant polyester shirt and
• 100% cotton trousers.
OPTION 3: LIGHT WEIGHT HIGH VISIBILITY
• COPTTM compliant 100% long sleeve overalls
(155-200gsm max).
These options provide the most comfortable options
when working in heat.
RECOMMENDED WINTER CLOTHING UNIFORM
• Warm heavy weight material (300gsm min)
compliant with the summer clothing options.
• Thin merino beanie.
15
3.6. Wet weather gear.
Rain coats need to be water proof and
fitted with a water proof hood. The coats
need to provide adequate ventilation and
or lining to prevent a build-up of moisture
on the inside of the garment during
physical activity.
Rain coats must be Hi-Viz garments conforming to
NZTA COPTTM section B3.
Wet weather leggings will be water proof and provide
adequate ventilation and or lining to prevent a build-up
of moisture on the inside of the garment during physical
activity.
If work is to be undertaken in extreme wet weather,
a detailed risk assessment needs to be done to determine
suitable wet weather gear. Adequate stocks need to be
on hand to allow for drying times between shifts.
WINTER GEAR
•S
uitable warm clothing needs to be supplied dependent
on the climate of the branch.
•C
lothing needs to conform to High-Viz specifications, fire
ratings and convey a professional appearance if worn as
an outer garment.
•A
dequate quantities need to be supplied to staff to ensure
a professional image is always maintained.
Safety HANDBOOK
3.7. Safety footwear
3.8.Gloves
Safety footwear requirements are
specified in the task specific PPE
requirements.
It is mandatory for all employees,
subcontractors and visitors to carry on
their person at least one pair of suitable
gloves for the task they are undertaking
on all outdoor work sites. This includes all
employees when working on work sites
controlled by others.
All safety footwear will comply with AS/NZ2210.3:2009.
Safety footwear for general construction, concrete,
aggregates, workshop truck driving and mobile plant
operations:
• Steel cap ankle length lace up boots providing a high
degree of ankle support and complying with AS/NZS
2210.3:2009 occupational protective footwear part 3
(gusseted ankle boots are specifically prohibited).
ASPHALT PAVING
• Flat soled asphalt paving boots with steel cap toe. (only
use on asphalt paving sites).
BITUMEN SPRAYER OPERATOR AND HAND SPRAYER
OPERATORS
• Non lace up ankle length boots with no exposed steel
fittings - (these boots are not permitted on general
construction sites).
WET WORK
(DRAINS, CULVERTS, CONCRETE WORK)
• Steel cap gumboots - complying with AS/NZS 2210.3:2009
occupational protective footwear.
OTHER FOOTWEAR
• Safety shoes complying with AS/NZS 2210.3:2009 may
be used by visitors to sites.
• Covered flat soled shoes may be used by staff crossing
from buildings to buildings in Higgins yards.
Spending much of your day on
your feet requires good boots with
a high degree of ankle support
and comfort. Ensure your boots
are worn correctly and report
discomfort promptly.
It is mandatory to wear gloves while carrying out any
manual handling activity on an outdoors worksite.
For other work areas, glove use is determined by a task risk
assessment.
Wearing of gloves is not a substitute for eliminating or
isolating hazards that may cause hand injuries.
A range of gloves will be made available for the various
tasks, and each foreman/supervisor will ensure that
individual workers are issued with appropriate gloves as
determined by the JSA.
Act with care
3.9. Respiratory
protection.
Breathing air which contains toxic
substances or in an atmosphere which
has insufficient oxygen to support human
life is a very real and common hazard in
our industry.
1. Dust masks are to be worn where identified
by the JSA. No less than a P1 grade.
Dust can be a significant hazard on some work sites.
Foremans vans must carry a box of disposable dust masks.
17
3.10. Fall arrest, fall
prevention, and rescue
recovery equipment
Specialist training is required before staff
are permitted to carry out work requiring
the use of this category of equipment.
•A
ll fall arrest rescue recovery and fall prevention
equipment must comply with the relevant AS/NZ
Standard.
•E
quipment selection will be in accordance with WorkSafe
New Zealand codes of practice and guidelines.
2. Respirators - specific training is required
before staff are permitted to carry out work
requiring the use of this category of equipment.
• Respirator cartridges have a limited life depending on
frequency of use and exposure to the atmosphere. All
respirators should be stored in an air tight container when
not in use.
• Cartridges are to be marked with the date they were fitted
and should be replaced regularly depending on use. It is
critical to correctly select the right cartridge for the type
of material being handled.
• Consult the MSD sheet and Risk Register to ensure that
the correct cartridge is used.
REMEMBER
Hand injuries are our most
common injury type. Gloves must
be worn for all manual handling
activities.
No excuses.
Safety HANDBOOK
3.11. Records.
• Induction record
3.12. Monitoring
requirements.
• CMP - Safety Plan Contract Management Ensure:
• PPE use is appropriate to the activity
• Risk Registers
safety plans and Risk Registers.
• Work Component Plans or JSAs
• Equipment is functional and well
maintained.
• Daily Hazard ID & Toolbox meetings
• Training Records.
• Staff have access to all the required PPE.
• Staff feel they can have worn or
damaged equipment replaced with ease.
• Work Component Plans & JSA’s have
identified PPE requirements.
• Induction records, both company and
site specific have communicated PPE
requirements.
• PPE purchases conform to the
nominated national standards and codes
of practice.
• Training records demonstrate that
specialist training has been provided
where required.
Act with care
19
3.14. SUMMARY TABLE
mandatory PPE
requirements.
PPE REQUIREMENT
Ankle wrist coverage
Hi-Viz
Safety boots
Fire retardant cotton
overalls
Sealing boots (chip or
asphalt)
Safety shoes
Hard hats as required
Hearing protection
Eye protection
Work gloves
Chemical/heat gauntlet
gloves
Protective headgear
Face shield
OUTDOOR
TASKS
BITUMEN
HANDLING
ASPHALT
GAS
WORKSHOPS/
ENGINEERING
CONCRETE
AGGREGATES
ENCLOSED
TRUCK/
MOBILE
PLANT (CAB)
SITE
VISITORS
February 2015
HIGGINS.CO.NZ