Estates and Facilities
Personal Protective Equipment Policy
Guide to the requirements for
Provision and Use of Personal Protective
Equipment (PPE)
at the West Suffolk Hospital and West
Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust Properties
Updates
Issue 1 –
Feb 2009
……………………………...
Issue 4 –
Nov 2014
Issue 5 –
May 2015
Current Issue
Issue 6 –
Issued by: Estates and Facilities Directorate
July 2016
July 2016
Source: Estates Building Officer
Issue date: July 2016
Status: Approved
Valid until date: July 2018
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Document Ref: 26, E&F CofC PPE Policy rev6
Estates and Facilities Personal Protective Equipment Policy
West Suffolk Hospital
Estates and Facilities Policy and Procedure
Document Ref. No: FP(16)1026
Estates and Facilities Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
For use in:
For use by:
For use for:
Document owner:
Status:
Trust Wide
Contractors and Estates & Facilities Personnel
Contractor and Construction Based Works on Site
Estates and Facilities Building Design and Projects Manager
Approved
Purpose of this document
This Estates and Facilities Personal Protective Equipment Policy document has been
produced by the Estates and Facilities Directorate of the West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust
(hereon referred to as the Trust) to advise Contractors* the requirements expected from them
while conducting themselves on this and outlying sites owned and/or managed by the Trust
which fall within the remit of the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992.
This Policy and its accompanying documents have been produced in response to Sections 2,
3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 36 and 37 of the ‘Health and Safety at Work Etc. Act 1974’, Regulations 3-19 of
the ‘Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999’, and the complete
‘Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015’, and the Personal Protective
Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 and its ‘Approved code of practice’ (ACoP)
Contractors have a primary duty to comply with the ‘Health and Safety at Work Act, and all
subsidiary legislation, The Trust has a parallel responsibility in respect of the Health and
Safety of their own employees, patients and members of the public. Compliance with the
advice and conditions given in this policy form an essential part of contract works and failure to
observe them may lead to the contractor being asked to cease work and/or leave site without
payment or compensation.
This Policy is to advise Contractors* and the Trusts own Direct Labour Force of the
requirements expected from them while conducting themselves on this and outlying sites
owned and/or managed by the Trust. It is also to inform of the likely risks that maybe
encountered while on Trust property.
General information has also been provided by the Trust advising the Contractors* and Direct
Labour Force of the control measures that are in place at the West Suffolk Hospital and
outlying sites for achieving safe systems of work, although it is not intended to cover all
aspects of safety likely to be encountered on the site. None of your individual statutory rights
are affected by these rules.
*Definition of a Contractor:
Source: Estates Building Officer
Issue date: July 2016
For the purposes of this and the documentation accompanying this Policy, a ‘Contractor’
is defined as any person or organisation employed by the Trust to carryout works or
services, and is therefore not limited to construction based activities.
Status: Approved
Valid until date: July 2018
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West Suffolk Hospital
Guidance Documentation
The Estates and Facilities Personal Protective Equipment Policy is part of a series of
documents covering a wide range of Health, Safety and Welfare issues for the Trust, and is
the umbrella document for the Code of Conduct series of documents and provides details as
to where to find specific information.
Estates and Facilities – Code of Conduct group of documents
01 – Health, Safety and Welfare Policy FP(14)1001
02 – Code of Conduct – FP(15)1002
03 – Site Safety Leaflet – FP(14)1003
04 – Contractor Induction – FP(14)1004
05 – CDM Policy – FP(14)1005
07 – Working at Heights – FP(14)1006
08 – Confined Spaces – FP(14)1007
10 – Handover Procedures – FP(16)1008
11 – Lifting Operations – FP(14)1009
26 – Personal Protective Equipment – FP(16)1026
There are also a number of documents that are not part of the Code of Conduct group of
documents that are also relevant to construction related activities
Trust Policy documents
00 – Trust Policy – Health, Safety and Welfare Policy PP(13)018
06 – Trust Policy – Control of Asbestos at Work PP(12)089
09 – Trust Policy – Fire Safety Policy PP(12)014
Estates and Facilities Documents
12 – Standard Specification
22 – Risk Assessments
Tender Procedures
Approved Contractors List
Source: Estates Building Officer
Issue date: July 2016
Status: Approved
Valid until date: July 2018
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West Suffolk Estates and Facilities Personal Protective Equipment Policy
West Suffolk Hospital
Requirements
The Trust has basic duties concerning the provision and use of personal protective
equipment (PPE) at work as protection to workplace hazards, where other risk
control systems are not achievable This procedure explains what is needed to meet
the requirements of the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 (as
amended).
What is PPE?
PPE is 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’, eg safety helmets, gloves,
eye protection, high-visibility clothing, safety footwear and safety harnesses.
Hearing protection and respiratory protective equipment provided for most work situations
are not covered by these Regulations because other regulations apply to them. However,
these items need to be compatible with any other PPE provided.
What do the Regulations require?
The main requirement of the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992
is that PPE is to be supplied and used at work wherever there are risks to health and safety
that cannot be adequately controlled in other ways. The Trust recognises that PPE is the
last resort in the controlling workplace hazards.
The Regulations also require that PPE:
o is properly assessed before use to ensure it provides suitable protection to the user;
o is maintained and stored properly;
o is provided with instructions on how to use it safely; and is used correctly by employees
and does not cause unnecessary discomfort.
Responsibilities
Duties of the Trust
o
To supply the correct PPE free of charge
o
To provide training in its use
o
To maintain the PPE in good condition
o
To replace and dispose of PPE if necessary
o
To supervise the use of PPE
o
To provide suitable accommodation or storage for PPE
o
o
o
o
o
o
Duties of employee
To use PPE when instructed to do so
To use PPE provided in accordance with any instructions given
To use the correct PPE
Not to misuse PPE
To report any faults
To return PPE to its appropriate storage after using it
Source: Estates Building Officer
Issue date: July 2016
Status: Approved
Valid until date: July 2018
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West Suffolk Estates and Facilities Personal Protective Equipment Policy
West Suffolk Hospital
Requirements
Assessing suitable PPE
To identify the suitable PPE, a competent person will conduct a workplace risk assessment,
on the proposed activity to consider the different hazards in the workplace. This will assist in
the task of identifying the correct control measures.
The following will be considered when assessing whether PPE is suitable:
• Is it appropriate for the risks involved and the conditions at the place where exposure
to the risk may occur? For example, eye protection designed for providing protection
against agricultural pesticides will not offer adequate face protection for
someone
using an angle grinder to cut steel or stone.
• Does it prevent or adequately control the risks involved without increasing the
overall level of risk, can the work/task still be carried out?
• Can it be adjusted to fit the wearer correctly?
• The state of health of those who will be wearing it, has been taken into account?
• What are the needs of the job and the demands it places on the wearer? For
example, the length of time the PPE needs to be worn, the physical effort required to
do the job and the requirements for visibility and communication.
• If more than one item of PPE is being worn, are they compatible? For example,
does a particular type of respirator make it difficult to get eye protection to fit
properly?
The hazards and types of PPE
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 or hairnets. (Bump Caps are not approved for Hospital Sites)
Breathing
Hazards: dust, vapour, gas, oxygen-deficient atmospheres.
Options: disposable filter facemask/respirator,half/full-face respirators, 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, falls
Options: uniform, conventional or disposable overalls, boiler suits, specialist protective
clothing, high-visibility clothing, safety harness
Hands and arms
Hazards: abrasion, temperature extremes, cuts and punctures, impact, chemicals, electric
shock, skin infection, disease or contamination.
Options: gloves, gauntlets, mitts,
Feet and legs
Hazards: wet, electrostatic build-up, slipping, cuts and punctures, falling objects,
metal and chemical splash, abrasion.
Options: safety boots, shoes or wellingtons with protective toecaps, leggings,
Ears
Hazards: noise
Options: ear muffs/plugs
Source: Estates Building Officer
Issue date: July 2016
Status: Approved
Valid until date: July 2018
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West Suffolk Estates and Facilities Personal Protective Equipment Policy
West Suffolk Hospital
Requirements
Charges for PPE
The Trust cannot ask for money from an employee for PPE, whether it is returnable or not.
Once employment terminates all PPE shall be returned if the employee keeps the PPE
without the employer’s permission, then, as long as it has been made clear in the contract
of employment, the Trust may be able to deduct the cost of the replacement from any
wages owed.
In relation to safety footwear the Trust will pay up to a fixed figure whereby suitable
footwear can be purchased for that sum, [currently £50 including VAT]. If staff prefer a more
expensive brand of safety footwear then the individual may pay the supplier directly at the
time of purchase.
With the exception of safety harnesses, all protective equipment will be a personal issue. If
it is not new PPE, it will be thoroughly cleaned prior to being issued to employees and they
should not borrow/use personal protective equipment from other employees.
Training
Suitable training and information will be provided to employees for the correct use and
storage of PPE. The line manager shall document records of PPE issued to staff, including
training in its correct use.
Make sure anyone using PPE is aware of why it is needed [explain the hazard],
when it is to be used, repaired or replaced and its limitations.
o Train and instruct people how to use it properly and make sure they are doing this.
o 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.
No exemptions will be allowed for those jobs that take ‘just a few minutes’.
o Check regularly that PPE is being used and investigate fully any reasons why it is not.
Safety signs are displayed as a reminder for employees to wear PPE.
Once employees have been instructed to wear any item of protective clothing and
equipment, then it is their legal obligation to carry out those instructions
o
Maintenance
All employees have a responsibility to take reasonable care of their PPE, and to wear their
PPE in-accordance with the training and information provided to them, and to report any
defects of such equipment to their line manager immediately.
Make sure equipment is:
o well looked after and properly stored when it is not being used, for example in a dry,
clean cupboard, or in the case of smaller items, such as eye protection, in a box or
case;
o kept clean and in good repair - follow the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule
(including recommended replacement periods and shelf lives). The trained wearer can
carry out simple maintenance, but specialists should only do more intricate repairs.
• Make sure suitable replacement PPE is always readily available.
CE marking
Ensure any PPE purchased is ‘CE’ marked and complies with the requirements of the
Personal Protective Equipment Regulations 2002. The CE marking signifies that the PPE
satisfies certain basic safety requirements and in some cases will have been tested and
certified by an independent body.
Source: Estates Building Officer
Issue date: July 2016
Status: Approved
Valid until date: July 2018
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West Suffolk Hospital
Requirements
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. For example, the Control of
Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (as amended) would cover gloves used
to prevent dangerous chemicals penetrating the skin. The regulations are:
The Control of Lead at Work Regulations 2002.
The Ionising Radiations Regulations 1999.
The Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 2012.
The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (as amended).
The Noise at Work Regulations 2005.
Key points to remember
Are there ways (other than PPE) in which the risk can be adequately controlled, eg
engineering controls? If not, check that:
o
PPE is provided;
o
it offers adequate protection for its intended use;
o
those using it are adequately trained in its safe use;
o
it is properly maintained and any defects are reported;
o
it is returned to its proper storage after use.
Source: Estates Building Officer
Issue date: July 2016
Status: Approved
Valid until date: July 2018
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West Suffolk Hospital
Appendices
Appendix A – Data on Specific Equipment
Safety Helmets
Head protection must be worn where you may be at risk from either something falling on
your head or bumping your head. When directed make sure that you wear the correct type
of head protection, for the risks involved.
Do not weaken your head protection. Do not paint it, use marker pens on it, stick things on
it, drill it for ventilation or leave it in the sunlight. If you drop it from a height then you should
have it replaced.
When wearing your safety helmet always wear it the correct way with the peak at the front, it
is not designed to be worn with the peak at the rear. It will not protect your head, when
worn in this manner.
Bump caps are not approved for use on this site, and therefore a full safety helmet should
be worn in place of bump caps.
Safety Footwear
For the line of work undertaken by estates staff safety footwear must be worn at all times
to protect against objects falling on your foot and causing damage, or toes being crushed or
from penetration wounds from such things as nails.
Eye And Face Protection
Goggles and face shields give protection against impact. Additionally they may be required
to give protection against dust, chemical splash, molten metal splash or from gas, or from
metal swalfe from drills and lathes. Goggles for welding and burning are manufactured in a
variety of strengths and give protection against the harmful light given off during the
process. Additionally, protection may be required against lasers. Many types of eye
protection will provide protection against a number of hazards and you should be sure that
you are wearing the correct type.
Note : In accordance with a West Suffolk Hospital standard operating procedure
(SOP/001) any work that is likely to create dust will require the operator and surrounding
workforce to wear P3 filter face mask and eye protection.
Hearing Protection
Best solution is to remove the noise at source if not practical then use ear defenders.
Ear defenders are available as earmuffs that are supplied with a headband or are available
fitted to the safety helmet. Alternatively, disposable or re-usable earplugs may be used.
It is of the utmost importance that hearing protection is kept clean. Make sure that your
fingers are clean before inserting any ear plug
Safety Belts And Harnesses
Safety belts may only be used to restrict your movement into areas where you are at risk.
They cannot be used to protect against falls.
Safety harnesses may be used to protect against falls from heights only if it is not
reasonable to have a working platform or suitably protected working place provided for you.
Source: Estates Building Officer
Issue date: July 2016
Status: Approved
Valid until date: July 2018
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West Suffolk Hospital
Appendices
Respiratory Protective Equipment
The protection offered by respiratory protective equipment depends upon the type of
respirator, the type, age and condition of the filter and the quality of fit on the wearers face.
Each person should be aware of the limitations of the respirator. If the conditions for which
you were instructed to wear a respirator change, report this immediately to your team
leader.
It is important that all RPE that requires a face seal fits the user satisfactory, the user knows
how to correctly create the seal and how to maintain the equipment.
Note: In accordance with a West Suffolk Hospital standard operating procedure
(SOP/001) any work that is likely to create dust will require the operator and surrounding
workforce to wear P3 filter face mask and eye protection.
Gloves
Gloves may be used to protect you from chemicals, bio-hazards, abrasion, cuts, heat,
electric shock and to provide an improved grip when handling smooth objects.
If your gloves cause you any irritation or discomfort, report it to your team leader.
See Policy, ‘’Latex – Prevention and Management of Risks”. When dealing with blood or
body fluids ‘Non-Sterile Soft Vinyl’ gloves should be used, as directed by the above policy.
Note an annual skin check form to be completed by all employees is in appendix VI of this
policy.
Skin Protection
Skin protectants are applied before the day’s work is started. Examples of protection can be
against oil or water based substances, UV radiation.
Overalls And Body Protection
Overalls and other body protection, including wet weather gear, chainsaw clothing, are
used:
•
to protect your clothes both in general terms and so that you are not discouraged
from holding heavy loads close to the body
•
to protect your skin from hazardous substances
•
to avoid you contaminating areas such as kitchens, operating theatres etc.
Overgowns and overshoes and hats may be required on top of, or instead of your normal
overalls in certain areas such as kitchens, operating theatres. You should dispose of these
as directed by departmental staff
Source: Estates Building Officer
Issue date: July 2016
Status: Approved
Valid until date: July 2018
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West Suffolk Hospital
Appendices
Appendix B – PPE Areas
PPE shall be worn as indicated by the risk assessment carried out for the specific job or
area of work.
In addition to safety footwear, the following areas have been designated as requiring
additional PPE to be worn
•
Plant Rooms – hard hats must be worn
•
Roof areas/Working at height/Roof access ways. – hard hats and Hi-vis
jackets/vest.
•
Generators and compressor enclosures - hearing protection
•
Dust extraction, carpenters shop – hearing protection
Source: Estates Building Officer
Issue date: July 2016
Status: Approved
Valid until date: July 2018
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West Suffolk Hospital
4.0
Reference Material
Reference Material
There are hundreds of statutory and non-statutory guidance that are required to be complied
with in connection to Health and Safety, Management, NHS and the construction industry.
These Regulations / Guidance and reference materials are detailed in the Estates and
Facilities, Health, Safety and Welfare Policy FP(14)1001 under Reference Material.
Source: Estates Building Officer
Issue date: July 2016
Status: Approved
Valid until date: July 2018
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Estates and Facilities Personal Protective Equipment Policy
West Suffolk Hospital
Source: Estates Building Officer
Issue date: July 2016
Status: Approved
Valid until date: July 2018
End
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